News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Sunday December 21st 2025
They Can’t Kill Us All
Raise Your Voice
By PETER MOLENAAR
This Week in Action is the weekly news digest of Take Action Minnesota, a splendid social-democratic organization which presses our concerns within and around the DFL (i.e. for the time being they do not project a fundamental socialist transformation). Nonetheless, the October 15 issue of This Week contains an article with the caption: “Late-Stage Capitalism”.
Actually, I arrived at the “late stage” conclusion 50 years ago. “The universal soldier, he really is to blame” were popular lyrics at the time. But then more than a year ago, I reported to the alley about an interaction with National Guard troops gathered at the corner grocery at 26th and Cedar Ave. Their assault weapons were not pointed at me. On the contrary, they earnestly listened.
Moreover, in hand is a fundraising appeal, penned by Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton on behalf of VoteVets. The general writes,
Its not just the January 6 insurrection. It isn’t even the never-ending fealty to Donald Trump and his contemptible lies. The reason this Army veteran wants to bury the Republican Party in the next election is to restore sanity and hope to my country. The alternative is just too horrifying—for women, minorities, the climate…That is why we must commit to vanquishing Trumpism and its toxic embrace…We Stand for democracy…[let’s] hammer the treasonous agenda and utter hypocrisy of Trumpist Republicans…
Remember how, not so long ago, it was Mitch who promised to obstruct anything Obama.… Read the rest “They Can’t Kill Us All”
Safer Way to Travel
Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays
By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
Here are safer ways to celebrate the holidays:
Generally:
- Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
- Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
- Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.
- Outdoors is safer than indoors.
- Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
- If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
- Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.… Read the rest “Safer Way to Travel”
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop
Something I Said
By DWIGHT HOBBES
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop is, in very good terms as the euphemistic parlance goes, a beast: the South Minneapolis operation has made it through the corona contagion thus far, the catastrophic 2020 riot and the ongoing economic climate which, stimulus or no stimulus, is in lousy shape. That rioting, supposedly in the name of George Floyd, absolutely devastated the very community it’s alleged to have been for the sake of. Overnight – actually the course of a few days – the business outlets along Lake Street that it didn’t shut down were flatout destroyed, depriving whole neighborhoods of affordable goods and services in an area where affordable goods and services amount to a godsend. Not to mention store staff glad to have a job with all the contagion-related layoffs and firings suddenly were left wondering how to pay their bills.
Fortunately, more than a year later, much, in fact most, of Lake Street’s thriving commerce has returned. At 10th Ave., though, Family Dollar is a glaring exception. With this location of the chain still boarded up, households in the immediate vicinity sustain a serious hardship. Like the name says, families were able to stretch a dollar shopping for necessities.… Read the rest “Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
