News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Saturday December 27th 2025
Fly the Friendly Skies
By Peter Molenaar
Monday, May 18”¦
The Metropolitan Airports Commission was to convene its monthly meeting with a lengthy agenda. Star employees were to receive awards! Smile. However, the deeper concern was this: Should the low-wage classifications be bumped up $1.00 from the minimum wage?
So rendezvous at the Lake Street Station for a light rail hop to Terminal I. Traverse the dark recesses”¦enter the light of day among red shirt activists. The gathering was lead by “15 Now” (Socialist Alternative) and SEIU Local 26. “Fight for $15/hour at MSP Airport” was the slogan.
We were able to pass the security gauntlet (to mixed reviews) and entered momentarily the bourgeois market place. We did not dwell there, but ascended one flight to find the MAC meeting space.
After much to-do, the time for public testimony did arrive. I had filled out a card requesting to speak on behalf of the Communist Party USA. To my astonishment, my name was called first!
Sensing an historic moment of sorts, I held forth my own hand made sign: LIVING WAGE NATION NOW! The commissioners were reminded that in the modern world such slogans might be viewed almost anywhere instantly.… Read the rest “Fly the Friendly Skies”
Connection with Allina Health is possible NOW!
Allina Health president and chief executive Dr. Penny Wheeler delivers the commencement address at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health with several mentions of the Backyard Initiative.
©Ë'University of Minnesota School of Public Health
By Dr. Penny Wheeler
The following is a transcript of Allina Health president and chief executive officer Dr. Penny Wheeler”'s University of Minnesota School of Public Health Commencement speech. The speech was delivered on May 18, 2015 and contains several references to the Backyard Initiative. View a video of the speech.
The last time I was on stage in this grand auditorium, I was 10 years old and playing the piano, and I was scared to death. Needless to say, I have changed and aged since. This historic hall has also grown up since then as well, so I hope I hit fewer clinkers today and can improve on my previous Northrup Auditorium performance. To do so is immensely important, as you are all so worthy of honor. I couldn”'t be prouder than to be a “Triple Gopher” by background and to be partnering with you, all of you, now and into the future to improve the lives of those we collectively serve.
We share something very precious together.… Read the rest “Connection with Allina Health is possible NOW!”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
The “Food Chain” of Violence
BY FRANK ERICKSON
Why do Whites get to use violence to fight terrorism, but Blacks do not get to use violence to fight racism?
What is the difference between hurling bricks and bottles at police after what happened to Freddie Gray and hurling bombs at Afghanistan after what happened on 9-11? Who are the true rioters and looters?
The crime is not racism. The crime is people of color responding to racism, in a manner that is viewed as unacceptable. The burden of ending racism is on those subjected to it and how they respond to it.
The U.S. government having access to violence in the form of “War” as a vehicle for fighting terrorism does not come from the U.S. Constitution. Anyone can write up a constitution and claim it gives them the right to “war.” “War” is a very simple straight forward physical phenomenon. It comes from being on top of the violence “food chain.” Those with the most lethal violence have “access” to war—most of us are aware of this—but what we need to address is that the freedom to kill comes from being on top of the violence “food chain” and not from “war.”… Read the rest “The “Food Chain” of Violence”