Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/grace-kelly/page/2/)
When I read about Byron Smith being found guilty in murder of teens, then I am greatly relieved. There is no doubt that the teens were in the wrong in harassing and stealing from an old man, who they probably thought was defenseless. I would thought taking a video of them coming in and grabbing stuff would have been sufficient, with a few gun shots into the ground to scare them off. Then let them face the justice system. Continue Reading
How could a progressive have supported building the stadium? This question is asked by Professor David Schultz and others. What Schultz does not know is that the issue was not enthusiastically supported, it was accepted with great pain. Schultz, being an outside commentator, could not know this. I was in the middle of the discussion. Continue Reading
The second senate district 64B forum for state representative was far more comfortable than the first forum, with fewer people. Jokes indicated that people had had all the candidate contact that they could wish for during the last 3 months. Mostly the audience was filled with supporters of a particular candidate. A few people told me that they were looking for second choices. Continue Reading
We treat climate change like a logical problem, but it is an emotional problem of acceptance. Ignore the climate deniers for a moment. It an emotional acceptance problem for all of us who know and understand about climate change. Continue Reading
Excitement filled the air as 432 people gathered to resume the Minneapolis precinct caucus that was previously suspended because of a fight. The University of Minnesota’s Coffman Union comfortably hosted the large attendence. Mohamud Noor, a local school board member is challenging Phyllis Kahn for her seat on the House of Representatives. Phyllis Kahn has been the local representative since 1972. Local Somali people were both serious and celebratory, dressing up for the occasion. Continue Reading
The Highland area of St Paul, district 64B, held its forum for the state house seat opened up by Michael Paymar’s retirement. Six possible candidates are going for the DFL endorsement: Greta Bergstrom, Melanie McMahon, Gloria Zaiger, Dave Pinto, Matt Freeman, and Beth Fraser. Continue Reading
Yesterday in a meeting on Ayd Mill Road there was great unity in the room on one goal: only vehicles going to or from home or work or a destination should be in our community, otherwise those vehicles should stay on the freeway. Continue Reading
Yesterday, I went to watch and take pictures of the round dance planned for the Mall of America. This sounded like fun. The way to bring in the new year. Then Facebook, email and blogs had rumblings and warnings. Mall of America planned to arrest people. Then I knew I had to go. Instead of a spectator, I would be a reporter to ensure social justice. Continue Reading
Being a progressive means a courageous informed stand for issues and values. Yet lately, I have heard it used like the Jesus label. Progressive is not a brand that you claim by giving yourself the name. It is an act of being. Progressive is speaking out for an issue, it is persuading others. Above all it is leadership.
In the safely Democratic 64B district, does it mean anything to claim to be progressive? No, not really. All the candidates claim to be progressive, to love the neighborhood, to support education, to support gun control, to support minimum wage, to respect the DFL endorsement and to support all things Democratically Apple Pie. Where is the courage in the safe issues? Continue Reading
Doing government better requires that we look at episodes that happened in the past. I interviewed Will Rossbach, the Maplewood mayor who took over after the disastrous Mayor Diana Longrie. Erik Hjelle, and Rebecca Cave supported Diana Longrie on the city council. I was seeking advice on what could be done before, during and after. While Rossbach’s advice is noted, the recommendations are my own. Continue Reading