Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/john-marty/)
Despite Minnesota’s improving economy, many are still struggling. There are 14,000 homeless people in Minnesota, including 4000 children. Many homeless people were doing okay, until losing their job, developing health problems, facing domestic violence, or battling mental illness or addiction.
This month marks 50 years since President Lyndon Johnson declared a “war on poverty.” There were huge victories in that war during the following decade, but after that, the federal government reversed course, cut anti-poverty programs, and our national government effectively surrendered. Continue Reading
In Sauk Rapids and Minneapolis and many other communities, weekly garbage collection means a single garbage truck goes down every residential street to pick up garbage. In contrast, other Minnesota communities have four or five different garbage trucks going down every residential street or alley to pick up the trash. Continue Reading
The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in mid-December prompted national soul-searching about what can be done to stop these mass shootings. Some have called for security changes in schools; some have called for a reduction in the violence in movies and video games; some have called for strengthening our mental health system; and some have called for gun laws with teeth. Not surprisingly, the NRA has called for more guns in schools. Continue Reading
Supporters of Minnesota’s proposed Constitutional Amendment to restrict voting ask people to ratify it based on an appeal to their narrow self interest. Continue Reading
Politicians talk incessantly about creating jobs. Continue Reading
The Vikings stadium fight is over; team owner Zygi Wilf won.
Mr. Wilf got an astounding amount of money from taxpayers, while convincing politicians and some fans that he is doing them a favor.
The so-called “Right to Work” (RTW) constitutional amendment pushed by Republicans is anything but a right to work.
As we approach the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, it is clear that both proponents and the opponents of “Obamacare” have misdiagnosed much of the problem with our health care system.
Government “of the people” is not very evident when the public is locked out of the political process or when the laws do not disclose information that voters need to understand conflicts of interest.