Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/john-van-hecke/page/2/)
Earlier last week the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra canceled all concerts through April 21. It’s hard to stage a concert without musicians but, as the SPCO has locked out its musicians, no one should be surprised. This is no way to manage a jewel in Minnesota’s cultural and arts crown. Continue Reading
Minnesota’s childcare policy debate begins with two incontrovertible truths. Good childcare isn’t cheap and childcare providers don’t make very much money. It may seem counterintuitive but these truths are not mutually exclusive. We can improve childcare quality, raise wages, and control client care costs. We can have it all. Continue Reading
By now, you’ve at lease heard that Minnesota is setting up an on-line market place for folks to buy health insurance, as directed by Obamacare. But how will it work? Continue Reading
Another holiday season has passed and, in a well-established pattern, retailers’ sales performance failed to meet retailers’ buoyant predictions. After five years of diminished consumer spending, maybe it’s time to permanently adjust expectations. Forced retailer enthusiasm aside, this is the new normal and it’s what happens when conservative policy advocates guide public policymaking.
For me, access isn’t an ethereal concept; it’s practical. Access shapes, directs and guides my life. More to the point, lack of access shapes my life. Because I use a wheelchair, if I can’t get into a building, I can’t participate in the building’s activity. On Tuesday, I couldn’t get into the Minnesota State Capitol, the seat of Minnesota’s democracy.I have muscular dystrophy, a genetic, progressively debilitating muscle disease. Continue Reading
The Twinkie has been locked out by management. First, we had the American Crystal sugar processing workers. Then, pro hockey players. And, earlier this fall, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra musicians. I see a pattern. Continue Reading
There’s the right kind of energy independence and then there’s the wrong kind. Hurricane Sandy, rolling over the North American Atlantic seaboard, reminds us of the distinction. True energy independence is sustainable, responsible and forward looking. Pretend energy independence only exists to line big oil company pockets. Minnesotans, living in a non-oil producing state, recognize the difference.
My weekly CSA e-newsletter included an evaluation request. It’s possibly the most important item in this week’s produce delivery because it puts the farmer-shareholder relationship squarely in the limelight. Continue Reading
When garden-grown produce peaks, it’s hard to improve on the product. Our weekly CSA box is no exception. Continue Reading
It’s hard to cast a bassoonist as a villain. In fact, it’s difficult to suggest that any orchestral musician is a bad guy. Musicians can certainly be typecast. The trusty sidekick? Sure. As sober townfolk? Yes. Even as the plucky, comic relief. But, the villain?