Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 08.10.05

[David Shove (shove001]

            P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R     08.10.05

1. CM Zimmermann     8.10 8am
2. Anti-torture      8.10 3pm
3. C4CR potluck      8.10 5:30pm
4. MN FOR            8.10 6:30pm
5. Hammarskjold      8.10 7pm
6. TAACVS stadium    8.10 7pm
7. AI/Liberia        8.10 7:30pm

8. SSI anniversary   8.11 11:30am
9. Eagan peace vigil 8.11 4:30pm
10. Small=beautiful  8.11 5pm
11. DC anti-war trip 8.11 6pm
12. Homeland/Asian   8.11 7pm
13. Transportation   8.11 8:30pm
14. Gardening conf   8.11-14

15. Dickinson for Mayor - Campaign condemns political "tagging"
16. Mpls Green Party    - Unity statement
17. Paul Craig Roberts  - Watching the economy crumble
18. James Wright        - Beginning  (poem)

--------1 of 18--------

From: "Collins, Natalie M" <Natalie.Collins [at] ci.minneapolis.mn.us>
Subject: CM Zimmermann 8.10 8am

Please join 6th Ward Council Member Dean Zimmermann for office hours at
Maria's Cafe, 1113 E Franklin Ave, next Wednesday, August 10 at 8am.
Coffee will be provided, and menu service will be available.

Beginning at 8am each second Wednesday, Council Member Zimmermann will be
available to discuss constituents' ideas, questions, and concerns.

For further information, contact the Ward 6 Office, 673-2206.

Natalie Collins Aide to 6th Ward Council Member Dean Zimmermann
(612)673-2206 natalie.collins [at] ci.minneapolis.mn.us


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From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Anti-torture 8.10 3pm

Wednesday, 8/10 (and every Wednesday), 3 to 4 pm, meeting of anti-torture
group Tackling Torture at the Top, St. Martin's Table, 2001 Riverside,
Minneapolis.  lynne [at] usfamily.net


--------3 of 18--------

From: John Karvel <johnkarvel [at] c4cr.org>
Subject: C4CR potluck 8.10 5:30pm

C4CR Potluck & Newsletter Mailing
Wednesday August 10, 5:30pm
2112 Emerson Avenue South #3 Minneapolis

At this meeting we will have a potluck, stuff our newletter in envelops
and, time permitting, our sub groups will report their actions.
VISITORS ARE WELCOME.
See our website for a map: http://www.c4cr.org/nextmeeting.html
http://www.c4cr.org


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From: "Don,Rachel Christensen" <chris385 [at] umn.edu>
Subject: MN FOR 8.10 6:30pm

Want to influence the 'powers that be', stay informed on key issues, and
help build the nonviolent community in Minnesota?  Then the Minnesota FOR
monthly letter-writing gathering is for you!  Each month we will meet to
educate ourselves about current events and write letters to selected
government representatives.  These letters will advocate active
nonviolence in a tone of empathy and connection, and articulate a
nonviolent vision for a world that could be.  We may also write op-ed
pieces for newspapers.

We invite you to join us the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 6:30 for a
potluck supper, or at 7:15 to practice nonviolent citizenship.  The first
meeting will be WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, at the home of Joyce Bonafield (see
directions below).  All are welcome - bring a friend!

Alice Kloker and Don Christensen

Joyce Bonafield lives at 3535 Druid Lane in Minnetonka.  Druid Lane is 2
miles west of 494 on Minnetonka Blvd.

Exit 494 at Minnetonka Blvd. (Rte. 5), and continue west about 2 miles to
Druid Lane ( .3 mile west of Minnetonka Community Lutheran Church).  Left
on Druid Lane about 2 blocks to 3535.  (tel. 952-473-3290) [Best to verify
this meeting - ed]


--------5 of 18--------

From: Joe Schwartzberg <schwa004 [at] UMN.EDU>
Subject: Hammarskjold 8.10 7pm

The following lecture is part of a series of events in commemoration of
the centenary of the birth of UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize
winner, Dag Hammrskjold, It is free and open to the public.

United Nations Reform:  Can the UN meet Hammarskjoeld's Goals?
Wednesday August 10, 7pm
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis

As an international civil servant, Hammarskjoeld did not flaunt his own
political preferences.  Yet his dedication to justice and principle,
combined with his practical sense, suggest that he would now wish for UN
much different from that which exists today.  University of Minnesota
Professor Emeritus Joseph Schwartzberg puts forth innovative
recommendations for UN reforms that Hammarskjoeld might have favored.


--------6 of 18--------

From: Ron Holch <rrholch [at] attg.net>
Subject: TAACVS stadium 8.10 7pm

Taxpayers Against an Anoka County Vikings Stadium
Wednesday August 10, at 7:00 PM
Lino Lakes Fire Station # 2 7741 Lake Drive Lino Lakes

A second 2005 LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SESSION is still being considered.  A
bill for a Vikings Stadium Authority may see action this fall.  Write your
representatives and tell them we do not need to waste more money to decide
on stadium giveaways to Billionaires.  Write your local paper too.

AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE:
Fund Raising Ideas
Legislative update
Website
Petition Promotion
No Stadium Tax Coalition Update

Any Questions, comments contact me at:   rrholch [at] attg.net
<mailto:rrholch [at] attg.net>


--------7 of 18--------

From: Bryan Cole <bryan_j_cole [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: AI/Liberia 8.10 7:30pm

This Wed August 10 AI will host two very special speakers from Liberia.
The event will be at the Mad Hatter Tea House and Gallery, 943 W. 7th
Street in St. Paul from 7:30-9pm.


--------8 of 18--------

From: Bernice Vetsch <bernice [at] mnseniors.net>
Subject: SSI anniversary 8.11 11:30am

70th Anniversary of Social Security Act Celebration

Minnesota United to Protect Social Security and its member organizations
(including unions and senior organizations) invite people of all ages and
circumstances to a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Social
Security Act. There will be music, birthday cake, and (of course)
political speeches.

Time and Place:  Thursday 08/11/05, 11:30 to 1:30 pm
North Plaza of the Hennepin County Government Center


--------9 of 18--------

From: Greg and Sue Skog <skograce [at] mtn.org>
Subject: Eagan peace vigil 8.11 4:30pm

CANDLELIGHT PEACE VIGIL EVERY THURSDAY from 4:30-5:30pm on the Northwest
corner of Pilot Knob Road and Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan. We have signs
and candles. Say "NO to war!" The weekly vigil is sponsored by: Friends
south of the river speaking out against war.


--------10 of 18--------

From: Jesse Mortenson <jmortenson [at] Macalester.edu>
Subject: Small is beautiful 8.11 5pm

8.11 5pm
Cahoots coffeehouse
Selby 1/2 block east of Snelling in StPaul

Limit bigboxes, chain stores, TIF, corporate welfare, billboards; promote
small business and co-ops, local production & self-sufficiency.


--------11 of 18--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: DC anti-war trip 8.11 6pm

Thursday, 8/11, 6 pm, organizing meeting for 9/24 bus trip to big DC antiwar
protest, room 102A, UTEC Bldg, 1313 - 5th St. SE, Minneapolis.
www.antiwarcommittee.org


--------12 of 18--------

From: juliana pegues <tongzhi7 [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Homeland/Asian 8.11 7pm

Please consider coming out to this great line-up.  Also, all proceeds will
go to the 2005 National Asian Pacific Islander American Spoken Word and
Poetry Summit - truly an amazing event that only happens every 2 years.
I was privileged to attend the last summit and believe it to be one of
those rare community spaces where arts and social change truly meet, and
an amazing opportunity for any and all Asian American writers.  If you
cannot attend, but wish to make a donation to the summit, and to local
writers traveling to the summit, please contact me directly. --Juliana

HOMELAND INSECURITIES: Minnesota Asian American Writers on Place, Race
and Personal History

Thursday August 11, 7pm. $5 - $10 sliding scale/suggested donation
At the Loft, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis

Co-hosted by Bao Phi and Julayne Smith
Fine art by Chamindika Wanduragala    Music by DJ Thuyet Nguyen
Featuring performances by Mooks, David Mura, Shoua Lee, Sun Yung Shin,
Tou Saiko Lee, Katie Leo, Ed Bok Lee, Bao Phi and others TBA

As the Asian American population in the United States grows into the 21st
century, so to will awareness of their unique position in society as
neither Black nor White, Native nor "Founding" Father, "All-American" nor
foreigner.

HOMELAND INSECURITIES: Asian American Writers on Place, Race and Personal
History brings together Asian American writers from the Twin Cities for an
evening of shared work and on-going dialogue around the evolving notions
of Home, History, and Future.

Co-hosted by Bao Phi and Julayne Smith, this literary event and fundraiser
will include single pieces from local Asian American writers and
performers responding to the concepts of "Home" or "Homeland". In
addition, a new, collaborative performance piece (work-in-progress) on the
concept of "Home/land" will be presented by author/performance artist
David Mura and poet/playwright/spoken word artist Ed Bok Lee.

All proceeds to be donated in equal part to the 2005 National Asian
Pacific Islander American Spoken Word and Poetry Summit to be held this
year in Boston,

MA (August 18 - 21) and local, Minnesota-based Spoken Word artists who
have not yet had an opportunity to attend the biennial conference.


--------13 of 18--------

From: Arise! <arise [at] arisebookstore.org>
Subject: Transportation politics 8.11 8:30pm

ANDY SINGER PRESENTS ON TRANSPORTATION POLITICS

Thursday, August 11th, 8:30pm

Andy Singer will be doing a 45 minute slide talk on the topic of
"Transportation Politics".  The talk will be outside, in back of the
store. So, if it rains, call Arise to find out the rain date (612)
871-7110.

The slides are about 2/3rds cartoons and 1/3rd historical photographs,
with examples of good and bad urban design. After briefly examining the
social, environmental and spatial problems posed by cars, the talk will
trace the destruction of America's light rail systems by National City
Lines (1928-1954). It will then examine the history and internal
functioning of state highway agencies and the politics of highway
building. It will conclude by suggesting various ways that we can stop
highway building and get more money for transit, cycling and pedestrian
projects and programs. The talk will have plenty of ideas and information
for beginners but also some ideas and info for hard-core transit and
political junkies. Afterwards, Andy will happily discuss transportation
issues, cartooning or anything people want to talk about (and will sign
copies of his two books).

ARISE BOOKSTORE 2441 LYNDALE AVE. S. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55405
www.arisebookstore.org


--------14 of 18-------

From: Claudia Slovacek <CPS [at] brehmgroup.com>
Subject: Gardening conf 8.11-14

The American Community Gardening Association's 26th National Conference
Gardening In the Heartland:  At the Water's Edge August 11-14,
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Join gardeners and community activists from the United States, Canada, and
around the world to engage with issues of gardening and greening.  This 3
½ day conference features over 50 hands-on workshops that range from
innovative gardening instruction to complex issues of community and
sustainability.

Workshops Themes are:  Water; Local Issues; Food, Health, and Nutrition;
Art and culture; Economic Development; Government and Advocacy;
Horticulture and Ecology; Organizational and Community Development;
Sustainable Systems; Youth and Adults Education

Participants will be treated to green sites and gardens in Minneapolis and
St. Paul through 22 eclectic tours:  walk through downtown Minneapolis;
visit the St. Paul Farmer's market; or enjoy unique regional and
neighborhood gardens.  Other offerings include a film festival;  dinner
and silent auction; and post-conference kayaking on the Mississippi River.
Special pre-conference events feature community building and
organizational development workshops from ACGA's Growing Communities
Curriculum; these workshops are designed to help community organizers and
gardeners hone leadership skills applicable to their own programs or
communities.

All levels of gardeners and community builders - from the newly curious to
novice to professional - are warmly welcome and encouraged to attend.

Participants can attend the entire conference or choose individual events.
Housing is available.  Register for entire conference by June 15th for
discounted rate.  Register by July 15 for regular rate.  Members of ACGA
automatically receive discounts on entire conference and on individual
events.  Become an ACGA member and receive discounts. See website for
rates, workshops, and on-line registration:  www.communitygarden.org
Information also available by calling Betsy Johnson, ACGA Interim
Executive Director, at 877-275-2242.

ABOUT ACGA
ACGA is a bi-national, not-for-profit membership organization of
professionals, gardeners, volunteers, and supporters of community
gardening and greening in urban, suburban and rural communities.  ACGA
seeks to promote community gardening and greening as a means for improving
the quality of life for people and their communities.


--------15 of 18--------

August 8, 2005
Campaign Condemns Political "Tagging"

St. Paul, MN - Monday, August 8, 2005 - Over the past weekend, local small
businesses, public locations, and some private homes were painted with
campaign slogans, most taken from literature of the Elizabeth Dickinson
for Mayor Campaign.

The Campaign wishes to state publicly and unequivocally that it has no
association whatsoever with this activity. It condemns political "tagging"
and is issuing a bulletin to its entire e-mail list underscoring this
position.

We do not know who is responsible for the tagging, but it seems unlikely
to us that any genuine supporter of Elizabeth Dickinson would engage in an
activity that would so clearly rebound to the disadvantage of her
campaign. The extremely well-organized and extensive nature of the
vandalism - especially of small businesses - raises the question in our
minds whether some misguided supporter of another candidate is carrying
out this activity in hopes that it will damage our campaign. Whoever may
be responsible, again, our position is unequivocal: this activity has no
place in a political campaign. Period.

As of Sunday night, once made aware of the situation, campaign staff
scouted affected areas of the city, and as of Monday morning we have been
calling businesses we know have been tagged and offering to send someone
out to remove the graffiti. Any business or individual who has been
affected should call our campaign manager, Mary Petrie, at (651) 226-3527.

We will send someone to any affected location to assist in removing any
slogan (seemingly) associated with our campaign.

Contact
Mary Petrie, Campaign Manager, (651) 226-3527 (cell)
Christopher Childs, Communications Coordinator, (651) 312-1216
Elizabeth Dickinson for Mayor
384 Hall Avenue
StPaul MN 55107


--------16 of 18--------

From: Angela Trnka <5CDCoordinator [at] MNGreens.org>
Subject: Mpls/5CD Green Party - Unity statement

Unity Statement Issued by 5th Congressional District Green Party* For more
information: 5CDCoordinator [at] MNGreens.org, (612) 747-2854*

A Statement of Unity was issued today by the 5th Congressional District
Green Party. "As a local party organization, we are thrilled with the
slate of candidates we have endorsed. From seasoned incumbents to a young
librarian up for Library Board, the local Greens have come together to
give the people of Minneapolis a choice," says Stephen Eisenmenger, 5th
Congressional District Green Party Spokesperson.

The Minneapolis 5th Congressional District Green Party has endorsed
candidates in four citywide races: Farheen Hakeem for Mayor, Annie Young
for Park Board (Incumbent), Ian Stade for Library Board, and Dave Berger
for Board of Estimate and Taxation.

The Greens have also endorsed 6 candidates for city council: Cam Gordon,
Ward 2; Aaron Neumann, Ward 3; Natalie Johnson Lee (Incumbent), Ward 5;
Dean Zimmerman (Incumbent), Ward 6; Reggie Birts, Ward 8; and Dave
Bicking, Ward 9.

"I know I speak for all Green candidates when I say that we are deeply
committed to support one another in this fall's elections", said Farheen
Hakeem, Green Mayoral candidate. "We are also committed to the same goal:
to put the values and principles we share into practice. And we know that
the people of Minneapolis share our values of social and economic justice,
grassroots democracy, ecological sustainability and nonviolence".

"Our city can and should be a national model of sustainable development
and energy use, of community centered policing, of fighting poverty,
homelessness and racism, and of opening city government to the
participation of all. To achieve these goals, Minneapolis needs leadership
with vision and strong principles," continues Hakeem. From all positions
of city council, mayor, park board, library board, board of estimate and
taxation, the Greens offer a clear choice. Vote Green September 13!


--------17 of 18--------

Good News! Soon You'll No Longer Need an Expensive College Education to
Work in the US
Watching the Economy Crumble
By PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS
CounterPunch
August 9, 2005

The US continues its descent into the Third World, but you would never
know it from news reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. July payroll
jobs release.

The media gives a bare bones jobs report that is misleading. The public
heard that 207,000 jobs were created in July. If not a reassuring figure,
at least it is not a disturbing one. On the surface things look to be
pretty much OK. It is when you look into the composition of these jobs
that the concern arises.

Of the new jobs, 26,000 (about 13%) are tax-supported government jobs.
That leaves 181,000 private sector jobs. Of these private sector jobs,
177,000, or 98%, are in the domestic service sector.

Here is the breakdown of the major categories:

. 30,000 food servers and bar tenders;
. 28,000 health care and social assistance:
. 12,000 real estate;
. 6,000 credit intermediation;
. 8,000 transit and ground passenger transportation;
. 50,000 retail trade; and
. 8,000 wholesale trade.
(There were 7,000 construction jobs, most of which were filled by Mexicans
immigrants.)

Not a single one of these jobs produces a tradable good or service that
can be exported or serve as an import substitute to help reduce the
massive and growing US trade deficit. The US economy is employing people
to sell things, to move people around, and to serve them fast food and
alcoholic beverages. The items may have an American brand name, but they
are mainly made off shore. For example, 70% of Wal-Mart's goods are made
in China.

Where are the jobs for the 65,000 engineers the US graduates each year?
Where are the jobs for the physics, chemistry, and math majors? Who needs
a university degree to wait tables and serve drinks, to build houses, to
work as hospital orderlies, bus drivers, and sales clerks?

In the 21st century job growth in the US economy has consistently
reflected that of a Third World country--low productivity domestic
services jobs. This goes on month after month and no one catches on--least
of all the economists and the policymakers.

Economists assume that every high productivity, high paying job that is
shipped out of the country is a net gain for America. We are getting
things cheaper, they say. Perhaps, for a while, until the dollar goes.
What the cheaper goods argument overlooks are the reductions in the
productivity and pay of employed Americans and in the manufacturing,
technical, and scientific capability of the US economy.

What is the point of higher education when the job opportunities in the
economy do not require it?

These questions are too difficult for economists, politicians, and
newscasters. Instead, we hear that "last month the US economy created
207,000 jobs".

Television has an inexhaustible supply of optimistic economists.

Last weekend CNN had John Rutledge (erroneously billed as the person who
drafted President Reagan's economic program) explaining that the strength
of the US economy was "mom and pop businesses". The college student with
whom I was watching the program broke out laughing.

What mom and pop businesses? Everything that used to be mom and pop
businesses has been replaced with chains and discount retailers. Auto
parts stores are chains, pharmacies are chains, restaurants are chains.
Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowes, have destroyed hardware stores, clothing
stores, appliance stores, building supply stores, gardening shops,
whatever--you name it.  Just try starting a small business today. Most
gasoline station/convenience stores seem to be the property of immigrant
ethnic groups who acquired them with the aid of a taxpayer-financed US
government loan.

Today a mom and pop business is a cleaning service that employs Mexicans,
a pool service, a lawn service, or a limo service.

In recent years the US economy has been kept afloat by low interest rates.
The low interest rates have fueled a real estate boom. As housing prices
rise, people refinance their mortgages, take equity out of their homes and
spend the money, thus keeping the consumer economy going.

The massive American trade and budget deficits are covered by the
willingness of Asian countries, principally Japan and China, to hold US
government bonds and to continue to acquire ownership of America's real
assets in exchange for their penetration of US markets.

This game will not go on forever. When it stops, what is left to drive the
US economy?

Paul Craig Roberts has held a number of academic appointments and has
contributed to numerous scholarly publications. He served as Assistant
Secretary of the Treasury in the Reagan administration. His graduate
economics education was at the University of Virginia, the University of
California at Berkeley, and Oxford University. He is coauthor of The
Tyranny of Good Intentions.He can be reached at:
paulcraigroberts [at] yahoo.com


--------18 of 18--------

 James Wright
 Beginning

 The moon drops one or two feathers into the field.
 The dark wheat listens.
 Be still.
 Now.
 There they are, the moon's young, trying
 Their wings.
 Between trees, a slender woman lifts up the lovely shadow
 Of her face, and now she steps into the air, now she is gone
 Wholly, into the air.
 I stand alone by an elder tree, I do not dare breathe
 Or move.
 I listen.
 The wheat leans back toward its own darkness,
 And I lean toward mine.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------

   - David Shove             shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu
   rhymes with clove         Progressive Calendar
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