Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 10.27.06

[David Shove (shove001]

            P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R    10.27.06

1. LRT [scam]      10.27 8am
2. Kip/health/KFAI 10.27 11:30am
3. McD's protest   10.27 12noon
4. Single payer    10.27 1pm
5. Palestine vigil 10.27 4:15pm
6. Miles/torture   10.27 6pm
7. Antiwar film    10.27 6pm
8. Communication   10.27-29 6:30pm
9. Mental health/f 10.27 7pm
10. Domestic abuse 10.27 7pm
11. Immigration/f  10.27 7pm
12. GP party       10.27 7pm
13. Death/prez/f   10.27 7:15pm
14. Capitalism 3.0 10.27 7pm
15. Fair trade ben 10.27 8pm

16. Kolstad/Provencher/Barnum - League of Women Voters excludes Greens
17. Olsen/Howell/Peterson     - Help get GP Dave Berger on MPR debate
18. R Stassen-berger          - Greens' candidate wants U.S. to shift course
19. Kolstad campaign          - Papa John needs your help to buy ad space
20. Sharon Sudman             - Vote info for YOU
21. Teresa Konechne           - Help us in SoDak defeat the extremists
22. JeffMilchen/StacyMitchell - Wal-Mart's drug deal
23. ed                        - With small facile smiles  (poem)

--------1 of 23--------

From: Anne White <awhitepho [at] msn.com>
Subject: LRT [scam -ed] 10.27 8am

I would like to encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the
Central Corridor LRT and University Avenue to attend one of two Open House
sessions being offered this weekend.  The two sessions will be Friday, Oct
27th, 8-10am and Saturday, Oct 28, 10am-1pm.  Both will be held at the old
Lexington Library, 1080 University Ave, and the same material will be
presented at each open house.

Urban Strategies, the Toronto-based consultants to the Central Corridor
Task Force, will propose some quite specific options for development in
different neighborhoods along University Avenue.  Their presentation
includes maps and illustrations to help people visualize what the avenue
might look like, depending on choices to be made by the Task Force.

In addition to the formal presentation, there will be time for Q&A, and
for informal discussion with the consultants, Task Force members and other
interested attendees.  Comments and suggestions are invited, and will be
considered in the next round of planning discussion.

If your time is limited, the formal presentations will be 8:30-9:30 am
Friday morning and 11 am to noon on Saturday.  Please join us and be a
part of the development visioning for the Central Corridor.

[That's her/their side. Your editor thinks LRT down University Ave will
destroy it and the small businesses along it (18 months down in
construction), and be a huge ripoff for developers (TIF and more) and the
building trades union (anything for a job, at our expense). They *could*
use existing tracks, or go along the freeway, but that would not provide
nearly as much ripoff goodies.  Look for them eventually to destroy all
our major streets (eg Snelling) with their yuppie big-chain boondoggles.
The big money boys are behind this, and that's always bad. -ed]


--------2 of 23--------

From: Kip Sullivan <kiprs [at] usinternet.com>
Subject: Kip/health/KFAI 10.17 11:30am

Friday October 27, 11:30-12:00 AM, Kip Sullivan interview with Don Olson
on KFAI Radio, 90.3 FM. The interview will focus on what's causing the
health care crisis, why a single-payer system is the best solution, and
what the difference is between "single-payer" and "universal coverage."


--------3 of 23--------

From: Brian Payne <brianpayneyvp [at] gmail.com>
Subject: McD's protest 10.27 12noon

Brian Payne, brianpayneyvp [at] gmail.com

Upcoming activities in the Twin Cities in solidarity with the Coalition of
Immokalee Workers...

Protest at McDonald's:
Dinkytown (15th St. and 4th Ave)
Friday, Oct. 27th, noon

Fair food that respects human rights, not fast food that exploits human
beings. www.sfalliance.org


--------4 of 23--------

From: PRO826 [at] aol.com
Subject: Single payer 10.27 1pm

From the Lake  Minnetonka Communications Commission (LMCC),
Upcoming Ch. 12

The Missing Piece: Friday, October  27th @ 1:00pm
Single Payer Universal healthcare

A Green Party History with Rhoda Gilman: Monday, October 30th @ 12:00pm

The Missing Piece: Tuesday, October  31st @ 1:00pm
Single payer Universal healthcare

A Green Party History with Rhoda  Gilman: Wednesday, November 1st @ 5:00pm


--------5 of 23--------

From: erin [at] mnwomen.org
Subject: Palestine vigil 10.27 4:15pm

Friday, October 27: Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) Vigil to End the
Occupation of Palestine. 4:15-5:30 at Summit and Snelling in St. Paul. All
are welcome- please bring sings. For more info call 612/827-5364 or email
wamm [at] mtn.org.


--------6 of 23--------

From: humanrts [at] UMN.EDU
Subject: Miles/torture 10.27 6pm

October 27, 2006 - Hope in a Time of Despair: An Amnesty International
Group 37 Conference Event.  Time: Reception at 6:00 p.m., to be followed
by program.  Cost: Free, but voluntary contributions accepted.

The focus of this conference will be on Human Rights Abuses and Torture in
the War on Terror .

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Steven Miles M.D, internationally known and highly
respected medical ethicist, Professor of Medicine at the University of
Minnesota, and author of the book Oath Betrayed, which details how medical
personnel have participated in interrogations and Torture.

His speech will be followed by a panel discussion with Barbara Frey,
former director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights and Director of
the Human Rights Program at University of Minnesota, Holly Ziemer,
Director of Communications at Center for Victims of Torture, and Jim
Dorsey, a lawyer at the firm of Fredrikson &amp; Byron, P.A., as well as
co-founder and former officer of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.
There will be time for questions, as well as recommendations of actions
for participants.

Preceding the speech Group 37 will also honor its founder and guide,
Professor David Weissbrodt, an internationally known Human Rights Lawyer,
Scholar, Teacher, and Leader who has done work for both Amnesty
International and United Nations.  Professor Weissbrodt is a Regents
Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota, as well as co-director of
the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center.

Additionally, the evening will be enriched by the well known singer Ruth
Mackenzie.

For further questions e-mail or call Sigrid Bachmann at 612-338-0862 or
sigrid50 [at] earthlink.net

Unity Church-Unitarian phone: 651-228-1456

Easy parking at church parking lot and streets surrounding the church, use
entrance at Holly Ave. Location: Unity Church-Unitarian 732 Holly ave St
Paul 55104
--
From: Gabe Ormsby <gabeo [at] bitstream.net>

Amnesty International USA Group 37 presents:
"Hope in a Time of Despair"

A celebration of our 30 years defending human rights and call to action.
Keynote Speaker: University of Minnesota Medical Ethicist Dr. Steven Miles
Friday, October 27, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Unity/Unitarian Church 732 Holly Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota

Join us for a forum on the illegal use of secret detention, renditions to
torturing countries, and use of torture in the "War on Terror" as part of
our celebration of the 30th year of Amnesty International USA Group 37's
work in the Twin Cities.

Dr. Steven Miles has been an early and strong critic of torture.  His
latest Book, "Oath Betrayed," examines the role of health care
professionals in the prisons of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay in
Cuba.  His presentation will be followed by a Panel discussion featuring
two well-known Human Rights Advocates:

Barbara Frey, Director of the Human Rights Education Program at the
University of Minnesota, teaches undergraduates, graduates, and law
students, and was Co-founder and Director of Advocates for Human Rights.

James Dorsey, attorney at Fredrickson and Byron Law firm in Minneapolis,
was co-founder, previous director, and pro bono volunteer of Advocates for
Human Rights.

Amnesty International materials will be available for participants to take
action to oppose torture.

The event, entitled "Hope in a Time of Despair," will also highlight some
of the accomplishments of Group #37 and honor its founder and advisor,
David Weissbrodt, a University of Minnesota Law professor and leading
international Human Rights Advocate.  Dr. Weissbrodt was co-founder of
several Twin Cities based Human Rights Organizations, including the Center
for Victims of Torture and Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.

For further information contact: Dr Sigrid Bachmann, 612-338-0862 Brian
Madson, 651-303-7349


--------7 of 23--------

From: Socialist Alternative <mn [at] socialistalternative.org>
Subject: Antiwar film 10.27 6pm

The Ground Truth, FRIDAY, 6pm, UofM West Bank Auditorium

Antiwar Film Screening of
THE GROUND TRUTH
Followed by a Discussion with Mike Perkins of Military Families Speak Out

This new documentary is about the Iraq War and the young men and women
recruited to fight it. "THE GROUND TRUTH stunned filmgoers at the 2006
Sundance and Nantucket Film Festivals. Hailed as "powerful" and "quietly
unflinching," Patricia Foulkrod's searing documentary feature includes
exclusive footage that will stir audiences..." More film info at:
http://www.thegroundtruth.net/

Friday October 27 6:00 PM University of Minnesota West Bank Auditorium (in
the basement of Willey Hall)

Event details, directions, online at:
http://events.thegroundtruth.net/page/event/detail/wrwq

Sponsored by Socialist Alternative www.SocialistMinnesota.org
mn [at] socialistalternative.org 612-760-1980


--------8 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Communication 10.27-29 6:30pm

10/27 to 10/29, weekend learning labs (Friday 6:30 to 9 pm, Saturday 9:30
to 5:30 and Sunday 11 am to 5:30 pm) in Compassionate Communication (AKA
Nonviolent Communication) with Julia Archer, Clouds in Water Zen Center,
308 Prince St, Suite 120, St Paul.  651-222-6968.


--------9 of 23--------

From: Icarus Project - Minneapolis IPM <icarusmpls [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Mental health/film 10.27 7pm
Outsider Artist Film Series

The Icarus Project, a local radical mental health collective, is proud to
announce that our first screening, of the critically acclaimed The Devil
and Daniel Johnston was such a success, we've expanded to include two more
screenings! These events are designed to encourage discussion of mental
health issues in the Twin Cities. All events are free.

On Friday, 10/27 at 7pm at Arise Bookstore (2441 Lyndale Ave South, Mpls),
we will be showing: In the Realms of the Unreal: The Mystery of Henry
Darger. Henry Darger worked all his life in menial jobs in Chicago. Living
alone and in poverty, he had no friends or close family. Spending all his
free time, he whiled away the hours working on a 15,000 page illustrated
novel called The Realms of the Unreal. A stunning amalgam of religious
imagery, fantasy, and heroic drama, the work was only discovered after
Darger was moved to a hospital during the last days of his life. Darger
also wrote journals and an autobiography. The documentary uses interviews
with Darger's neighbors and narration of passages from his works, along
with his illustrations, to explore the mind and work of Henry Darger.

On Friday, 11/10 at 7pm at Arise Bookstore (2441 Lyndale Ave South, Mpls),
we will be showing: Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock 'n' Roll. The film
documents the late Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis. Filmmaker
Daniel Bitton follows Willis throughout the Chicago area, riding the bus,
talking to friends and strangers alike, selling his CDs to record shops
and going about his day. Willis was memorable to many for being
schizophrenic as well as 6'6" and over 300 pounds, but was loved by his
fans and friends for his quirky, oddball music, artistic talent and for
being a real gentle giant. He was a testament to the human drive to
survive and create, as he himself was a survivor of extreme poverty,
mental illness, child abuse, racism, and obesity. The fact that he lived
to see 40 was incredible, but his having a successful music career and
being able to function was even more so.

Any questions about the Outsider Artist Film Series or The Icarus Project
can be directed to: icarusmpls [at] gmail.com Thanks!


--------10 of 23--------

From: Write On Radio <writeonradio [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Domestic abuse 10.27 7pm

7:00 P.M. Children of the Soul: An Evening of Sharing and Healing. An
evening of poetry, prose and music dedicated to those who have or are
still suffering the ordeals of domestic abuse. Proceeds (donations) will
go to local women's shelters. Local artists and musicians Khary Jackson,
Helen Lepakko, Jaspar Loes, Jen Butera, Kevin Wery and Patsy McKenzie will
perform. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, 4755 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls;
612-821-9630.


--------11 of 23--------

From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Immigration/film 10.27 7pm

Friday, 10/27, 7 pm, film "Crossing Arizona" examines immigration
perspectives of activists, Minutemen, ranchers, ministers, immigrants, the
Border Patrol, $5, St Luke's Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School
Road, Minnetonka. 952-473-7378.


--------12 of 23--------

From: PRO826 [at] aol.com
Subject: Green Party party 10.27 7pm

Fundraiser for the Pentel/Provencher
Come Party with the Green Party!

Meet our candidates for governor and lt. governor
Ken Pentel and Danene Provencher

Rank Vote the hors d'oeuvres
Hob Knob with the Party that cares about the common good
Relax and enjoy music

Friday, Oct 27th
Becky Kopp's home 8160 Julianne Terrace Golden Valley, MN 55427
7-9:30pm
RSVP:  763-540-9918 or psariego [at] comcast.net
campaign contributions of any size are appreciated


--------13 of 23--------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: Death/president/f 10.27

FRI.Oct 27, 2006 - Thur,Nov 02, 2006
FILM:Death of a President (TWIN CITIES EXCLUSIVE)
Director: Gabriel Range

TWIN CITIES EXCLUSIVE!!!! Winner of the International Film Critics Award
at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, D.O.A.P. has been
called, "Easily the most dangerous and breathtakingly film of the year."
DEATH OF A PRESIDENT is a fictional drama with a unique premise, told in
the style of a restrospective documentary, which offers a critique of the
contemporary US political landscape. This prize is annually bestowed upon
a feature film directed by an emerging filmmaker, and making its world
premiere at the Festival.

Nightly @ 7:15p.m. & 9:15p.m. Sat. & Sun. Matinee 3:15p.m. & 5:15p.m. OAK
STREET CINEMA, 309 Oak St, off Washington Ave.SE, East Bank of U of M
campus, Minneapolis (612)333-3134 www.mnfilmarts.org


--------14 of 23--------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: Capitalism 3.0 10.27 7pm

Fri.Oct 27, 7pm
Peter Barnes, Co-Founder Of Working Assets Long Distance Discusses His
New Book: "Capitalism 3.0 A Guide To Reclaiming The Commons,"
Magers And Quinn, Uptown Minneapolis

The commons--all the creations of nature and society we inherit together
and hold in trust for future generations--are under siege. Our current
version of capitalism--the corporate, globalized version 2.0--is rapidly
squandering this shared heritage. It is driving us headlong into social,
economic, and environmental collapse. Whether we're discussing Social
Security privatization, deregulation of the airwaves, or global warming,
these threats to the commons often seem insurmountable. However, as Peter
Barnes points out in this thought-provoking new book, the surprising
answer to many of these challenges is readily available: "upgrading"
capitalism by reclaiming the commons.

As an alternative to our current self-destructive path, Barnes proposes
Capitalism 3.0, an update that includes innovative features to protect
the commons while preserving the basic processes that have made
capitalism such an effective economic operating system. Capitalism 3.0's
major breakthrough is the addition of a new, market-based legal entity,
neither privately owned nor government run: the asset-preserving trust,
which would set limits on our depletion of the commons and pay dividends
to all of us, the collective owners of the commons.

In much the same way that residents of Alaska today receive dividends
from state oil wealth, a trust model for the commons institutionalizes
the contract between generations and between humans and nature. It
creates an economic "we" sector to balance the corporate "me" sector.
This "we" sector would link us across time to our ancestors and offspring
as well as across town and country to our fellow living citizens. Through
the responsible employment of markets and property rights, this new
version of capitalism would preserve the principal for the future while
paying dividends to today's trustees.

Capitalism 3.0: A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons is a remarkable look at
the future of our economy, a future in which we can retain capitalism's
virtues while mitigating its vices. Barnes draws on his personal and
professional experience as a successful entrepreneur to offer viable
solutions to some of our most pressing economic, environmental, and
social concerns.

Peter Barnes is cofounder and former president of Working Assets Long
Distance. In 1995, he was named Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the
Year for Northern California. He is author of Who Owns the Sky? and
Pawns: The Plight of the Citizen-Soldier, and has written for Newsweek,
the New Republic, the New York Times, and many other publications.

Praise for Capitalism 3.0:

"This book is brilliant and oh so necessary. I devoured it. The
presentation screams for reader engagement. I particularly admire Peter
Barnes' ability to focus on the main points while eliminating the
underbrush."--David Morris, co-founder, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

"Using his years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, Peter Barnes
shows us how capitalism can be upgraded so that it protects rather than
devours our planet. Required reading for everyone who looks further than
the next quarter's results."--Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., senior attorney,
Natural Resources Defense Council

"Peter Barnes' concept of commons trusts is nothing short of brilliant. If
applied on a large scale, it would fundamentally change capitalism. This
idea has legs."--Marjorie Kelly, author, The Divine Right of Capital

Magers And Quinn Booksellers 3038 Hennepin Avenue South Minneapolis Mn
55408 612-822-4611 Check out www.magersandquinn.com for complete
information on all our events


--------15 of 23--------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: Fair trade benefit 10.27 8pm

The Dancing Monkey Institute Inc.
253 E. 4th St. Suite 76, Saint Paul MN 55101
WWW.DMIFAIRTRADE.org
Contact: Josh Bryant (651) 291-8755
Eduardo Cardenas (612) 747-9727

Fair Trade Fundraiser Featuring
Symbiosis
and
King Ras John and Ascenders
Live at Patrick's Cabaret
Friday October 27th at 8:00 pm

The Dancing Mokey Institute will be holding a fundraiser concert on
Friday October 27th at 8:00 pm, featuring Symbiosis and King Ras John
and Ascenders at Patrick's Cabaret.
Patrick's Cabaret is located at 3010 Minnehaha Ave. Minneapolis
www.patrickscabaret.org (612) 724-6273
This is an all ages event.
$10.00 suggested donation at the door, all donations tax-deductible

The Dancing Monkey Institute is a private, non-profit alternative trade
organization which seeks to:
 Expand the social and economic benefits of Fair Trade.
 Build an alternative, humancentered, model of commercial success.
 Inspire a more socially responsible commercial culture in our community.

Simbiosis is an international ensemble that performs classic Cuban songs
with a modern flair. The group is led by Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist
and singer Viviana Pintado. Simbiosis specialize in a highly rhythmic
Cuban salsa called "timba", as well as a silky combination of Latin
bolero and American R+B.
King Ras John is internationally acclaimed Reggae and Soca artist from
Belize. His powerhouse band The Ascenders is pure fire. Come join us to
work up a fair trade sweat. Once King Ras gets fired up, there's no
stopping him.


--------16 of 23--------

Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 14:35:12 -0500
From: John Kolstad <jkolstad [at] millcitymusic.com>
Subject: League of Women Voters excludes Greens

Since Greens are being banned from debates because of their under 5% vote
count in 2002, we should insist that Alan Fine be barred from all 5th
District Debates since the Republicans have gotten such low turnout in
Mpls and the 5th district.  Actually I think the Republicans came in 4th
in those races.  We should strongly object to this less than minor
candidate being included.  What's good for the Goose is good for the
Gander.

The League of Women Voters should get a stiff kick in the ballot box.
If it was not for 3rd parties, woman might still not have the right to
vote. How quickly they forget.  We have huge problems to solve and the
LWV only allow the ones who created the problems to talk about them.  If
the Major Parties were going to do anything about solving these problems,
they would have done so by now.  Clearly these Major Party candidates
only do what their large campaign contributors want them to do.  The LWV
should change their name to the League of New Idea and Debate Suppresors.

What a huge disappointment the LWV are.  If there was anyone who was
going to stand up for a fair and open process, you'd think it would be
the LWV. Maybe America needs a new organization that advocates for the
people's interests and not the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

- Papa John Kolstad, GP endorsed for MN Attorney General

--
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 19:56:59 EDT
From: Danene Provencher PRO826 [at] aol.com

The League of Women's Voters are not allowing us to participate in
democracy nor practice our 1st amendment right by excluding us from the
debates. Please call them at 651-644-5450 if you would like to voice your
opinion on this matter,

-Danene Prevencher, GP endorsed for Lt Governor

--
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 19:04:09 -0500
om: Betsy Barnum <betsy [at] greatriv.org>

This is so strange, as I have heard that in other states, like New York,
the LWV has refused to be involved with debates unless all the candidates
(i.e. Green Howie Hawkins, who is running against Hilary Clinton and
whoever the Republican candidate is for US Senate) were allowed to
participate! What is wrong with our Minnesota LWV?

I was a member of the League of Women Voters in the 1980s, when it was,
as always, "bipartisan" (this was when there weren't any 3rd parties of
note--before Independence or at least before it became a contender,
before Greens) and it was, I would say, on the whole a fairly liberal
organization in this state. I was a board member for several years and
then elected president of my local League (Robbinsdale, a mostly Democrat
community at that time) and found pretty good political fellowship in the
League. The positions we took then, regarding things like water, abortion
and welfare, were in line with how the GP values these issues.

That's why I accompanied Tony Solgard of Fairvote MN on visits to the
Mpls. LWV, the Minnesota LWV and a local league in Edina a number of
years ago to urge them to take up IRV and proportional representation as
an issue (which they did, not necessarily due to our pleading! But we
probably were a factor...).

The League process is to "study" an issue, using materials produced by
volunteers who are, or were then, very committed to presenting
well-documented information, and then after everyone read and discussed
the materials, taking "consensus" (actually it was a majority vote, I
don't know why they call it consensus) on what position the League should
take on that issue. Once all the results were in, from just that local if
it was a local issue; from every local League in the state if it was a
state issue; and from all the states if it was a national issue, the
league on that level would be authorized to lobby lawmakers with that
position.

WRT to debates, I was involved in local League-sponsored debates (I still
remember how we had them in the Robbinsdale city hall during the evening,
and used the main city phone line for after-hours, which usually went to
the police department, for people to call in questions. One time,
somebody called expecting to get the PD, and he said, "isn't this the cop
shop?" In my naivete, I didn't know what that meant! Hadn't watched
enough TV, I guess...) It was a great feeling to be able to help voters
see the candidates, hear them answer sometimes very tough questions, and
decide who would get their vote.

Anyway, the point is, 25 years ago the League in Minnesota was very
liberal, though definitely bipartisan (there was still the possibility of
civilized discourse between differing points of view then). I suspect
that it was mostly Democrat women who were involved then--surely that was
the case in Robbinsdale and the northwest suburban area, but my sense is
it was true of the state league also.)  So it surprises me very much, and
disappoints me, that the League succeeded in being "bipartisan" but
doesn't to recognize that multi-party democracy is more democratic than 2
parties, and that it is here to stay. Especially since they have, if I'm
not mistaken, taken a positive position on IRV, which is helpful to 3rd
parties in partisan elections.

It is sad to see an organization that started after the 19th amendment
became law, giving women the vote, to make sure women's voices were heard
in government and women were informed about political issues, has decided
not to move ahead with the times, and is instead working against opening
a space in the political system for all disenfranchised voices in our
system and nation.

- Betsy Barnum, past GP state chair


--------17 of 23--------

From: Kristen Olsen krisrose02 [at] aol.com
Subject: Help Get Dave Berger on MPR Debate

Help Get Dave Berger on MPR Debate

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)...91.1 FM has told Dave Berger, Green Party
Endorsed Candidate for State Auditor, that he is the only candidate
running for State Auditor that is not invited to the Midday Program's
State Auditor debate this coming Tuesday, October 31, 2006 from 11:30am
to Noon with Gary Eichten.  Pat Anderson (R), Rebecca Otto (DFL), and
Lucy Gerold (I) are all invited to the debate.  Let's give MPR (Major
Party Radio) a taste of democracy and demand that Dave be allowed to
debate.

Please call Chris Worthington, MPR Program Director at (651)  290-1229
and demand he let all four candidates speak at the debate.  LET DAVE
DEBATE! On the morning of the debate (Halloween) during the Midmorning
call-in show with Carrie Miller 9am to llam call MPR and tell them what
you think about their choice not to allow all voices to be heard!  Also
call during the debate 11:30am to Noon and demand that Dave be heard!!
Dave will be standing by outside the MPR studios waiting for an
invitation to join the debate.  Call in and demand your voices be heard
and your values represented in the race for Minnesota State Auditor.

The MPR call in line is: 1-800-228-7123 or (651)  290-1212.
THANK YOU for making a difference!!
posted by, Kristen Olson GPMN CCC Campaign Associate 651-210-0789

--
From: Krisrose02 [at] aol.com

Dave Berger: "Minnesota Public Radio is not just disrespecting me, they
are disrespecting the citizens of Minnesota by not allowing all four
candidate voices to be heard" stated Berger.  To their credit, MPR did
allow minor party candidates to debate in a segregated debate from the
major party candidates for Governor and U.S. Senator. However, when it
comes to the State Auditor race and the Attorney General race they have
decided to exclude only one candidate in each race.  Both are Green Party
candidates. Papa John Kolstad, Green Party endorsed candidate for
Attorney General was excluded from the MPR debate two weeks ago.  "Now
they're at it again," said Berger.  "I feel like I'm in the back of the
bus.  I suppose I am not even on the bus.  More like I am being run over
by an MPR or Major Party Radio bus."

During their recent fund drive MPR claimed to be inclusive of all
candidates.  Their announcers stated clearly that each and every
candidate will get three minutes on air to make a statement.  This
comment turned out not to be true. "I called them up and asked when would
I get my three minutes."  said Berger.  "I was told that the three
minutes will only be given to gubernatorial and senatorial candidates.
They just will not give me a break."

MPR receives 12 percent of it's funding from the Federal government. They
rely on their members for most of the rest of their funding.  They
continue to claim that they are community supported radio. "How can a
public entity deny the voice of only one candidate in a race?" stated
Berger.  "The community deserves to hear all voices, and even if I
represent a minority of those voices, everyone deserves recognition and
representation."  Berger earned nearly 4 percent of the vote in 2002,
representing about 78,000 voters statewide.

MPR has stated that their policy is clear and consistent.  They will not
allow minor party candidates in any race except governor and senator to
have a voice on their programs.  The policy seems less clear when you
consider that MPR has already made exceptions to their rule, such as last
Friday when they allowed Green Party candidate Jay Pond to participate in
the 5th District Congressional Debate.  While they did not allow Pond to
debate in the first 5th District debate, they reversed themselves for the
second debate.  "I would not feel so discriminated against if MPR had a
consistent policy," commented Berger. "But it seems that they can and do
change their policy at will."

Berger plans on spending the morning of the debate outside the MPR
studios in St. Paul.  "I am hoping that they will change their mind and
let me in," said Berger.  "I hope it doesn't snow that day, or I will be
left out in the cold in more ways than one!  I am calling on Minnesota
Public Radio to do their job and inform Minnesotans of all of their
choices in the Auditor's race this year leaving no one out in the cold."

As the Green Party endorsed candidate for State Auditor, Dave Berger is
committed to the values of Grassroots Democracy, Non-Violence, Social and
Economic Justice, and Ecological Wisdom.

For More Information see:  _www.daveberger.org_
(http://www.daveberger.org)


--
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 06:30:23 -0500
From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>

Note from Lydia Howell: So, is this what real democracy looks like - that
candidates are arbitrarily excluded from debates - from media that gets
part of its fundng from FEDERAL TAX MONEY? Even if you're not Green, you
should care about this pre-determination of the candidates we are allowed
to hear. Like the Diebold voting machines, media-exclusion of Third party
candidates is another element of how hollow an election system the U.S.
has. Please make your voice heard on principle - especially if you're an
MPR member.(I stopped being a member in part due to the exclusion of any
candidates except the Democrats & republicans).LH

[I stopped sending MPR money long ago, and since it lobbyed against local
Low Power FM, and destroyed classical musical station WCAL and replaced
it with its hideous manipulative "the Current", I never listen to any of
their stations, and urge others to TURN MPR OFF. Bill Kling's Empire
should sinkhole into the earth, never to be seen again. It is just one
more perversion of something good (radio) into a soulless zombie of
capitalism. -ed]

--
From: Diane J. Peterson <birch7 [at] comcast.net>

Aha!  "Major Party Radio"--that's as true-blue as my own slogan of
"Minnesota Purchased Radio."
Thanks to the clever person who coined that phrase.
With gleeful appreciation,
Diane J. Peterson White Bear Lake, Minnesota birch7 [at] comcast.net
P.S.:  How about "Minnesota Private Radio"?

[Or Minnesota Privatized Radio
    Minnesota Plastic Radio
    Minnesota Placebo Radio
    Minnesota Pachydermatous Radio
    Minnesota Pacification Radio
    Minnesota Padlocked Radio
    Minnesota Pallid Radio
    Minnesota Pandemic Radio
    Minnesota Panderer Radio
    Minnesota Pablum Radio
    Minnesota Parochial Radio
    Minnesota Partisan Radio
    Minnesota Passe Radio
    Minnesota Passive Radio
    Minnesota Pathetic Radio
    Minnesota Patrician Radio
    Minnesota Pawned Radio
    Minnesota Perfidious Radio
    Minnesota Pernicious Radio
    Minnesota Pestilential Radio

Imagine, if you can, the result if someone scared the "L" out of "public"
in MPR.

I know I will be asked, Gee, ed, what do you *really* think, and I
apologize profusely profoundly and prestidigitaciously if any person is
left pondering particulars. -ed]


--------18 of 23--------

'Somebody had to stand up'
Greens' candidate wants U.S. to shift course
BY RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER
Pioneer Press
When Michael Cavlan looks at the federal government, he sees disaster.

"I'm seeing our nation proceed in very, very dangerous directions. We
have had a culture of corruption envelop our government and, actually, a
culture of bigotry and intolerance and, unfortunately, the response to
this has been a culture of cowardice. I plan to change that," said
Cavlan, the Minnesota Green Party's candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Cavlan, who said he has never voted for a Democrat or a Republican, draws
from his own experience to form his views. A nurse in the burn unit of
Regions Hospital in St. Paul, he speaks with the tinge of a brogue that's
the product of his Northern Irish heritage.

His father, a Teamster and former cardboard-box assembler, moved the
Catholic family to California in the 1950s and then back to Northern
Ireland when Cavlan, now 47, was 10. Cavlan stayed there until he was 25.
He said he grew up in the public housing projects of Northern Ireland.

In the United States, he saw discrimination and racism based on skin
color, something his father demonstrated against in the civil rights
movement.

As a citizen, Cavlan voted for the Sinn Fein political movement when he
was living in Northern Ireland, a province of the United Kingdom. He saw
religious bigotry and citizens being labeled as terrorists. As a young
teen he was tempted to join the uprising against British rule in Northern
Ireland after "Bloody Sunday" in 1972, when British troops opened fire on
protesters.

"I just got hit with an overwhelming sense of anger," said Cavlan of his
reaction as a boy. He spoke to the independence movement's local leaders.
"I talked to the people who were involved and said that I was interested,
and they said no."

He later learned that his father had talked to the leaders in advance and
told them not to let young Michael or any of his brothers join.

His views on violent uprising have changed since those days.

"I since learned that there is another way to channel that anger," said
Cavlan, who has been arrested in Minnesota three times as part of
nonviolent protests.

The result is that Cavlan prides himself on being "a voice for peace,
justice, grass-roots democracy and ecological wisdom."

He is a U.S. citizen and is considering applying for dual citizenship.
During the 2004 presidential election, he went to hotly contested Ohio as
an election observer. He believed the poor and black vote in that
battleground state was deliberately undercounted or suppressed while the
Republican vote was artificially inflated, he said.

Cavlan's campaign got a boost this week from a fellow Irishman and fellow
Green Party candidate, Malachy McCourt, who is running for governor in
New York. McCourt, an author, said Cavlan was waging an energetic
campaign "that is absolutely and sorely needed in a country where a
torpor is set in."

His goals for the Senate race are threefold: He wants to spread his
message;  he wants to win; and he wants to regain the Greens' major-party
status by getting 5 percent of the vote on Election Day. Four years ago,
the party's Senate candidate got less than 0.5 percent of the vote.

"I do not want to do this. I'm serious. This is such a pain in the ass.
It takes me away from my family and from the things that I think are
important,"  Cavlan said. "But I recognize the dangers we are facing, and
I said somebody had to stand up and do this."

Rachel E. Stassen-Berger can be reached at
_rstassen-berger [at] pioneerpress.com_
(mailto:rstassen-berger [at] pioneerpress.com) .


--------19 of 23--------

From: Darrell Gerber <darrellgerber [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Papa John Kolstad needs your help to buy ad space

Green Party Endorsed
Papa John Kolstad
For Minnesota Attorney General  
Needs your help!
 
With two weeks left before the November 7th election, the Papa John Kolstad
for Attorney General campaign is ready to buy radio ad time and print ad
space.  We need another $2000 in order to run radio adds with Air America in
the Twin Cities and up in Duluth as well as on AM 1500.  The remainder of
funds will be spent buying ad space in local newspapers.
 
Our goal is to reach voters beyond our circle of friends and supporters and
to do this we need your help.
 
Please send checks as soon as you can to this address:
 
Papa John Kolstad for Attorney General
PO Box 6045
Minneapolis, MN  55406

Check out our web site for a listing of events and things to download like
Window Signs and flyers.  We also have plenty of printed flyers available
for those of you who are running low.
 
www.PapaJohnKolstad.org
Thank you very much for your support!!
PEACE!
Mark O'Melia momelia [at] minn.net C: 612-237-5696


--------20 of 23--------

From: Sharon Sudman <sudman [at] mninter.net>
Subject: Vote info for YOU

KNOW WHO YOU'RE VOTING FOR

We've all experienced that sinking feeling at the polls, we've watched
the statewide races, carefully evaluated our district races, and we get
to the polls and find 6 or 7 judges, as well as soil commissioners,
school board candidates etc. Avoid that sinking feeling this year.

You can see a sample ballot for your precinct, and can even mark it and
print it out at the web site http://www.startribune.com and when you get
there, just put in the search word "myvote" and a tool will come up that
will ask for your address (probably pulling data off the Secretary of
State's web site) and will then spit out a ballot customized for you. Do
it right now!

Then Google the name of any candidate you aren't familiar with so you can
find out who endorses them and what they stand for, and make your
decision. You can print out the ballot and take it to the polls with you.
No more wasted votes!


--------21 of 23-------

Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:02:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: teresa konechne <tontheroad [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Help us in SoDak defeat the extremists 2

URGENT NEED FOR HELP:

I am living in the middle of a war zone.  And we need your help.

South Dakota is about to decide historical legislation that would ban all
abortions, including women who were impregnated from rape or incest.  It
is obvious South Dakotans are being used as a weapon by the fundamentalist
extremists to test our federal legal system - if this passes it WILL go
all the way to the US Supreme Court (and SD residents will pay for that
battle.)

Also if this bill passes, the domino affect will provide the momentum for
state after state to adopt equally repressive measures that will mark the
swift disintegration of women's rights throughout the US and the world.
Little do we here in SD know it, but what happens here could adversely
affect women in Africa, South America and other developing countries of
the world.

This threat is real and imminent - it very well could pass.  It's pretty
much even right now even though last week it was a better story.  But, the
extremists have decided to say that Plan B, the day after pill, would take
care of any incest or rape victims, which apparently has changed many
peoples' minds.  And you know the extremists have millions of dollars to
invest.  They have done all the usual - gotten doctors to skew facts and
statistics on commercials (luckily a Sioux Falls TV station ran a story
about all the distortions - but how many people actually saw that?), and
they have narrowed the issue to a simple moral issue with no other
options. The worst of all, the majority who oppose the ban have been
silenced.

People who live here are afraid to speak out against this legislation.  I
am continually disturbed at a peoples, whom I have always valued for their
honesty, fearlessness and outspokenness, have become silent and afraid of
social stigmas and loss of business.  I recently moved back here to work
on a project, and more than the physical isolation I feel living on this
farm, I feel the social isolation.

This issue is dividing families, communities and the state.  And of course
it's taking the spotlight off of real issues like poverty, education,
dying farm communities and the decline of agriculture - the state's #1
source of revenue.

We need bodies and lots of them.  We need you to come here and make phone
calls, put out door hangers, signs, literature drops.... Here in the NE
part of the state where I live, are the largest cities in the state.
This area is also one of the most conservative. Just driving through this
area, I feel as if I am back in the south.  Only this hatred is unspoken -
focused towards women and children, cloaked in the deceit of the
"pro-life" movement.

Logistics:

We need you Nov 3 - 7 most - but anytime between now and the 7th is
helpful.

Call/e-mail Ben at SD for Health Families and let him know when you can
come. 605-221-5642 or bj [at] sdhealthyfamilies.org

He will assign you to a location.
If you can't afford a hotel, housing will be found for you.
It would be good if you had your own car or can come with someone you can
ride with.
The main towns that will be focused on are Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings,
Madison, Vermillion and Sioux Falls.
I can accommodate several people at my house though it is a drive from the
major urban centers.  (I live 50 miles from Aberdeen and 60 miles from
Watertown.)

If you can't make any of these days - then please do what you can:
Call friends or pass along this e-mail to whomever could possibly come
Call friends in SD who you know are either undecided or are against the
ban and urge them to get involved - to write op ed pages - to call their
local news papers about the lack of dissent letters that are being
published, etc.

Donate to SD for Healthy Families. http://www.sdhealthyfamilies.org/

There is a virtual media shutdown here in my area - Aberdeen.  Last
Sunday, despite hundreds of letters against the ban, only 1 letter was
published, while 6 pro ban were published.

Thank you for any help you can give.

teresa konechne
working hands productions
612.214.1121 (cell)
www.workinghandsproductions.com (in progress)


--------22 of 23--------

Wal-Mart's Drug Deal
by Jeff Milchen and Stacy Mitchell
Published on Monday, October 23, 2006 by TomPaine.com

When Wal-Mart recently issued a press release announcing discounts on some
generic drugs at Tampa area stores, its executives probably hoped for some
favorable publicity in Florida media. So Bentonville surely was festive
the next day when sweeping headlines like "Wal-Mart to sell generic drugs
for $4 a month" ran nationwide - often on page one of newspapers.

After getting better advertising than even a multi-billion dollar
corporation can buy, Wal-Mart naturally pumped out another press release
last week, announcing drug discounts in 14 other states. The company
enjoyed another PR bonanza via national headlines promoting $4 generics at
Wal-Mart, but the media did consumers a great disservice.

First, there still are no price cuts whatsoever for Wal-Mart customers in
35 states.

Next, Wal-Mart is not discounting generic drugs in general - it offered
the $4 price on 291 of the several thousand generic drugs commonly
available.

Further, even a casual look at Wal-Mart's initial list revealed just 124
different drugs (later increased to 143).

So where did the 291 come from? One needn't have looked past the letter
"A" to see: 12 different variations of the common antibiotic amoxicillin.
Many other common drugs appear in multiple dosages, including some already
available at other stores for less than $4.

In the end, a global corporation made a business decision to discount a
small portion of one product line (even Wal-Mart says the discounts apply
to less than one quarter of their generics), and received priceless
publicity promoting its "low price" image.

The benefit to Wal-Mart (and harm to competitors) was huge and immediate.
A poll by the Wall Street Journal found just 13 percent of respondents
indicated Wal-Mart, Target or other mass merchants were their usual
destination for filling drug prescriptions. That was before Wal-Mart's PR
stunt. After the media barrage and matching offers by Target and other
mass merchants, a stunning 50 percent of those respondents said they would
be likely, very likely or "absolutely certain" to fill prescriptions at
these stores.

They should think twice.

True, some people who need one of the chosen drugs and lack insurance will
save money. But unless shoppers check in advance to see if their needed
medication is among the select few they're likely to become victims of
what the National Community Pharmacists Association calls "a classic
bait-and-switch."

Unfortunately, the relative costs and benefits of buying drugs from
various sources remain largely unknown to most people. Contrary to common
perception, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates independent pharmacies,
not Wal-Mart or other chains, offer the greatest value.

In 2003, the state of Maine researched prices of 15 common prescription
drugs at independent and chain pharmacies of all kinds statewide. The 10
lowest-priced pharmacies all were independents, beating all five Wal-Marts
in the study.

Around the same time, studies by New York City and by Senior Action
Council in Albany, NY, also affirmed lower overall drug pricing at
independent pharmacies than chain competitors.

While it's natural to assume the buying power of drug chains or mass
merchants translates into lower prices, independent pharmacies now compete
quite well through group purchasing efforts and, in many cases, much lower
markups.

And independents not only compete on price, they do it while offering more
than just pills. In 2003, the venerable Consumer Reports magazine surveyed
32,000 readers about their experiences at thousands of pharmacies,
including independents, chains and those within supermarkets and mass
merchants.

Though mass merchants had a small edge on price alone, independents
trounced the chains in overall value by "an eye-popping margin."

The survey found independents were more likely than all chain stores to
have a needed medication, got out-of-stock drugs faster, and provided more
personal attention.

And personal service from your neighborhood drugstore means more than
asking "how's the family?" For anyone taking multiple medications, their
pharmacist's attention can be crucial to avoiding dangerous drug
combinations.

Unfortunately, the credulous coverage of Wal-Mart's drug promotion is
typical, not exceptional.

Last November, Wal-Mart released a study it commissioned from the
consulting firm Global Insight, asserting that Wal-Mart saved $2,329 for
an "average" household. That's a remarkable claim, and, as with Wal-Mart's
press release on drug discounts, hundreds of media outlets promptly
trumpeted the results (and still cite them today).

One problem with the study would be obvious to any economist: the firm
applied its savings rate to the average household income of $61,000, not
the median ($43,000), grossly overstating savings for most Americans. And
the study itself found that Wal-Mart's depressing effect on wages lowers
household incomes, thus eliminating more than two-thirds of the supposed
savings.

Moreover, when the Economic Policy Institute - a think tank partly funded
by unions - analyzed Global Insight's methodology, it found fatal flaws,
including major internal inconsistencies and an approach that "fails the
most rudimentary sensitivity checks." But EPI's analysis has received
scant attention.

Admittedly, Wal-Mart's act had one positive impact - increasing awareness
of generic drugs. But the massive promotion budgets of national chains can
lead even critical thinkers to perceive, often wrongly, that chains
provide greater value than our neighborhood businesses. Reporters and
editors should help their readers make fully-informed choices by providing
independent analysis, not just a pro forma quote from a critic, when
Wal-Mart issues its next press release.

Americans should know they don't have to choose between competitive prices
and quality service - they likely can receive both at local businesses
that invest more in their products and services than public relations.

Jeff Milchen is a co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance
which helps communities form coalitions to prevent chains from displacing
local businesses. Stacy Mitchell is a senior researcher with the Institute
for Local Self-Reliance and is the author of Big-Box Swindle: The True
Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses
(Beacon Press, 2006).

 Copyright 2006 TomPaine.com


--------23 of 23--------

 With small facile smiles
 we mantra It can't happen
 here, no, not this year


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