Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 10.30.06

[David Shove (shove001]

            P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R    10.30.06

1. Mortenson/health    10.30 10am
2. Lift wage cap/rally 10.30 11:45am
3. Blogger revolution  10.30 12noon
4. Save CUHCC Clinic   10.30 5pm
5. Jay Pond campaign   10.30 6:45pm
6. AI Augustana        10.30 7pm
7. CentAm holocaust    10.30 7pm
8. Risser debate       10.30 7pm
9. Green Party stuff   10.30 7pm

10. Medicare "fix"?    10.31 11:30am
11. Glob inequality    10.31 5pm
12. GP/Halloween/Ken   10.31 7pm

13. Dave Bicking - Stop the stadium: vote OUT the 4 bum commissioners
14. Danene Provencher - Tired of GP candidates being shut out?
15. Papa John Kolstad - Any amount will help
16. Micheal Cavlan    - Letter in Duluth News-Tribune
17. Don Irish         - Voting our principles
18. Anon              - Vote major party
19. ed                - All the little Dems

--------1 of 19--------

From: Jesse Mortenson for 64A <jesse [at] idcwebdev.com>
Subject: Mortenson/health 10.30 10am

We're down to 10 days to the election! We're delivering literature, making
phone calls, and signing people up for a ton of activities for the last 48
hours. If you haven't had a chance to sign-up yet, please send an e-mail
to volunteer [at] jessemortenson.com to let us know when you're available to
help out.

I'm going to do one more major event before the election. This Monday
morning, at 10am, I'll hold a press conference on the capitol steps with
health care experts to talk about the dire state of health care and how we
can achieve a universal, single-payer solution here in Minnesota. Because
so many people work during the day, we need your presence and support at
this event if you are able to attend.

    Health care press conference
    10am, Monday, October 30
    Capitol building steps, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

It will also be a great opportunity to pick up one of the final batch of
Jesse Mortenson for 64A t-shirts - they look great! Please call 442-5746
or e-mail paul [at] jessemortenson.com if you think you can attend.

Due in large part to the work of Paul, my campaign manager, we were able
to participate in two candidate debates this month. As usual, only a
fraction of voters in the district are able to attend a debate. That's why
we've taken the extraordinary step of making debate videos available
online. The first debate is online now, at the newly-redesigned website,
and the second is on its way.

Check out the debate video now:
    http://www.jessemortenson.com/

And, if you have friends in 64A who I haven't had the chance to meet, yet,
use our new Tell-Your-Friends feature to let them know about the video,
too:
    http://www.jessemortenson.com/tell/your/friends

Oh yeah, and our final fundraising drive is going very well. We just need
to raise a few hundred more to get to our goal. You'll be seeing our final
newspaper ad and district-wide mailing soon enough! It's going to be a
very exciting last week and a half.

Jesse Mortenson Green Party Candidate for Minnesota House of
Representatives District 64A www.jessemortenson.com


--------2 of 19--------

From: Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council <betsy [at] mplscluc.com>
Subject: Lift wage cap/rally 10.30 11:45am

Solidarity Rally to Lift the Wage Cap

AFSCME, along with representatives from other unions impacted by the
City's salary cap in place since 2003, met with the employer over the
summer to discuss the salary cap following a 'no' vote taken by the AFSCME
membership in April of this year.

Ten City of Minneapolis bargaining unit contracts, including AFSCME's, are
up at the end of 2006. The employer has stated that the salary cap in
place since 2003 will not change for 2007.

Please join the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council in supporting our
sisters and brothers involved in the City of Minneapolis contract
negotiations. We aim to show the Mayor and the City Council that they need
to get rid of the cap and set a budget for 2007 that allows Labor to
negotiate. In April, over 250 union members rallied to end the cap - we'd
like to double that and make change happen for 2007.

Monday, October 30th, 11:45 a.m.
Federal Courthouse Plaza
South 4th Street at South 4th Avenue (across from City Hall)


-------3 of 19--------

From: Steven Clift <clift [at] publicus.net>
From:   Center for the Study of Politics and Governance <cspg [at] UMN.EDU>
Subject: Blogger revolution 10.30 12noon

Voting with a Mouse: How Bloggers Have Altered the Political
Landscapem  David Carr, Reporter, New York Times

Moderated by Eric Black, Star Tribune Reporter and Author of The Big
Question blog

October 30, Noon -- 1:30 p.m.
Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey Center
301 19 Ave S., Minneapolis

Campaigns and elections are being digitally remastered.  Bloggers and the
internet may be producing a revolution in information and public debate
that is as radical as the changes introduced by radio and television.
David Carr, _New York Times_ columnist and longtime journalist and editor,
will lead a discussion on blogs and American elections.  Eric Black,
reporter and author of The Big Question blog for the Star Tribune, will
moderate.  Commentary will be offered by Joe Bodell who runs the blog MN
Campaign Report- www.mncampaignreport.com and by Michael Brodkorb who
operates the blog MN Democrats Exposed --
www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com. The discussion promises to be lively
and informative.

DAVID CARR began working at the Times in 2002.  Prior to arriving at the
Times, Carr was a contributing writer for The Atlantic Monthly and New
York Magazine, writing articles that ranged from homeland security issues
to the movie industry. He also served as editor of the Washington City
Paper for five years and the Minneapolis-based Twin Cities Reader from
1993 to 1995.

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance sponsors a wide range
of conferences, public events, and analyses.  More information about the
Center can be found at _http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/cspg/index.html_

This event is free and open to the public.  No registration necessary.

Directions and parking information:
_http://www.hhh.umn.edu/about/contact/parking.html_


--------4 of 19--------

From: Brad Sigal <bradsigal [at] afscme3800.org>
Subject: Save CUHCC Clinic 10.30 5pm

Rally to Save CUHCC Clicic
Monday, October 30
5:00 - 6:00 pm
CUHCC Clinic - Bloomington & Franklin Ave., Mpls.

The U of M is planning to lay off 20 workers at the Community University
Health Care Clinic (CUHCC) in Phillips neighborhood on November 1, which
would inevitably lead to cuts in service to the community at this crucial
affordable communitty clinic that largely serves poor, working people and
recent immigrants in Phillips.

Join U of M AFSCME and community activists for a rally on Monday, October
30, 2006 from 5:00 - 6:00 outside of CUHCC Clinic at Bloomington &
Franklin Ave in South Minneapolis to say 'no' to layoffs and 'no' to
service cuts at CUHCC clinic.

Info: www.afscme3800.org


--------5 of 19--------

From: Jonathan Fluck <jonathanfluck [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Jay Pond campaign 10.30 6:45pm

We will be handing out Jay Pond [for US House] literature and Green Party
sample ballots at the Light Rail stations the week before the election.
Below is the schedule.  PLEASE CONTACT ME if you are willing to join us.

Mon Oct. 30, 50th Street Station:
             6:45 - 8:45am  and 4 - 6:30pm
Tues Oct. 31, 46th Street Station:
             6:45 - 8:45am  and 4 - 6:30pm
Wed Nov. 1, 38th Street Station:
             6:45 - 8:45am  and 4 - 6:30pm
Thurs Nov. 2, Lake Street Station:
             6:45 - 8:45am  and 4 - 6:30pm
Fri Nov. 3, Franklin Avenue Station:
             6:45 - 8:45am  and 4 - 6:30pm
Mon Nov. 6, Cedar Riverside Station:
             6:45 - 8:45am  and 4 - 6:30pm


--------6 of 19--------

From: Gabe Ormsby <gabeo [at] bitstream.net>
Subject: AI Augustana 10.30 7pm

Augustana Homes Seniors AI Group meets on Monday, October 30th, from 7:00
to 8:00 p.m. in the party room of the 1020 Building, 1020 E 17th Street,
Minneapolis. For more information contact Ardes Johnson at 612/378-1166 or
johns779 [at] tc.umn.edu.


--------7 of 19--------

From: Bob Heberle <bobheberle [at] visi.com>
Subject: CentAm holocaust 10.30 7pm

U.S. meddling in Central America is the theme of a talk by Thomas
Melville, a missionary in Guatemala who was expelled for political reasons
and the author of "Through a Glass Darkly," The U.S.  Holocaust in Central
America." His talk will be held Monday, Oct. 30, 7 pm, in St. Joan of Arc
Church's Hospitality Hall, 4537 Third Av. S.


--------8 of 19--------

From: Julie Risser <julie.risser [at] visi.com>
Subject: Risser debate 10.30 7pm

[Julie Risser - GP endorsed for State Senate]

We have the final debate tomorrow - Monday October 30th at 7:00 in the
Normandale Community Center in room 349. The Community Center is located
at 5701 Normandale Rd. in Edina- Please come with questions. It would be
lovely if there were a question about Campaign Finance Reform - Minnesota
ranks fairly poorly in that area.

And on a financial note - the Risser for Senate District 41 campaign could
use help. We limit contributions to $100.00 or less per individual. Thanks
to all who have already contributed. contributions can be made out to
"Risser for Senate District 41"

Jon Moon, treasurer Risser for Senate District 41 6112 Ashcroft Avenue
Edina, MN 55424


--------9 of 19--------

From: Krisrose02 [at] aol.com
Subject: Green Party stuff 10.30 7pm

Monday, October 30, 7:00 pm
Bryant Square Park 3101 Bryant Ave. S.

All of the Green Party campaigns will assemble great free stuff for all
Green Party volunteers!  Aside from the ability to meet with the
campaigns, and pick up materials for the last week of the campaigns, there
will be fun, food, and the best of company.

Come on to pick up campaign lit, sample ballots, Sunflowers, bumper
stickers, window clings, lawn signs, buttons, and much more to distribute
and to help us Get out the Green Vote.  Come creative, we have some work
to do.

Meet with specific campaigns, and with Coordinated Campaign Staff to plan
and sign up for the **last week of campaign activities.** If you have not
volunteered up until now, don't be shy!  All are welcome and encouraged to
be there to get involved.  We need you, and, we'll feed you.

Feel  free to call for more information.

Kristen Olson GPMN CCC Staff 651-210-0789
Tori Johnston Ken Pentel for Governor Campaign Manager 612-824-8492


--------10 of 19--------

From: lawvalue <lawvalue [at] umn.edu>
Subject: Medicare "modernization" 10.31 11:30am

2006 Visiting Consortium Professor
Professor Thomas (Tim) Greaney, JD, St. Louis University School of Law

Medicare "Modernization:" Nation Building or Insurgency?
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
11:30am - 1:00pm
Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union

Prof. Greaney will discuss the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, which
has attempted to encourage a vast migration by beneficiaries from
traditional fee-for-service Medicare to managed care.  Congress has tried
this by using financial incentives for providers and managed care
organizations and re-designing benefits for enrollees.  His presentation
will focus on the obstacles created by the competitive dynamics of MMA,
which Prof. Greaney believes may impede development of markets that will
efficiently serve the needs of Medicare beneficiaries.

Prof. Steven Miles, MD (Center for Bioethics) and Prof. Lynn Blewett, PhD
(School of Public Health) will offer commentary after Prof. Greaney's
talk.

Continuing education credit is offered (see below).  The event is
sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Consortium on Law and Values in
Health, Environment, & the Life Sciences (
<file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\aboyle\Kammen\www.lifesci.consortium.
umn.edu> www.lifesci.consortium.umn.edu) and Joint Degree Program in Law,
Health, & the Life Sciences (
<file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\aboyle\Kammen\www.jointdegree.umn.edu
> www.jointdegree.umn.edu).

This event is free and open to the public.  Registration is required if
you are attending for CME, CNE, or CLE-call 612-625-0055 or email
lawvalue [at] umn.edu.  Coffman Union parking is available in the East River
Road Garage on Delaware Street behind Coffman Union.  Maps may be found at
<http://onestop.umn.edu/Maps/index.html> onestop.umn.edu/Maps/index.html.

About Prof. Greaney:
Prof. Greaney is the Chester A. Myers Professor of Law and Co-Director of
the Center for Health Law Studies at St. Louis University School of Law.
He is also Associate Professor of Hospital and Health Care Administration
at the St. Louis University School of Public Health.  He is a leading
authority on health law who has spent the last 20 years examining the
evolution of the health care industry.

Commentators:
Prof. Lynn Blewett, PhD is Associate Professor and Director of the Public
Health Administration Program in the School of Public Health.  She also
directs the State Health Access Data Assistance Center, funded by The
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  SHADAC conducts research and provides
technical assistance to states on efforts to measure and monitor health
insurance coverage and inform state health policy.

Prof. Steven Miles, MD is Professor of Medicine at the University of
Minnesota Medical School and a faculty member in Center for Bioethics.
He practices and teaches internal medicine, geriatrics, and medical
ethics. He has been active in state and national health care reform,
including service with President Clinton's Bioethics Working Group on
Health Care Reform.

About the Visiting Consortium Professorship:
Prof. Greaney is the inaugural Visiting Consortium Professor.  This
professorship will bring to campus major scholars, researchers, and
policymakers to further collaborative work on the societal implications of
biomedicine and the life sciences.  In addition to delivering a major
public address, the Visiting Consortium Professor will teach and meet with
students and faculty.  The annual Visiting Consortium Professorship is
made possible by funding from the University of Minnesota President's
Interdisciplinary Academic Initiative in support of the Consortium on Law
and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.  The Initiative is
led by University of Minnesota Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
and Provost E. Thomas Sullivan.  The Consortium is chaired by Prof. Susan
M. Wolf.

The Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life
Sciences, established in 2000, is a confederation of 17 centers and
programs working on the legal, ethical, and policy implications of
problems in health, environment, and the life sciences.  For more
information on Consortium research, publications, and events, visit <
<file:///\\www.lifesci.consortium.umn.edu>
www.lifesci.consortium.umn.edu>.

Continuing Education Information: This event is intended for students,
faculty, researchers, scientists, policymakers, patients, health care
professionals and organizations, and interested community members.

Following this presentation, participants should be able to:

*Describe recent changes in Medicare.
*State how the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) tries to
 create new markets and competition.
*Describe strengths and weaknesses in MMA's approach.

Application for CME and CNE credits filed with the University of Minnesota
Office of Continuing Medical Education.  Determination of credit is
pending. Continuing legal education credit (CLE) for attorneys has been
requested (1.5 hours).

It is the policy of the University of Minnesota's Office of Continuing
Medical Education to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and
scientific rigor in all its sponsored educational activities.  All faculty
participating in sponsored programs are expected to disclose to the
program audience any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the
content of their presentation.


--------11 of 19--------

From: Eric Angell <eric-angell [at] riseup.net>
Subject: Glob inequality 10.31 5pm

St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN) viewers:

"Our World In Depth" airs at 5 pm and midnight each Tuesday and 10 am each
Wednesday on SPNN Channel 15.

10/31 and 11/01  "Globalization and the Age of Inequality" An
interview with the widely-read, muckraking, Indian journalist: P. Sainath.
(warning: this show contains economics!)  Hosted by Karen Redleaf.

11/07 and 11/08  "Plan Colombia: A War on the People" Interviews with
Anti-War Committee and Colombia Action Network members Katrina Plotz and
Erika Zurawski. Hosted by Eric Angell.

"Our World In Depth" features analysis of public affairs with
consideration of and participation from Twin Cities area activists.  The
show is (mostly) local and not corporately influenced! For information
about future programming of "Our World In Depth", please send an e-mail to
eric-angell [at] riseup.net.


--------12 of 19--------

From: Krisrose02 [at] aol.com
Subject: GP/Halloween/Ken 10.31 7pm

Come and join the Ken Pentel for Governor Campaign and Coordinated
Campaign staff on behalf of all of the Green Party candidates.  We will be
not only lit dropping, but having a ball as well!

October 31st.  Halloween!  7:00 pm

Barebones Productions' 13th annual Halloween Harvest Outdoor Puppet
Extravaganza.

North Gate - Hidden Falls Regional  Park.  St. Paul, MN
The entrance is off of Mississippi River Boulevard on the East side of the
river, 1/4 mile South of the Ford Parkway Bridge.

Pageant begins at 7:00 pm.  Live music and warm food and drink following
the show. Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes.  Costumes and masks
encouraged. FMI 651-210-0789


--------13 of 19--------

From: Dave Bicking <dave [at] colorstudy.com>
Subject: Stop the stadium: vote OUT the 4 bum commissioners

We need your help!  There is one LAST chance to stop the Twins stadium
tax, to stop this outrageous corporate welfare.  Yes, I really mean it -
the upcoming election is the LAST opportunity.  If we can vote out at
least one of the County Commissioners who voted for the stadium tax, we
can change a 4-3 majority in favor of the stadium into a 4-3 majority
AGAINST it.  And when the new County Board takes office in January, it is
not too late to repeal the tax and stop construction of the stadium.

We have a plan, we have the literature, now all we need is YOU!  We will
be distributing literature to people's doors from now until the election.
We have a good chance of voting out one of the 'bums' (Mark Stenglein),
and a real possibility of getting another (Peter McLaughlin).  Our
campaign against these commissioners could be the deciding factor.  The
magnitude of our impact is almost totally dependent on how many people are
willing to spend how much time to distribute the literature.

So please join us!!  It's easy and it's fun.  You can do it on your own
schedule.  For most of you, this weekend and next are your best
opportunity.  We provide the lit and the instructions, and a map of the
area you choose to cover.  Some people prefer going alone, others prefer a
partner, especially if you are new to this.  We can probably find a
partner for you if you wish.

Contact me:  Dave Bicking, 612-276-1213 (home).  Leave a message if
necessary, or if you want to go out real soon, try me also at work:
612-729-8580.  Let me know where you prefer to go, and I'll have the map
and materials ready for you to pick up at my home in south Mpls
(McLaughlin's district):  3211 22nd Ave. S.  (lower), Mpls.  I will also
guarantee that I'll be home for you to pick up materials this morning
(Saturday) and tomorrow morning (Sunday) from 9am til 10:30am - no need to
even call ahead if you can come then.  Any other time - call to make
arrangements.

OR, contact Julie at 763-476-7099.  She lives in Golden Valley
(Stenglein's district), and can also get you the lit and maps if you make
arrangements with her.  She may be handier for those of you who prefer to
lit drop in Stenglein's area (north and NE Mpls, Golden Valley and
Plymouth)

In addition, this Sunday, 10/29, there will be a tent set up at a
house in Golden Valley for people to come to get lit and maps.
The tent will be open for lit pick-up at the following times:
Morning:  9 am to 10:30 am
Afternoon:  1 pm to 2:30 pm
ADDRESS:  Easy to find -- just 5 houses north of the Holiday
Station Store on the I-394 Frontage Road at Winnetka.  743
Winnetka Avenue S., Golden Valley, MN

[Remember we go off daylight saving time this Sunday morning.  So this is
the longest weekend of the year - extra time to go lit dropping! ]

This is easy to do - it is not like door-knocking where you actually have
to talk to people. We just need you to go from door to door leaving our
literature. In suburban areas, you can drive from house to house, leaving
literature tucked into the newspaper boxes. So you don't even have to be
athletic!

Strategically, our highest priority is targeting Mark Stenglein, District
2 (north and NE Mpls, Golden Valley and Plymouth).  He is the most
vulnerable of the three.  We also have a chance of defeating Peter
McLaughlin, District 4 (South Mpls, east of I-35W, plus north of the river
and south of E. Hennepin).  Strategically, our lowest priority is Mike
Opat, District 1 (NW tip of Mpls, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park,
Robbinsdale, and most of Crystal and New Hope).  He is the least likely to
lose - though we shouldn't give up hope.

BUT, it's up to you where you want to go, depending on where you live, and
which Commissioner you are most passionate about.  Just tell us, and we'll
assign you an area with good voter turnout.

I know that many of you are already working hard on other campaigns, and I
don't want to take you away from that. But if you have some time and
energy to spare, please consider helping us.

Citizens Against Stadium Taxes is an independent political committee, not
connected to any candidate's campaign. Of course, our efforts help the
campaigns of these Commissioners' opponents, including Farheen Hakeem, the
Green Party opponent of Peter McLaughlin.

If you are curious what the literature says, I can email you a pdf.

Please help us bring accountability to these County Commissioners who so
richly deserve it.  It's not just revenge (though that would be sweet!).
It really matters for the future.

Here's what happens if we can defeat one or more of these
Commissioners:
The sales tax for the stadium will start on January 1, 2007.  The new
County Board, with any new members, takes office on January 2.  They CAN
repeal the tax!  (It would probably remain in effect for three months,
until the State ends it.)  The municipal bonds, the interest on which will
be paid by the tax revenues, are not going to be sold until March or April
of 2007.  If the stadium decision is reversed at the beginning of next
year, those bonds won't be sold, and we won't be locked into a 30-year tax
to repay them.  Actual construction on the stadium, as well as the land
purchase, won't be happening until later in the spring.  So that can be
avoided as well.  THIS ELECTION IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY TO AVOID THIS
30-YEAR TAX.  If we can stop it, we can spend our public resources on
PUBLIC purposes rather than on corporate welfare for a multi-billionaire!

Here's what happens if all three of these Commissioners are re-
elected:
The stadium proceeds.  But even more importantly, we will have sent a
terrible message: a green light for even more abuse.  More public money
for private profit, and more abuse of our democratic rights.  If they can
get away with this, just think what other, less publicized rip-offs they
can get away with.  And there may be some big ones:  there is already talk
of the Vikings building (or re- building) a stadium in Minneapolis.  How
much of our money, our public resources, might be stolen for THAT purpose?
It is dangerous to leave these guys in control of our finances.

If you can't volunteer time, we would appreciate donations to pay for the
literature.  Send whatever you can afford to:

Citizens Against Stadium Taxes   <--(make check out to C.A.S.T.)
6820 Wooddale Avenue South
Edina, MN  55346

There is not much time left.  Please help.  And thanks to those who have
already contributed time and energy to this cause - or to any of the
important political campaigns this year.

Dave Bicking 612-276-1213


--------14 of 19--------

From: Danene Provencher PRO826 [at] aol.com
Subject: Tired of GP candidates being shut out?

If you feel it is unjust that the Green Party candidates are shut out from
participating in their democracy and practicing their First Amendment
right by being excluded in debates and news articles, then contact the
following:

MPR debates - Papa John Kolstad and Dave Berger will not be allowed on.
Call Chris Worthington, program manager at 651-290-1299.  The criteria
keeps changing, they allowed Ken Pentel, Michael Cavlan and Jay Pond on.
Ken and Michael were allowed on with the other minor party candidates and
Jay was included on with the 3 major party candidates. You may want to
mention that you will be withholding your donation to MPR until this is
rectified.

League of Women Voters/KSTP, Channel 5 debates on Oct 29th, no Greens
included in the Governor broadcast from 6-7pm or the US Senate broadcast
from 7-8pm.
LWV - 651-224-5445
KSTP - 651-644-5450

Minnesota Daily, U of M newspaper, no mention of the Pentel/Provencher
campaign in the October 25th edition.
612-627-4080
Article written by Charley Bruce at _cbruce [at] mndaily.com_
(mailto:cbruce [at] mndaily.com)

posted by Danene Provencher Green Party of MN Lt. Governor candidate
_www.kenpentel.org_ (http://www.kenpentel.org)


--------15 of 19--------

From: Mark O'Melia <momelia [at] minn.net>
Subject: This is Papa John Kolstad. Any amount will help.

Hi. This is Papa John Kolstad. I am running for Attorney General with
Green Party endorsement.

I was included in the Almanac show that featured the Attorney General
Candidates and received raves for my presentation.  However, the sponsors
of the other debates have excluded Green Party Candidates.

I have an opportunity to place ads on various radio outlets and need some
help with the cost.

If you can help with the cost of these outreach efforts, please send money
to:

Papa John Kolstad for Attorney General
PO Box 6045
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Any amount will help

My web site is www.PapaJohnKolstad.org
Send your questions and comments to info [at] papajohnkolstad.org
<mailto:info [at] papajohnkolstad.org>


--------16 of 19--------

From: Joel Sipress <jsipress [at] charter.net>
Subject: Cavlan Letter in Duluth News-Tribune

The following letter ran in today's Duluth News-Tribune

Cavlan gives clear answers on Iraq issue

While some Democrats have had the courage to call for an end to the war in
Iraq, U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar continues to duck and evade the
issue. While issuing vague calls for a "change of course in Iraq," she
stubbornly refuses to set a date for the certain withdrawal of U.S.
troops. Despite the deteriorating situation in Iraq, she would allow our
soldiers to remain mired in that country's civil war until some
unspecified future date.

By contrast, Green Party candidate Michael Cavlan is crystal clear on this
issue - it is time to bring the troops home. No fudging. No hedging. No
playing both sides. In the U.S. Senate race, there's only one way to send
Washington a clear message that we want the troops brought home. That's to
vote Cavlan for Senate.

Vague criticisms of President Bush's war policies are no longer good
enough. The time for courage is now.


--------17 of 19--------

Voting our Principles
by Don Irish
Don Irish <donaldirish [at] yahoo.com>
Terry7irish [at] aol.com

In Tikkun (Summer 2000) I found an important article by Michael Lerner:
"Don't Vote Lesser Evil Politics." In what follows I will summarize by
quoting and paraphrasing Lerner, but without reference to specific
candidates.  Personally, I don't identify any candidates as evil; but the
consequences of some of their policies may be evil.

Many political progressives are conflicted about the November elections.
Lerner wants us "to encourage a national debate about the morality and
social consequences of 'lesser evilism' in politics."  By 'lesser evilism'
he means choosing the candidate "who will do the least harm rather than
choosing the candidate who comes closest to expressing your own views and
attitudes" out of fear that a worse candidate may win.

1)  Powerlessness corrupts - By "accepting the lesser evil we lose the
inner quality of soul that makes it possible to fight for anything against
the odds." This can lead us to accommodating evil on other occasions, "a
moral and spiritual corruption."

2)  Liberal and Progressive forces are disempowered - In accepting the
lesser evil argument we weaken democratic politics by supporting a wing of
the pro-corporate "Property Party" (our current system) when we believe in
neither wing.

3)  Winning is abandoned - Actually, you might win! If many operate on a
"we can't win" assumption we contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy. "By
not voting your conscience you are giving the media the justification it
seeks to ignore significant alternate views," marginalizing yourself.

4)  Consequences of the lesser evil winning are unknown - Getting
"snookered out" after elections has happened repeatedly to many of us.
Supreme Court appointments and international actions may not in fact
reflect a lesser evil.

5)  Lesser evilism weakens faith in democracy - If we repeatedly vote for
candidates in whom we do not believe, we end up feeling we are without
representation and "government itself feels less legitimate."

6)  Lesser evilists ignore how policies get shaped - "The key factor in
determining what happens in politics is the relative balance between
corporate power and popular mobilization for progressive ideals." The
dominant party will feel little pressure to satisfy progressives as long
as they know they can count on them to vote for them as the lesser evil.

7)  Voting for a lesser evil means abandoning those who share your
perspectives - When "you look around for allies for some visionary idea or
moral cause that inspires you, you will find fewer people ready to take
risks, because when they stood up for their ideals at election time you
weren't willing to support them." Voting for the lesser evil reinforces
despair about changing the system. We will "never win a society we believe
in unless we are willing to stand up and fight for it, even it in the
short run we lose some of our battles."

In sum, Lerner contends that we shouldn't throw our votes away by
"authorizing someone we don't believe in" to represent us. However you
vote, consider not only your choice at today's polls but how your decision
affects the choices all of us have in the future.

NORTH COUNTRY PEACE BUILDER, Vol. LI, No. #, September, 2000
Don Irish


--------18 of 19--------

[From somewhere on the internet; modified to include both corporate
parties -ed]

VOTE MAJOR PARTY

If you support endless war, Vote Major Party.

If you believe pre-emptive war is better foreign policy than diplomacy,
Vote Major Party.

If you support invading a country which did not threaten us, killing and
maiming thousands of our young people, and 100s of thousands of Iraqis,
making refugees of more than a million Iraqis, destroying Iraq's
infrastructure and culture, and costing billions of dollars, in order to
give control of the oil fields to four of our oil companies, Vote Major
Party.

And if you believe we should proceed to do the same to other Middle
Eastern countries, Vote Major Party.

If you believe we should impose democracy on other countries by force,
Vote Major Party.

If you believe we should overthrow or undermine leaders of other countries
who were democratically elected, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that we should model for the world what justice looks like
by denying prisoners of war, or detainees, fair trial, and by allowing
torture of same, Vote Major Party.

If you believe we should reduce benefits for Veterans, Vote Major Party.

If you believe our president should be appointed by Supreme Court instead
of elected by citizens, Vote Major Party.

If you think Voters' Rights means purging voter lists, disenfranchising
voters, and challenging voters at the polls, in violation of 14th
Amendment, Vote Major Party.

If you believe our election process, e.g., electronic voting, should
continue to be privatized, Vote Major Party.

If you think our elected legislators should be funded by corporations,
lobbyists, and other special interests, to which they are beholden, Vote
Major Party.

If you approve of legislators covering up for one another's egregious and
corrupt conduct, Vote Major Party.

If you think Social Security should be privatized, thereby enriching Wall
Street and making your retirement security subject to whims of stock
market, Vote Major Party.

If you approve of a prescription drug plan that provides billions of
dollars to pharmaceutical companies but offers questionable benefits to
senior citizens, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that government should not take a leading role in providing
health care and health insurance for every American, Vote Major Party.

If you believe in giving tax breaks and subsidies to corporations who
outsource American jobs to other countries, Vote Major Party.

If you believe in giving tax breaks and cutting estate taxes for the
Fortune 400, the billionaires in this country, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that giving further tax breaks to corporations and
corporate CEO's while refusing to raise the minimum wage for America's
workers is good for the country's economy, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that legislators who vote themselves a raise of over $3000
every year for 10 years (giving themselves over $160,000 for less than 100
days of work,) while denying an increase in the minimum wage from $5.15 an
hour (an annual income of $10,712), during the same time period is not
obscene, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that government should spend more on a prison system than
on an education system, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that government should take money from public schools for
private school vouchers, and should cut scholarships and grants, and
increase interest rates on student loans, for college students, Vote Major
Party.

If you believe that the government has a right to pry into your private
correspondence, by phone, email, or postal mail, or search your dwelling
or office without a warrant and without notifying you, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that government has a right to control what is said by the
press, by media, by posters and flyers, by webpage and bloggers, and by
tee-shirt, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that science is a hoax, and that warnings about global
warming, air and water pollution, loss of habitat, endangered species,
timber, etc., are propaganda, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that natural resources should be auctioned off for
exploitation by the highest bidder, or just given away, with no regard for
protection of the environment, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that major policy, such as that affecting energy, the
environment, and public health, should be made behind closed doors with no
input save by corporate CEO's, Vote Major Party.

If you believe that the most important moral values to be addressed by
legislation concern banning abortion, denying homosexual rights, banning
stem cell research, banning flag desecration, rather than eliminating
poverty by providing shelter, food, medical care, worker training and jobs
for the indigent, Vote Major Party.


--------19 of 19--------

 All the little Dems
 vote: hold nose, close eyes, stop ears,
 shut mouth, cross fingers.


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   rhymes with clove         Progressive Calendar
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