BY DIANE J. PETERSON AND JOHN KOLSTAD Our Minnesota Legislature keeps allowing ever-increasing billions of our tax funds to pay private corporations to manage the health care of people who cannot afford their own medical care. However, most legislators and patients do not comprehend how this government function operates. On…
BY ED FELIEN The Star Tribune missed an opportunity to fully explain the extent of Donald Trump’s connection to the white supremacy movement when it published “Trump denial strikes familiar tone; Professing ignorance on Hitler similar to remarks about Klan, QAnon, Proud Boys” by Jill Colvin on Dec. 28. They…
BY LARRY A. ETKIN While I certainly agree with Ed Felien’s statements that most Palestinians and Israelis want nothing other than peace (commentary in “News” section, December 2023 issue) I’d disagree with his ultimate concluding solution to the problems. The creation of a single nation across the region, whatever it…
Koski abolishes Ward 11 meetings I was at the Ward 11 “Public Safety Meeting” last night. Council Member Koski denied all opportunities for her constituents to ask about or present any community problem. The constituents were forbidden from raising a hand and asking a question. “Ward meetings” are abolished. Koski…
Using less phosphorus improves water quality There is a huge problem across Minnesota: algae in our lakes, ponds and other bodies of water – specifically, Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet, which in the past was very healthy and rarely had problems with harmful algae. The algae I am referring to is blue-green…
Opioid crisis preparedness In the past 20 years, the fentanyl epidemic has markedly expanded. Both the “Just Say No” and “D.A.R.E.” educational models from the past are inadequate to meet our societal needs. While preventing drug use is the ideal, the reality is that some people will continue to use…
Ward 8 election analysis – a socialist’s view Soren Stevenson came so close. Was all our work wasted? To come within 38 votes of winning the 8th Ward was a heroic effort, against long odds. Jenkins is a long-term incumbent backed by the mayor, as well as by big corporate…
BY DEBRA KEEFER RAMAGE Openings and closings – I spoke too soon? Last time I mentioned that these were becoming less frequent, and I might drop this section, but then the end of the year (or something) caused a rebound. A Bar of Their Own, a sports bar that shows…
BY KAY SCHROVEN “It’s not the strongest of the species that survive but the most adaptable.” – Charles Darwin Chris Montana and his wife Shanelle of Du Nord Social Spirits are a living example of Darwin’s theory. When Du Nord’s well-laid plans were interrupted in 2020 because of the global…
