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Conservative? Hardly

by Michael Russelle

We heard a lot about "conservative values" before the election, and most Americans apparently agree on the fundamentals. But Republican actions and policies hardly reinforce these values.

Allowing the federal budget deficit to balloon is not conservative. It's reckless. It threatens the nation's economic stability.

It was reckless for President Bush to lead us into war with Iraq and to send our troops into harm's way with inadequate armor, insufficient personnel, and faulty strategic planning.

It's also reckless to keep Americans constantly on edge about nonexistent problems. And these are just a few of the cavalier – not conservative – ventures on which Republicans have embarked.

The Social Security system is not on the verge of bankruptcy. Committed adult relationships do not threaten community. Curtailing civil liberties does not perserve freedom.

These radical policies and their extremist proponents do not deserve to be called conservative. Label them what they are – simply reckless.

Letters From Readers, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Dec. 9, 2004


Cover Kucinich

by Michael Russelle

Although an apparent misprint in the Feb. 5 Star Tribune gave Rep. Dennis Kucinich a strong win in New Mexico, it reflects the hopes of most progressives. More important, it raises the issue of thorough campaign coverage.

I was a doubter about Kucinich until I read his platform -- he speaks to all the important issues: equal rights, fair pay, corporate responsibility, cooperative global leadership, universal medical care, educational excellence.

No other candidate in his party has such a comprehensive and forward-looking platform.

Kucinich deserves more attention from the media, the main source of information about the candidates for the majority of Americans.

Letters to the Editor, Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 9, 2004


Common Good

by Burna Krugler

When I first heard about Fair and Clean elections, I was immediately excited by the possibilities. It suggests imagining a system where legislative and public office candidates run on the ideas and beliefs they hold, rather than representing special interests. Gives me hope.

A candidate free of special-interest ties has ears to hear the needs of all his and her constituents, opeing the possibility that the common good can become the focus of policy and decision-making.

Imagine such a world!

Letters to the Editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Feb. 5, 2004

Commentary – Join the Caucus Race

By Barbara Scott Murdock and Gordon R. Murdock
St. Anthony Park Neighbors for Peace

You can influence the outcome of the next election – and you can do it long before November. How? By attending your precinct caucus on Tuesday, March 2, at 7:00 PM.

Precinct caucuses are the grassroots base for Minnesota's major political parties. They're the most local of a series of party conventions that, in presidential election years, culminate with the national party conventions.

If you're a citizen, a precinct resident, at least 18 years old by November 2, 2004, and not an active member of a rival political party, you can take part in your party's precinct caucus. You can simply show up, sign in, and vote for delegates who support your favorite candidate or issue. Or you can seek to be a precinct officer or a delegate to the legislative district convention. From there, you can become a delegate to the congressional district convention, state convention, and, in presidential election years, national convention.

At a caucus, you'll find well informed advocates for candidates and issues. So, while you should try to learn as much as you can before you come, a caucus is a great place to learn more and listen to other people's arguments. If you want to promote a candidate or an issue, this is the place. A caucus is not a party insider event-it's a gathering where you can learn more, have an effect, and have fun. Many friends and neighbors will be there.

Each major Minnesota party-DFL, Green, Independence, Republican-will hold precinct caucuses. If you attend a caucus as a voting participant, you sign a statement that you support its party and candidates. If you're not sure which party you support, call the parties and ask for literature. Or look on the web (see below).

Each caucus must carry out four tasks:

  1. Elect a caucus chair and precinct officers to do campaign work, fund raising, and organization for the next two years;


  2. Hold a presidential preference ballot.


  3. Elect delegates and alternates to the legislative district conventions; delegates chosen at the caucuses go on to debate and vote on candidates and issues at the district convention and choose the delegates who will proceed to the next level.


  4. Debate and select resolutions relevant to state and national issues that might be addressed by legislation.


Electing Delegates

Here's where things get interesting. Nominees for delegate support particular candidates and issues. You'll want to know their qualifications and their reasons for supporting a particular candidate or issue. Ask the chair if each one might make a statement and answer questions. If you want to run, have a short statement ready.

Then it's time to select delegates. Caucuses may do it differently. If there is a contest, some caucuses vote by secret ballot. Others have a "walking caucus," in which potential delegates walk across the room to form groups for particular candidates or issues. Because each precinct has a set number of delegates, candidates with very weak support wash out quickly. If a subcaucus group doesn't have enough people to entitle it to a delegate, it dissolves and its members throw their support to a stronger candidate or issue.

Some delegates from each caucus serve on committees (Rules, Credentials, Resolutions) to plan the next convention. Serving on a committee is a great way for new delegates to get acquainted with the political process-so let your caucus chair know if you'd like to serve. In most cases, people who want to work get to work.

Presidential Preference Ballot

This year, Minnesota requires a straw poll in the caucuses. In the DLF party, this year's balloting results will be binding. The proportion of delegates allocated to each presidential candidate at the Democratic National Convention will reflect the statewide results of the presidential balloting held in the precinct caucuses. Candidates who get less than 15 percent of the balloting will not receive delegates. , In the Green and Independence parties, the straw poll will not be binding. The Republican Party has already chosen its presidential candidate.

Resolutions

People who attend a caucus also introduce, debate, and vote on resolutions-their recommendations for planks in the party's platform.

Have you an issue you'd like to see in the party platform? Bring copies of a statement-around 50-100 words-that you can nominate as a resolution. Come early so you'll have time to lobby others to support your candidate or resolution. Resolutions that survive to the state or national conventions become planks in the party's platform.

Keep in Mind

Democracy is something we do, not something we have. To keep it in shape, lots of us need to show up, participate at some level, and make a difference.

When, Where, & How Can I Find Out More?

Caucuses are the first Tuesday in March at 7:00 PM. This year, that's March 2. Precinct locations will be announced after February 11. You can go to your party's web site or call the county auditor or party headquarters to find out where your caucus will be. Party phone numbers are:
  • DFL: 651-293-1200 or 1-800-999-7457;
  • Green Party of Minnesota: 612-871-4585;
  • Independence Party: 651-487-9700;
  • Republican Party: 651-222-0022.
  • The Ramsey county elections office number is 651-266-2171.
  • If you have more questions, you can call the Ramsey County auditor's office at 651-296-2803.


Web Sites for More Information

Reprinted with permission of the Park Bugle, January, 2004

Personal Protection Act

by Paul Bloom

The so-called Personal Protection Act will result in decreased personal security for most of us and decreased property rights for owners of businesses open to the public.

This bill prohibits businesses and organizers of public events from excluding people who carry handguns. This includes churches, hospitals, museums, athletic stadiums, bars and restaurants. If a business owner or event organizer prefers that people with pistols leave them at the door, the business owner must invest in individual secure lockers for each handgun; he or she must also assume complete liability for the checked guns.

Property owners and event organizers are expressly prohibited from charging a fee for storing a gun. If a person with a gun would choose not to check the gun, the violator could be fined only $25, and the police are prohibited from confiscating the gun. The penalty provides little incentive for compliance.

Will taxpayers be saddled with extra security costs for government buildings? Sports facilities? What about increased insurance and security costs at bars and halls that are rented for private parties where alcohol is served? Why do those of us who are uneasy in the presence of people who need a gun to give them a feeling of power have to pay the costs?

Letters to the Editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 7, 2003