[Mpls] Blimp above Minneapolis
I am pretty sure that The blimp is an Ad Campaign for the Oprha Winfrey show. She is currently running a campaign to find and arrest child molesters. Her slogan is Enough is enough! That phrase also appears on the blimp. I believe she is planning a trip to Minneapolis as there are a huge number of convicted child molestors residing in Minneapolis. Reverend Carly Swirtz Minneapolis, Midtown REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Hints for living in the "Hood"
In response to Dyna's viewpoint on living in the hood: I understand Dyna's point of view, It can be easy to feel that way sometimes.But something can be done about it! The solution is to get to know your neighbors and form a successful block club. I lived in Hawthorn for 12 years on 21st and Aldrich No. We had 5 crack houses and a "safe" house for the Vice Lords all on one block! We had drive-bys,shots fired into houses and some of my neighbors (including myself) received threats of physical violence. I am a firm beliver in controlling your environment rather than having it control you. I put together a 7 step block club organizing program called Project Peace, and organized my neighbors. Within 3 months we had a "going away party for the drug dealers." (all 6 were gone,) When I moved to Phillips, my friends used to tell me that I moved out of the worst neighborhood in Minneapolis just to move into one that was even worse. Well as Dennis Plante so wisely said: "I'd like to add that because we're all individuals, we all interpret and react to situations in different ways." Our block started having major drug dealing that culminated in shots fired into a neighbors house. Again, I implimented my program and in a few short months, we had our neighborhood back again. There are problems everywhere. Yes, they tend to be more concentrated in some neighborhoods and the term "containment zones" is fairly accurate. BUT it is fixable. There is a lot of power in organized groups. The key is to remain positive and not come at it from the viewpoint that you hate the criminal elements. Understanding and communication is the key and in the process you will find that many individuals that were behaving badly are now willing to change. I am currently refining my program for the city of Buffalo NY...so it has been on my mind and I wanted to share this information after reading Dyna's upset with her neighborhood. Things can change for the better! Sincerely, Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] No bus!
I am sorry to put a damper on all our bus riders, but I do not ride the bus. I wear many hats & jobs that require traveling to places like Duluth, Grand Marais, Ham Lake etc. So I have always had a car. I used to ride the bus about 20 years agoif that counts! Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] (no subject)
Chris Johnson wrote: ...There's really only a very few major grocery retailers in the area. Cub, Lunds, Kowalskies and Byerlys are all owned by SuperValu. So the real retailers with broad coverage are SuperValue, Rainbow, Target and Walmart, I believe Kowalskis is an independant grocery chain. They actually bought out all of the former GJ'S SuperValues. Dyna Sluyter wrote: ...Better service maybe, but quality, no- Kowalski's is pretty much supplied by the same warehouses as Cub and Super Valu I work at the Lyndale Kowalskis in the deli, and I agree that our customer service and satisfaction far surpasses any other grocery store, including Lunds or Byerlys. As far as quality of product, Dyna is right that many items are purchased from the same warehouses as most major grocery chains. However Kowalskis also provides many unique products from small business entrepreneurs. They also provide a wider range of selection and quality in many items that you will not find at Cub or Rainbow. Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Violence and psychiatric drugs
Louise Bouta wrote: Meanwhile, the papers are full of the struggle to understand why so many high-school shooters and why people kill their babies or turn on their parents or police or others. Lump in with these the unlucky judge who slapped a boy. The papers refuse to print the news that one thing the killers have in common is their use of the psychiatric drugs. The boys in Columbine were using the antidepressants SSRIs. That was no secret in 1999. Since then, many million-dollar lawsuits have been won against Eli Lilly, the maker of Prozac, by many people who had never been depressed before but who turned violent after taking the SSRIs for a few weeks, or after trying to get off them. This news is not printed in the mainstream media but is well-known, even though the legal settlements are secret. No longer do the papers say the shooter "had a history of mental illness." Many of us would assume that that would indict the drugs. They are very addictive. For one of the recent shooters, it was reported once that he was being tested for a split personality. As one too familiar with the mental health system, I am sure that he was being given psychiatric drugs as part of the testing Very valid points Louise. If more people were aware of the damaging effects of neuroleptic and psychotropic drugs, we could greatly reduce violence in our society. It is not just the street drugs that make our cities unsafe. Keep up the good work! Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Smoke Alarms
Bill Cullen wrote: I have seen many questions about housing. Smoke detectors are required in all Mpls housing (owner occupied too). Ordinance 244.915 outlines the requirements. Look out Dyna. :) As a landlord, I inspect every unit twice per year. I find many of the smoke detectors are disabled. The battery is removed and the electrical connections are unplugged. I suspect this is due to false alarms, but am unsure. I have unplugged smoke detectors at my own home when dinner goes awry. But, I always hook them back up when the air clears. Do some folk just not understand the need/value?. This is for any of you out there that may know of someone that does not have smoke detectors or have some that are disabled. I have a very good friend that lives in Two Harbors MN. She lived in rental property with no smoke alarms. Last month, her house burnt down killing her 7 year old daughter. The fire started in the attic and the rest of the family was downstairs, with the exception of her daughter whose bedroom was over the attic. Had their been working smoke alarms, they could have saved Tajanna. I realize this isn't a Twin cities post, but it light of the current thread on smoke alarms, I wanted to put in my pitch for their need! Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Behaviors of "poor people"
Jim Mork wrote: ... Part of the reason impacted neighborhoods are the way they are is the condition people are in who fall into them. And you just can't run away from dysfunctional patterns. And you just can't run away from dysfunctional patterns. When I moved, my wife and I were doing rather well. In fact, THAT was why we COULD move. Had we been addicted, lazy, depressed, or any of a host of other personal problems, it might have trapped us where we were.. The POOR, on the other hand, think voting is someone else's job. They vote less than anyone else on the planet. So when you TRY to save their programs, you never plan that they will be there helping. A LIBERAL is someone who finds that "understandable" and excuses it. ...But watch the brickbats fly my way from certain totally dependable here because I have butchered their sacred cows Jim, I am in quite good condition and although I am quite a free spirited individual thinker, I have no dysfunctional patterns! The majority of my friends and neighbors do not fit into your sterotype either. I live in Phillips because I choose to do so, not because I am trapped here! While we do have our problems, we are also changing conditions for the better on a daily basis. I am not in the business of throwing brickbats Jim, but I have noticed that many of your posts seem to make many generalizations about what you consider to be "poor people." Their are good and bad behaviors in all classes of individuals. Unsociable behaviors can be found in Kenwood as well as what you term the "poorer neighborhoods." People try and survive the best that they can. Perhaps the challenges are more difficult when there is less income to assist ones journey, but the majority of people are caring, hardworking individuals. There is a small percentage of people that have criminal or antisocial behaviors. Unfortunately, these people make it difficult for the rest of us, but they are not in the majority. And they certainly do not all live in poor neighborhoods! Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Thanks David!
I would just like to thank David Brauer for the time and energy that he devotes to managing this list. I have moderated lists in the past for other lists, and I know that it can be a thankless job sometime. So how about we stop this ridiculous criticism of our list manager and simply let him do his job? I would guess that his volunteer duties would be a little easier if he wasn't having to respond to criticism, explain or defend himself! Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Higher costs in the city
Jim Mork wrote: "Carly Swirtz is going to have to expand on her claim that the same stores vary their prices in suburban stores." Acyually I do not "have" to expand on my claim, but I am more than happy to! My remark was based on personal experience over the years. While I would enjoy saving money on groceries, I prefer to shop in local stores as much as possible to support neighborhood business. I used to work out by a Cub in Edina, so occasionally I would shop there out of convience. The cost difference on many items was consistantly lower there on many items. I would notice things like canned vegetables. The Edina cub sold them 4 for $1. I mentioned it to my daughter, and she asked me to pick some up for her. I went to the Cub Foods by Minnehaha Mall. They had the same brand 2 for $1. I asked the manager why their store prices were higher than the Cub in Edina. He told me that they had to charge more because of the cost of operating in the neighborhood. Things such as shoplifting and the cost of hiring additional security when needed. Which is understandable business practice. It is somewhat of a catch 22. Insurance rates and goods must be priced higher to offset the crime rate. It is also unfortunate because the hard working honest individuals in the neighborhood (and there are MANY!) must take the hit or outside their neighborhood to shop. Rev, Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips I checked the Sperling site. According to their figures, food actually is slightly higher in Blaine than in Minneapolis. http://www.bestplaces.net/html/ccecon.asp?lstat=MN&lcity=2706382&rstat =MN&rcity=2743000 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Neighborhood mailing lists
Jason Stone | Hale Said: "I would appreciate some information from Mr. Thai on the motive and mission for the mailing lists he is promoting. Does it have any affiliation to any community organizations or government? Who set it up? Who manages it? Will it be around tomorrow or the day after?" Goodness Jason! Sounds like a government Interrogation! I would like to commend Thomas for all the time, work and creativity that he has invested towards his project. It sounds like an excellent tool for others to take advantage of. (and we can use all the tools we can get!) Thanks Thomas! Rev. Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] neighborhood discrimination
While the list is on the subject of rich vs poor neighborhoods,there is another interesting type of discrimination that occurs. Individuals that live in what some classify as a "poor neighborhood" ultimetely end up paying more for goods and services than someone in a "richer neighborhood." If you were to compare prices in an inner city Cub Food store verses one in the suburbs, you would find the inner city store has higher prices. I know someone who's address changed from The Phillips neighborhoos to Blaine and their insurance rates dropped by $1,200 a year. Her agent informed her it was because of the change of address. Reverend Carly Swirtz REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] response to Tamir & general post.
Tamir, I think it is awesome that your son is doing so well in his school! My post did not incinuate that all inner city schools are bad. As I pointed out, my experience was many years ago and I do know that there are many great programs out there. Tamir wrote: This year, some of the schools have adopted an authoritarian attitude toward the students with things like uniforms or dress codes or "crackdowns on classroom behavior." I think this is simply the first step in teaching young people to accept fascism, preparing them to accept prison like conditions, and forcing them not to question authority, even when it's legitimate. I think kids get a terrible message when they are not encouraged to be individuals, to dress as they would. I think it's very dangerous for school boards to be making statements that demean individual rights...yes, even the rights of children. Of course children have rights! I also have taught many children and encourage them to be individuals. How else will they learn their path in life? There is certainly nothing wrong with allowing kids to be themselves. But there is something to be said for reasonable taste and common sense also. Fascism and prison conditions? Those terms seem a bit strong. Kids can be individuals and still dress in an acceptable manner. Excuse me for being crass, but I do not see how showing your butt crack in school can make for a more pleasurable learing experience for yourself or others!. Education prepares our children to aquire the skills necessary to become successful in life. What an individual wears should not necessarily tetermine the attitude that others have towards them. But lets face it, it does. Ones appearance has much to do with their ability to find a job and inneract with others. This is what I observed in the classrooms I saw: approximately 1/4 of the students spend their time talking amongst themselves, putting on make up, drinking pop and disrespecting the teachers. The rest of the students attempted to get an education in an extremely disruptive environment. Minneapolis and Saint Paul schools are facing massive budget cuts and classrooms are adding more students per teacher. There is nothing wrong with putting order into an learning environment. If this interferes with the rights of some, perhaps that is a good thing. How can we expect teachers to actually teach if others blatently attempt to sabatoge them? Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] (no subject)
Peter T Schmitz wrote: ...Do Minneapolis public schools allow pop and candy machines in their buildings in order to increase revenues? I've also read about high fat foods like pizza and freedom fries being sold at extra cost in school cafeterias. I hope this isn't happening here in Minneapolis I agree with your viewpoint and concern Peter. I home schooled my daughters for many years and had them in a small private school in exchange for my teaching art and drama. When they got to high school age, 2 of my daughters wanted to try public school. Immediately I started hearing stories about students out of control. In one case a math teacher was harassed so badly that he walked out and was replaced by a gym teacher for the remainder of the semester. I decided to find out what was going on and became involved in their parent organization. Then I started observing many classrooms, and they were much the same. What I saw appalled me. Students talking amongst themselves, disrespecting the teacher etc. Not only were pop and candy machines readily available, but kids were allowed to drink pop, eat candy & chew gum in the classroom! Another disturbing aspect was the lack of any dress code. Short skirts, low cut tops, droopy pants. I saw more underware than a Victorias Secret store! I even saw a couple of guys wearing long black capes. Not all the students were dressed that way. It was obvious that some students were there to try and get an education, but the behavior of the others simply caused intimidation and disruption. The education of our children is suffering because schools have become so caught up in individual rights. Something we can thank Lawyers for. Rules and regulations are part of life. How can we expect children to adapt to the real word and learn respect for others when we set such a bad example in our schools? One hears every day about budget cuts in education and students moving into private schools. Is it any wonder? My daughters are all young adults now and policies concerning what I described above may now have changed. I certainly hope so. If not, I urge parent organizations to do what is necessary to safeguard their children's environment. After all, Children are our future. If we want healthy, well adjusted adults, we need to educate them and set some positive examples. I commend those of you on this list that are trying to make these changes! Rev Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: How do lawyers find out
Barb Lickness wrote: ...I just got home from work to find 3 letters from attorneys in my mail addressed to my son. My son unfortunately got hit by a van on Labor Day Eve. He is o.k. Had him checked out by all the medical and dental folks My belief is that some lawyers (or their represenatives) and insurance agents must drive around looking for work. I remember many years ago, our next door neighbors had a fire in their home. They were gone and I called the fire department.Within 10 minutes from the time the call was made, 2 insurance agents and a lawyer showed up with their cards. These guys did not know my neighbors and did not represent them. Pretty tacky, but must be business as usual. Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Environmental Attitudes
Connie Nompelis Ventura Village wrote: So I'll stop complaining now, but does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is this a psychological thing related to poor neighborhoods? I think it's not just the people living here, and it's not just kids. (They have kids in Kenwood, right??) I'm convinced that there is a deeper root to this issue, and perhaps many.. My belief Connie, is that it is a matter of setting a good example. Parents and neighbors in "better" neighborhoods (and I use the term loosely!) tend to keep their spaces clean. They teach their children to respect their environment. Now I am NOT saying that parents and individuals in other neighborhoods do not do this. There are many people that do. Unfortunately, in the poorer neighborhoods, we have a much higher rate of rental properties. Many run by slum lords that make no effort to maintain or improve their properties. The renters in turn, accept the conditions have no sense of pride in their environment. When papa throws a bottle in the yard, the kids assume that it is ok. This can be remedied by neighbors making a conscience effort to pick up their neighborhoods. Setting such examples can be contagious. I have seen it many times over the years. When I was with The Aldrich Ave North Block Club (and currently with the 10th & 11th Avenue Block Club.) We would have neighborhood clean ups followed by a party. After a few of these, each time becomes easier because you find less trash. Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Tree Carving & response to Barbars Murry
Dear Annie, Thank you for your answer by the head of Forestry. I guess that answers the question. Thanks for all the responses. It was a great idea Thomas. I understand the concerns about possible vandalism, but that is a risk with any thing. My viewpoint is that one should continue to create his environment in a positive manner in spite of negative actions. This sends a message to the perp that their behavior has little effect. For example, our block club (10th & 11th Avenue in Midtown) has always covered graffiti as soon as it appears. We rarely have it now. I feel that the cities viewpoint of not allowing carving on public trees could be questioned. Perhaps it could be allowed on an individual basis, Block Clubs could request a tree stump carving with the design approved by the city. In response to Barbara Murry's post: I truely am curious, what do you folks think is important? The inane topics discussed on this forum are so disgustingly PC! An employee of a friend of mine is still unconscious at HCMC. He is a "blue collar" guy, he is a caretaker. He was beaten into a coma (allegedly) by strangers over a week ago. This is the strangest forum, dancing around evil, not taking it seriously. Instead you argue about who gets what from what government agency, how you or your "hood" are not given the proper respect. I understand your frustration Barbara. I have no doubt that most everyone else on this list does also. Much action and positive change has occurred within our city as a result of dedicated community members over the years. Unfortunately, positive changes can not happen overnight. Some things require lengthy process especially when government and budget concerns are involved. However that does not mean that community members do not try, and in many instances succeed. I live in the inner city by choice. No where else can you experience such diversity. We have challenges, but we also have a great number of caring and positive individuals. It is easy for some people to just give up and become apathetic about the world around them. Some believe that there is nothing they can do, this couldn't be further from the truth. There is power in numbers. You have a right to be angry. But I have no doubt that you can use that force to create a positive change. Keep posting, meet with area block clubs, CCP Safe etc. Please do not give up, that is what the crime element wants! Yes some of the issues on this forum may seem petty at times, but we all are looking to improve things, and would welcome your suggestions and help! Much Love, Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown, Phillips TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Art trees!
--- "Thomas T. Thai" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I've seen many trees with the orange band marked to be cut. Couldn't we leave about 10' of the trunk from the root up, so neighborhoods could work together and carve some nice statues? Something like that could last for decades to come, and bring neighbors together. Could the potential liability to the city make this not worth looking into? Excellent idea Thomas! We can always use a little more aesthetics in our communities! Does anyone have any ideas on how this can occur? I would imagine we do have to check to find out how to make sure any disease is handled. I know of several excellent chain saw artists in the Duluth area that may be willing to do some as PR. I am also certain we have any capable artists in the Twin Cities. We could have plaques made with their names. Perhaps some NRP money could be made available for such projects. It certainly would set our city apart from others' even get national media! Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown Phillips TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] My simple rule for successful organizing
Reading over the various comments and conflicting descriptions of Ventura Villages recent meeting, brought back some interesting memories of years of neighborhood meetings. I have belonged to and helped form various neighborhood organizations and groups over the years in the Phillips neighborhood. The players may change, but much of the behavior remains the same. Everyone has a viewpoint, personal agenda or reason for attending a meeting. However, issues can be only constructively addressed when there is civil behavior and respect for each viewpoint. We have lost the participation of many valuable indivduals over the years as a result of anti social behavior in meetings. Yelling, name calling etc. Only serves to alienate people who honestly want to improve conditions in their community. Although I do not necessarily agree with Roberts Rules of order all the time, there must be some form of organization. If an issue is to be addressed, it needs to be added to the agenda and addressed in turn. To insist otherwise results in chaos. If individuals would learn to leave their egos at the door and simply be willing to communicate with respect perhaps we can begin to effectively address the many issues facing our neighborhood. Reverend Carly Swirtz Midtown Phillips resident TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
