Author Archives: Sandy

The documentary Miss Representation sends a very strong message about the way the media and advertising demean women.  It states that this has a strong negative impact on the way girls develop and inhibits them from reaching their potential. While this information … Continue reading →

The fact that S&P recently lowered Minnesota’s rating should come as no surprise to anyone paying attention to Minnesota’s budget problems.  The state had warnings that one time fixes and low reserves endangered its prestigious position.  Yet, this year the  … Continue reading →

Labor Day, a day set aside to honor workers.  One resource states that in economics, labor is one of the three basic resources, along with land and capital, that contribute to a nation’s production and economic growth.  Given that definition, … Continue reading →

Exciting news from Governor Dayton’s Office.  He is taking a leadership role to expand broadband coverage in Minnesota. The better access that Minnesota has, the more competitive it will be in the global marketplace. I carried the bill in the … Continue reading →

It will be a while before Minnesota lives down the shutdown and the dysfunctional behavior of our elected officials this year.  Too many of our legislators chose to concentrate on their peculiar philosophies rather than the image and the well-being  … Continue reading →

The good news is that the state of Minnesota is working again.  The bad news is that the settlement involves  irresponsible shifts and borrowing.   I had hoped this destructive behavior would stop once we had  a new governor.  The state … Continue reading →

The government shutdown in Minnesota is getting national attention.  View the  New York Times article on ” Antitax Controversy in Minnesota.”    This is hardly welcome attention.    The writer clearly brings out the negative outcomes associated with the antitax obsession. Knowing … Continue reading →

A meeting took place  on Thursday evening in Eagan to discuss the state shutdown. Senator Daley, Rep. Anderson, and Rep. Wardlow were invited, but eventually they declined. It was held in the mezzanine room in the arena and about 130 people … Continue reading →

The question about who controls the Republican Party is worth debating.   I know I am being repetitious, but those that  seem to be making the calls now are either extremists or eccentric.  The reasonable or rational members have left or … Continue reading →

Recently Senator David Hann (R)  expressed his dissatisfaction with the Archbishop’s concerns about budget cuts and the  impact on the poor.   The MPR summary provides details on the exchange.   Bottom line, it is okay when the Archbishop agrees with him, … Continue reading →