Today is the Empty Bowls Event at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 3930 Rahn Road in Eagan.
It runs from 11:00 A.M. -7 :00 P.M. This is the big fundraiser for the Eagan & Lakeville Resource Center.
Choose a handmade bowl, make a donation, and then have a meal of soup and bread.
I found this quote in my planner and think it serves as a good reminder for a successful existence.
Look up and not down;
Look forward and not back;
Look out and not in;
Lend a Hand.
Edward Everett Hale
Senator Amy Klobuchar delivered a powerful speech on domestic abuse at the 27th Annual Domestic Abuse Luncheon in Lakeville this afternoon. The fact that almost 300 people attended this event indicates the importance our community places on curtailing this harmful behavior. Senator Klobuchar and some of the other speakers commented on the changes that have taken place in the way domestic abuse has been handled over the years. She said Minnesota has been a leader that area and mentioned that the Lewis House in Eagan was the first of that type of shelter in the nation. She recalled how hard Paul and Sheila Wellstone worked to eradicate domestic abuse. Since becoming a U.S. Senator, Senator Klobuchar has championed legislation to help address the problems that still exist. We are truly fortunate to have someone so caring and talented representing us.
For photos and more details, please check out the 360 Communities website at 360Communities.org
I had the opportunity to attend a book discussion with Duchess Harris yesterday. She talked about the activities that prompted her to write BLACK FEMINIST POLITICS FROM KENNEDY TO OBAMA. It started when she at a college in Pennsylvania. She talked about a controversial event there and went on to give her perspective on other activities that occurred during that specific time period of her life. The book provides a means to broaden our view of history.
I had an exceptional afternoon. I toured the 1968 exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Center and then watched the History Theatre production of 1968: The Year That Rocked the World. Both presentations did a great job of summarizing a year that had an abundance of traumatic events. The music played by the band enhanced the drama. Throughout the play was an update on the number of people being killed in Vietnam.
The controversy caused by that war is similar to the controversy facing us by the current war situation-almost fifty years later. We are engaged in another war that divides the people in our country. At least now, we are not taking our frustrations out on the returning veterans. One lesson learned from that episode. The uplifting event was the flight of Apollo 8 and the reading from Genesis by the crew members from outer space.
A highlight was a discussion period afterward with Vice-President Mondale. He said it is a lot easier to not enter a war than to get out of one. He also commented on how the wars distract from the progress and justice activities that were happening in our country at the time the wars started. An example would be President Johnson’s Great Society. We are still dealing with extreme poverty, racism and civil rights issues.
We all get to live on this Earth for a very short time. Shouldn’t we do the best we can to share this Earth and at least leave it intact for those who will follow us?
Last night, DFL Senate District 38 had a very respectable turnout for its Precinct Caucus at Eagan High School. It is always fun to talk with people from your neighborhood. The mood was upbeat and attendees seemed intent on making changes that will help improve people’s lives and the way government is run. Resolutions to improve the job situation and the economy were among the items discussed. While some find it difficult to find time in a busy schedule to attend this event, it does provides a great opportunity for in-depth discussion with people in your community. This is what democracy is all about, this is real grassroots activity.
This morning I attended the Annual Meeting of TakeAction Minnesota, always a stimulating and educational experience. Larry Cohen, the President of the Communication Workers of America, gave the keynote address on restoring a broken democracy. We need to have a system that protects workers, protects voting rights, and a system that acknowledges the rights and dignity of the 99%. “We can’t wait for Obama to do what he promised. We can support him, but we need to organize to get what we want.”
Dan McGrath, TakeAction’s Executive Director, illustrated how the budget cuts are directly tied to voter suppression.
The Breakout Session on Voter Suppression concentrated on refuting the myths and lies that are used to push the harmful legislation that restricts voters’ rights forward. They are using fear tactics to divide us. It is about power! People in power are trying to restrict those who oppose them. Instead of broadening our voting base, they want to decrease it. In doing so, they will eliminate opposition. Voter ID is designed to make it harder for certain Minnesotans to vote: senior citizens, students, low-income, and persons of color. As proposed, even Military ID’s would not be recognized. We can’t let this happen. We need to protect the rights of voters.
The outrageous shift of financial resources to the 1% needs to be addressed. We need to protect everyone who works hard and allow them to reap the opportunities of their endeavors.
It is imperative that everyone understands the importance of education. I believe public education has been essential to the success our country has enjoyed and is key to our future success. A quote by FDR sums it up –
We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
Chris Matthews was the speaker at the Westminster Town Forum on December 8. The event was packed, standing room only. Afterwards, he signed copies of his new book, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero. He described Kennedy’s heroic actions after the destruction of his PT 109 boat and then went on to talk about the characteristics of leadership, particularly those of presidents. One comment that stands out, he wants leaders that “think like adults.” This hits home, because I think there are a number of elected officials who act as if they are playing a game. Their goal seems to be winning a position based on their personal viewpoint rather than arriving at a solution that will benefit the greater good.
One of Matthews’ heroes was Gene McCarthy. In 1967, he was “the only one looking out for us.”
In his closing remarks on the 2012 Presidential Election, he said “I hope the young will vote this time.” If Obama wins, then it means it is about the future.
I agree. The young definitely need to be part of the process if they want to ensure a better future for themselves than is possible with all the current economic problems. I have encouraged the younger members of our community to get engaged in government previously and I look forward to using my experience to help them shape a world that makes sense to them as we go forward. I have confidence that the younger generation has the intellect and the enthusiasm to truly make a significant change, a positive change.
The program will be played on MPR on Monday.
