Calling all visual artists creating self-portraits! Lanesboro Arts is inviting artists to submit an application for inclusion in the upcoming “Spitting Image” exhibition, a juried self-portrait group show which will run February 9 – April 6, 2019. Visual artists working in a variety of mediums, such as sculpture, painting, drawing and photography, are welcome to apply. Both 2D … [Read more...]
Response to Herb Panko commentary
Jeff Coleman I found Herb Panko’s article in the July 16 issue to be a head-scratcher for many reasons. Panko states that we live “in the midst of two alarming trends.” He names these as uncivilized discourse in politics, taken to an extreme in Trump, and second, that the Christian Right supports Trump. His article is half ripping Trump and half ripping the Christian Right, … [Read more...]
Food and flowers
It’s been a wild year for my garden, that’s for sure. After installing a new garden box, the plants have taken off no doubt juiced by the brand new benefits of fresh soil and fertilizer. Sadly, the crazy amount of growth isn’t always good for everyone, as some of our lettuce has gotten so prosperous that it’s too big and essentially useless. The leaves are so bitter the rabbits … [Read more...]
Jobs and social justice: An undeniable connection
Last quarter, the U.S. economy grew at 4.1%. Many of the “experts” insisted 4% growth could never be achieved again. • CNN on 10/11/16; “ Trump promises 4% growth. Economists say no way.” • Wall Street Journal 1/26/17; “Donald Trump’s 4% growth target is easier said than done.” • L A Times 5/19/17; “ If Trump thinks he can get more than 3% economic growth, he’s … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Let the free market decide
I keep hearing chatter about raising the minimum wage from $9.65 per hour to $15.00 per hour. That’s greater than a 55% increase! Now, I do believe an increase in minimum wage is warranted, but maybe keeping pace with the rate of inflation makes a little more sense. Maybe a 2.5% to 4% increase in the minimum wage each year would be more sensible. I remember more than 25 … [Read more...]
SMIF stakeholders on the bus: Regional bus tour visits Olmsted, Steele and Dodge counties
An event I look forward to each year is Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) Annual Bus Tour. SMIF staff, board and colleagues spent the day visiting partners who are making a difference in their community. We use this time to hear from stakeholders and listen to community leaders. This is the fourth year of our bus tour and we traveled to the center of our … [Read more...]
By grace are ye saved
By Aaron Swartzentruber Greenleafton, MN “Knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16) The cults and religions of the world all … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate…Collaborative Competition
When I was in elementary and middle school, I felt I thrived in my independence from others and would usually study and practice writing, geography, and math by myself or with my family (whom I consider an extension of myself). Any time there was an exam or quiz, I was in strict competition to have the highest grade every time. I was in chess club until I could be in cross … [Read more...]
Why is the Russian Investigation important?
By Kevin Kelleher Houston, MN Well, we’ve just finished celebrating Independence Day. After all the fireworks and flag waving it’s probably time to look deeper into the “Independence” part. Is the USA truly “independent” when a foreign country has invaded our sacred election process? The latest Indictments of 12 Russian operatives show beyond a shadow of a doubt that … [Read more...]
How to get involved
Back in 1883, Teddy Roosevelt wrote an essay on what it takes to be a true American citizen. He did not mince words. “The people who say that they have not time to attend to politics are simply saying that they are unfit to live in a free community,” he wrote. “Their place is under a despotism.” He went on: “The first duty of an American citizen, then, is that he shall work in … [Read more...]