Anti-Establishment's Profile

Located in: Rochester, MN

Current Status: (Offline)

Total Comments: 15

Latest Comments

• The choice of Muslim head scarf reflects being American, say women

  Interesting story.  Thanks for sharing, Leila. 

  I am happy to see many immigrants who maintain their cultural and religious traditions and don’t become Western-ized.  While I agree that everyone should work, pay taxes and abide by laws, I do not expect full cultural assimilation.  I cannot imagine being forced to leave my home, effectively losing it for a long period of time (maybe forever), as many individuals who immigrated (or, most likely, were refugees) from Islamic nations must face.  It’s about respect and not perpetuating stereotypes (like some of those that I see demonstrated above). 

  03/14/2010 1:34 PM
• Editorial: Time to close legislator-to-lobbyist door

  Frank: well said!  Your points are excellent and I also support the PB’s analysis. 

  AverageJoe: there are term limits - constituents voting incumbents out of office!  Remember, these individuals are supposed to represent you.  If constituents are unengaged, don’t vote and do not campaign for challengers, that is a culture of apathy caused by the constituents’ disinterest.  If people want change in their elected officials, get involved and MAKE change in your elected officials!  We don’t need more laws on the books to substitute for apathy.

  Bench rider: No lobbyists?  Really?  Are you sure that you understand the role of an advocacy organization?  Depending on a lobbyist’s organization, they may represent the interests of an individual organization or a group of similar organizations (for example, hospitals).  Lobbyists do MUCH more than schmooze legislators.  Their organizations do research on topics, monitor similar issues nationwide, survey the views of those they represent, educate decision makers and much more.  Without lobbyists, policy makers dealing with conflicting interests would have an exceptionally difficult time educating themselves on complex issues.  Lobbyist organizations synthesize research, opinion and national trends for legislators - it is up to the legislator to obtain similar information on the other side(s) of an issue. 

  12/16/2009 8:38 AM
• Providers worry about fallout from state health care cuts

  It is important to keep in mind that these cuts are not limited to individuals enrolled in GAMC in their effect.  They also affect hospitals - especially safety net hospitals - who are not paid for the services they provide to the indigent but are required to treat them.  These safety net hospitals contribute to the well-being of the entire state by training physicians who then serve rural Minnesota.  For example, approximately 60% of rural Minnesota physicians do residencies at Hennepin County Medical Center.  It is important to truly understand the impact of these cuts, not only on the GAMC population but on the population as a whole.  This is a major policy issue and I’m afraid that demanding personal responsibility is not the answer.  We must insist in a program that is administered more efficiently but still exists to prevent collateral damage (to GAMC recipients and providers alike) and a health care system that has incentives for wellness and disease management.  It’s not as simple as demanding personal responsibility and punishing those who cannot access services without assistance. 

  12/08/2009 4:57 PM
• Austin anti-immigration rally flops

  J-Man: I totally agree.  It is fantastic that there was no audience, no clashes, etc.  However, I believe it is important to be aware of these hate groups operating in our midst.  It is a reminder and a rallying cry to those of us fighting for social justice for ALL people that our work is not done.  I am disheartened that groups like this exist but heartened by the fact that the other side is obviously winning the ideologic battle.  And I am rejuvenated in my work to smash racism and discrimination and ensure social justice for ALL human beings. 

  11/09/2009 12:40 PM
• Gang expert: 'We're going to need help'

  Americans 1st: Are you serious?  Your family must be Native American or they too would have come to America speaking a language other than English.  Regardless, your comments disgusted me.  I’m thankful for free speech and the fact that you have the right to express yourself.  However, I choose to focus on the assets of these new Americans and am deeply saddened when I read things like you wrote. 

  Parents?  Of gang bangers?  Get a grip, people!  Perhaps they come from single-parent families who are struggling with poverty, addiction, abuse or more.  Or just trying to make a living working entry-level jobs. 

  I am concerned about the gang problem but quite frankly, I’m equally concerned with the comments in this article.  Nicholas has a good point that this is all our our problem, not “they” or “he”. 

  08/20/2009 3:14 PM

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