The ERA is back on the table, and the fight exposes the myth of polarization
The real voices of moderation are the ones confronting extremism, not those seeking to accommodate it or share its power.
Paul Udstrand
Beware the ‘right hook’: safe cycling and experience
People don’t always do what they’re supposed to do, and it can get other people killed on occasion.
Here we go again? Lessons of Yankee interventions and fear in the home of the brave
In recent decades the United States has racked up an impressive tally of victorious defeats — military victories followed by strategic failure.
Walking on water: Visiting the frozen city lakes of Minneapolis
If you’re willing to bundle up and venture out into the latest Vortex you can find some unique winter experiences here in the cities.
Finding racism in Zimmerman’s acquittal: You don’t have to look that hard
There are two types of racism involved here, one is personal — Zimmerman’s, the other institutional — the trial process.
Teenagers or monsters? Blank Slate Theatre tackles Columbine
The strength of the “Columbinus” is that it offers no explanation, it points to no direction, it just leaves us in the dark.
Massacres and denial: Why can’t America get it right?
The March 30th NYTs carried a front page article about Indian Country that rolls up the nicest example of institutional racism I’ve seen a long time.
Going off the rails with the Second Amendment: Its the assault weapons, stupid
What makes the United States such a violent country?
Going off the rails with the Second Amendment
A four-part series considering the development of the interpretation of the Second Amendment.
Obama vs. Romney: You have to have a story, and answer the questions
President Obama had the better night, but both candidates need to do a better job actually answering voters’ questions.
An afternoon with a pro photographer and other humanity
On the importance of professional photographers and that which binds together humanity.
Practical bike riding: A book review and more
A review of “Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike” by Grant Petersen.
Using amendments to tear up the Constitution — or not
Constitutions are supposed to represent basic principles that vast majority of citizens will support, defend, or even fight and die for — adding controversial amendments that divide rather than unify undermines them.
History is back: In search of the perfect camera design
Digital Cameras have obviously been a huge jump in technology and features but for the first time in the history of photography they have not led to a radical redesign of cameras themselves.
Giving history consequences: Apologizing to Minnesota’s Indian people
Before you declare an apology to be “meaningless” you need give those requesting the apology a chance to explain what it means to them.
The Minnesota Voter ID Fraud: Is a sucker really born every minute?
This is not simply an attempt to add photo ID to the existing system. This is completely changing the way we vote in MN and it will require the creation of an entirely new election infrastructure.
Sunday papers: Overpaid execs, Doonesbury, the cost of Voter ID
Paul Udstrand rounds up stories from the Sunday Star Tribune and offers his take on the news.
Vikings vs. NWA: Does the NFL really deserve the largest subsidy in Minnesota history?
The unique qualities of an NFL team make the contemplation of large subsidies an exercise in absurdity.