Illuminating a dark history of forced sterilization
In the 1920s, a growing eugenics movement in the U.S. led to 33 states adopting laws that resulted in more than 60,000 sterilizations.
Opinion
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NYT/Siena College poll finds debate hurt Trump in two swing states
In the poll of likely voters, by 37-21 they said Biden won the debate; 48% said they were less likely to support Trump after the debate, compared to 31 percent who said the same about Biden.
What wasn’t said in the first presidential debate
The most glaring? Four simple words: “I denounce white supremacy.” But denouncing white supremacy wasn’t the only statement absent from the evening.
Today’s MPCA: How times have changed
If enough Minnesotans speak up, perhaps we’ll return to the days of leadership on the environment exemplified by our regulatory leaders in the Reserve case.
If we want government reformed, we first need elections reformed
If you’re one of the 85% of Americans from all political parties who want fundamental changes in clean elections, check out the Clean Election Grades to inform your vote.
DFL should pledge to draw fair redistricting maps
Next year, even though the DFL might have the power to draw the new maps alone, it could establish an advisory bipartisan commission, or agree to submit its maps to an independent nonpartisan organization to ensure their fairness.
Control of the U.S. Senate looks to be in play
The Inside Elections summary puts it this way: “Most likely outcome: Democratic gain of +3-5 seats.”
Time to engage: A robust democratic process shapes community health
Research suggests that people who live in communities with strong civic involvement actually have better overall health.
Trump’s attacks on anti-racist training and curriculum carry echoes of the past
The recent OMB directive against diversity trainings and Trump’s proclamation that anti-racist curriculum is unpatriotic mirror the early 20th-century charge that anti-Jim Crow editorials were sedition.
We owe it to our children and ourselves to vote
Most people are surprised to learn that medical care accounts for only about 10% of society’s overall health. At least 50% of health is determined by the social, economic, and environmental conditions in the communities where they live.
Presidential debate was a Trumpian I-am-a-colossal-jerk show from beginning to end
All the president did Tuesday night was show his worst, rudest, cruelest side in the first debate of the season.
One and a half cheers for Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ginsburg’s legacy will be best represented by what she did before she was appointed to the Supreme Court.
Businesses can and should help get out the vote
Here are some ideas businesses can implement to increase voter turnout and support employees to make their voices heard.
Innovative Twin Cities car-share project to democratize electric vehicles
Car sharing and electric vehicles are both big ideas that could transform transportation in the Twin Cities. So why not combine them? That’s the plan for an ambitious pilot program.
Minnesota may be crucial in one presidential election scenario
The death last week of a Minnesota congressional candidate may propel the state into a pivotal role in the election of the president.
COVID-19 brings new importance to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The fear, anxiety and isolation of our time is simply unlike anything I’ve seen in my 35 years working in the mental health space.
Barton Gellman offers alarming scenarios for the Nov. 3 aftermath
You must read it, but you won’t sleep well afterwards. Headlined “The Election That Could Break America,” it’s in The Atlantic.
Refugees make Minnesota a better place to live
For those who have had the privilege to live here your entire lives, I encourage you to reach out in kindness to refugees and other immigrants in our communities.
Masha Gessen on Trump, political language, and totalitarianism
Vox’s Sean Illing interviewed Gessen, mostly about the Trump moment, for a great piece that the headline said was about “American politics after the death of ‘truth.’”
That complicated policing issue: It’s not an either/or thing
We know it is not that simple, but when making arguments everyone runs to one extreme side of the ledger or the other.
