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Cynthia McKinney Adds Courage and Energy to Peacestock 2011

July 11, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click Picture to View Video of Cynthia McKinney

Former Congresswoman and 2008 Green Party Presidential Nominee Cynthia McKinney spoke at the Hager City, Wis., farm gathering of Peacestock 2011, an annual celebration of peace and music. McKinney has an international reputation for her peace efforts including receiving The Munich American Peace Committee Peace Prize in 2010. She recently returned from Libya where she appeared on Libyan TV. She has earned the enmity of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for attempting to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip. Her craft was sunk on the high seas, endangering her life.

Cynthia McKinney & Ray McGovern Support Local FBI Targets

July 11, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click Picture to View Video of Cynthia McKinney and Ray McGovern

Former Congresswoman and 2008 Green Party Presidential Nominee Cynthia McKinney joined fellow peace activist and former senior CIA analyst Ray McGovern in voicing support for the Minneapolis activists targeted in last fall’s FBI raids. They were summoned to testify before a Chicago Grand Jury.

McKinney and McGovern were attending the 2011 version of Peacestock at a farm near Hager City, Wis. McKinney was involved in the 2010 attempt to deliver relief supplies to the Gaza Strip, and McGovern just returned from Athens, were he was part of the attempted 2011 flotilla to Gaza. McKinney has an international reputation for her peace efforts including receiving The Munich American Peace Committee Peace Prize in 2010. As a senior CIA analyst, McGovern was in charge of preparing daily security briefs for President Reagan and later for President George H.W. Bush. After retiring, he has became a vocal peace advocate and has been arrested in Washington, D.C., for his demonstrating.

Mondale, Former Yitzhak Rabin Advisor Discuss Middle East Peace

May 10, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

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At “Camp David, Oslo and the Future: Negotiating Middle East Peace” tonight, Former Vice President Walter Mondale and Dr. Yoram Peri, a former adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, spoke about the future of Middle East peace negotiations. On the occasion of Israel’s 63rd birthday, Mondale and Peri were invited to speak at Temple Israel, a Minneapolis synagogue, by J Street Minnesota, the local chapter of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement.

Mondale spoke about the lessons he learned first-hand as a key player in the first Camp David negotiations between Egypt and Israel and what they mean now for the prospects of achieving a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Among the topics Mondale and Dr. Peri addressed were the impact of the recent reconciliation agreement reached by rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas this week.

In addition to serving as a close personal adviser to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Peri was the founder and former head of Chaim Herzog Institute for Media, Politics and Society, a professor of Political Sociology and Communication at Tel Aviv University, and the former Editor-in-chief of the Israeli daily, Davar.

MN Investing In Apartheid Say Protesters

April 1, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, War/Peace, World Comments Off

By Bill Sorem

The Break the Bonds Campaign gathered about 80 protesters in the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda in St. Paul on Wednesday, March 30. The assembled group represented about half the legislative senate districts in the state. They gathered for a rally before talking to legislators about divesting from Israeli bonds. Minnesota’s investment board currently holds about $18.4 million is Israeli bonds.

Break the Bonds Campaign includes Palestinians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, students, professionals, parents, community members and allies working together to bring Palestine-centric education to Minnesota in order to promote justice and human rights. They are committed to non-violent actions including divestment. sanctions and boycott of Israeli goods.

The Minnesota Break The Bonds Campaign was founded about two years ago to bring attention to Israel-Palestine issues and to further the belief that, “We, the people of Minnesota, have the moral obligation to make sound investments that will not aid the oppression of any one race, creed or people. Minnesota’s investment in Israel supports an apartheid system in both Israel and the Occupied Territories that causes thousands of civilian deaths, many of whom are children, and which involves the widespread abuse of human rights. This system defies a ruling by the International Court of Justice as well as more than 65 UN Resolutions, and violates the Fourth Geneva Convention. We demand that the state of Minnesota act on its good conscience and support the breaking of economic ties with the apartheid state of Israel.”

I Will Not Hate, I Will Hope

February 15, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, Palestine, War/Peace, World Comments Off

By Bill Sorem

Dr. Izzaldin Abuelaish appeared at a book signing at the University of Minnesota last Thursday for his book I Will Not Hate. Dr. Abuelaish, now an obstetrician at the University of Toronto, was a physician at a Hospital in Tel Aviv, making him the first Gazan MD to practice in an Israeli hospital. In January 2009, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shell hit his home in Gaza, killing three of his daughters, Bessan, Aya and Mayar, and his niece, Noor. This was in response to a Hamas rocket firing.

As the reality hit him he cried out, “Why did they do this?” He had dedicated his life to medicine and was a one-man force to bring Gazans for treatment in Israel in addition to treating all of his Israeli patients. He was one of the few Gazans with a permit to enter Israel. Abuelaish realized his pain could not be expressed as hate, and continues his bridge building. Thus, his book, I Will Not Hate. His website, “DaughtersFoLife.com,”eloquently tells his story and the good he believes will come out of his experience.
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Trying To Tear Down The Wall Between Israel And Palestine

January 11, 2011 by Bill Sorem Israel, Minnesota, Palestine, War/Peace, World Comments Off

By Bill Sorem

Map of Israeli Wall

Opponents of the wall argue that the barrier is an illegal attempt to annex Palestinian land under the guise of security and severely restricts Palestinians who live nearby, particularly their ability to travel freely within the West Bank and to access work in Israel

Before it was torn down at the end of the cold war, the wall that split the German city of Berlin was 96 miles long and nearly 12 feet high. A wall four times as long and about twice as high now divides Israel and the Palestinian West Bank. That wall, like the Berlin wall, was built in the name of security and is made of tall concrete slabs with electrified wire.  Israel says the number of Palestinian suicide bombings has dropped 90% since the wall has been built. But not all Israelis are happy with the wall.

Gal Lugassi, an Israeli Jewish activist against wall being built by Israel. Last week in Minneapolis she spoke to The Anarchists Against the Wall at the University of Minnesota. She is a conscientious objector to the Israel military, a member of the Shiministim, The Anarchists Against the Wall and the Boycott from Within Group. The group works in cooperation with the Palestinians. They have participated in hundreds of direct actions against the wall, often at great personal risk. She adds a human perspective of the consequences of the apartheid wall.

Ms. Lugassi, a resident of Tel Aviv, has been touring the US describing her experiences and the experiences of Palestinians as well as objecting Israelis.

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DC

Click on photo to watch Senator Al Franken's news conference on college financial aid reform

Sen. Franken Announces “True Cost Of College” Act

Senator Al Franken announces the “Understanding The True Cost Of College Act” that would require colleges to use easier to understand language in their financial aid package offers to students.

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First Somali Delegate Headed to Democratic National Convention

Hindia Ali, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator at Somali Action Alliance is a delegate the the 2012 National Democratic Convention, the first Somali-American to be a delegate.

Click photo to watch President Obama's speech

Obama Rips GOP’s “Radical Vision” For US

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, President Obama ripped into Republicans for their lack of compromising and for the first time mentioned his likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, by name.

Click on Photo to View Women's Discussion About Health Care and the Affordable Care Act

“Being a Woman Shouldn’t be a Pre-existing Condition”

Minnesota women in healthcare predicaments met with with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Betty McCollum and Governor Mark Dayton on Friday — the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.

Click photo to watch President Obama's weekly address

Obama:Fraud, Middle East Conflict, Driving Up Gas Prices

President Obama says many of the factors that are driving up gas prices are out of our control such as unrest in the Middle East. However, he points out there are some things that are in our control such as fraud and manipulation that can cause prices to spike even further.

Click photo to hear President Obama speak about alternative energy

Obama Makes Case For Alternative Energy

President Obama talks about an all-of-the-above American energy strategy at a Daimler manufacturing plant in North Carolina that’s making trucks that run on natural gas.

No recount this time. Click photo to watch the MN Congressional Cookoff

Another Close One For Sen. Al Franken- Ties In Hotdish Cookoff

Senator Al Franken is used to close elections. This time he didn’t beat his opponents, but had to settle for a tie with Representative Chip Cravaack in the second annual Minnesota Congressional delegation hotdish cookoff.

Click photo to watch President Obama address business roundtable in Washington, DC

Obama:Tax Reform Like “Pulling Teeth”

President Obama would like to reform taxes so we reward companies that invest in the US, not ones that send jobs overseas. But there are some barriers, such as Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama

Israel-US United Against Iran Says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu uses his photo op with President Obama today to talk up how the US and Israel are united against Iran, which is suspected of trying to create a nuclear bomb.

President Obama speaks to the American-Israel Lobby

Obama:Military Force Against Iran Possible To Thwart Nuclear Program

President Obama warns that “loose talk” of war was only helping Iran, while pushing back against charges from GOP presidential contenders that he has been less than a loyal ally to Israel.

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“Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Members of the Welfare Rights Committee disrupt the signing of the Vikings Stadium Bill. They claim, “Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Click on this photo to see video of conference.

Minnesota Somali Women And Men Discuss Infertility Issues

Somali women and men gather to discuss the many aspects of female infertility with medical and social experts.

3M Demo

MN Activists Call on 3M to Remove Corporate Funds From Politics

3M shareholders at annual meeting were asked to stop all corporate contributions to political campaigns and to disclose corporate political lobbying efforts. As expected, the resolutions were voted down, but the activists pledged to continue efforts.

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Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Healing Minnesota’s Darkest Period: Pardoning a Dakota Indian

After the six-week US-Dakota War of 1862, 38 Dakota men were hung in one of the largest mass executions in US History. Many argue that the trials were a sham, that is was the largest injustice in the nation’s history. Today, Representative Dean Urdahl, Chair of the Legacy Committee in Minnesota and the Civil War Task Force, seeks to, “rub a little salve in the wound,” by seeking a pardon for one of those warriors who was hung on that fateful December day. His name is Chaska.

Rep. Ryan Winkler on the House Floor before 2011 Special Session

Stadium Opponent Rep. Winkler Decides To Vote For Stadium.

Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL) decides to support the Vikings stadium because of the jobs it will create.

Governor Dayton and Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf

Vikings Stadium Bill Sent To Governor Dayton

The Minnesota House and Senate have each approved different versions of a Vikings stadium proposal. So now it is up to a conference committee to reconcile the differences.

Governor Mark Dayton Vetos GOP Tax Bill

Dayton Tax Veto Imperils Vikings Stadium Says GOP

Principle or politics? On Friday, Governor Mark Dayton went heavily with principle and imperiled the politics of his top legislative priority — thousands of jobs from building a new Vikings football stadium.

Joh Marty

MN Tax bill deserves ‘smoking’ hot veto pen’ says DFL

A bill that would give business owners a tax cut is hailed by Senator Geoff Michel (R-Edina) as the “best piece of legislation” to be considered his year. Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville ) counters it deserves a “smoking’ hot veto pen” because it isn’t paid for.

Click on photo of Sen Jungbauer to hear why accident prone people like himself should use fireworks.

MN Fireworks Veto Override Is A Dud

A Minnesota Senate attempt to override Governor Mark Dayton’s veto of a bill expanding the kinds of fireworks that can legally be sold in Minnesota fails to get the 2/3rds majority needed.

Sustaining Solutions

Sustaining Solutions

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Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Click Photo to Hear Opinions on How the City Should Help North Minneapolis

Does North Minneapolis Need Pie in the Sky Ideas or Roofs Overhead?

Nearly a year after the tornado that ripped through North Minneapolis, opinions vary greatly on what the poverty-stricken community needs most from local and state government. Should the City introduce “pie in the sky” ideas or focus on more immediate problems?

Click photo of Rep. Bobby Jo Champion  to View Video Interview

Rep. Bobby Jo Champion Touts Legislation to Rebuild North Minneapolis

Representative Bobby Jo Champion talks about the challenges facing some of his constituents in North Minneapolis almost a year after a devastating tornado.

Click photo to watch video about how tornado damaged North Minneapolis is being rebuilt right.

Rebuild It Right in North Minneapolis: Quality Design Isn’t Just For Rich People

Rebuild It Right, an organization made up of architects and designers from Minneapolis, is helping homeowners advocate for quality design in the wake of the May 22nd Tornado.

Don Samuels Talks Jobs

New Stadium Deal Promises Jobs for North Minneapolis Residents

The Vikings stadium deal got the support of Minneapolis City Council members. Council member Don Samuels says that this is a good deal for his constituents. It will provide jobs to a part of the city that has the highest rate of unemployment.

Click photo to watch how Urban Homeworks is helping homeowners in north Minneapolis

Urban Homeworks: Fighting Foreclosures in North Minneapolis

Local, Minneapolis non-profit Urban Homeworks works with banks and other community organizations to fight foreclosures.

Monique White celebrates a delay on evicting her from her home. Click photo to watch video.

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Seeks Jury Trial

Embattled homeowner Monique White took one more step Friday toward what could become an improbable victory that would let her stay in her North Minneapolis home. Judge Mark Labine will decide on Monday whether White will get a jury trial in District Court.

Click on Photo to View Video of Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Northside Economic Opportunity Network Boosts Business in North Minneapolis

The Northside Economic Opportunity Network works with small businesses and micro-businesses in North Minneapolis to help them achieve success.

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2011 UpTake Stories With The Most Impact

If we didn’t cover these stories, who would have?

City Pages Cover-The Forgotten Neighborhood

The Forgotten Neighborhood

As we’ve been reporting for the past six months, many tornado victims who need help still haven’t gotten it.

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