Bluestem Prairie

Gov. Dayton & Lt. Gov. Smith urge Minnesotans to help out with Puerto Rican relief efforts

Bluestem Prairie heartily concurs with this statement from Minnesota's executive branch:

Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith are encouraging concerned Minnesotans to donate and volunteer with qualified relief efforts, to assist those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. There are approximately 13,000 Puerto Rican people living in Minnesota, meaning many Minnesotans have family, friends, or other loved ones impacted by Hurricane Maria.

“Many Minnesotans have families and friends, who have been severely affected by the terrible devastation in Puerto Rico,” said Governor Dayton. “I thank everyone, who has already supported the Island's tragic victims, and encourage everyone else, who is able, to support the qualified relief and recovery efforts there. I thank the courageous Members of the Minnesota National Guard, who have already deployed to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.”

Seven Minnesota National Guard soldiers have been federally deployed to Puerto Rico, to provide critical communications support for recovery and relief efforts. Additionally, the Minnesota National Guard medical supply warehouse at Camp Ripley has shipped more than $1 million in medical supplies since to Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico since September 1.

“Hurricane Maria has devastated Puerto Rico, home to 3.4 million of our fellow American citizens. Today, most Puerto Ricans lack access to water, electricity, fuel, and medical care. Roads, cell towers, and other basic infrastructure are in disrepair across the island, creating a humanitarian crisis” said Lt. Governor Smith. “Our Administration is coordinating closely with the federal government and the Department of Homeland Security to deploy Minnesota National Guard and other resources. We encourage Minnesotans who are able to support recovery efforts, by directly donating to relief organizations.”

How Minnesota is Responding

Seven Minnesota National Guard soldiers have been federally deployed to Puerto Rico, to provide critical communications support for recovery and relief efforts. Additionally, The Minnesota National Guard medical supply warehouse at Camp Ripley has shipped more than $1 million in medical supplies since to Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico since September 1.

The Minnesota National Guard, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management division, continue to monitor nationwide requests for hurricane assistance, to determine how Minnesota can best assist.

How Minnesotans Can Help

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asks concerned individuals to support recovery and relief efforts in one or more of the following ways:

1. MONETARY DONATIONS – Monetary donations allow organizations to purchase what is needed right now on the ground, putting money back into the local and regional economy.
2. Minnesotans can make a donation directly to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by visiting www.unitedforpuertorico.com. 
3. Minnesotans can also make financial donations to a qualified relief organization to help voluntary or charitable organizations continue to provide services to Hurricane Maria survivors.
4. The St. Paul Foundation has also started a fund, “El Fundo Boricua,” to raise money for Puerto Rico, and is matching all donations up to $250 through Oct. 19.

2. DONATING GOODS – For individuals considering donating goods, FEMA notes that it is important to remember that managing unsolicited goods can take up valuable time from relief and recovery efforts.
3. Minnesotans can find qualified non-profit organizations accepting or registering individual and corporate in-kind donations here.

3. VOLUNTEERING – For those interested in volunteering, FEMA asks that people show patience, and not transport themselves to the island of their own accord.

4. Anyone seeking an opportunity to get involved in response and recovery operations underway is encouraged to volunteer with local and nationally known organizations.

Photo: Hurricane damage in Puerto Rico, via NBC News.

Note: ordinarily Bluestem posts close with a request for support, but readers should send money instead to Puerto Rican relief efforts.

Bakerfest; or, Willmar area rep's crossed signals about MNLARS & purpose of own committee

The new strategy for the Minnesota House Republican Caucus: never let an opportunity to placebait go wanting, even if that leads to individual members having to contradict themselves.

Pity poor Dave Baker, R-Willmar, the latest victim of this identity politics-based plan. Just two weeks ago following a special meeting of the House Transportation Finance Committee, the genial businessman told KSTP's Katherine Johnson in Unimpressed with Improvements, Lawmakers Pressure Public Safety Department to Fix MNLARS:

"Nobody likes to complain, but we have a whole bunch of Minnesota residents that have told us 'we have a problem,'" State Rep. Dave Baker said in response to testimony at Monday's House Transportation and Finance Committee hearing.

Clearly, he must have heard something at the hearing in St. Paul to have heard those complaints. Here's the Minnesota House Information YouTube of the hearing (which generated broad media coverage across the state at the time, including this fine David Montgomery article that was picked up in the Pi Press's media partner in Baker's hometown).

Baker seemed to have forgotten all that yesterday while bloviating to the West Central Tribune's Carolyn Lange who captured Baker claiming that people aren't being heard. Readers will have to go to Lange's article, "This is a disaster": Legislators hear about auto license problems at Willmar hearing, to watch the video, which was published without an embed feature.

Lange let Baker roll with the placebaiting frame toward the end of the article:

Although a similar hearing about MNLARS was held two weeks ago in St. Paul, Baker said it was important to let the concerns of people in Greater Minnesota be heard.

"I hope the Governor has heard loud and clear that this is a bigger problem than I think he realizes," said Baker, who was disappointed Gov. Dayton did not allow agency staff to make the trip to Willmar.

With funding in short supply after Dayton's veto of the Legislature's budget, Baker was asked about the expense of hosting the second hearing in Willmar.

Baker said the estimated $500 for the hearing was "a heck of a deal" to let local voices be heard about a failing system the state spent nearly $100 million on.

Given the number of people who testified at both hearings or who were from outside the Willmar area, we're not sure what Baker was aiming for other than a news article. The paper didn't carry advance notice of the hearing in its online edition that could be retrieved using "Dave Baker" as a keyword, though it's possible something was in the print edition.

We can certainly appreciate the two DFLers on the committee at the hearing (Rick Hansen, S. St Paul and Jamie Becker-Finn, Roseville) letting the public know that they wouldn't be taking per diem for the PR dog and pony show. As for the MN DPS staff, we can understand their desire to stay in St. Paul and actually work on the problem.

After all, Baker's roadshow didn't manage to produce a quorum of select committee members (as the photo above illustrates) since only two Republicans and two DFLers in the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government Membership 2017 - 2018 managed to find their way to the meeting, although few Republican House members also sat in on the semi-Potemkin hearing.

If he thought audio of the hearing in Willmar was inadequate for conveying the passion of Greater Minnesota residents to the Dayton administration, perhaps he might have arranged for a video camera to be brought along in the van. Or prompted his staff to livestream the event on Facebook.

All the cool kids are doing it, and one might imagine the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government might have been able to figure out that one. Sadly, no.

Moreover, we were there on Monday and the passions were far more mild than 2009 Tea Party phalanx at congressional listening sessions about health care insurance.

Baker's Select Committee Mission Creep

Bluestem's sense that this wasn't about solving problems other than the odds of Representative Baker's re-election to the swing seat is also rooted in the creation of the committee Baker chairs and thus was able to sorta drag out to the miasmatic jungles of Kandiyohi County.

Back on February 1, Erin Golden reported in the Star Tribune article Minn. House speaker launches effort to make state's tech work easier, more efficient; Residents' experiences online are the main focus for new committee:

Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt on Wednesday launched a new committee assigned with making the state’s technology operations — from issuing driver’s licenses to delivering payments to counties — more efficient and easier to use.

Daudt, R-Crown, said he’s not yet sure what the new committee will focus on first or whether it will be able to come up with wide-ranging plans before the Legislature adjourns in May.

But he said streamlining government operations has been a priority since he became speaker in 2015 and that the new Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government is the best way to make it happen.

Daudt said the goal is to ensure that the state’s “customers” — its citizens — can easily find information and complete tasks like paying fees or signing up for services. . . .

The speaker said the committee will have 10 members — six Republicans and four DFLers — and will be run by Republican Rep. Dave Baker, a small-business owner from Willmar. Daudt said Baker’s expertise in customer service, rather than technology, makes him a good fit for a panel that will make broad recommendations about how the state should interact with people, rather than focusing on the specifics of upgrading the state’s systems.

Perhaps Baker wants to become the Legislative Auditor, an unelected position. Whatever the case, the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government only met once before Monday's event, according to its official webpage.

No committee documents nor minutes there, though Baker mentioned at the Willmar meeting that his steering committee had been busy.

Oh good.

Bonus: A history of MNLARS

Committee member Becker Finn tweeted out the funding history of the MNLARS system:

Funding history of MNLARS system. Started in 2008 under Gov Pawlenty. #MNLARSredux #mnleg pic.twitter.com/pjGyqqRzYh

— Jamie Becker-Finn (@jbeckerfinn) September 25, 2017

Photo: The members of the select committee who attended the hearing (Hansen, Nash, Baker and Becker Finn), along with three legislators who wanted some free publicity (Tim Miller is running for Congress, after all) and some staffers.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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ACLU of MN: erosion of citizens' ability to directly engage with local elected officials undermines government & democracy

On Friday, Bluestem Prairie posted Free speech & Greater MN cities: the rewards for speaking out in North Mankato and Little Falls. Tom Hagen, who objects to the North Mankato City Council's policy of limiting citizens' ability to speak at meetings to once every 90 days, reached out to us with a note about an article on the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota's website.

In Dissent is patriotic, but do our city councils want to listen?, Aliya Khan writes:

. . . However, last week the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that part of Minnesota disorderly conduct statute is too broad and therefore violates the First Amendment. Robin Hensel’s charges were dismissed.

For now the statute is invalid. How this will actually play out in practice is uncertain. While this is a win for Minnesotans across the state, city councils unfortunately don’t need Minnesota law to silence their constituents. They have other means by which they can attempt to control and censor public dissent.

For example, the city council in North Mankato instituted revised policies this summer that they claimed were designed to “streamline” meetings. Many of their constituents, however, disagreed.  The changes to the policy include burdensome restrictions on speaking times (only 3 minutes per person) and restrictions to how and when members of the public can bring up topics during meetings. Previously, the city council allowed for two sections of public comment—now they only allow for one. And residents of North Mankato need to file additional paperwork and requests before addressing the council.

Tom Hagen, an engaged member of North Mankato, has been a vocal opponent of the changes from the beginning. He regularly attends city council meetings, and has expressed frustrations at how the city council has become increasingly removed from those they are meant to serve. In a letter Tom wrote, he stated, “In discussion we can hear each other, perhaps discover perspectives new to us, and hear firsthand what our neighbors are thinking. Whatever limits the possibilities for this type of open discussion, limits our choices, understanding, and options.”

One of the more controversial provisions in the revised policies is a restriction that states individuals may not revisit any topic that they have previously addressed to the council. Another vocal opponent of the new rules, Barbara Church, also shared with us her concerns. “Over the years I have been going to council meetings, the council has continually chipped away at public comments portions of the meetings, and have actually made it more difficult for folks to participate.”

Barbara stated she believes that the new rules, as they stand, allow the council to filter community feedback. “It says to me that they will only listen to what they want to hear and will ignore any opposition to their ideas.”

City council meetings play a critical role in our democracy. They are intended to provide a direct and clear avenue for residents to engage with—and yes, disagree with—those who make decisions in their communities. When our ability to directly engage with our local elected officials slowly erodes, it undermines the integrity of our entire government and democracy.

What is most disappointing about North Mankato is that the city council moved forward with the changes to the policy despite clear dissent from community members, at least a handful of whom have spoken directly with city council members (as well as the ACLU of Minnesota) about their concerns. And with limited alternatives for public engagement with elected officials, what alternatives exist for these residents? Private meetings with city council members? Phone calls and e-mails? That is hardly a substitute for a robust and engaged community forum—one that is open and available. One that we would hope our elected officials would want to foster and encourage rather than stifle and intimidate. . . .

Amen to that. Read the entire article at the ACLU of Minnesota website. It closes with this request:

Has your city council added restrictive policies to public comments? Have you had your freedom of speech at city council meetings undermined? Share with us your experiences by e-mailing our communications associate at [email protected].

Photo: Tom Hagen's silent protest at a North Mankato city Council meeting. Photo by Trey Mewes at the The Free Press.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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Free speech & Greater MN cities: the rewards for speaking out in North Mankato and Little Falls

Got a beef as a resident of a Greater Minnesota city? Your right to address city council members at meetings may be getting a bit of a boost if news from the Mankato Free Press is accurate.

In North Mankato comment policy still controversial after two months, Trey Mewes reports:

Only a month remains before the end of the North Mankato City Council's 90-day trial of some recent public comment restrictions, and it's unclear whether the council will continue its newfound approach.

At least one council member has publicly opposed the shift in the city's public comment policy, and opposition among some regular speakers still remains strong.

Case in point: Former mayoral candidate and regular speaker Tom Hagen held up a sign throughout the council's Monday night meeting decrying the policy. On one side, the sign read "STOP silencing the citizens of North Mankato." On the other, "Citizens DEMAND the right to speak at council meetings."

 While North Mankato Mayor Mark Dehen said the council needs to discuss the policy further, he believes the changes to commenting during the public meeting — allowing residents to speak on a topic once per 90 days, submitting a request to comment before meetings and only allowing residents to speak on items on the agenda — resulted in a positive shift over the past two months. . . . 

Critics say the policy further restricts a council they think hasn't been as responsive to requests or concerns as they could be. Furthermore, they argue the council is stifling the chance for residents to find out whether there are shared concerns among like-minded individuals.

"You can't be in a situation where you can't allow people to speak only at the permission of the council, who can decide who speaks and who can't," Hagen said. "At this point, we can't even complain about the procedure."

Hagen said he has contacted the local ACLU, which is working on a response to the city's public comment changes. Hagen tried to get on the council's agenda during a public meeting earlier this week to discuss emerald ash borer in trees at Spring Lake Park but was told to take his concerns to the city's Greenway Conservation Advisory Committee.

While Hagen said he can appreciate taking his concerns to city staff, he believes it's important for residents to go through the process of discussing ideas with the council first so they can ensure they're heard in a public setting.

"This is not just me, some old crank, coming forward and making trouble for the city of North Mankato," Hagen said. "My issue is this needs to be in the public record. The rest of the public has a right to know."

Council member Billy Steiner noted at a Sept. 5 meeting he still had concerns over the issue.

"I'm getting strong feedback from constituents about how it's somewhat restrictive, and lacks transparency, and isn't the way that true interests of democracy should operate," he said.

Steiner reiterated his view Wednesday. He believes the council is suppressing people's right to speak and wishes the council would enforce its former rules better, such as cutting a speaker off after three minutes rather than let them belabor their point for a while.

"I think if we keep it at that, things would be just fine," he said. . . .

We're reminded that Minnesota courts have tended to side with citizens' right to address (or petition) their leaders. Earlier this month, the Star Tribune's Matt McKinney reported in State Supreme Court ruling reverses disorderly conduct conviction of Little Falls woman:

It’s no longer illegal in Minnesota to disturb a public meeting, the state Supreme Court has ruled, reversing the conviction of a Little Falls woman who was charged with disorderly conduct for protesting before the City Council.

The 54-year-old law was deemed overly broad and potentially criminalized free speech, the court ruled Wednesday.

“I feel like justice was finally served,” said Robin Hensel, whose refusal to move her chair at a 2013 Little Falls City Council meeting was at the heart of the court’s decision.

Hensel, a grandmother and peace activist who frequently protests at Camp Ripley, said she never thought she would actually get charged when she moved a folding chair to the open space between the public galley and the City Council’s dais.

Her reasons for sitting there were part of a long-standing practice of challenging city officials over civil rights issues, which in the past have included the right to post numerous antiwar signs in her yard.

Hensel said she wanted to sit in the same area that others had used when, at an earlier meeting, they were invited to come forward after complaining that they couldn’t see past large signs Hensel carried. . . .

Representative democracy may seem "negative" to some, but as Bluestem's creative nonfiction professor at the Ozark Famous Writers School would say, you've got to give people a chance to say no if you want to get to yes. Or maybe just "stakeholders" get a say now.

Whatever the case, this is one thing Greater Minnesotans probably can't blame on the evil Metro when it's local government telling them to shut up.

Photo: Tom Hagen's silent protest at a North Mankato city Council meeting. Photo by Trey Mewes at the The Free Press.

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Ausländers among us; or, New Ulm residents reflect on race at YWCA Time to Talk Forum

In the New Ulm Journal, Clay Schuldt reports in Forum on race generates reflection, sharing:

There are few discussions more sensitive and emotionally charged than those regarding race, but often these discussions are necessary.

In this spirit New Ulm Middle School hosted the forum titled “It’s Time to Talk.” . . .

Several of the small groups discussed the idea of the “ausländer,” which is the German word for foreigner. New Ulm has a deep German heritage and the term is widely used to describe anyone new to the community.

One man remembered being called an ausländer upon first moving to New Ulm. Decades later he still lives in New Ulm, but is still uncertain if he is viewed as a foreigner because he has no German heritage.

Another person commented that she was a New Ulm native, but still felt like an outsider because her parents were from a different city did not have the deep historic connection to the town.

In another group, a woman who could speak German commented that “ausländer” was often the only German word New Ulm residents understood and it was shocking.

Most of the groups cited a community desire to change this attitude. . . .

Given New Ulm's treatment of prisoners of war in the aftermath of the 1862 US-Dakota War, Bluestem suspects there's more than a little historical irony here.

Image: Crowd attacking Indian prisoners as they pass through New Ulm(Minnesota State Historical Society). Wood engraving done in November, 1862.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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Bismarck’s inaugural 1st Nations Day to focus on justice for murdered, missing indigenous women

At the Bismarck Tribune, Amy Dalrymple reports in Tribal leaders call for action after LaFontaine-Greywind's death:

The United Tribes of North Dakota are calling on North Dakota’s congressional delegation to take action after the killing of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind.

A letter approved during the recent Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck seeks justice for the slain Fargo woman’s family and the families of missing and murdered Native American women.

“During the gatherings and prayers for Savanna, we heard story after story from families who also have women in their families missing or with unsolved murders,” the letter states. “The murder of Savanna illustrates a much larger problem of epic proportions.” . . .

LaFontaine-Greywind was born at the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, where her mother is a tribal member, and grew up at the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation where her father is a member. The 22-year-old who was eight months pregnant was last seen alive by her family on Aug. 19 and her body was discovered in the Red River eight days later. Two people have been charged with conspiring to kill her.

Leander “Russ” McDonald, president of United Tribes Technical College, said LaFontaine-Greywind’s death is an example of tragedies that have been happening to Native American women for generations.

“It is a call to action,” McDonald said of the tribal leaders’ letter. “To ask our North Dakota delegation for specific things that could help to decrease these numbers, and that would help in some cases ensure justice occurs when individuals are murdered.”

Meanwhile, Bismarck’s inaugural First Nations Day scheduled for Oct. 6 will focus on the theme of justice for murdered and missing indigenous women across the United States and Canada.

The event, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center Auditorium, will feature Bismarck and Mandan chiefs of police, the Indian Affairs Commission, tribal and local advocates addressing the issues of murder and missing women cases, drug trafficking, human trafficking and domestic violence issues.

Painting: "Still Dancing," by Jonathan Labillois, a member of the Listuguj Migmaq First Nation Band in Gaspe, Quebec. The painting honors murdered and missing Native women.

Bluestem's editor recently relocated to Summit, SD, a small town on the Lake Traverse Reservation of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, which is part of the United Tribes of North Dakota.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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St. Peter Board of Appeals and Adjustments grants permit to Islamic Center with 4-0 vote

With greater Minnesota's reputation being tarnished by anti-Muslim incidents, it's good to read a headline in the St. Peter Herald, Saint Peter Islamic Center receives city permit. Nancy Madsen reports:

The Saint Peter Islamic Center gained city permission to operate on Thursday evening.

The center must have a conditional use permit because city code requires all places of worship to have one for public assembly. . . .

“They will have classrooms, offices and a meeting and gathering space and a mosque for prayers and religious services,” City Community Development Director Russ Wille said.

The Board of Appeals and Adjustments, the ultimate authority on conditional use permits, approved a permit without restrictions on a 4-0 vote. The board received a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission for a permit without restrictions.

Several St. Peterites watched the board’s proceedings and one voiced support during a public hearing.

“I think it’s great that St. Peter is encouraging this thing happening,” Jim Bonilla said. “It speaks well for the community and for the future of the community.” . . .

Good deal for the college town of 11,000 plus in Nicollet County. B

Photo: St. Peter, Minnesota. Bluestem's editor graduated from local high school a long time ago.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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Citizens not cooperating with Alex area sewer board's plan to keep polluting Lake Winona

One of the staples of political discourse at the Minnesota state capitol is local officials whining about the cost of cleaning up water pollution generated by people--then keeping the water clean.

This stakeholder attitude just might not be shared by citizens, if the picture painted by Karen Tolkkinen's article in the Alexandria Echo Press is any indication. In Sewer district seeks waiver from discharge limits, Tolkkinen reports:

How to restore Lake Winona is a challenge that continues to vex, judging by a public hearing Wednesday evening about the sewer district's intention to seek waivers from new, stricter limits on what it can discharge into the lake.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has reduced the amount of phosphorus and chloride the Alexandria Lakes Area Sanitary District can put into the narrow, shallow lake. The sewer system cleans waste water for just over 10,000 household and commercial customers and sends about 2.9 million gallons a day into Lake Winona, the first of a chain of lakes.

About 40 people attended the hearing, not counting the sewer district board, staff members and consultants. Many came from Lake Winona or the rest of the chain of lakes.

Warned that the cost of meeting state chloride and phosphorus limits could stagger toward $100 million, some in attendance said spending big figures might be worth it.

"The longer we wait, the more difficult it's going to be and the more our lakes are going to be endangered," said Corliss Stark, a former city council member who lives on Lake Winona. "We passed a $73 million school bond issue and nobody has gone broke over that." . . .

She's not alone in her opinion. Read the entire article for more.

Photo: Aerial views of the Alexandria Lakes area. Via Explore Alexandria.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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Child Protection League totally fretting about schools hijacking minds for LGBTQ & Islam

While much of the United States of American mourns for the victims of September 11 and celebrates its heroes, the Child Protection League of Minnesota is fretting about public schools hijacking children's minds.

Oh noes. On August 1, the ultra-conservative group shared an event page for its‎ Hijacking Their Minds Fall Fundraiser with the details:

How Safe Schools and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Indoctrinate our Children: Learn to identify the dangers as our expert speakers unmask the radical, child endangering trends in education. Two agendas, the sexualizing of children and the teaching of Islam, have emerged under the pretext of "safe schools" and 'social emotional learning". You don't want to miss this important event!

A recent Mail Chimp email reminds those on the receiving end that the Early Bird Special ends today. In You don’t want to miss this compelling event! Tuesday, September 26, 2017, a link takes you to Social & Emotional Learning: Gateway to Islam & LGBT Acceptance:

The Minnesota Department of Education held its annual Safe and Supportive Schools Conference on January 25th, 2017. The conference is for Minnesota educators, school support staff, parents, student leaders and education stakeholders. The primary focus of the conference was Social Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is the most recent, aggressively marketed educational strategy for transforming the attitudes, values and beliefs of children. It has very little to do with academics.

Every breakout workshop was linked in some way to furthering the SEL objectives which revolve around “developing positive school and classroom climates,” “intentional instruction for social emotional skill development,” and “targeted SEL interventions.” . . .

Since “safe and supportive” school policies are purportedly about stopping real bullying, it is quite troubling that under the guise of ending bullying, SEL is being used to chart students’ personal cultural values, attitudes, and beliefs, and then measure, record, and ultimately change them.

Based on the content presented at the January SEL-focused Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, Islam and LGBT are the two biggest cultural issues of the day.

The Executive Director of CAIR-MN (Council on American-Islamic Relations), Jaylani Hussein, gave a detailed presentation about Islam, its beliefs and religious practices. (A stated purpose of CAIR is to “empower American Muslims.”) Hussein expects schools to accommodate Muslim foot washing, Ramadan observance, Friday prayer days, and to provide quiet places for students to wash and pray. He wants school curriculum to be “sensitive” to Muslim students’ cultural and religious needs and practices.

In alignment with Hussein’s presentation, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has a Stop Bullying blog to “protect Muslim youth.” Remarkably, that blog encourages schools to counter bigotry against Islam by having female students wear a hijab for a day. The blog links directly to many anti-bullying resources from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a group recognized by most observers as a far-Left advocacy group. One ADL link is a resource for children’s literature, a collection of pure Islamic indoctrination. Another links to “anti-bias“ lesson plans,” with such topics as, “The Muslim Ban and the Power of Protest” and “Sanctuary Cities and Non-Violent Resistance.”

This isn’t anti-bias. It is training children to be activists and agitators and to adopt a sanitized view of Islam.

In the “Keys to Safe and Welcoming Schools” workshop, Cheryl Green, an “expert trainer” in the Welcoming Schools curriculum and coordinator for Hamline University’s Bullying Prevention Certificate Program, described how to create student “allies” for their agenda. SEL’s “showing empathy” outcome plays a critical role in developing ally behavior in students and adults, according to Green. Green teaches radical gender theory to educators—primarily elementary teachers.

A review of the Welcoming Schools bullying prevention program for elementary children is available on our website. Welcoming Schools is designed to coerce children into approving homosexual behavior and rejecting the authority of their parents—especially if their parents hold traditional views regarding human sexuality. 

In the workshop “LGBTQ: Early Conversations Promote Healthy Identities and Build Allies,” we are led to believe that adults are confused if they believe that boys wearing dresses is unnatural, or that students are either biological boys or girls. Rather, students are taught that gender is fluid and can be “changed” simply based upon how they feel any given day. Additionally, anyone who thinks sexual intercourse should be reserved for a man and a woman within a committed marriage relationship is considered a bigot.

What you read above is not academic instruction. It is intense indoctrination and mind manipulation, forcing children into emotional and intellectual compliance. SEL is to be incorporated into conversations and activities throughout the school day, directing and assessing how each child “feels” and “believes.” Teachers, by the way, won’t be spared either. They will also be evaluated on their EQ – “emotional intelligence.” . . .

Leaping lesbians! We're curious how much will be raked in opposing emotional intelligence. Speakers are Karen Effrem, who opposes public pre-K programs while supporting folks like Michele Bachmann, and Stella Morabito, subject of this 2014 screed at Daily Kos.

Here's the flyer for the event:

Child Protection League Event Flyer posted by Sally Jo Sorensen on Scribd

Nice work if you can get it.

Image: Facebook invite for the fall fundraiser.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the  paypal subscription button.

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It's complicated: Dayton's veto of legislative funding constitutional, but that's not whole story

In MN Supreme Court says Mark Dayton’s veto of legislative budget was constitutional, Rachel Stassen-Berger reports at the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Friday decided that Gov. Mark Dayton’s veto of the House and Senate budgets earlier this year was constitutional.

“We hold that the governor’s exercise of his line item veto authority … was constitutional,” Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea wrote. “This conclusion, however, does not end the matter.”

The justice wrote that the court does not believe it has the authority to order the Legislature funded, as did a previous district court, while the dispute goes on. Therefore it ordered Dayton, a Democrat, and the Republican Legislature back into talks with a mediator.

The order temporarily resolves the constitutional showdown over Dayton’s line-item veto of $130 million worth of legislative funding. But the case is still ongoing; the high court did not order the case remanded back to the Ramsey Court District Court that decided Dayton’s veto was unconstitutional. . . .

Stassen-Berger's thorough reporting is worth the read--and the decision is embedded at the end of the article. At Minnesota Public Radio, Brian Bakst reports in MN justices throw Dayton, Legislature funding fight to mediator:

The Minnesota Supreme Court said Friday that Gov. Mark Dayton was within his authority to line-item veto funding for the House and Senate. But justices ordered the parties engage in mediated negotiations to come up with a workable solution.

"The other branches should resolve these doubts through the political process," Chief Justice Lorie Gildea wrote for the court. "Thus far, they have not done so. As a result, Minnesotans may soon be deprived of their constitutional right to three independent branches of government."

She cited prior rulings that constitutional powers can't be used "to accomplish an unconstitutional result."

Dayton in May took the unprecedented step of canceling appropriations for the House and Senate, saying he wanted to force lawmakers back to the bargaining table. He was upset over other tax, spending and policy provisions in a new state budget but worried that vetoing full bills could force a partial shutdown.

The Republican-led Legislature quickly sued, arguing that Dayton overstepped his bounds and created an imbalance in the separation of powers. A lower court sided with the Legislature, but Dayton appealed. . . .

What were those policy provisions? Bakst and Tim Pugmire reported in Defund the Legislature? 'See you in court,' Daudt tells Dayton:

. . . The fight stems from Dayton's line-item veto of all funding to run the House and Senate the next two years. The governor said he felt betrayed by a provision in the same bill that would have wiped out money for his Department of Revenue unless he consented to a tax-cut package, which he did. . . .

Dayton said he is trying to set the stage for new negotiations over a special session where the Legislature's funding could be restored and he could try to undo some of the items he didn't like in the signed bills.

"I don't want to ultimately defund the Legislature, the House and the Senate," Dayton said, adding, "I want to get their attention and hopefully get the attention of Minnesotans focused on why these measures would be so detrimental to the future of our state."

The governor said he thinks the tax bill is unsustainable because business breaks will grow over time. He's also upset over a freeze in cigarette taxes, which were due to rise, and a cut in the rate assessed on premium cigars, which was slashed.

On policy, Dayton wants to revisit changes in the teacher licensure system and strip out a new law that strictly bars issuance of driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country without proper documentation. . . .

Minnesota House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman responded to the court's decision:

"Minnesotans expect their elected officials to collaborate on solutions to benefit everyone, but Republicans chose to go to court instead of negotiate in good faith with the Governor. This summer, I joined Governor Dayton in calling on the Republican majorities to return to the negotiating table and work to craft a long-term, sustainable budget for Minnesota. Given the Court's order, all sides must come together with a spirit of compromise and collaboration in order to reach an agreement that will better serve Minnesotans. I look forward to working with Governor Dayton, Senator Bakk, and Republican leadership to do so."

We can only hope.

Photo: The three horsemen of the cluster fluff ( Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, Gov. Mark Dayton and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka) governing like you've never seen it before. Photo by Scott Takushi of the Pioneer Press.

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Judge John Tunheim halts construction on Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project

The Minnesota DNR's position that the United States Army Corps of Engineers must obtain a state permit for the flood diversion to protect Fargo-Moorhead (while causing flooding on the Minnesota side of the Red River) gained strength today.

At the Fargo Forum, Tu-Uyen Tran reports in Judge orders halt to work on Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project:

Work on the flood diversion to protect Fargo-Moorhead must stop immediately pending the outcome of a years-long lawsuit, a federal judge ordered on Thursday, Sept. 7.

The $2.2 billion project is opposed by Minnesota, and John R. Tunheim, chief judge in the District of Minneapolis, said there is a likelihood that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority will have to get a state permit.

The corps has maintained that, as a federal agency, it’s immune from state environmental regulations. Tunheim suggested Congress waived that immunity by requiring the corps to follow state laws.

Tom Landwehr, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement Thursday that the judge has “clearly and unequivocally” agreed with the DNR’s position. “As the DNR has stated consistently in this matter, the public interest is not served by allowing the Corps and Diversion Authority to invest public funds in construction in the absence of the required state permits, which are designed to protect the public and the environment.”

While North Dakota regulators have OK’d the diversion project, the DNR has refused to do so citing state policies on removing undeveloped land from the floodplain.

“This ruling is excellent news for the safety and protection of Minnesotans, whose lands and livelihoods could be devastated by the diversion project, as proposed,” Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, who has paid close attention to the lawsuit, said in a statement. “Importantly, it also upholds Minnesota’s rightful permitting authority.” . . .

In April 2016, Tunheim dismissed other parts of the lawsuit, Tu-Uyen Tran reported at the time:

A part of the lawsuit filed against the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project has been dismissed by a federal judge, leaving two of five original counts unresolved.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also been dismissed from the case, leaving the Diversion Authority as the primary defendant.

In the two counts that Judge John R. Tunheim's order on Thursday dismissed, upstream opponents of the project, the Richland-Wilkin Joint Powers Authority, had argued that the corps failed to follow federal environmental review procedures.

The judge dismissed another count a year ago.

The two counts that remain argue that the Diversion Authority must wait for an environmental review and a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before beginning work on the project, even on parts of the project in North Dakota. . . .

At KFGO, Jim Monk reports in Update: Peterson says judge's order likely means changes for F-M Diversion Project:

Opponents have been fighting the project because of environmental concerns and impacts on upstream landowners.

Minn. 7th District Rep. Collin Peterson said "I think what this means is, there's going to be a different project. It's not going to be exactly the same project that was put together." Peterson said "this has thrown a big monkey wrench into the project, there's no question." . . .

At the Save the Farm Facebook group, Marcus Larson shared the Fargo Moorhead Diversion Authority Monitor's post,Case Civil No. 13-2262 (D530) | US District Court, District of Minnesota, Injunction Granted. 

Those readers who wish to read Judge Tunheim's ruling can check it out there. Bluestem sides with the hard-working farmers and dirty hippies at the Minnesota DNR on this one.

Photo: Guy working on the project.

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Hofmann Apiaries project swarming to become beekeeping museum & educational center

It's not beewashing, but beekeeping history.

Deanna B. Narveson reports in the Mankato Free Press article, Historic Hofmann Apiaries buzzing to become hive of honey bee education:

The Hofmann Apiaries was once one of the largest honey producers in Minnesota with 1,000 bee colonies. Beekeeping practices developed by the Hofmann family left its mark on America.  

The century-old farm became only the second apiary ever to land on the National Register of Historic places just over a year ago. Now the SMSQ Architects of Northfield are hammering out plans with the Waseca Historical Society to transform the long dormant honey farm into a museum and educational center that will teach about beekeeping. 

"When my dad and grandfather had it, the place looked like a park and I'm my dad's kid," said part owner Larry Hofmann, looking out at the farm's green lawns. All of the farm's buildings are still standing, but honey hasn't been made there since the 1980s. 

For the last few years, as the Historical Society worked to get the grants needed to start the restoration process for the farm, Hofmann and his wife, Jan, have been cleaning and preparing the land. . . .

Standing in the dusty beeswax rendering building, the couple envisions an education center, with new flooring and insulation where school groups and visitors can learn about bees and honey. They think it's especially important with the decline of U.S. bees in recent years.

They hope to open up some of the honey houses' operations too, to allow hobby beekeepers an easy place to extract honey from their colonies.

"Education is really a huge part of this whole deal. That's what it's about," said Larry Hofmann. "We would like to encourage people to start keeping bees who would not otherwise."

The full restoration is estimated to cost more than $100,000 according to the Historical Society, but the group is raising money. A state grant paid for the architect's plans. . . .

Learn more about the project at the Hofmann Apiaries at the organization's website.

Photo: The Hofmann Apiary in its heyday.

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