There appears to be some confusion over what is and isn't a Minneapolis issue.
Just because something happens *to* Minneapolitans (watching Krispy Kreme news stories, reading the Strib's coverage on tobacco) does not make it a Minneapolis issue. This forum was set up to discuss local issues - those that arise from local decisions, or have their effects completely or overwhelmingly within our borders. Walt Cygan offered a much clearer explanation of this distinction than I ever have: "The rules of this list are quite clear when you join. The discussion is supposed to remain focused on Minneapolis. If this rule were relaxed for a topic that one particular member felt was of overriding concern, where would it end? The list would collapse under the desire of particular members to discuss terrorism, nuclear proliferation, the condition of state welfare programs, the upcoming elections for Senate and Governor, AND global warming. (Sorry for leaving out anyone's favorite topic.) All of these topics are important *for* Minneapolis, but not *because of* Minneapolis. Krispy Kreme's effect on media judgment isn't Minneapolis-specific - a national chain store opening in *Maple Grove* may reduce the amount of "hard" news on TV and in newspapers, but does not affect Minneapolis any differently than Mendota or Mound. One list member even posted that there will be a KK at the Mall of America! A national chain opening in Bloomington! Folks, this is why the rules are there. The Strib's reporting on anti-tobacco issues is important, but it's important to *everyone,* not primarily Minneapolis. It is a metro or state issue, not a local one. One issue that is local: the city's prosecution of underage drinkers. (Don't worry, Ron Lischeid - if you're responding to a clearly local problem, bringing in TGI Friday's policy is fine if it informs a city action... as long as the thread doesn't become so general and theoretical that it is not city-specific anymore.) And kindly don't try the "fig leaf" maneuver of taking a regional, state or national issue, inserting the word "Minneapolis" and hoping that will pass muster. I'm wise to that one. Minneapolis-Issues was set up four years ago to discuss local issues that were too small or specific to be hashed out on other forums. We've succeeded by remaining focused, and had a greater effect because of it. There number-one reason people leave the list is too many posts - a pleasant problem of success...if we're sticking to the list's purpose. Please don't use this as a sounding board for anything that gets you going; it must be a local thing that gets you going. This is a general warning. Please take it seriously. Sincerely, David Brauer List manager _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
