I feel an anti-war resolution would not do a tremendous amount of good. It also isn't likely, by itself, to do any great harm. One way in which it COULD do harm is if the fight over a trivial question leads to such bad feelings that purely LOCAL problems are hard to solve due to a spirit of animosity. There are a million ways to fight against a knuckle-headed president who won't listent to reason. The anti-war resolution is among the least important, so don't give up the community spirit needed to solve OUR problems merely to gain the upper hand in this war issue.
I think it is funny that people are talking about this matter of depicting the holder of an opposing view as "craven" or worse. I've watched American do that to the French for THEIR opposition to the war. Those eager for this war seem incapable of conceiving of any valid opposing view, such as the ones that the French and other Europeans (and quite a few Arabs) have. Yet, back here in Minneapolis, our local war-proponents find themselves in the same fix the Frend are in. Against a resolution and upset at the way that is interpreted. Guess it proves were all humans, doesn't it? Too bad, by the way, that what may very well be a temporary fiscal fix is being used as a pretext for some kind of "revolution" in government. Had they suggested these radical changes in Bill Clinton's last year, they would have been hooted out of the place. Their ideas on the "proper role of government" only make any rational sense in a very sick economy. So I'm asking myself, do these people NEED a sick economy to feel they are finally right? That's a pretty poor philosophy that only guides you when things are at their worst. Reminds me of the people who went through the Great Depression and spent the rest of their natural lives getting ready for its return. By the way, I've known a great number of people who came out of the Depression, shuddering at the experience, but more determined than ever to enjoy the REST of their lives since a decade was stolen from them. That would be my suggestion here. Whatever the true cause of these sick years in our economic history, they should NOT define in any general way how a society needs to function. What made sense before makes the same sense now. Just because I am unemployed for a few months doesnt mean once I get a paying job, I go on acting as if I'm unemployed. I do save for a future rainy day, but I certainly also spend money if I have it. To not do so is ridiculous. I think Vicky and a few others think that government spending is a mistake that should never be repeated. Well, short and long, that's a foolish philosophy. If it isnt, write Bush and tell him to shut down all his expensive new projects. I think what we learned in the 1990s is that prosperity is very possible and sustainable, but what you CAN'T do is make investment decisions that don't make sense and never DID make sense. The sober heads never bought the irrationality that finally took over. Here in Minneapolis, we seem to be wanting to trade one irrationality (show projects) for another (cutting education and other vital public goods). How about trading irrationality for rationality? There is no excuse when funds are short to forego vital home repairs. Well, society has to do the same thing. It has to TEMPORARILY tighten its belt and defer discretionary projects to a time when things are more flush. -------------- Jim Mork--Cooper "Save yourself from this corrupt generation....All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need". Acts 2:4-45 "The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers". Acts 11:29 "From each according to his ability...to each according to his need." Karl Marx Get your free Web-based E-mail at http://www.startribune.com/stribmail TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
