[mou] Several new efforts to Save the Big Bog are underway... Please forward this update on to friends everywhere
Alan L. Maki
alanmaki@wiktel.com
Thu, 23 Feb 2006 20:41:15 -0600
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Please distribute this e-mail widely.
=20
One of the things that members of Save Our Bog are really pleased about =
is
that a high profile activist group of people from St. Paul/Minneapolis
concerned about global warming has put the Big Bog high on their agenda, =
and
list of priorities. This will give new and sharper focus to this =
important
issue, and place even more pressure on Minnesota legislators to act... =
Peat
mining in the Big Bog is taking place in a State Forest.
=20
Save Our Bog is very pleased that our efforts have given life to, and =
helped
to spawn, real grassroots initiatives and activities which have been =
missing
from Minnesota politics for a long time now. as spring approaches we =
need to
think in terms of dandelions popping up everywhere... let's make sure
activists start popping up everywhere like dandelions. Watch for info =
about
the "Town Hall Meeting" on global warming in the Cities; and the Earth =
Day
2006 activities around the state. let us make sure these Earth Day 2006
activities return our environmental movement to the grassroots activism =
that
is required; not "green" fronts for corporations. The same activism that
forced the United States Congress to create the National Environmental
Policy Act that was intended to make citizens a part of the real =
decision
making process is needed now more than ever in our country.
=20
Save Our Bog has reserved tabling space at the Midwest Social Forum =
coming
up this summer in Wisconsin. If you would like to make a contribution to
help cover expenses--- that would be appreciated. we expect to do a lot =
of
networking at this conference.
=20
Also, pass around the word to your friends and neighbors who like to =
garden
that they should boycott all Scott's and Miracle Grow gardening =
products.
the Canadian multinational corporation, Berger, is the major supplier of
peat products for these two companies.
=20
Many people have been requesting to be updated on the situation with =
peat
mining in the Big Bog.
=20
Below are some websites and blogs that may be of interest to you:
=20
http://www.northwoodswild.org/newspro/viewnews.cgi?id=3DEEFEpykkylwOWmhQt=
U
=20
A new website is also available about the bog. according to the site =
some
legal action might be forthcoming. so Commissioner Merriam and the =
Minnesota
Legislators maybe better get ready for some action on the legal front; =
but I
think we all know that it will take a heck of a big grassroots effort to
halt this destructive boondoggle. and we need to use every single tool =
at
out disposal to accomplish this, so check out the new website:
=20
http://www.savepineislandbog.org/pineisland/=20
=20
=20
Again, here are some blogs I have created, I'll be putting up a website =
soon
explaining the full attack on the Big Bog that includes United States =
Steel
getting ready to dump billions of gallons from their Minntac taconite
operation near Virginia, Minnesota (over thirty years worth of their =
dirty
water) into the Big Bog and Canadian waters making this the worst
environmental nightmare since Love Canal. worst part of this is that it =
is
being done with the approval of the Minnesota legislature and the =
Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency; Trout Unlimited finally seems eager to enter =
this
fray as the Dark River, a pretty, picturesque, designated trout stream =
will
be destroyed in the process. The National President of Trout Unlimited =
had
his associate contact me about this saying they were going to be getting
involved, perhaps some legal action here, I don't know:
=20
http://alanmaki.blogspot.com/
=20
http://360.yahoo.com/workinprogress_mn_m54
=20
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=3Duser.viewprofile
<http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=3Duser.viewprofile&frien=
dID=3D3
6035257&Mytoken=3D579A74AC-1A29-4FF2-9D609C9AD7C0F24277906046>
&friendID=3D36035257&Mytoken=3D579A74AC-1A29-4FF2-9D609C9AD7C0F2427790604=
6=20
=20
Below, this is a "work in progress" that I am looking forward to =
receiving
your comments, suggestions, and questions on because I will publish it =
as a
pamphlet, hopefully for Earth Day 2006 in order to try to broaden
discussion:
=20
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-7ff3RTc8cqgFvoeNu5aMsoYjv1fG=20
=20
Below is a kind of citizen's lobbying guide that I have developed as a
result of people urging me to put some things together, maybe you will =
find
it useful, I hope so. let me know, I intend to expand on it, and include =
it,
along with the Leopold discussion; any hints and tips would be =
appreciated:
I think calling legislators is very important. I hope you are letting =
them
know of your e-mailing activity, etc.
Legislators have become very "respectful" of the potential of internet
communications; and I have found that once they know you are e-mailing =
on a
regular basis, with the intent of networking, they tend to listen a =
little
more carefully to what you say.
Everyday that I wake up I write at least a little something about what I =
am
working on; I then mail it off; and once a week I contact the state
legislators who I know are listening, even though they may not agree. I =
have
a group of about 60 legislators here in Minnesota who call me or I call =
them
and when I get down to the Legislative offices in St. Paul I stop in and
talk with them. Some of these legislators would not be giving me the =
time of
day if I wasn't doing this. even those who I have had harsh words with =
in
e-mail correspondence invite me into their offices to talk when other =
people
are lucky to get five minutes with their legislative assistants.=20
I have tried to encourage others to become kind of what I call "citizen
lobbyists" like this; it does make a difference, I think, in many cases
where it would simply be so easy for some of these politicians to just
completely ignore a problem or an issue, they are forced to at least =
mull
what you have to say over in their own minds. and politicians are no
different than anyone else in this regard. it is always more difficult =
to
make a decision that will harm your fellow human beings if you have to =
think
about the consequences.=20
I find calling these people once a week is very good. Sometimes they =
tell me
things like "next week I'm going to be on a real tight schedule, make =
sure
you call my legislative assistant to remind me you have left something =
in my
e-mail for me." =20
So, I think this is a very effective and good way to work.
The other thing I try to do is add at least ten names to my e-mail list
every week. usually I add a lot more, this keeps things building, rather
than stagnating; plus, when people start calling these legislators and
saying they are calling as a result of something they received from you,
this lets the politicians know that you are doing some very serious
networking. because very few people will just pick up the phone and call
their legislator unless they think the issue needs attention. and then =
the
legislator says, "oh, oh," I better pay attention to what is going on =
over
here.=20
I have conducted workshops for a unions, environmental, and peace groups
about how to develop simple little campaigns like this that anyone can =
do
from home. I usually suggest that they combine this with a "letter to =
the
editor" here and there.=20
The other thing that I have integrated into this is to "build on the =
legacy"
of progressive individuals while doing all of this. One of the best has =
been
with Frances Perkins because very few people remember her anymore; so it =
is
a way to educate people while doing all of this. I also use the examples =
of
Floyd Olson and Elmer Benson quite a bit. you would be surprised all the
people that write me and thank me for letting them know a little about =
real
history and how it connects with struggles today. No one even knew that
Universal Healthcare had initially been part of Roosevelt's New Deal =
reform
package. so this kind of makes them look at it a little differently.=20
Anyways, just thought I would share my thoughts with you about why I =
think
efforts like you make will pay off big-time as we build a movement to =
turn
this country around.=20
If you would find it useful to share this with others go ahead and =
e-mail it
or print it off. I am really convinced that we can become very effective =
by
doing these kinds of little projects that really don't take all that =
much
time when done in kind of an organized way. What the heck, a =
conversation
with a legislator can be turned into a letter to someone else or used as =
a
basis for a letter to the editor.
People think I spend lots of time doing this "citizen lobbying" effort, =
but
I spend maybe half an hour to 45 minutes a day doing this in between =
other
things. and for the results I think it pays off big time. You are
influencing all levels of society, from the grassroots on up.
The other thing I would recommend is that you begin little gatherings in
your home, and the homes of friends and neighbors. I have been doing =
this
all over the state of Minnesota and even into Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio,
Indiana, and Illinois for about three years now. I remember an old song =
sung
by Phil Ochs, I think the title was, "A Small Circle of Friends." Well =
from
these small circles of friends grow much larger circles.=20
Some people like to shy away from controversy, but I think controversy
creates a lot of public discussion, and we have to understand that "out =
of
mind" really is "out of sight." The corporate politicians will use every
conceivable means to try to keep the problems working people are
experiencing from public view. we need to get our issues out into the =
public
square, so to speak, just like they do. this is a democracy and everyone =
has
a right to be heard. People have a right to participate in the process =
in a
way that enables them to be involved in making the decisions that affect
their lives.
It has become kind of the corporate backed politician's stock in trade =
to
put forth a lot of meaningless platitudes in order to get votes and =
campaign
contributions. Right now there is a big move underway that pretends to =
make
just about every view, no matter how reactionary, seem "progressive."
Politicians have been trained by linguists and other "professional =
advisers
to frame everything they say in "progressive sounding" phraseology. they
call this putting forward "progressive policy directions;" then they are
advised to never to talk about solutions. We need to be talking about a =
new
progressive agenda for our country that not only puts forward =
progressive
policy directions, but we need to get away from our shyness about =
putting
forward real solutions to these problems.=20
All activists should have calling cards (gees, I hate to use the term
"business cards"). you can get real cheap business cards from: =
VistaPrint.
an internet printing company.
=20
In closing, let me just remind you that the Red Lake Casino, Hotel, and
Restaurant Employees' Union Organizing Committee encourages you to keep
boycotting the three Seven Clans Casinos owned by Red Lake Gaming
Enterprises in Warroad, Thief River Falls, and Red Lake together with =
their
restaurant and Super 8 Motel in Warroad. 20,000 casino workers are =
employed
in smoke-filled casinos in Minnesota, over a thousand of them by Red =
Lake
Gaming Enterprises. none of these workers have any right, nor a voice in =
the
workplace and all are paid poverty wages. Keep in mind, that it has been =
our
Organizing Committee that took up the defense of the Big Bog. if you are
looking for something to do up here in northern Minnesota. go for a walk =
in
the Big Bog, or check out the tremendous brook trout fishing in the Dark
River; better than sitting in a smoke-filled casino pumping quarters =
into
slot machines where workers get fired for signing a union card. We are
fighting for a very modest contract that includes union recognition, =
which
will cost Red Lake Gaming Enterprises about four rolls of quarters, per
employee, per hour. Anyone knows that poverty can't be eliminated as =
long as
these companies making big money are paying poverty wages.
The future of the Big Bog was traded in a dirty backroom deal =
orchestrated
by United States Congressman James Oberstar, which saw the Red Lake =
Nation
Chairman drop the thirty year opposition to peat mining in the Big Bog =
in
return for consideration to place another poverty wage paying casino =
where
workers will have no rights in International Falls, Minnesota and a =
couple
other locations. Not good for people or our living environment.
By now, you have all probably heard that State Representative Brita =
Sailer
has joined with this cabal of crooks in supporting this dirty deal to
destroy the Big Bog. no doubt Congressman Oberstar threatened to run =
someone
else in the nominating process; but this goes to show what a powerful =
and
complex web is spun by the multi-national conglomerate business =
interests in
these days of capitalist globalization. It is worthy of note that
Representative Brita Sailer has joined with the Minnesota Peat and =
Canadian
Peat Mining Associations to build a Bog Walk/Interpretive Center to =
cover up
this entire stinking mess, just like they have bog walks alongside the =
power
generating facilities in Marquette. Michigan on what at one time was the
beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior. and they have a nice cross country =
ski
trail near Grand Rapids, Minnesota where you can cross country ski =
through
the mercury laden clouds of Minnesota Power. and I don't need to tell =
you
about all the other disgusting ways they try to cover all of this up, =
you
see it every single day. It is al about big money.
Often the struggle gets to seeming like we can't fight and win; the
big-money people count on us giving up. The important thing is that we =
keep
plugging along. most people know that all of this is wrong and they are
looking for a way to become involved. I hope you will continue to share
these e-mails with people. and help get out the word that the Big Bog is
going to figure in a big way in the politics of Minnesota from here on =
out.
I am working on a photo exhibit and power point presentation to take on =
the
road with me; if you want to hold a little get together with friends in =
your
living room or have a little discussion around the kitchen table, let me
know. I will be traveling all over Minnesota. I'm taking photography and =
a
biology class right now, hoping to be able to put together some good =
things.
You know, I don't think people really understand what is at stake in the =
way
our living environment is destroyed. right down to the very tiny little
cells that are the foundation of life. Part of the reason is that =
education
doesn't seem to be leaving the classroom. I think we can change that, =
don't
you?
Yours in the struggle,
Alan L. Maki
=20
=20
=20
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<div class=3DSection1>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Please distribute this e-mail widely…</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>One of the things that members of Save Our Bog are really =
pleased about
is that a high profile activist group of people from St. =
Paul/Minneapolis
concerned about global warming has put the Big Bog high on their agenda, =
and
list of priorities. This will give new and sharper focus to this =
important
issue, and place even more pressure on </span></font>Minnesota =
legislators to
act... Peat mining in the Big Bog is taking place in a State Forest.</p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Save Our Bog is very pleased that our efforts have given life =
to, and
helped to spawn, real grassroots initiatives and activities which have =
been
missing from </span></font>Minnesota politics for a long time now… =
as
spring approaches we need to think in terms of dandelions popping up =
everywhere...
let’s make sure activists start popping up everywhere like =
dandelions.
Watch for info about the “Town Hall Meeting” on global =
warming in
the Cities; and the Earth Day 2006 activities around the state… =
let us
make sure these Earth Day 2006 activities return our environmental =
movement to
the grassroots activism that is required; not “green” fronts =
for
corporations. The same activism that forced the United States Congress =
to
create the National Environmental Policy Act that was intended to make =
citizens
a part of the real decision making process is needed now more than ever =
in our
country.</p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Save Our Bog has reserved tabling space at the Midwest Social =
Forum
coming up this summer in </span></font>Wisconsin… If you would =
like to
make a contribution to help cover expenses--- that would be =
appreciated…
we expect to do a lot of networking at this conference.</p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Also, pass around the word to your </span></font>friends and =
neighbors
who like to garden that they should boycott all Scott’s and =
Miracle Grow
gardening products… the Canadian multinational corporation, =
Berger, is
the major supplier of peat products for these two companies.</p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Many people have been requesting to be updated on the situation =
with peat
mining in the Big Bog.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Below are some websites and blogs that may be of interest to =
you:</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><a
href=3D"http://www.northwoodswild.org/newspro/viewnews.cgi?id=3DEEFEpykky=
lwOWmhQtU">http://www.northwoodswild.org/newspro/viewnews.cgi?id=3DEEFEpy=
kkylwOWmhQtU</a></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>A new website is also available about the bog… according =
to the
site some legal action might be forthcoming… so Commissioner =
Merriam and
the Minnesota Legislators maybe better get ready for some action on the =
legal
front; but I think we all know that it will take a heck of a big =
grassroots effort
to halt this destructive boondoggle… and we need to use every =
single tool
at out disposal to accomplish this, so check out the new =
website:</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><a =
href=3D"http://www.savepineislandbog.org/pineisland/">http://www.savepine=
islandbog.org/pineisland/</a>
</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Again, here are some blogs I have created, I’ll be putting =
up a
website soon explaining the full attack on the Big Bog that includes =
United
States Steel getting ready to dump billions of gallons from their =
Minntac
taconite operation near Virginia, Minnesota (over thirty years worth of =
their
dirty water) into the Big Bog and Canadian waters making this the worst
environmental nightmare since Love Canal… worst part of this is =
that it
is being done with the approval of the Minnesota legislature and the =
Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency; Trout Unlimited finally seems eager to enter =
this fray
as the Dark River, a pretty, picturesque, designated trout stream will =
be
destroyed in the process. The National President of Trout Unlimited had =
his
associate contact me about this saying they were going to be getting =
involved,
perhaps some legal action here, I don’t know:</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><a =
href=3D"http://alanmaki.blogspot.com/">http://alanmaki.blogspot.com/</a><=
/span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><a =
href=3D"http://360.yahoo.com/workinprogress_mn_m54">http://360.yahoo.com/=
workinprogress_mn_m54</a></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><a
href=3D"http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=3Duser.viewprofil=
e&friendID=3D36035257&Mytoken=3D579A74AC-1A29-4FF2-9D609C9AD7C0F2=
4277906046">http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=3Duser.viewpr=
ofile&friendID=3D36035257&Mytoken=3D579A74AC-1A29-4FF2-9D609C9AD7=
C0F24277906046</a>
</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Below, this is a “work in progress” that I am =
looking
forward to receiving your comments, suggestions, and questions on =
because I
will publish it as a pamphlet, hopefully for Earth Day 2006 in order to =
try to
broaden discussion:</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><a =
href=3D"http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-7ff3RTc8cqgFvoeNu5aMsoYjv1fG">http=
://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-7ff3RTc8cqgFvoeNu5aMsoYjv1fG</a>
</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Below is a kind of citizen’s lobbying guide that I have =
developed
as a result of people urging me to put some things together, maybe you =
will
find it useful, I hope so… let me know, I intend to expand on it, =
and
include it, along with the Leopold discussion; any hints and tips would =
be
appreciated:</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I think calling legislators is very important… =
I hope
you are letting them know of your e-mailing activity, =
etc.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Legislators have become very “respectful” =
of the
potential of internet communications; and I have found that once they =
know you
are e-mailing on a regular basis, with the intent of networking, they =
tend to
listen a little more carefully to what you say.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Everyday that I wake up I write at least a little =
something
about what I am working on; I then mail it off; and once a week I =
contact the
state legislators who I know are listening, even though they may not
agree… I have a group of about 60 legislators here in =
</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Minnesota</span></font><font=
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> who call me
or I call them and when I get down to the Legislative offices in =
</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>St. Paul</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> I stop in
and talk with them. Some of these legislators would not be giving me the =
time
of day if I wasn’t doing this… even those who I have had =
harsh
words with in e-mail correspondence invite me into their offices to talk =
when
other people are lucky to get five minutes with their legislative =
assistants.</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I have tried to encourage others to become kind of =
what I
call “citizen lobbyists” like this; it does make a =
difference, I
think, in many cases where it would simply be so easy for some of these
politicians to just completely ignore a problem or an issue, they are =
forced to
at least mull what you have to say over in their own minds… and
politicians are no different than anyone else in this regard… it =
is
always more difficult to make a decision that will harm your fellow =
human
beings if you have to think about the =
consequences.</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I find calling these people once a week is very good.
Sometimes they tell me things like “next week I’m going to =
be on a
real tight schedule, make sure you call my legislative assistant to =
remind me
you have left something in my e-mail for me.” =
</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>So, I think this is a very effective and good way to =
work.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The other thing I try to do is add at least ten names =
to my
e-mail list every week… usually I add a lot more, this keeps =
things
building, rather than stagnating; plus, when people start calling these
legislators and saying they are calling as a result of something they =
received
from you, this lets the politicians know that you are doing some very =
serious
networking… because very few people will just pick up the phone =
and call
their legislator unless they think the issue needs attention… and =
then
the legislator says, “oh, oh,” I better pay attention to =
what is
going on over here.</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I have conducted workshops for a unions, =
environmental, and
peace groups about how to develop simple little campaigns like this that =
anyone
can do from home. I usually suggest that they combine this with a =
“letter
to the editor” here and there.</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The other thing that I have integrated into this is =
to
“build on the legacy” of progressive individuals while doing =
all of
this. One of the best has been with Frances Perkins because very few =
people
remember her anymore; so it is a way to educate people while doing all =
of this.
I also use the examples of Floyd Olson and Elmer Benson quite a =
bit… you
would be surprised all the people that write me and thank me for letting =
them
know a little about real history and how it connects with struggles =
today. No
one even knew that Universal Healthcare had initially been part of =
</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Roosevelt</span></font><font=
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>’s New
Deal reform package… so this kind of makes them look at it a =
little
differently.</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Anyways, just thought I would share my thoughts with =
you
about why I think efforts like you make will pay off big-time as we =
build a
movement to turn this country around.</span></font> </p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>If you would find it useful to share this with others =
go
ahead and e-mail it or print it off. I am really convinced that we can =
become
very effective by doing these kinds of little projects that really =
don’t
take all that much time when done in kind of an organized way. What the =
heck, a
conversation with a legislator can be turned into a letter to someone =
else or
used as a basis for a letter to the editor.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>People think I spend lots of time doing this =
“citizen
lobbying” effort, but I spend maybe half an hour to 45 minutes a =
day
doing this in between other things… and for the results I think it =
pays
off big time. You are influencing all levels of society, from the =
grassroots on
up.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The other thing I would recommend is that you begin =
little
gatherings in your home, and the homes of </span></font><font size=3D2
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>friend</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>s and
neighbors. I have been doing this all over the state of =
</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Minnesota</span></font><font=
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> and even
into </span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Wisconsin</span></font><font size=3D2 =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, </span></font><font =
size=3D2
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Michigan</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, </span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Ohio</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, </span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Indiana</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, and </span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Illinois</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> for about
three years now. I remember an old song sung by Phil Ochs, I think the =
title
was, “</span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>A Small Circle</span></font><font size=3D2 =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> of Friends.” Well =
from these
small circles of </span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>friend</span></font><font size=3D2 =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>s grow much larger circles. =
</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Some people like to shy away from controversy, but I =
think
controversy creates a lot of public discussion, and we have to =
understand that “out
of mind” really is “out of sight.” The corporate =
politicians will
use every conceivable means to try to keep the problems working people =
are
experiencing from public view… we need to get our issues out into =
the
public square, so to speak, just like they do… this is a democracy =
and
everyone has a right to be heard. People have a right to participate in =
the
process in a way that enables them to be involved in making the =
decisions that
affect their lives.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>It has become kind of the corporate backed =
politician’s
stock in trade to put forth a lot of meaningless platitudes in order to =
get votes
and campaign contributions. Right now there is a big move underway that
pretends to make just about every view, no matter how reactionary, seem =
“progressive.”
Politicians have been trained by linguists and other “professional
advisers to frame everything they say in “progressive =
sounding”
phraseology… they call this putting forward “progressive =
policy
directions;” then they are advised to never to talk about =
solutions. We
need to be talking about a new progressive agenda for our country that =
not only
puts forward progressive policy directions, but we need to get away from =
our
shyness about putting forward real solutions to these problems. =
</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>All activists should have calling cards (gees, I hate =
to use
the term “business cards”)… you can get real cheap =
business
cards from: VistaPrint… an internet printing =
company.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>In closing, let me just remind you that the Red Lake =
Casino,
Hotel, and Restaurant Employees’ Union Organizing Committee =
encourages
you to keep boycotting the three Seven Clans Casinos owned by Red Lake =
Gaming
Enterprises in Warroad, Thief River Falls, and Red Lake together with =
their restaurant
and Super 8 Motel in Warroad. 20,000 casino workers are employed in
smoke-filled casinos in </span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span
=
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Minnesota</span></font><font=
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, over a
thousand of them by Red Lake Gaming Enterprises… none of these =
workers
have any right, nor a voice in the workplace and all are paid poverty =
wages.
Keep in mind, that it has been our Organizing Committee that took up the
defense of the Big Bog… if you are looking for something to do up =
here in
northern Minnesota… go for a walk in the Big Bog, or check out the
tremendous brook trout fishing in the Dark River; better than sitting in =
a
smoke-filled casino pumping quarters into slot machines where workers =
get fired
for signing a union card. We are fighting for a very modest contract =
that
includes union recognition, which will cost Red Lake Gaming Enterprises =
about
four rolls of quarters, per employee, per hour. Anyone knows that =
poverty can’t
be eliminated as long as these companies making big money are paying =
poverty
wages.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>The future of the Big Bog was traded in a dirty =
backroom
deal orchestrated by United States Congressman James Oberstar, which saw =
the
Red Lake Nation Chairman drop the thirty year opposition to peat mining =
in the
Big Bog in return for consideration to place another poverty wage paying =
casino
where workers will have no rights in International Falls, Minnesota and =
a
couple other locations. Not good for people or our living =
environment.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>By now, you have all probably heard that State
Representative Brita Sailer has joined with this cabal of crooks in =
supporting
this dirty deal to destroy the Big Bog… no doubt Congressman =
Oberstar
threatened to run someone else in the nominating process; but this goes =
to show
what a powerful and complex web is spun by the multi-national =
conglomerate
business interests in these days of capitalist globalization. It is =
worthy of
note that Representative Brita Sailer has joined with the Minnesota Peat =
and
Canadian Peat Mining Associations to build a Bog Walk/Interpretive =
Center to
cover up this entire stinking mess, just like they have bog walks =
alongside the
power generating facilities in Marquette. Michigan on what at one time =
was the
beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior… and they have a nice cross =
country
ski trail near Grand Rapids, Minnesota where you can cross country ski =
through
the mercury laden clouds of Minnesota Power… and I don’t =
need to
tell you about all the other disgusting ways they try to cover all of =
this up,
you see it every single day. It is al about big money.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Often the struggle gets to seeming like we =
can’t fight
and win; the big-money people count on us giving up. The important thing =
is
that we keep plugging along… most people know that all of this is =
wrong
and they are looking for a way to become involved… I hope you will
continue to share these e-mails with people… and help get out the =
word
that the Big Bog is going to figure in a big way in the politics of =
Minnesota
from here on out.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I am working on a photo exhibit and power point =
presentation
to take on the road with me; if you want to hold a little get together =
with </span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>friend</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>s in your
living room or have a little discussion around the kitchen table, let me =
know…
I will be traveling all over </span></font><font size=3D2 =
face=3DArial><span
=
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Minnesota</span></font><font=
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>. I’m
taking photography and a biology class right now, hoping to be able to =
put
together some good things. You know, I don’t think people really
understand what is at stake in the way our living environment is =
destroyed…
right down to the very tiny little cells that are the foundation of =
life. Part
of the reason is that education doesn’t seem to be leaving the =
classroom…
I think we can change that, don’t you?</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Yours in the struggle,</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Alan L. Maki</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
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