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Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Refuse the Politics of Hate
We make our most important decisions based upon emotion. Think about it.
We do not commit to a mate because of his or her good genes, money, or reputation, but because we become emotionally engaged with him or her. We buy a house because it “just feels right.” We buy automobiles because their power or looks are intoxicating – not because they are practical, get good mileage, or suited to the type of driving we really do. If we based our automobile purchases on practicality, the number of SUVs and monster trucks would be greatly reduced. Come on – who really drives off road or hauls anything but air in the back of his or her super-duty extended cab pickup?
Again, we make our most important decisions based upon emotion.
It is all right. According to Zorba the Greek, a man needs a little madness. Unfortunately, this madness often bleeds into insanity when politics and emotion are involved. Politics and blogging seem to be the lowest common denominator that binds politics and emotion. The ability of expression afforded by a blog has allowed many – including me – to express an opinion and influence how others might view any sort of political issue. However, problems arise when emotion overtakes good sense. Recently, several bloggers in the Duluth area have resorted to promoting the politics of hate. They have resorted to innuendo, report little to do with facts, and make highly personal attacks. These attacks are offensive, rude, and cowardly.
While it might be enjoyable for a time, it never pays to throw mud.
I have committed to writing this blog as a well respected online journal that promotes open and honest policy dialogue. Unlike several local blogs, my name and picture appear at the top of every entry.
It is true: I do not allow instant response to each entry to ensure the blog remains an open letter. However, if you disagree (or agree) with me, you can email or call me – my email address is clickable right from my blog and my phone number is printed in the public domain. In fact, I welcome your comments. I make my contact information public because I refuse to call others out while I hide behind a curtain of anonymity.
I am accountable to our members who pay a sizable chunk of money to be a member of the Chamber. I will not willingly violate their trust or do anything to embarrass others. My intent is to promote critical thinking and civic discussion.
Finally, I refuse to let my comments sink to the level of a Jerry Springer show. Those kinds of things might be entertaining to a few, but rarely do they reflect credibility, respect, or forward thinking.
Duluth is a wonderful place to live. I live here because my parents and grandparents lived here. Sure, I could rapidly advance my career elsewhere, but that notion does not appeal to me – Duluth does.
My challenge to all bloggers is that we leave the emotional temerity behind and move on to become the best we can – that means using open and respectful communication. We’ll all be better off when we do.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, June 24, 2005
The Fabulous Five
When a region is faced with economic hardship, a person expects United States senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and any other person in a position of political power and influence to stand up and make a fuss.
Clearly, this was the case on Thursday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Testifying before the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) were: Minnesotas senators, Mark Dayton (D) and Norm Coleman (R); Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty; North Dakota Senators Kent Conrad (D) and Byron Dorgan (D); North Dakota Representative Earl Pomeroy (D); and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven. In addition to these representatives, also testifying were Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown; East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss; local base retention committee leader John Marshall; former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald Fogelman; Grand Forks City Council President Hal Gershman; Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness; Fargo base retention leader Dick Walstad; retired adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard Maj. Gen. Alex Macdonald; current adjutant general of the Guard, Maj. Gen. Mike Haugen; adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito; retired adjutant general of the Minnesota Guard Brig. Gen. Ray Klosowski, and Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson.
This is an impressive group to be sure.
I could not have been more proud as each person testified before the commission. Each one gave compelling reasons for changing the BRAC’S mind, including national security, maximum operating efficiency, and good old fashioned patriotism. However, I was most impressed by those not seen.
Specifically, I was most impressed with five fabulous individuals: Mark Jones, Valerie Gravseth, Heidi Koaus, all who serve as assistants to Senator Mark Dayton. The other two members of the fabulous five are Dave Boe, an assistant to Congressman James Oberstar, and General Ray Klosowski (Ret.), who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the 148th Fighter Wing. Each and every one of these people put in long hard hours preparing for the BRAC hearings. Ray Klosowski, even though retired, pulled an all-nighter. These five individuals deserve our appreciation and respect. All worked behind the scenes on behalf of the 148th Fighter Wing.
Dignitaries will show up when the stakes are high. However, it is not without the work of people like the fabulous five, who work behind the scenes, accounting for every last detail, to ensure that these dignitaries are prepared and able to deliver for their constituents.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, June 17, 2005
Breaking with Tradition
In the time I’ve spent at the nation’s capital advocating on behalf of the MN Air National Guard – 148th Fighter Wing, I’ve noticed something: Senate tradition is a funny thing.
On a normal day, it is extremely unlikely that one would see a US Senator meeting with a US Representative in the Representative’s office. Likewise, it is extremely unlikely that one would see a US Representative meeting with a US Senator in the Senator’s office. The two legislative bodies simply do not conduct inter-office visits.
Yet, in a rare move, Senator Mark Dayton (MN) broke tradition and traveled to the office of US Representative Jim Oberstar to conference with Oberstar; representatives from Sen. Norm Coleman’s (MN) office; representatives from Sen. Herb Kohl’s (WI) office; represenatives from Sen. Russ Feingold’s office (WI); Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce representatives; Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson; and staff members about the future of the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing.
Most likely Dayton's move, while unconventional, will form a new Senate tradition: when warranted, tradition is waived.
Duluthians can take a lesson from Dayton’s maneuver. Unequivocally, the 148th Fighter wing is a major player in Duluth’s economic viability. The area’s ninth largest employer, the 148th Fighter Wing has an estimated $85.1M impact on the Northland’s economy, according to an article in today’s Duluth News Tribune. With over 1,100 full- and part-time jobs on the line and the potential economic repercussions, it is about time we Duluthians join forces and advocate for the 148th.
Next week, Pentagon officials will host a community meeting about proposed base closures and military realignments in Grand Forks, ND. The 148th Fighter Wing will have 30-mintues to illustrate that it is a vital aspect of the Duluth area community – both economically and socially - and prove that it is one of the best units in the entire United States. Our work in Washington DC will serve as a spring board to develop a plan to achieve this very goal. With the kind of congressional leadership we witnessed in DC and full community support, we will get the job done. After all, when a community pulls together, anything can be achieved.
** In light of the urgency of the situation regarding the 148th Fighter Wing, I will write about the Chamber’s pending economic development policy at a later date.**
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, June 10, 2005
The Great American Health Care Myth
America is a place where anyone can grow up to be president – a way of thought that dates back to Benjamin Franklin. Americans believe we are a great meritocracy, where education, smarts, and ambition matter more than parenthood and class. This is a basic element of American culture.
Unfortunately, this popular American belief is not true. According to an article in the May 13, 2005 edition of the Wall Street Journal, a substantial amount of research indicates that a parent’s advantage in income is passed along to his or her children, accounting for a 45 to 60 percent head start. Some would argue that this is not fair. Perhaps not, and yet, for the most part, we tolerate this kind of disparity in our society. Our goal should really reflect Franklin’s original premise. We should work to level the playing field for anyone who wants to start a business, move up in real employment, or be President of the United States.
Americans are slave to another arcane myth: our health care system is just fine and does not need fixing. No one seems to notice that we treat health care like a right and fund it like a privilege. Most of us believe the system works well – most likely because we have not had to experience its shortcomings firsthand. Yet, imagine the health care experience of those who are not supported by parental privilege, those who try and negotiate through the system without insurance, those who try in earnest to provide some kind of care for their children. Certainly, these people understand that access to quality, affordable health care is not a right.
Further complicating the convoluted health care myth are the costs of the uninsured to working people and businesses. A recent study disclosed the average worker pays $341 per year for the uninsured person and the average business pays $922 per year for the uninsured person. No wonder, then, American businesses cry foul at the unfair global advantage when the governments of other countries bear the burden of the health care systems, thereby giving their businesses a head start.
American society must begin to think clearly and act in a proactive manner. No matter the outcome of the convoluted health care discussion in our country, public policy should not be reflective of divisive nature of politics. This is not to say that politics are always unseemly. Rather, we should demand our politicians begin to put the real needs of Americans ahead of their own need to be re-elected. A comprehensive health care task force at the national level should explore the problem and work towards solutions. Without a real discussion, our health care mess will turn into a real health care crisis – look at General Motors, our state’s difficulties, and our city. We never thought health care costs would be the issue that would bog them down.
Franklin is probably turning in his grave every time the outdated myth of health care is passed along. He understood that we cannot afford to let businesses in our country go the same way.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, June 03, 2005
Economic Development: If not us, who?
It is easy to get mixed up in polarized politics – even at the local level. During those times, emotions drive opinions and opinions drive actions. And those actions are not always helpful when a community works to sort through complicated issues. There are other ways to get the job done.
The Chamber’s public policy arena has been striving to develop broad-based public polices, which reflect the interests of our members. These policies serve to provide the Chamber direction when specific issues arise in the community. Basically, these policies help us respond to any one issue in a more philosophical manner – i.e. planning for the long-term versus the short-term - rather than basing our response or public stand on a knee-jerk reaction. Most recently, we developed a broad-based fiscal policy that is pending approval from the Chamber board.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up to develop our Economic Development policy. Surely, there is no shortage of opinions in Duluth regarding how our community should build its economic base. The old attractive model of bringing in business to the community has had limited success. Of course, that is not to say we don’t welcome businesses who choose to operate out of community - United Health Care, Trueride, and Cirrus Design, for example, are all great and welcome additions to the Duluth Area. However, we must do more to than wait for businesses to simply come to us.
In addition to the usual considerations regarding economic development – competitiveness, taxation, and infrastructure – I would like to consider at least five additional areas in the Chamber’s economic policy: people, health care, transportation, housing, and energy/environment.
It is important to note that while it is my job to draft the policy, you, as our member, have a say in how this policy is developed. First, you can email me your thoughts. Secondly, you can attend our Government & Policy Task Force meeting on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30 am and join in the discussion as we review the draft policy. Thirdly, you can email me after I blog about the draft policy on June 17. Once we have a workable draft, the policy will be forwarded to the Chamber board for final approval. Once the policy is adopted, I am confident the Chamber will speak on your behalf when issues regarding economic development arise in the Northland.
Please know that we appreciate your membership. If we don’t determine policy that represents your interests, who will?
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
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