Consensus

Posted on 18 February 2011 by Erik Hare | 22 Comments

Tens of thousands of people have filled the Capitol grounds in Madison. They have taken over the marble hall itself, banging on the doors of the Senate Chamber and making noise not normally heard in Wisconsin outside of a Harley rally. The Senate Democrats have fled the state, stopping all action for lack of a quorum. It’s hardly business as usual in a state that is generally known for hard work and quiet contemplation, at least when the Packers aren’t playing. What will happen?

The way out is the same way that the good people of Wisconsin and all over the USofA have gotten through this before. Our traditions, sometime enshrined in our Constitutions, laws, and legislative rules are all there for some very good reasons.

Continue reading →

Pledge Drive!

Posted on 16 February 2011 by Erik Hare | 12 Comments

It’s Pledge Drive time at Minnesota Public Radio! This Winter’s pitch for bucks comes at the same time Congress is (once again) looking to slash funding for public broadcasting. That means one thing to me – I better get my own Pledge Drive in while I can.

Welcome to the first ever Barataria in-blog Pledge Drive! There’s a survey at the end where you can tell me just what you think anonymously and easily, whether you give or not.

Continue reading →

Saint Paul’s Community School Plan

Posted on 14 February 2011 by Erik Hare | 9 Comments

Saint Paul Public schools, like just about every school district in the US, is in a bit of trouble. Budget cuts, declining enrollment, and the K-12 funding “delay” in Minnesota are all taking their toll. They’re responded with a plan called “Schools at the Heart of the community” that addresses this and a lot more of their lingering problems all in one grand strategic plan.

Does this plan work? I think it does. There are a few questions and suggestions that I have outstanding, but overall this shows what a dedicated group of public servants can do under extraordinary circumstances. They also appear to be listening to the public as they shop this plan around, meaning it will probably only get better. I’m impressed and I want to add what I can to both the thanks and the suggestions.

Continue reading →

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Erik Hare | 17 Comments

Our third grade class filed under the concrete breezeways that loosely connected the classrooms of Coral Reef Elementary, past the Seagrape tree at the end of the open courtyard, and into the big cafeteria. It was the only space large enough to hold all the energy of so many kids, cooled only by tall jalousie windows that caught the breezes off Biscayne Bay. The air inside was heavy and anxious, and just like nearly everything in Florida it could be oppressive if you let it get to you. But we kids just took it in and made it exciting. This was our music class, the time when we could bubble our energy in a new song taught to us on the tired piano by Mr. Michaels.

Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty;

Continue reading →

Global Retreat

Posted on 9 February 2011 by Erik Hare | 23 Comments

There’s little doubt that the Depression we’re in is testing the global economy. What may be less obvious is that the very nature of our global system might be increasing volatility, making downturns more likely in the future. Preventing this will test the ability of this entire planet to act in ways that further both our own long-term interests and the interests we share together.

In short, it’s been a helluva ride, sure, but the scary part may be yet to come.

Continue reading →