Unemployment Appeal Letter

At this point, I was several weeks into unemployment. I had received no income. I had to wait until I won my appeal case. There was no guarantee I would win an appeal.

Lawyers from the law firm Olson, Allen, & Rasmussen were actively searching my blog. What did they expect to find? They spent hours a day surfing my blogs. I hope they decided to send a check to the Green Party, go carfree, or stop supporting wars. I assumed they would misconstrue some of my blogs to "prove" I didn't deserve my unemployment. A very worrying time indeed, because the economy was just beginning to collapse. Little did I know, they decided it not worth defending their lies in court.

I received a letter about possible healthcare. COBRA would take up more than my entire take home after unemployment, so I declined healthcare coverage for myself and my son Josiah. I would just have to cross my fingers until a new job manifested itself. Of course, I was still hopeful someone at Shakopee Dakotah would come to their senses.

My 401K had also asked me what option I wanted to take. In May it was worth $13,000. About the same as the DOW Industrial Average. If I didn't cash out now, I never could until I retired. Why would I keep my money in a nation that doesn't value me or my rights as a worker? I was angry, and unsure if the economy could cope with $100+ a barrel oil, so I cashed out. In October my 401K would have been worth $8000. SO even with a 10% penalty tax, cashing out in May was well worth it. I sold high, not low. :D

Initial denial of Unemployment

I am confounded as to why the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance denied my claim. I wonder if they do this to prevent people from actually receiving any money. It could be a tactic that they use to "save" taxpayer money. But in actuality, they are only shielding the worst employers from their duties to formerly loyal employees.

Anyone who is denied benefits in Minnesota should appeal and fight it as long as they can.

Why is it that everyone I know that worked at Mystic Lake and is fired without a reason is initially denied? Alan Maki believes that the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Develeopment ( DEED ) are conspiring to do this intentionally. This could be true, as Mystic Lake's lawyer didn't even bother to show up to court. I won my appeal, because they never stated in writing why I was fired.

Because I was denied my unemployment, I had to go without income for two months. Fortunately, I had been saving up for an emergency like this.

Compassion vs. Communism

Or is it peace versus authoritarianism? People tend to see them as interchangeable.

Having just seen the movie Kundun rented at Blockbuster, I cannot fathom why Mao did not want to work with the Dalai Lama to achieve their goals. The Dalai Lama was told by Mao that "religion is the opiate of the masses." Well you can believe something is awful, but what do you replace it with? Communism replaced it with the same thing America did: materialism. Americans pray to the dollar just as the Chinese now do.

Regardless how the Chinese religion has changed,the Olympics are an opportunity to rectify past and current wrongs. It could be a time when Tibet can gain meaningful autonomy. This is what they want, not an independence wrought with war against China. Allowing the Tibetan people the opportunity to speak their language openly and freely. Allowing the Tibetan people to practice the religion of their own choosing. But how are they to do this if the Dalai Lama is not even allowed to attend the Olympics?

China has decided where it stands on human rights - on the side of tyranny. Are the Olympics just another long version of the Super Bowl - just another sport to pray to the almighty Dollar? If they are, then we can send China a message through our mutual societal faith: boycotting the Olympics.

Of course, my Communist acquaintances believe that Tibet was a feudal state under the 16-year old Dalai Lama. Decades after the occupation of Tibet began, they still state their feelings word for word what the Chinese media stated in the movie Kundun. But if Communism has been so wonderful for Tibet, why do ethnic Han still have to uphold their rule by military power? Wouldn't the Tibetans welcome their liberators? I guess we only have to look at our delightful occupation of Iraq. Of course the life of Saddam Hussein and the Dalai Lama aren't anywhere near the same, regardless what the Chinese propaganda of the day is. But I don't think my Communist acquaintances will watch Kundun, preferring to read the latest on Xinhua.

Good time to be a Minnesotan!

Okay, I am not going to go on about Sesquicentennials or anything. I would prefer to discuss more positive things like Atmosphere coming out with a killer album and Jesse Ventura with another book.

Atmosphere's new album is the most eclectic and ambitious album they have put out yet! Not to put down any of their previous work, because it is all superb. But this album, if listened to in full, seems to hold onto an element of the previous track quite well. And rather than soul-less MP3 tracks buy the actual album! The artwork, story,extra DVD, and lyrics are a nice bonus! I almost FEEL like I stole these extras paying what I did! Worth much more - but ya gotta entice buyers! ( So get one already! )

Jesse's book is excellent in that it is truth. And my life in East Phillips would be very different had he not been Governor. Would we have light-rail? Probably still be talking about building the first line. And Governor Pawlenty was against light-rail until it proved popular. The "train to nowhere" statements were just utterly wrong. And Representative Sviggum's statements in Jesse's book speaks volumes about the current state of the Republican Party.

The CIA chase in Cuba, the CIA in Minnesota, the CIA just about everywhere. Aren't they a bit paranoid of Jesse and the anti-two party sentiment in America? But the CIA is meant to cement the current power, not stand up to it. And Jesse remains a steadfast threat to this system.



My only complaint about Jesse's book is that you can't read it through all at once. Each chapter begins with his a linear experience of him and his wife in Mexico, but then cuts into his experiences prior to and during his Governorship of Minnesota. Reading about these political moments can get true Patriots outraged - only start reading the next chapter in Mexico again. So I recommend reading one chapter a day and reflect on it until the next chapter.

The clip I am including on my post was heavily enjoyed by those on break when it appeared live on CNN. It was almost like Jesse was back in office! And I'd prefer him over Coleman or Franken!

I am taking my copy of this excellent book to the MOA tomorrow to get it signed. And I will be getting their on LRT that wouldn't have been built without him. Heck, the entire Twin Cities transit system would have been gutted by now without it. We wouldn't even have a transit sales tax in ANY county. I would be contemplating a move to Portland instead of staying in Minnesota - and am glad I don't have to consider that. I like it here!

May Day 2008

Josiah and I were both in this year's May Day parade. We marched with Farheen Hakeem's campaign right ahead of the Green Party.

This year's May Day theme was "Building Bridges." And might I say that the message was one sorely needed society-wide. We are heading for an impending collapse - just as the 35W bridge - because our society is based on hydrocarbons. We were lured by its cheap price for such massive amounts of energy. But now, that energy is costing a fortune and destroying the planet.

None of us is independent of this but we all can be a lot more free of being fossil fools. And with Dubya being the first prominent Republican to admit addiction, I think we as a nation have begun the 12-step process to overcoming it.

Anyways, the parade lasted almost 3 hours! We got Powderhorn and it was crowded as always. Yet, we managed to find the spot where the Greens were. We also got some food from Hard Times Cafe. Josiah joined in the Hare Krishnas by playing the cymbals. I let him for 20 minutes - but he'd have been there for hours if I let him. I would, except I couldn't stay there past 5:30PM. I had a conference call in addition to dinner to make, and getting out of the sun also had importance! (That and Hare Krishna is probably the true "Song that doesn't end" )

When I was in Iraq, our mess hall Sergeant was Hindu. We hung out to study the Bagavad Gita and eat actual vegetarian foods prepared by the Indian cooks. We sang Hare Krishna. But I told him that I doubted he could convert me, but would enjoy what he had to share. His energy and passion for his faith was tremendous and something quite powerful. It is hard to not want to see what he has to share. But I had to laugh when he said that Buddha was just another reincarnation of Krishna. ( or Vishnu, their God ) Okay, sure.

I had a wonderful conversation with a woman from Parents for Ethical Marketing. Their booth was across from the Greens and Josiah was playing with some kids there. I found someone who agrees with me that advertising has just gone insane - and that kids are being programmed to identify with specific brands! She felt the same outrage I did when kids see a logo without being able to read and say things like "There's Eat Fresh!" (Siah did ) Even PBS has excessive advertising for the likes of McDonald's and Chuck-E-Cheese.

I was at one point a subscriber of Adbusters - a magazine dedicated to fighting the corrupt nature of the advertisers. The more you realize you are being manipulated against your own will, the more likely you are to regain control. And for those who don't think advertising works, why would they spend so much on it if it weren't?

I barely watch TV, prefer DVDs without ads. But even short MPR ads stick with me. Not sure how YouTube is going to change this for me, though. Siah and I watch YouTube videos of my old fave shows like Danger Mouse. On DVD I have He-Man, but it's not likely he is going to find and beg for a He-Man toy at Target anytime soon. :D

Appeal process at Mystic Lake

For those who may be fired at Mystic Lake or Little Six, this is the form you are asked to sign to appeal. I went through this process, but unless you know a tribal member personally, you really have no recourse. Or you need a lot of money for a lawyer, which you may not have if you are denied unemployment and have no other source of income. :P

I turned this in with my appeal. I was informed via voice mail that I was denied. The caller almost said she was from Little Earth. Funny how they are only a few blocks away from me and are community-oriented while Mystic Lake is corporate-oriented. Worlds away not just physically but ideologically.

Appeal to Human Resources at Mystic Lake

SMSC Gaming Enterprise
Human Resources Department

I was informed on April 30th, 2008 that my employment at Mystic Lake could not continue due to comments, statements, and individuals on my blog. I was told I had breached the confidentiality agreement that I had signed.

I was told that I had listed names of guests. I searched for this. One un-named guest gave me a button.The button was the primary focus of that post.

It took me a while to find a guest I had actually named. This would be Michael Cavlan. He was a candidate for U.S. Senate. I didn’t vote for him ( don’t tell him ) but I do work with him on a number of political issues and causes, primarily in Minneapolis. I had just gone to the Minneapolis City Council that very day with other activists to try to stop the Midtown Burner. This is what excited me about seeing Michael that very day. He is an acquaintance of mine who would be quite upset if he were to find out that I were losing my job because I spoke about him.
The employees names I mentioned are those I have spent time with outside of work.
Nowhere did I say the work policies that I was discussing were from Mystic Lake. Nor did I seek to harm the business or clients of Mystic Lake.

I must concede that you explain things in a context that you might understand, but others do not. I mentioned Mystic once instead of the location that it was at! It’s like I assumed readers would understand its distance from where I live.

I did some research to find precedence regarding employees let go due to blogging. One individual from Microsoft took photos inside of their building and posted this online. A Google employee who was new to the job wrote about every aspect explicitly about his introduction to the company and what he did his first week there. A Starbucks employee used expletives very liberally on his blog to express what he thought personally of his supervisor. The above are security concerns, and I can understand the employer’s perspective. But I do not see my blog within the criteria parameters necessary for dismissal.

I did not receive a warning for the confidentiality policy. I looked at my policy handbook and could not find a copy of this policy, and request that I receive one.

This moment could be an opportunity. More positive things could be said about Mystic Lake online.

Please re-employ me because I have not done anything egregious to deserve such treatment from my long-term employers.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,


-Kevin Chavis

Wind-powered Casino?

Okay, few think of "green" when they think of gambling, but patrons will be welcomed by a wind-turbine come August. Xcel energy ( coal and nuclear power ) is their primary source of energy , which I believe is supplemented by a hydrocarbon-based generator during peak demand. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux have been very wise in building up their community's infrastructure (i.e. their fire station, water systems, wetland restoration, health-care ). Now they are getting into the energy business, and doing it in an environmentally sound way.

I have been a patron of Xcel for many years, and a member of their Windsource program. So I am supporting wind even if I am not able to install one in my backyard. Many Minnesotans probably think this is too expensive, but it costs me less than $5 a month! Now when I initially started using Windsource in 2002, it cost my almost $8. But wind energy is cheaper now in comparison to oil, natural gas, and coal.

They will be installing the 2-megawatt wind-turbine during their annual Pow Wow known as Wacipi which will be August 15,16, and 17th. Unfortunately, the previous years I always had my National Guard drill during this time. Last year, it was Josiah's birthday and we had other plans. But this year, I would really like to see this. I live near Little Earth Community in East Phillips and go to Mother's Day Pow Wow, but SMSC has a much bigger venue.

While it has been said that the wind-turbine energy will be used by residents of the community residents, it could be a model for replacing the inefficient/expensive oil-powered generators at Mystic Lake and Little Six casinos and hotel. What is obvious by all of these positive developments in the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is that this is only the beginning. A more sustainable business built on renewable resources and local assets are key to SMSC's long-term prosperity. Too bad the rest of Scott County has chosen an opposing route.

A lot of Minnesotans do not realize that they can support renewable energy for pennies a day. I have been a member of Windsource since 2002. It was the same year I switched over all my light-bulbs to CFLs. I moved to Minneapolis and started to use the bus system more consistently, preparing my way to go carfree.

I encourage anyone that can support renewable energy based on their energy consumption to do so!

Media Parrots

Am I the only one irritated by these people? I know they are well meaning, but they are those who always bring up the news headlines but have nothing to actually say about it. Well, they do have something to say: exactly what the pundits and analysts say. Usually word for word, or summarized even further.

So, silly me, I think perhaps the media parrot might want to actually talk about the subject at hand. But usually they reserve their opinion for the next time they hear something about it from CNN or other broadcast media. Are they walking sheep or what? Honestly, they have no opinion, and usually when they do it is quite simplistic.

And yet, these are the same people who can easily be swayed to your way of thinking - merely by explaining your perspective. But as soon as the media tells them an opposing opinion, they will go with that. It is sad that we have those in our society who do not think for themselves. Are they the "sheeple" of America?

Fortunately there are those who do think. But only those who are the loudest make any impact on media parrots. I could give paragraphs of examples regarding times when I stated something and media parrots would dismiss what I had to say. Then they changed their mind when "reality" came in line - AKA the media agreed with my assessment.

Before Barack Obama even announced his candidacy, I had told many that if he were to run he would win. The media parrots refused to listen, giving me simple reasons like "he's black" or "Hillary will win no matter what." Very simple, until you actually hear the guy speak.

Of course, he would stand no chance at all if the Democrats were fearful of winning this year. Instead the 2006 election landslide has energized their enthusiasm, giving them a sense of hope they thought unthinkable until then. Had they not won so much ground then, Obama would not have a prayer today. But the Democrats believe they will win and don't focus on an "electable" candidate as much as one who more represents the values they would prefer to convey.

Though I have identified numerous amounts of media parrots and those with varying degrees of character agreement with them, I have yet to find a cure. There probably isn't one. Media parrots need to awaken and change themselves by choice. I cannot fathom living like a lemming on autopilot indefinitely, so choose to foster dissent at every opportunity.

Videos that should be seen ( but rarely are)

I know that one can do a lot of searching on YouTube for obscure bands and come up with a lot, but other times nil. I listen to the Current but also run into many in odd ways also. I will go through some videos that are unique, creative, and yet still entertaining.

Mates of State - this band is awesome. I can't decide which video of theirs to put here, but will put one that perhaps is a good intro to them. I do like "Like you crazy" and "Fraud in the 80'S' Also. I can't remember where I read this, but someone described seeing them live and said they are practically making out through their music. They are a band to watch!

This is a bit zany, but it HAS to be seen! Imagine a disco music video with muppets! Yes, I know. Interesting. But I think the level of work in syncing the muppets with this song is incredible! And quite a creative endeavor!

Bat for Lashes is a bit Björk-like. Maybe that is why I dig her so much? But I like this video because it's dark, creepy, but has a simple beat and is emotional. It is also deserving of being seen, and perhaps is one of the best independent music videos of 2007.

Scissor Sisters are big in Europe and the UK. I didn't know who they were, and was introduced to them by watching Doctor Who with the evil Master singing to their tunes. Anywho, they are disco-like. I'd say they are like a newer Bee Gees.

Anywho, hope y'all enjoy them!

Easter Eve

I)Shopping

Today was QUITE interesting. It is the first Saturday I have had without Josiah so far in 2008 and I am not sure what to do with myself apart from keep busy. SO...I did.

I went shopping! I exchanged a couple videos and Blockbuster, then got my Yuban coffee on sale at Rainbow. Then I hopped over to Target to get a Radio/MP3/CD Player boombox for my living room.

Upon getting home, I checked out the player, and it worked okay. But on my older MP3 cds,it tended to skip 1/2 seconds every so often. It played a newer one fine. I am going to test an audio drama I am recording right now from my iMac. Can't wait to listen to the new Doctor Who I just downloaded! Though I almost wish they made a Torchwood one now! Man that show is hot!

Then I cleaned the living room while listening to some older faves of mine.

II) America's Financial system and Peak oil discussion

Lynne Mayo invited me to attend a discussion at her place about issues that concern both of us more than the average citizen. I will go into this topic more on the Multipartisan blog.

It is interesting to note that Dureti mentioned the night before (on break ) that she was interested in these money-making schemes known as derivatives. She knows people that make money on it, and she feels just as deserving. Of course, I told her this was gambling, which...it is. But day-trading can be thrilling for some. I prefer real work with real benefits. But some wish to work "smarter not harder." Though I prefer to serve regardless.

III) Easter celebration with Jehovah's Witnesses

Tim and Myrtle Williams invited me to attend this celebration at Sabathani Community Center. I accepted. It is amazing, because this was held in the same room where I attended my first Green Party function!

Anyways, one might find it odd that I am a Buddhist who hangs out with Jehovah's Witnesses. But they are exceedingly nice, and even though I don't agree with resisting blood transfusions(or their view on sin or everlasting life), I like a lot of their perspective on the Bible. And Buddhism doesn't prohibit me from celebrating other beliefs, which is ironic as I am celebrating with people who have this as their only holiday which is Nisan 14 and not Easter! I really enjoyed my time there. As wonderful as it was, I didn't hang out with them at Christo's afterwards.

IV) Shopping again

I did what I had already planned. I went to Rainbow for another can of Yuban. You see, there was a limit on how many one could buy - one. And they were $6.50 off! I love them, and I also wanted the organic canned green beans on sale for a dollar each. Paper bags were important too.

V) Following my instincts

I already knew before I went to Sabathani my plan for the night. I would go there, then to Rainbow, then take the #21 to Bloomington and take the #14 home. I usually take the train home, but somehow I KNEW that I needed to do that. And there seems to be a reason I listened to these strong instinctual-like feelings.

While waiting for the #21 just outside Blockbuster, a #7 dropped people off. Just as it was leaving, a man shouted to have someone stop the bus. I did. Had I not been there, the bus would have left him. The couple other people at the stop didn't seem as enthusiastic about doing anything.

The odd feeling about taking the #14 at Bloomington didn't seem to make sense. But I followed it. I waited there with this beautiful young woman. But she didn't know her buses, and needed to get to Robbinsdale. I assumed every 14 went there - they don't. So when the bus got there, the driver told her to wait for the next bus.

As we were about to drive off and leave her there, she shouted to stop and I let the bus driver know. Had I not been there, he would have never done so. She got on because she would have to wait 30 minutes out in the cold ( silly as it is, she didn't have a hat with her)! The bus would stop at a transit station that was warmer and would allow her to transfer to the correct bus. I wished her a good night as I got off on 24th Street.

VI) Audio Dramas and then.....

Okay, I made myself some tea and will have some chips and salsa. Have these while listening to the audio drama on the MP3 CD I just made while typing this. Perhaps I should write my first review of these. Or just go to sleep afterwards....zzzzz

Greenwashing ads in south Minneapolis

It is humorous how this project self-imploded. Even with political insiders like Barb Johnson supporting this. But it was not destiny and did create casualties. I was fired for blogging over this, so I assume the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community or its members were also investors. ( These investors were never disclosed. ) To the left is an exemplary example of greenwashing I clipped from the Southside Pride.

Don't believe the hype. Research everything.

Midtown Burner

I) City Council

I woke up late this morning - at 8:50. I intended to be downtown by 9AM to meet with group opposed to the Midtown Burner. There is a possibility that the Minneapolis city council will consider adding to their agenda at the last minute a specific proposal that Kandiyohi
may need- more time to purchase the burner from the city.

I quickly cleaned up to go, got some clothes on, and then ran to the LRT station on Franklin. I got there just minutes after a train went by. Fortunately, I wasn't the only one. Jen was there with her daughter and we waited 35 minutes without a train showing up!! She decided to drive downtown and find parking, and offered me a ride since she was recruited to go to City Hall as well. Still not sure why the LRT was down, but dozens of people were late to the meeting because of it!

Even more fortunate, the council did NOT add this to the agenda. I did witness the entirety of the meeting. The city is doing nice things like Earth Hour 2008, though it is more symbolic than long-term in solutions.

They also approved some "sidewalk improvements" on Broadway Avenue in north Minneapolis. I personally think that is even more symbolic, and will assess business owners on that street excessively for little gain. I have walked on the sidewalks of Broadway in the summer, and didn't see much foot traffic to garner such an "improvement." But I don't live on north-side, so I will have to talk to others about this innovation.

It was good to see all the support against the burner show up. Greens like Farheen Hakeem were there and Phillips neighbors of all political persuasions! I am thankful we had such great organizers like Carol Pass, Dave Bicking, and others whom I should know their names! Cam Gordon ( Ward 2- Green ) and Gary Schiff ( Ward 9 - DFL ) both thanked us for being there. These two council members have shown adamant support for the people of East Phillips on this issue.

The big issues with the burner are

1) That the particulate matter in East Phillips is already excessive. Burning even wood would make things exceedingly worse
2)That there isn't enough wood in the Twin Cities to support this, and it would have to rely on more toxic treated woods, and possibly garbage in the long-term.

But we need more to contact our council members and Mayor Rybak to let them know where we stand! More info here:http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd9thxh2_48gfvnmb8p
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II) Cavlan discussion

Last but not least, I run into Michael Cavlan ! His son's 18th birthday today and they were out and about. Michael has been heavily participating in preparation for the Republican National Convention Welcoming Committee on behalf of the Peace Movement.

He was quite thankful that Minneapolis has Cam Gordon on the city council, as he is working to stop a so-called "Free speech committee" to oversea protesters during the convention. The ordnance proposed by Mayor Rybak and Council Member Gordon, would ask any group of 25 or more to voluntarily apply for a permit any time they intended to protest anything during the RNC. Council Member Ralph Remington is opposed to this, believing no group should have to apply for a permit for "free speech."

Buddhism while Pluto is in Capricorn

I think it interesting how Americans are shopping for faith more than anytime before. At one time, you were expected only to choose your denomination of Christianity, and then despise those of others. Now America's Christian branches continue to proliferate, while other religions that sprouted long ago and beginning to grow.

Most of these non-Christian faiths are growing due to immigration. But one has adherents that are over 3/4 American born: Buddhism. This makes it unique in this time in history, and could predicate its future growth. I purchased A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle when first published, because he shares the concept of mindfulness in ways few Westerners can. And now Oprah has made this book published in 2005 a bestseller in 2008.

Leah Seelhoff says that because Pluto is now in Capricorn, we will all have to adjust to a radically changing world where nothing is stable. All that we have attachments to will have to be let go or we go with them. It is interesting to note that Oprah made this announcement to have this book be in her club on January 26th the same day Pluto went into Capricorn. And it is also fascinating that astrologists are predicting this age to be one where we must live in the "now" and experience human population decline.

This is all fine with me, though it will not be simple to live in. I have worked to live a green life, foregoing even the delights of car-ownership. Now that oil is skyrocketing and the existence of peak oil finally reaching the mainstream, we know that having our collective heads in the sand is not working. It is time to wake up to reality, reign in our overconsumption and improve our compassion for all beings.

Mufin - where are you?

This sticker is from the bus shelter on Franklin and Hennepin.

I have run into her messages often in south Minneapolis. Once I dropped off a letter in a mailbox on 24th Street off of Nicollet Avenue. Inside was the message printed out on a sticker:

Mufin Mufin Bo Bufin
Banana Nana Mo Mufin
Me Mi Mo Mufin
Mufin

Other places I saw the "Hello My name is... Mufin" stickers.

I met Mufin only ONCE briefly at MCTC. She's both cute and hot! Wish she had a blog or something online to admire....

The Health of a vegetarian

They say that every cell in your body will be new after 7 years. That is how long I will have been a strict vegetarian this coming October. Even before that, I am in excellent health. My body composition is rated excellent and my Body Mass Index ( BMI ) is 18.9 or just at normal.

While the blood test on the left couldn't determine my LDL cholesterol level, I had the test taken in December of 2006. It was 23 mg/dL. This was the lowest the doctor had ever seen in her life. My blood pressure is also superb!

Glucose levels are good, which mean I am not at risk for diabetes 2 yet.

Of course, I can't compare this with where I was at the age of 19 ( now 26). I have always been rather slim, but I doubt it was lower having worked at Burger King from 98-01. That and the unlimited burgers and donuts available to me in the military! So, yeah, going vegetarian is much healthier for you and is still yummilicious in its own way.

The Multi-Caucus Night

Instead of going to the DFL caucus in support of Obama, I campaigned for Farheen Hakeem. This was my choice, as Farheen's plans allowed for those who wanted to caucus to go after passing out lit. Farheen's support goes beyond any single party.

I was just coming off of a bad flu - and had sleep from 1AM the previous day until 4PM to ensure I would be well-rested. I sent off a couple txt msgs to those who asked me to give them their caucus locations, took a quick shower, and then biked to the rally point near Powderhorn Park.

The ever-thoughtful Farheen had several boxes of Pizza freshly arriving for volunteers when I arrived around 4:40. Not wanting to end my fasting, I declined. Though she even had some Pizza Luce specialty vegetarian and vegan varieties those of us with more unique diets!

Republican Caucus

Not worried about food, I pressed on with assisting in the literature manufacturing, folding, and sorting. Every precinct caucus in 61B would be covered! My own caucus of choice was the Republicans, who happened to choose Powderhorn Park community center as their gathering place. As soon as I prepared a package of triple digit lits, I set off to take them on single-handedly!

To my pleasant surprise, I arrived early. Their were maybe a dozen politically active GOPers in the community room. Introducing myself, I found the room quite interested in Farheen's campaign. After leaving the room ,and wishing them a good political afternoon, I headed for the main entrance. There I greeted incoming Republicans, opened the door for them, and handed them the literature announcing Farheen's campaign. It was very fun, and I enjoyed being the unofficial greeter.

The reaction was very positive. Many stated they had seen Farheen speak, or heard many positive things about her. Very few handed me back the literature, finding her progressive stance not to their liking.

Several DFLers arrived, confused about their caucus location and stating that it's location had changed. Fortunately, there were flyers stating where they would go. These maps could have been more detailed, or copied more clearly, as I strained to help people locate their homes inside of a precinct. ( fortunately, this was when no GOP arriving )

The buttons and stickers I primarily saw were those for Ron Paul. I have a feeling many anti-war protesters were assisting him in his bid solely on this issue. The Democrats have truly failed the anti-war movement. Since taking over both the House and Senate, Democrats refuse to cut funding for the war or reduce the troop level. They deride a Department of Peace or any other method for preventing future wars. The pervading thought in Washington is that our Empire cannot be maintained through peace. These "Republicans" wanted a real change.

The parking lot was packed. The community center packed nearly to its limits. The Republican Party is small in Minneapolis. While the DFL organized by precincts, the GOP combined ALL of Senate District 61 into this single building. They didn't expect such turnout. Nor did our campaign, as I ran out of literature after half an hour!

Nonetheless, getting the word out was important. And better to give them all out than find too few caucus goers! Walking back to the campaign, I was pleased that things had gone so smoothly and pleasant!

Arriving for a second time, I began assisting with some other sorting and paper organizing. Dan Dittman was intending to go to the Independence Party caucus, informing me that Farheen had left keys for me to drive us their ( Dan doesn't have a license). It sounded excellent, so I hopped in a Toyota hybrid and we headed out.

Independence Party Caucus

Upon arriving, I was hopeful their would be a decent turnout. The IP had combined SD61 & SD62 for their caucus. But I think that the energy of the Obama and Paul campaigns had zapped the IP of their numbers. Their were maybe a dozen in the room. Rather than bust into a caucus ( it is very rude!) we gave lit to those who occasionally left the room. We stayed for perhaps 30 minutes, and chatted with a few people. Farheen's message had been passed around to those in 61B - mission accomplished!

We did talk to one non-IP woman, who simply arrived to assess the turnout. She was just at the DFL caucus, and stated she is supporting Jeff Hayden in 61B solely because he personally helped her. She "owed" him, yet then stated that "Farheen will win."

After returning her automotive, I decided to call it a night. Though I had to chat with some of her volunteers a bit before leaving. It was fun and I can't wait until it is warmer and be outdoors. But the campaign is in it's early stages. We definitely out-did her initial opponent Jeff Hayden!

The only other vying to win 61B that I am aware of is E. Scott Henry of the Republican Party. Otherwise the DFL machine intends Jeff be their candidate. But Farheen's in this race, so it won't be that easy for them - if at all.

For those who missed the caucus or are independents - you can go the "virtual caucus" at MNIP.org or attend the Green Party caucuses on Tuesday, March 4th.

Ridiculous hoops for a badge I already had?

I really don't know why I did this - I saw a Google Ad asking if I was a Republican or what party I would support. Okay, I figured NOT a Republican - probably what I already know I am - a Green. So I took this 20 question quiz - only to be confronted with those dreaded pages of ads asking if I would click "Yes" on them! I hate those. I wish they would all die. Is that anti-artificial life of me?

Yeah, I've seen "Ghost in the Shell" several times - I don't care if artificial life does come into 'being' online if it is in the form of these hideous spamalicious websites!

I also hate spam. All of them. Even my non-veggy Somali friends can appreciate my stance on this critical issue, though they may not agree on all my thoughts.

So, now the question is - do I show this badge of honor to everyone? Or do I hide it in shame of answering those pathetic questions? By hiding it, I also prevent others from doing the same to support "the cause." Oh what to do in this digitally-stressful 21st Century!

Ahh, got it. Post it to my blog. My own personal diary that is all mine. And no one reads that right? :P

But I went searching for more legitimate - non-advertising hawking sites. I found two I like:

http://www.3pc.net/matchmaker/quiz.html

and gurl.com has a good one. Though I think some questions are a bit cheesy and miss the point.

I took the "Count Me In" quiz on gURL.com
		My party is... Green What They Stand For: The defining position of the Greens is their dedication to environmental issues--hence the name "Green." They also believe in grassroots democracy, supporting local activism, smaller and independently owned business, abortion rights...Read more... What's your political party?

Mystic Lake Excellence Award

I received this award only four months before being fired for my Green Party activism. The guidelines for the award are:

• Consistent and exceptional performance. A one-time incident does not meet the criteria for this award
• Only a manager or supervisor within team member's department may recognize a nominee for this award
• Only active, non-exempt team members are eligible

Obviously, I had shown commitment to outstanding service, and few questioned this. I was never fired by the Slots Department. A tribal member active in the DFL or Republican party may have decided that Green Party member do not deserve employment. Michelle Christensen, my departmental manager, did not want to have to abide by their unlawful action in late April 2008. This ordeal makes me wonder if Green is the new Red. I have never cared about Communism, yet I am treated like I am a Communist. Capitalism may not cause our society to collapse, our addiction to oil and hydrocarbons will. Mark my words in permanent marker across your screens. :P