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Students Saying No to War, Yes to Schools |
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on September 17, 2008 at 7:53 PM
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The final day of the Republican National Convention was an exciting day not only for John McCain and his party, but also for members of the group Youth Against War and Racism.
On the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, just a few miles from the convention, Youth Against War and Racism held a mock trial. Using large puppets the group staged a theatrical arrest of ‘Dick Cheney’ and ‘Big Oil Bob,’ who the group considers to be war criminals since they see them as profiting from what they say is an unnecessary war at the expense of young people.
The group had been preparing for this day for months. In fact, I caught up with this group a few months ago, when they first began preparing for their mock trial.
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RNC Day 3 |
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on September 03, 2008 at 10:28 PM
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Day three of the convention I spent out and about taking in the activities surrounding the convention. First, I went to Civic Fest at the Minneapolis Convention Center. I spoke with the CEO of the One Campaign. I honestly wasn't that familiar with the campaign, and now realize what a cool concept it is. It is a non partisan effort to bring an end to poverty around the world. I think one of the best things about the campaign is the power it gives voters. On the One Campaign's website, voters can compare candidates side by side to see where they stand on various issues cocerning world poverty. Check it out at one.org.
As I was leaving the convention I saw Ben Stein (from Ferris Beullers Day Off!) I wanted to grab him for an interview, but he's a fast walker!
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RNC Day 2 |
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Posted
on September 02, 2008 at 10:08 PM
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For the past few days, I've been in the midst of all the action.
Yesterday I followed the Anti-War protestors as they marched from the Minnesota State Capitol down the the Xcel Center and then back up to the Capitol. Today, I was lucky enough to be on the floor of the Republican National Convention. I love being a part of all of the political activity going on in my home state!
As awesome as it is to have the RNC here, it is also frustrating. Security is so tight, that it is hard to get anywhere without having to take a huge detour around the big gated perimeter they've set up encompassing the Xcel. I feel like I don't recognize my own city. Everywhere I look there are bomb squads, secret service, and military. It just feels weird.
Another thing that is weird is how people are treating me. As a journalist using new media (phone vlogging and twittering) people at the RNC either I'm fake or fascinating.
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It's Convention Time! |
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on September 01, 2008 at 1:26 AM
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Just got home from having dinner and attending a Rock the Vote party with my fellow Street Teamers. I'm so excited because for the next few days, Nadir, Erica, Anthony, Charlie and I will be covering the Republican National Convention here in my home state of Minnesota!
Bush and Cheney were supposed to speak at the convention Monday night, but have decided not to because of Hurricane Gustav. I wonder how the hurricane will effect the rest of the convention.
Well, tomorrow I am off to cover anti-war protestors who are planning on marching from the Minnesota State Capitol down to the Xcel Center (where the RNC is taking place).
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Profile of a Protester |
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on August 20, 2008 at 9:05 PM
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As the Republican National Committee works on converting the Xcel Energy Center from a hockey arena into the convention hall where John McCain will accept his party’s nomination, protestors are also getting ready.
I wanted to learn more about who is planning on protesting and why; so I sat down with Alexis Pennie, a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, who plans on protesting when the RNC comes to town in September.
Why are you protesting the Republican National Convention?
I’m protesting because, although I know that society shapes us, we also shape society. It is kind of a Marxist way to look at it; I learned it from my sociology professor. But that’s what I’m trying to do by protesting. I’m trying to help shape the mold of society that has shaped us, and to do it in a productive way.
What issue in particular are you upset over?
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A Step Towards Green Jobs |
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on July 30, 2008 at 9:39 PM
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Minnesota is one step closer to creating a green economy thanks to a partnership that will bring plug-in hybrid technology to the state.
Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak recently announced that Minneapolis would be one of six U.S. cities where hybrid drivers will be able to convert their car to a plug-in electric-car.
Last week I met several high school and college students who had gathered to write letters to the state’s elected officials asking them to create green jobs. They say that green jobs help address the issue of global warming while at the same time stimulating the economy. The mayor’s announcement means the state can look forward to more “green collar jobs.”
The Mayor told me that the good news about converting hybrids to electric is that the technology is out there. The bad news is that “out there” is in Canada, which is where Rybak had to take his hybrid to have it converted by a Toronto company called Hymotion.
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