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Free Speech Zone
The Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Click here and follow directions to submit an article.
Transparency: We ask that you identify any connection or interest that you have in what you are writing about. For example, if you are employed by a political campaign and you are writing about a candidate, you should disclose that fact. If your article is a press release for an organization, please say so.
Tone and style: We hope your submissions will be constructive, accurate, and submitted in the spirit of contributing to civic dialogue. That is a guideline, but it is not a requirement for publication—the Free Speech Zone will not impose “politeness” standards. We encourage everyone to add a short bio at the end of your article.
The Free Speech Zone is a work-in-progress, which will be shaped by your contributions and participation.
Counterproductive hiring freeze at U of M
In November, just after the conclusion of the Community Fund Drive, the University of Minnesota administration imposed a “hiring pause” in anticipation of reduced state support consequent on the state’s sizable budget deficit. What this hiring pause turns out to mean is that most faculty and staff positions that have become vacant will not be refilled. Most searches for new faculty, including replacements, have been cancelled. The hiring of temporary instructors is commensurately affected, and funding for teaching assistants is to be reduced. MORE »
The redeeming side of the auto industry collapse
Like many serious – even disastrous – events, there is often a “bright” side to the issue. Sometimes this is called “the lemon to lemonade” dynamic; and so it is true with the current collapse of the American auto manufacturers. So how can such a cataclysmic event bring our society and economy any benefits? Let us count the ways. MORE »
Why your city should avoid the RNC!
Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, Indianapolis, & New Orleans are considering putting their names in the hosting hat for the 2012 RNC. Here in Saint Paul, Minnesota (pop. 250,000) we hosted the RNC, and we have some advice for those cities: DON’T DO IT!! You may ask, “Why not host the RNC?” Here are our top ten reasons. MORE »
The end of biological life
As I wrote a few months ago, and as I suggested in my 2007 TC Daily Planet op-ed piece,(1) the escalating destruction of biological life on our planet is by far the most serious problem that confronts our nation and all other nations. Therefore, as we begin a new year with a new American administration, all other problems must be addressed in that end-of-life context. MORE »
