One way we are getting to know Minneapolis even better, to meet people and talk about the campaign is by taking long walks through the neighborhoods closest to where we live in the Whittier neighborhood.
We've noticed a lot of evidence of public intoxication, and believe it leaves a negative impression on the youth that walk through this litter on their way to play, and enjoy daily free meals provided by the school district, in Minneapolis parks. We've started collecting the obvious cans easily accessible from the sidewalks and the greenway, and in just three outings we've collected six pounds of aluminium for recycling, which netted $3.60 - all of which I am putting into new literature for the campaign.
I can't imagine that this is really the best use of my my time, as the candidate, but the problem of discarded alcohol containers everywhere in public places frequented by children bothers me.
It also gives me just a little sense of relief when I think I am reducing the need for destructive new metal mining somewhere - mining was a hugely contentious issue at our recent DFL State Convention and a few legislators feeding from the Polymet lobby-trough tried to silence progressives who where tweeting about it from the floor by arguing we had no right to complain as our own cell phones contained conflict minerals, rare earth elements and copper from somewhere. I suppose a concern that shiny new iPads some districts are buying for their students contain conflict minerals is just one more reason to slow down those big tech purchases that might harm schools, kids as well as mine laborers and the earth.
I also hope that this demonstration shows even the most impoverished activist that they can do something to contribute monetarily to my campaign, or the campaigns that they believe represent them best. You can also volunteer to doorknock and phone bank with me. If you are a Minneapolis voter I hope to speak with you soon. Feel free to stop me and chat me up if you see me out there, picking up these malt liquor cans or at any sort of event. Thanks!