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What are the values embraced by those calling themselves “progressive?”  Can political activists help less active people define their values and develop a credo they live by and policies they can push into legislation? Which policies should they tackle? What are the priorities communities should set to address the persistent problems faced by a very economically and ethnically diverse set of subcommunities that make up our society? Can real equality exist without a redistribution of wealth so as to see a more evenly endowed city, state or country?

 The organization known as Heartland Democracy has gathered a coalition of other progressive policy and public service advocates to present a Framework for Governing to the public and policymakers – and it starts with a subset of values underlying that framework. As part of the Framework’s roll-out, six member group representatives combined their cases for what ails us as a society and the values needing adoption in a open forum on May 18 at First Universalist Church in Minneapolis, then taking questions and comments from an audience of about 40 participants. Moderating was Heartland Fellow, Phyllis Stenerson.

TTT’s ANDY DRISCOLL was there with Cameraman CRAIG STELLMACHER to record the proceedings for presentation on our Memorial Day edition of TruthToTell. The audio version will air “live” on KFAI Monday morning, the video version will go online a few days later.

TOM VELLENGA – President, Heartland Democracy Midwest policy initiative

DANE SMITH – President, Growth & Justice progressive think tank

ALISON NORMAN – Policy Director, Minnesota State College Student Association

WESLEY WALKER – Executive Director, Northway Community Trust

STEVE ROGNESS – Policy Director, TakeAction Minnesota, progressive public policy advocacy

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First Person Radio: May 25: CHIEF ARVOL LOOKING HORSE: Peace Advocate; CLYDE BELLECOURT-AUDIO IS HERE

 Arvol Looking Horse was born on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota in 1954.  Raised by his Grandparents Lucy and Thomas Looking Horse, he learned the culture and spiritual ways of the Lakota. He speaks both Lakota and English. At age twelve, he was given the enormous responsibility of becoming the 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe,  the youngest in history. He is a spiritual leader among the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota People. He holds an honorary Doctorate from the University of South Dakota, and travels and speaks extensively on peace, environmental and native rights issues. He has been the recipient of several awards, including the Wolf Award of Canada for his dedicated work for peace. A skilled horseman, he shares his knowledge with the youth on the long distance rides that take place in South Dakota throughout the year.

Also, Clyde Bellecourt returns from his talk before the UN conference on Indigenous People and reads the speech he gave to the Assembly there.