While reading the Star Tribune today I came across an eop-ed piece written by Thomas Friedman and published in the New York Times. It's interesting, check it out if you have a moment. Here's the link: http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5533896.html.
We've also heard in the news lately that the IRA has ordered an end to armed struggle and decomissioning of it's weapons. I was fourtunate to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland on a J-term trip in 2003. I spent a month studying the history and present state of the Irish conflict. Unfortunately, tensions between Unionists and Nationalists have not dimmed much since the 1998 Good Friday agreement. Moreover, due to the IRA's history, many unionists and politicians feel that the IRA cannot be trusted and are skeptical of the IRA's declaration. While the declaration by the IRA is definetly a step in the right direction, only time will tell whether they will, in fact, honor their own words. The declaration may also prove to have political gain for Sinn Fein as well. Sinn Fein has suffered from a variety of controversies over the past year, and this move by the IRA may have a dually benefitial effect for the party.
Forbes has summed up the situation very well:
The "Irish problem" will not be solved as a result of last Thursday's statement. However, it may be dissolved if the process begun by the IRA's rejection of armed struggle delivers stability and allows time for the issues to become less emotive.
http://www.forbes.com/business/2005/08/01/ira-sinnfein-arms-cx_0801oxan_irastatement.html
Other news today: new laws in effect in MN include the reduction in the legal limit for blood alcohol levels from .10 to .08. Monies from DUI/DWI fees will go to repair of local roads.
MN has also raised it's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.15. While $6.15/an hour is nowhere near a liveable wage, the raise is at least a step in the right direction. For a full time (40 hours/week) minimum wage earner, the increase will provide about $2,000 in additional yearly gross income.
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did you hear that the op-ed online page of the NYT will go paid-only soon?
Also: I visited NYTimes this weekend and got a tour! I saw Judith Miller's desk and the international department having a budget meeting and all sorts of cool stuff. It was really amazing.
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