Politics in Minneapolis
Although I will flesh out this page more in the future (presumably),
politics in Minneapolis comes down to one concept -- ferocious populism.
Ferocious populism was a term used in a Minneapolis Star-Tribune
editorial this summer to describe the recent political climate in
Minneapolis, particularly regarding public financing of new Twins or
Vikings professional sports stadiums.
As soon as I read the phrase "ferocious populism," I knew that it was apt.
In many ways, my own family members are hard-core populists. While I was
growing up, my parents imparted to me a whole list of things they deem
elitist. This includes the East Coast (it's a wonder I go to school out
here...), National Public Radio, anyone who drives a fancy car, and
parents who make their children play the violin. Among other Minnesotans I
find myself downplaying that I go to Smith as much as possible.
When I was in high school, my dad once was appalled that I used the word
"utilize" in an essay. He urged me to change it to "used," and then sent
me to read George Orwell's essay, "The Politics of the English Language."
It is a great essay, and I got the point. My sister's never read it, but
she's also a populist communicator, refusing to use anything she considers
to be a "big word." (It is a long list, too).
The thing about Minneapolis is that it's not just my family that is like
this. Some people say that Minnesota is a bellwether state politically,
and we are on the tip of national political trends, including the
phenomenon by which former pro-wrestler Jesse Ventura became governor.
But part of me really doubts that Jesse Ventura could be elected in other
states. I'm inclined to believe it's in our populist tradition.
And it isn't just populism. It is ferocious. Public opinion polls
indicate that the people of Minneapolis reject the idea of using public
money to build a stadium by a margin of 3:1. It was 2:1 in St. Paul.
I've answered plenty of letters and phone calls in the Mayor's Office to
know the intensity of feeling generated by the stadium debate. The thought
of "bailing out billionaires" smacks most Minneapolis residents as utter
foolishness. Common sense tells them that it is not right, no matter what
economic gain it might bring to our City.
Politics in Minneapolis is wild and very fun at times, and the populist
streak is undeniable. I don't think I'll personally make any claims of
elitism in my environment, either at home or at school, but something
rings true about this perspective. And even if Minnesota or Minneapolis
is no bellwether, it is something of a notable political novelty.
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