Welcome to my newly re-named monthly summary of international, national and local “stories of need”, “everyday epics” and “food for thought” referenced online by news sites, blogs, press releases and editorials…
“Stories of Need”
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — Depositions revealed Purdue Pharma and members of the Purdue family intentionally misled doctors and others about the strength of its drug OxyContin…Sixteen states sued to block a presidential declaration of a national emergency to fund further construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border…Teachers in Denver began and ended a strike for better pay…The national debt reached a record $22 trillion…Journalists took a closer look at what it looks like on the ground at the U.S.-Mexico border.
STABILITY & UNREST — Conditions in Venezuela continued to deteriorate politically and otherwise…Thousands protested a bid by Algeria’s president Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a fifth term in office…
“Everyday Epics”
At times, what gets lost in the concern and clamor over major events and issues, are ordinary people, communities, businesses and other groups doing extraordinary things. Here are a handful I’ve heard about recently:
NEW YORK CITY (New York) — In 1855, Elizabeth Jennings was on her way to church when she was ordered off a horse-drawn trolley and told to wait for a carriage reserved for black passengers. She sued and won.
BROOMFIELD (Colorado) — Irv Brown, a Colorado sports legend and more importantly, a good man, passed away. #RIP, Irv.
PARKLAND (Florida) — On the one-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting, student-survivors contemplated their elevation to cultural icons and lightning rods.
ATLANTA (Georgia) — Dorothy Bolden didn’t let the Ku Klux Klan intimidate her into giving up her advocacy for domestic workers in the 1960s.
DENVER (Colorado) — Max Tafoya‘s journey from being without a home to the Colorado State Wrestling Tournament is worth a read.
ROME — Ever heard the story of the “real” St. Valentine? He was a third-century priest who was beaten, stoned and beheaded for helping Christians escape persecution.
QUEBEC CITY (Canada) — Ed Metatawabin of the Fort Albany First Nation received the Order of Canada.
BROOMFIELD (Colorado) — The new local chapter of 100 Women Who Care launched with its first ever meetings and first grant given to The Refuge Café. 🙂 It’s a simple, but dynamic group model: each member commits to giving once a quarter to a local non-profit, which is chosen by secret ballot and voted on by members.
“Food for Thought”
Issues and topics worth reflection:
A NEW AMERICAN STORY? — Here’s an intriguing proposal for adopting a new and improved “American Story.”
HOUSING & AFFORDABILITY — Check out this recent housing study completed by the Colorado Municipal League.
#DAYOFREMEMBRANCE — On Feb. 17, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, sending 120,000 Japanese Americans to concentration camps in Colorado and other states.
REACHING ACROSS THE AISLE — Listen to this refreshing interview of Colorado’s senators, one Democrat and one Republican.
