Water cooler talk
In case you missed it…and what to watch for.
Give It Back
American Experiment is calling for Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota legislature to give back to taxpayers what’s rightfully theirs: the $9.3 billion budget surplus. CAE will hold a rally at 11:30 am Saturday, April 23 on the Capitol steps to demand permanent tax cuts and a reduction in state spending. It’s time to make our voices heard and demand accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Guest of honor
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will provide his perspectives on America’s positioning in the evolving tension in world politics when he headlines American Experiment’s Annual Dinner on Friday, May 6 at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel.
A cocktail reception starts at 5:30 pm, ballroom doors open at 6:30, dinner and the program begin at 7. Go to AmericanExperiment.org for information and to purchase tickets.
Kersten most read opinion in Star Tribune
CAE’s Senior Policy Fellow Katherine Kersten had the most read op-ed in the Star Tribune in 2021. The announcement came from the paper’s Editorial Board in the December 31, 2021 edition. “Woke revolutions looms for Minnesota schools” highlighted a radical leftist agenda overtaking the state’s public schools, a topic Kersten has been reporting on in-depth for many years.
Eye on the capital
CAE’s Bill Walsh hosted a preview on January 25 of the 2022 legislative session with Sen. Mark Johnson and Rep. Kristin Robbins.
The panel discussed what to do with the $9.3 billion state surplus, how to address the state’s rising crime, redistricting, and what lawmakers can do to thwart Critical Race Theory in public schools. Readers can view the video on our website, as well as many other multimedia clips and appearances (AmericanExperiment.org/ multimedia/videos/).
New alliances
The Center’s Education Policy Fellow Catrin Wigfall headlined a February 24 event about Critical Race Theory and the miseducation of America’s youth in River Falls. The event was the first in American Experiment’s new partnership with the Badger Institute, a Wisconsin-based think tank. Look for future partnership events when CAE’s Economist John Phelan will discuss alcohol regulation and tax policy.
The professor is in
One hundred fifty people endured a spring blizzard on February 22 to hear Political Science Professor Wilfred Reilly describe how mainstream media pushes falsehoods about America, especially surrounding ideas of race, class, and crime. This is perpetuated, Reilly states, because “there is a control of our information disseminating infrastructure by a tiny number of people with very similar ideas and a unified political belief — that is not good.” The event, part of American Experiment’s ongoing lunch forums, was held at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan. It was co-hosted by TakeChargeMN. Reilly also signed copies of his books, Taboo: 10 Facts You Can’t Talk About and Hate Crime Hoax.
Law and order
American Experiment’s new Public Policy Fellow Jeff Van Nest addressed public safety issues at what was planned to be double-header events at the Center’s regional chapters in Owatonna and Rochester on March 15. Unfortunately, leftist activists pressured the Rochester Country Club to cancel the event, which was to feature Van Nest, Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, and Rochester Police
Chief Jim Franklin. “It’s too bad the Rochester Country Club couldn’t stand up for free speech today and stay true to their contract,” said John Hinderaker, president of Center of the American Experiment. “The people of Olmsted County were denied the chance to hear from a great panel of experts on a really important topic. But free speech will ultimately prevail. We will reschedule the event in Rochester at a different venue as soon as possible.” The events were to feature panels of local law enforcement officials. The event in Owatonna proceeded as planned with Van Nest hosting a panel that included Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele, Steele County Prosecutor Daniel McIntosh, Owatonna Chief of Police Keith Hiller, and School Administrator Jeff Elstad. It was attended by 115 members of the community. They heard from the panel about how to build a better coalition of neighbors and law enforcement to ensure the safety of their city and build a network of trust and accountability.
New crime initiative
The Center’s latest project, the Criminal Injustice Tracker (AmericanExperiment. org/criminalinjustice/), exposes judges and prosecutors who refuse to hold career criminals accountable for their crimes. Regular posts feature specific details of crimes, criminals, and the prosecutors and judges who spin them through the revolving door of justice so they can re-offend. Minnesotans can email tips about cases in their communities that could be featured on the Criminal Injustice website at tips@ AmericanExperiment.org.
Florida on our mind
Center president John Hinderaker traveled to Naples, Florida on March 1 expounding on American Experiment’s vision regarding public safety, education, cost of living, and the Center’s fight to restore Minnesota’s future through sound public policy and grass roots activism. The Minnesota Evening in Naples drew a crowd of 110. The Center is planning to make this an annual event.
Stay informed
Readers of Thinking Minnesota can find daily updates on American Experiment’s activities at AmericanExperiment.org. While there, they can check on the Center’s merchandise for sale, sign up for exclusive bonus content, and request a speaker.