News and Opinion
I have recently become aware of this organization spearheaded by Jennifer Jenkins. They position themselves as opponents of Moms For Liberty in the fight to control school boards. Check out their website: Educated. We Stand and see what you think.
Have you come across recent suggestions online for the creation of a shadow cabinet in the United States?
The concept of a shadow cabinet originated in Europe. In May 2021, a British think tank, the Institute for Government, wrote, “The shadow cabinet [in the UK] is made up of senior members of the main opposition party in Westminster who act as spokespeople for the opposition in specific policy areas. Shadow ministers are appointed by the leader of the opposition and generally take roles that mirror the current government. Their job is to scrutinize those they ‘shadow’ in government, and develop policies for their party.”
It is also possible that the shadow cabinet leader might create a shadow post not currently existing in government but which the opposition feels represents important policy.
Immediately after Donald Trump’s second election last November, Democratic politicians, including Representative Wiley Nickel, North Carolina (D), spoke about the need for a Democratic shadow cabinet. Inspired by the UK version, Nickel pointed out that a Democratic shadow cabinet would communicate what political policies the party supported.
In May, Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan proposed that ranking members of congressional committees could also be such a shadow cabinet.
Reporting this story, Politico expressed the concern that ranking members “are not the fresh faces who can give the Democratic Party a sleek new look.” Instead, Politico recommended, “Tap accomplished people with the ability to speak plainly and the credibility to puncture the Trump Administration’s often Orwellian narratives. Don’t limit members to professional politicians. Pitch a big tent. Don’t draw rigid ideological lines.”
Wiley Nickel, writing in The Washington Post, recommended choosing from the Democratic members of Congress but not necessarily the well-known ones.
Timothy Snyder, an American professor of Soviet history now teaching at the University of Toronto, argued that a shadow cabinet could help counteract the influence of oligarchy and authoritarianism, reminding citizens that a better government is possible. Such a cabinet can not only critique the government in power but also change the political landscape by proposing new ideas and solutions.
Sources
“Shadow Cabinet” https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/shadow-cabinet
“Representative Wiley Nickel” https://youtu.be/OoJi4d3rBBs
Politico https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/05/27/democrats-shadow-cabinet-brand-00353690
The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/11/11/shadow-cabinet-democrats-opposition-trump/
Timothy Snyder, Thinking about…, “Shadow Cabinet, A Positive Form of Opposition,” https://snyder.substack.com/p/shadow-cabinet
A rainbow nautilus, used to represent the autism spectrum, set on a background that takes the Disability Pride flag and moves the stripes to the side. Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication
“Don’t take Tylenol,” President Trump said, repeatedly emphasizing that pregnant people with fever should “tough it out” as much as they can, despite evidence that uncontrolled fever and infections during pregnancy can themselves increase risk of autism. (increase risk of autism)
In reality, 50 years of autism research shows that the condition arises from a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors. Hundreds of genes may be involved, and the presence or absence of any of them does not confirm that a person will have autism. There are also genetic mutations that have been attributed to the development of autism. If environmental factors play a role (e.g., taking Tylenol during pregnancy), their impact is not at all consistent, but without the genetic foundation, no individual will be negatively impacted by Tylenol or any other environmental factor. There are so many potential environmental factors that a person with a genetic predisposition is unlikely to be able to avoid them. The role of the environment is likely to trigger autistic symptoms or to increase their appearance in an individual. Therefore, it is basically accurate to say that the condition is primarily genetic.
Autism symptoms are often described as being on a spectrum. Dozens if not hundreds of behavioral symptoms can be listed for autism. Any combination of symptoms can present themselves. Similarly, the severity of the symptoms can vary greatly. Every autistic person is different. Moreover, autistic children often become naturally skilled at “masking” as they grow into adulthood. Masking means that autistic persons learn through experience and observation to restrain certain of their behaviors that negatively interfere with social, work, and family relations. Being diagnosed and learning about autism makes masking more effective and prevalent. Observers may think that the autistic person has become “better,” but that is not true. They have, however, become more skilled at controlling their behavior temporarily.
Autism, like ADHD–both described as neurodivergent behaviors–has been perceived to be on the rise in recent decades. This is an illusion. What has certainly increased is our scientific ability to define and detect the nuances of autism. (When I was young, autistic children were simply naughty children whose parents were lazy or not doing a good job of child rearing.) There may also be an environmental role played by the exponentially increasing technological stresses of our society. If we really wanted to remove potential environmental factors and stressors, we’d have to start by removing cell phones, the internet, and AI from our lives. Shall we go there?
I used the word neurodivergent. It describes a brain that functions differently in patterns and biochemical connections as compared to the neurotypical brain. Some of the divergencies are inefficient, but others are surprisingly creative and innovative. As science learns more, many diagnosed autistic persons come to understand that their condition is not a negative one, to be labeled a “disorder,” but an alternative mental adaptation that can sometimes make life better. Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. don’t have a clue.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/autism-has-no-single-cause-research-shows/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/heres-what-we-know-about-the-causes-of-autism
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/autism-research-2024
https://autism.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Understanding-Autism-Research-PDF-Final-Design.pdf
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-common-is-autism
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/adhd-vs-autism
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/for-females-with-autism-differences-matter
“Meidas Health Emergency Episode: Combating Trump’s Deadly Autism Lies,” Brett Meidas (9/23/25).
Greetings, DFL Friends–
Our plans for an upbeat lead were blown away by the terrible shooting in
Minneapolis. One more example of the awful effects of having 400 million+
guns in the US, and no political will to put basic common sense limits on
them. Our hearts go out to those killed and injured, and their families and
communities. We all do better when kids and politicians alike do not have to
fear for their lives. We all must do better. Thoughts and prayers are
important, but not anywhere nearly enough.
But there was some exciting news this week, and it is related: A state
senate seat in Iowa was flipped by Democrat Catelin Drey, who campaigned
against gun violence and for reproductive rights. She won in a district that
voted for Trump by double digits— and this broke the GOP supermajority in
the Iowa State Senate! …
| Update– Missing Links! Not everyone got the bid-sheet for the Silent Auction, or for the essay posts of Heather Cox Richardson Here are the links to click: Bid Sheet for SD31 DFL at North Metro Picnic –Tuesday, August 12 https://mcusercontent.com/5800b7244684e27db110292fa/images/43ff65d2-3bb5-6648-b179-9cd931a4f520.jpg Heather Cox Richardson Posts https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/ The website states that Subscription is free; access to comments requires a payment. Thank you, and keep up the good work. Let your voice be heard! SD31 DFL Communications sd31dfl@gmail.com |
Abbey Payeur, Mom of three, brings experience and expertise to the role of school board member. Running in District 4 of Anoka-Hennepin, Abbey is in it to win. She is busy meeting community members and speaking about the importance of making school boards use evidence-based decision-making. Board members must use their positions to make good decisions for the wellbeing of the kids and to strengthen our community. Abbey had a booth at the Ham Lake Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 28th and also attended the Andover Family Fun Fest on July 11th and 12th. A Town Hall (TBA) is coming soon.
Future events will be posted here and on Abbey’s website.
Related: Jodi has contributed an excellent article on The Importance of School Board Elections at our sister website, DFL Neighborhood Network.
Agenda and Notes SD31 Business Meeting Conference
Andover Community Center – Meeting Room A
15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
April 8, 2025
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Registration Opens: 6:00 PM
Minutes
I. Opening Business
1. Call to Order at 6:30
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Adoption of Agenda approved
4. Appoint of Temporary Chair for Elections Wayne Grimmer
5. Reading of the Affirmative Action Statement read by Wayne
II. Election of State Party Officers
Leslie Pendergast nominated, elected unanimously
Andy Hillebregt nominated, elected unanimously
Alyson Gullette, nominated, elected unanimously
Nichole Hayden, nominated, elected unanimously
Betsy O’Berry, nominated, elected unanimously
George Drew, nominated, elected unanimously
No nominations, position open
The State Central Committee now has two openings.
There are now 5 open director positions.
These positions will be filled at the next executive meeting.
This part of the meeting was adjourned at 6:52
Leslie back to chairing
Addendum: Wesley and Cheryl Volkenant are no longer serving in capacity as finance representatives and will be removed from the SD Bank accounts. George Drew as treasurer will remain on the accounts and Leslie Pendergast as chair will be added.
III. Officer Reports
Three buses were sent to the State protest rally
25,000 people were at the Capitol
Other people attended the Anoka
Reported that more people than expected attended the Anoka County protest
The protest was peaceful, there was a lot of traffic, waves from cars, young people, variety of signs,
incredible day
There was a big mailing last week. Sent out 3800 letters. 6500 letters so far this year.
144 zones, 186 active members, talking to 4988, 45% of all of the Democrats in the SD,
3800 homes, 8600 voters, 18000 overs total. The stamps and printing have been donated in kind by the network. $3032 donated. In the hole $1200. Crew of 14 people put together the mailing.
Nichole reported May 17 will be an Advocacy Fair at the Rum River Library. We did Outreach to over 200 local organizations. Organizations cannot solicit at the library. Attendees can offer email address. Deadline until Wednesday prior to the event. Open House style. No signage is allowed at the library.
Current balance is $11,303
IV. Allied Group reports
Betsy reported Anoka County is not dependent on redistricting. Convention last Saturday with Richard Carlbom keynote speaker. About 100 people attended. Election of officers, 4 incumbents and Janelle Calhoun new Outreach Officer. Some changes to the constitution. Then social time with treats. Opportunity for various districts to connect. Anoka County is an important county. We have flappable seats. Next meeting will be April 21, at 7pm third Monday of the month, in person meeting, will be electing directors and setting up committees. We need to improve communication within the county.
Mel reported caucus meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Davanni’s. We have 100 people on the mailing list. Our meetings have about 35 attendees. We lost elections in School Boards. Parents’ Alliance has memberships in 48 states. St. Francis School Board lost members in the last election. District 11 is tied. Almost didn’t pass a budget. It’s not a non-partisan election any more. We had the School Integrity Project speaker. Summer social in Duluth. Mel convinced the state organization that the School Board elections are a senior issue.
Wayne reported May 3 Business Conference at the Teamsters. Wayne will be stepping down for CD 6 chair.
CD8
Leslie reported that they have not had meetings. The chair stepped down. There are some changes.
Betsy reported they meet 4 times of year. A new election of officers. Richard Carlbom was elected to replace Ken Martin. Richard has been very active in Minnesota DFL. We kept Marge Hoffa as 1st Chair who has been active in participating in DFL activities throughout the state. Incumbent Shivanthe was reelected. Incumbent Secretary Cerie was reelected. New Outreach Officer Quentin Ochama.
V. Old Business
Leslie reported they had a meeting with 5 committees at the library.
Events
Have had 2 meetings
Parades and fairs are coming up (11 events)
Wants to have some branding at the events (tables, tent…)
Needs budget money about $700
Betsy moved to approve up to $1000, Mel seconded, passed
Alyson inventoried the contents in storage
Anoka County DFL has a storage unit.
Park clean up in Andover, want to be visible, need pictures on the website
Hidden Creek North, needs cleaning up now. Alyson proposed April 26 at 11am.
She asked City Hall to move the sign to a more visible place.
Outreach (Advocacy)
Nichole is looking for volunteers to help with the Advocacy Fair at Rum River Library on May 17 at 10am. Please email her at nicholehayden@edinarealty.com
Communications
Electoral Services
Website
VI. Closing Business
Connexus Election, incumbent is running (again).
Mel recommends to vote for the non-incumbent.
Andy H is running for chair of CD 6.
Respectfully Submitted
Lynn Fiscus, Acting Secretary
If you can do just one thing: Keep on contacting your Legislative and Congressional Reps! Be persistent, every week or every day. Call or email. Pick the topic you care most about. Keep it simple. Demand they explain if they are not supporting the Constitution, or if they are supporting MAGA-corruption.
US Senator Amy Klobuchar: DC: 202-224-3244 MN: 612-727-5220 https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
US Senator Tina Smith: DC: 202-224-5641 MN: 651-221-1016 https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
US Representative Tom Emmer (CD 6): DC: 202-224-3121 (US House Switchboard). MN: 763-241-6848 https://emmer.house.gov/contact/authenticated?zipcode=55304&plusFour=&httpref=https%3A%2F%2Femmer.house.gov%2F#form_858AE9DF-94AD-456A-824C-5E67A6237CB6
Calvin K “Cal” Bahr—State Senator, SD-31 651-296-3219 https://www.senate.mn/members/email-form/1261 https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/contact-us/
Peggy Scott—State Representative SD31-B 651-296-4231 651-297-1307 (Legislative Assistant Liam Edgar) rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.gov https://peggy4house.weebly.com/
Harry Niska—State Representative SD31-A 651-296-2439. OR 651-296-5494 (Legislative assistant Cole Dressen) rep.harry.niska@house.mn.gov www.harryniska.com info@harryniska.com Assistant Email: cole.Dressen@house.mn.gov