The Positive Voices

Welcome to The Positive Voices, a new monthly paper dedicated to promoting social justice, civility, debate and honest dialogue. We will also be talking about the positive roles government and organized labor can play in our society. Believing that a mutual respect between labor and management is the only way to effectively advance economic prosperity and justice, we will honor the positive contributions made by union and non-union workers, big and small businesses, and all individuals dedicated to building a better community, state, and nation. The Positive Voices is part of WPRR Public Reality Radio and shares WPRR’s mission to bring you intelligent and challenging features, articles and commentary from many diverse points of view on subjects ranging from philosophy and science to politics and religion. That is the vision of owner Bob Goodrich and something we will attempt to achieve every month. Bear in mind civility does not exclude the truth, which can often be brutal and unsettling. Nor will we shy from satire, sarcasm or provocative and frank debate. We will welcome response in kind. March is a time of change and action, from the seasons to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This month’s issue stays in that spirit. Our bullpen of Minuteman Media national columnists opines on a number of vital issues. Katie Mounts reminds us we still live in a world of nuclear threat. Daphne Wysham, Michael B. Keegan and Ben Manski take on the US Supreme Court’s decision to treat corporations like persons. Jim Hightower waxes eloquently on the irony of a Chinese company being awarded the glass contract for the new tower going up on the site of the World Trade Towers. Mike Prokosch examines our banking system. Laura Rubin discusses the goal of ending childhood hunger in America. Donald Kaul explains how Wall Street wins no matter what! Marian Wright Edelman, President of the Children’s Defense Fund, remembers Howard Zinn. We are also a forum for non-profits. This month’s Home section features Guiding Light Mission and Dégagé Ministries. Our Senior Section outlines the Nursing Facility Transition program assisting those who have been in nursing home transition back to the community. Michael Burri of our Vets Corner opposes budget cuts hitting our veterans. You see the relationship evident with WPRR as some of our writers will also be radio hosts. This month Foreign Policy and You host José Amorós covers the impact of foreign aid on the culture and citizens of Haiti. Marian Novak of West Michigan Labor Speaks and an organizer for Teamsters JC#43 portrays the changing face of the healthcare industry and its impact on workers. Yours truly of Tuesdays With Tormala looks at the tax proposals placed on the ballot by the cities of Kentwood,Wyoming, and Grand Rapids. Peter Carlberg offers keen insights into economic impacts in his column “Race to the Bottom.” We also hope you enjoy our crossword puzzle and March’s Art from the Heart artist Ann P. We hope you enjoy March’s issue and please let us know what you think. Input, letters, opeds, and articles are welcome for submission. The Positive Voices wants to hear your voices. This is your paper and we want you readers to tell us what you want to hear about. Contact us at 616-656-2619, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .