The Positive Voices

Welcome to The Positive Voices, a 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 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. May is the last spark of Spring before the Summer. It’s the time for graduations and commencements, which actually mean beginnings not endings. Most of all it is one of the times of the year when we set aside a special day to remember our veterans. On Memorial Day in particular we remember and honor those who died fighting in wars on behalf of our country. Our Minuteman Media columnists offer a diverse assortment of important topics. Donald Kaul and William Collins address racism in different forms. The struggles of our nation’s dairy farmers are outlined by Gretchen Maine. Marian Wright Edelman joins the First Lady against childhood obesity. Mazher ali calls for regulatory fairness for consumers and Joe Volk wants to rein in the DOD Budget. Finally, Chicago Alderman Joe Moore calls for empowering people to make real decisions openly and transparently. Hmm sounds familiar. From WPRR this month yours truly of Tuesdays With Tormala brings you a special Memorial Day column, covers a visit to West Michigan by the Leader of Sikhs throughout the world, and comments on the new health care law and how it came to pass. We included a bullet point explanation of the act provided by the White House to help you understand it a bit. We are also a forum for non-profits with an article from Catherine’s Health Center, a vital community clinic with expansion plans. Bread for the World shows us the importance of federal tax credits in fighting hunger and poverty. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan gives some advice for seniors from Home Repair Services, a great agency we highlighted in The Positive Voices just last month. They also express the need for volunteers to help assist seniors and their families with Medicare/Medicaid issues. Probably the need is greater now more than ever. In honor of May we have info from the Veteran’s Administration on restoring historic monuments, while Mike Burri remembers our heroes in the Vets Corner. May’s Art from the Heart is a tribute to the late Vicki Hiar. Ace columnist and urban activist Peter Carlberg gives his take on the proposed Farmer’s Market for the downtown Heartside area. As always input letters, op-eds, and articles are welcome for submission. The Positive Voices wants to hear your voices. This is your paper and we want you to tell us what you want to hear about. What do you want to see more of or less of in The Positive Voices? Want more local writing, recipes, and special features, whatever, just let us know. 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 . Be the first to comment on stories or blog. We look forward to hearing from you. Also check out my radio show Tuesdays with Tormala at http://www.publicrealityradio.org/ programs/tuesdays-with-tormala/. We are always looking for ways for you to interact with us. Please join us. Until next month, Rick Tormala, Publisher