A very short distance between two worlds...

 

 

Monolithic - "Exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity"

 

M-W Dictionary

 

 

 

We live just northwest of the fair city of Minneapolis. We are just far enough away, thank you. Every time we drive into Minneapolis, from this politically "red" part of the metro, it is like crossing the border into another world, a parallel universe. Minneapolis is about as "blue" as our area is "red". Many from Minneapolis who venture out here to the "red" hinterland are just as uncomfortable as many from here who venture into Minneapolis. Interesting, very interesting.

The 5th Congressional District and the 6th Congressional District sit right next to each other. They might as well be on two different planets. The 5th, which takes up much of Minneapolis, is represented by Keith Ellison. He is about as left wing as you can find in the District of Columbia. He is currently a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus as well as the Chief Deputy Whip for this Congress.

Just up the road a piece in the 6th, Michele Bachmann is the representative. Retiring after this term, Representative Bachmann has certainly put the 6th Congressional District of Minnesota on the map. So much so, that Nancy Pelosi was willing to garner millions of dollars to oust Ms. Bachmann in the next election. How conservative is Michele Bachmann? For many who live in this district, just conservative enough. She is the founder of the House Tea Party Caucus. 
 

As a long time resident of the 6th, I am astounded to see what has happened to the City of Minneapolis over the past three or four decades. In fact, the City of Minneapolis has not had a Republican mayor since (ready for this) July 2, 1961. Oh, there was a one day event in the early 70's when a Republican was mayor because of an oddity. But the last "full term" mayor? That would be Paul Kenneth "P. Kenneth" Peterson who held the seat from 1957 to 1961. Since then it has been solid DFL with an occasional "independent".

Recently, the sitting mayor of Minneapolis announced he will not run again. Many think he has his eyes set on the city on the Potomac. Many have filed for his post - all DFL with the exception of one former Republican who is now running as an Independent. Recently, the DFL candidates had an endorsing convention. It was truly a distinction without a difference. Unless you are a party insider, the platform for each looks exactly like the others. Tax the rich, tax big business, grow grass on rooftops, ride more bikes, and so on.

Meanwhile, for those who are paying attention, here is the reality. Minneapolis is becoming a "hollowed out" city. Not like Detroit, but it is starting to get that familiar look. Neighborhoods which were once grand, are now run down and crime ridden. The schools are the worst in the state and good money continues to be thrown after bad. Just about every elected or appointed position from mayor to the dogcatcher, is DFL. Some of the remaining Republicans have fled to more friendly confines within the state, and some to another more business friendly state.

So it is a very short ride from one extreme to another in our state. It is Mars and Venus without the sexes. What is the future for Minneapolis? Depends who you ask. Many in the 5th believe Minneapolis is the model for other cities to follow. Some of the older folks outside of the 5th (like me) are left wondering - what in the world has happened to our once grand City of Lakes? We are not in my Minneapolis anymore, Toto.