×

Thumbs Up/Down

“Happy” Capitol

Thumbs Down: Apparently, the Minnesota Historical Society needs to change its name to the Minnesota Happy Historical Society. The Society decided, in its decisions on what kind of art belongs in the Minnnesota Capitol, that New Ulm artist Anton Gag’s painting “Attack on New Ulm” should not be displayed there. It said the painting is a “painful reminder of our shared history,” referring to the shared history of the Native Americans and white settlers in Minnesota.

Ooh, can’t have painful history depicted in the State Capitol, can we? Only happy history will do.

Unfortunately, a lot of history is painful. History is full of wars, atrocities, exploitation, despoilment, depredations, subjugation and even genocide. It’s not pleasant to be reminded of this, but as George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

We are glad that we no longer have armed conflict between Native Americans and whites, but it is worth remembering how we got to this point, and the suffering of those involved, both whites and Native Americans.

In the meantime, the Minnesota Historical Society should return the painting to New Ulm where it can receive the kind of dsiplay it deserves.

Nativity in Springfield

Thumbs Up: This weekend is the 31st annual presentation of the Nativity Story in Springfield.

The Springfield Nativity Pageant was presented Friday and will be repeated tonight at 7 p.m. under the stars in Riverside Park. It is an outdoor performance, so dress warmly.

The pageant tells the story of the first Christmas, plain and simple, just as told in the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke.

The production has some elaborate elements — there will be donkeys and camels and other animals in the manger scene. But for the most part the focus is on the story that is so familiar and so dear to Christians the world over.

The production is free, an annual Christmas gift from the Springfield Area Nativity Theater Association (SANTA). Thank you, Springfield.

Adults can decide

Thumbs Up: Minnesota has approved the use of medical marijuana for post-traumatic stress disorder. The change takes effect in August.

Anything the state does that moves our society toward more freedom is OK with us. At the same time, we remain skeptical of medical marijuana as a treatment outside of its palliative effects. However, we understand that some people swear by it. For a condition such as PTSD, a palliative could be very helpful and we see no reason to deprive people of the relief they may find. Adults should be able to decide for themselves what they wish to do with their bodies, and face the consequences for their actions.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today