MPR story on older men pursuing area teens

Read/listen:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/02/27/grand-marais-older-men-pursuing-teen-girls/

What stands out seems to be the suggestion that the problem may be worse
(larger age spread) in Cook County than other areas ... not sure if that is
true or whether this is an untold story all across Minnesota or rural
Minnesota.

Steven Clift
<email obscured> - +1 612 234 7072
http://stevenclift.com - @democracy
http://e-democracy.org - @edemo

You can go to any beach in the Twin Cities and find twenty-something men
trolling for young women. I grew up in Roseville in the 60"s and there were
older guys who hung out at the beach and some girls who appreciated the
attention.

I find the suggestion that this is a "rural" problem offensive. You should
share this article with the neighborhood forums in the Twin Cities and ask
whether this is a problem. I seem to remember a couple crime prevention
block clubs in Minneapolis that had concerns about this going on around
local high school hangouts.

Ross Williams
Advocacy Technologies
twitter.com/rosscwilliams
www.northerncommunityinternet.org
www.grandrapidscommunityinternet.org

On Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 1:18 PM, Steven Clift <<email obscured>> wrote:

> Read/listen:
>
>
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/02/27/grand-marais-older-men-pursuing-teen-girls/

Rest of post

I did not mean seem like I was personally suggesting this was exclusively a
rural issue at all - the story seemed to imply Cook County had a relatively
larger range compared to similar also rural areas. Is that true?

I do wonder if in areas with more similar aged youth to choose from
relationship wise if the ability to collectively turn away older adults
with alcohol and predatory ideas is stronger. I spent many summers in Pine
City and it was clear to me that kids of different ages mix it up a lot
more when they are all teens. I am would guess from that experience that
more 15 year olds have more closer relationships with say 19 or 21 year
olds in areas with smaller populations.

Steven Clift
<email obscured> - +1 612 234 7072
http://stevenclift.com - @democracy
http://e-democracy.org - @edemo
On Feb 27, 2012 1:53 PM, "Ross Williams" <
<email obscured>> wrote:

> You can go to any beach in the Twin Cities and find twenty-something men
> trolling for young women. I grew up in Roseville in the 60"s and there were
> older guys who hung out at the beach and some girls who appreciated the
> attention.
>
> I find the suggestion that this is a "rural" problem offensive. You should
> share this article with the neighborhood forums in the Twin Cities and ask
> whether this is a problem. I seem to remember a couple crime prevention
> block clubs in Minneapolis that had concerns about this going on around
> local high school hangouts.
>
>
> Ross Williams
> Advocacy Technologies
> twitter.com/rosscwilliams
> www.northerncommunityinternet.org
> www.grandrapidscommunityinternet.org
>
>
> On Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 1:18 PM, Steven Clift <<email obscured>>wrote:
>
>> Read/listen:
>>
>>
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/02/27/grand-marais-older-men-pursuing-teen-girls/
>>
>> What stands out seems to be the suggestion that the problem may be worse
>> (larger age spread) in Cook County than other areas ... not sure if that
>> is
>> true or whether this is an untold story all across Minnesota or rural
>> Minnesota.
>>
>> Steven Clift
>> <email obscured> - +1 612 234 7072
>> http://stevenclift.com - @democracy
>> http://e-democracy.org - @edemo
>>
>> Steven Clift
>> Ericsson, Minneapolis
>> About Steven Clift: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/stevenclift
>>
>> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/2LyE39WemZGOzjgdQIb4p9
>>
>> BIG NEWS: New $625,000 grant supports inclusive online outreach:
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>> Tell your St. Paul and Minneapolis friends to visit:
>> http://beneighbors.org
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Rest of post

Mr. Williams the tone of youe message suggests that because this happens in the
metro area that perhaps we should not be so upset about it happening here. I
find that offensive. The fact is that the problem exists and has existed here
and it needs to be addressed. The only comforting thing about the potential of
the problem existing statewide (rural or not) is that perhaps we can bring more
resources to bear on addressing it.

Bob Carter

"the tone of youe message suggests that because this happens in the metro
area that perhaps we should not be so upset about it happening here."

I don't think there is anything in my tone that suggests that. This story
is an example of metro area media looking for "exotic" problems in rural
communities while ignoring the same problem right under their noses.

The real solution to this problem depends less on "resources" than on
clearly articulating community values and acceptable behavior. Perhaps you
think an embarrassing statewide report on MPR singling out Cook County,
fairly or not, will motivate others in the community to take the problem
seriously and speak up? If so, lets hope you are right.

Ross Williams

Rest of post

Thank you to the men who are responding to this issue. I really
appreciate that men are taking note of this and beginning to talk about it.
I hope that more will speak out.

Patty Nordahl

On Feb 29, 2012, at 12:18 PM, Ross Williams wrote:

> "the tone of youe message suggests that because this happens in the metro
> area that perhaps we should not be so upset about it happening here."
>
> I don't think there is anything in my tone that suggests that. This story
> is an example of metro area media looking for "exotic" problems in rural
> communities while ignoring the same problem right under their noses.
>
> The real solution to this problem depends less on "resources" than on
> clearly articulating community values and acceptable behavior. Perhaps you
> think an embarrassing statewide report on MPR singling out Cook County,
> fairly or not, will motivate others in the community to take the problem
> seriously and speak up? If so, lets hope you are right.
>
> Ross Williams
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 10:45 AM, Bob Carter <<email obscured>> wrote:
>
>> Mr. Williams the tone of youe message suggests that because this happens
>> in the metro area that perhaps we should not be so upset about it happening
>> here. I find that offensive. The fact is that the problem exists and has
>> existed here and it needs to be addressed. The only comforting thing about
>> the potential of the problem existing statewide (rural or not) is that
>> perhaps we can bring more resources to bear on addressing it.
>>
>> Bob Carter
>> Bob Carter
>> Grand Marais
>> About Bob Carter: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7j4gcHazEWtuqzdls8Re5E
>>
>> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/6ItRfdMyZRgBLrkQWyvFoT
>>
>> Special News: Deep Dish Community Engagement:
>> http://blog.e-democracy.org/posts/1372
>> Tell your St. Paul and Minneapolis friends to visit:
>> http://beneighbors.org
>>
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>
> Ross Williams
> Grand Rapids
> About Ross Williams: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/rosswilliams
>
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http://blog.e-democracy.org/posts/1372
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Rest of post

Ross,
I certainly hope that people will not only speak up but look for ways to act as
well. On that hope we can agree. And I absolutely agree on the issue of
aticulating acceptable (and non-acceptable) behavior. I think it especially
important for men to be at the forefront talking to younger men and kids.

Bob Carter

We certainly hope you will participate/listen to WTIP's "First Thursday
Community Conversation" tomorrow at 5 pm on this very topic.

Note time change:
"Intimate Abuse in the Community" is First Thursday Community Conversation
topic for March.

According to a new national survey by the Centers for Disease Control,
nearly half of Minnesota women experience some kind of sexual abuse.

Join WTIP's Jay Andersen at 5 p.m. on March 1 for "Intimate Abuse: a closer
look at sexual violence in Minnesota and Cook County" -- this month's First
Thursday Community Conversation.

Because of a change in time for the Cook County girl's basketball tournament
game, First Thursday will be broadcast live from 5 to 6 p.m., March 1,
followed by the game at 6:30.

Each month we choose a topic for discussion, invite guests into the studio
and invite you to join in the conversation. The number to call is 387-1070
or 800-473-9847. Our email address is <email obscured>.

This month studio guests include Jodi Yuhasey from the Violence Prevention
Center, Cook County Sheriff Mark Falk, First Congregational UCC pastor
EvaLyn Carlson and Molly Hicken, Assistant Cook County Attorney.

"Intimate Abuse: a closer look at sexual violence in Minnesota and Cook
County." First Thursday Community Conversation, 5 to 6 p.m. March 1. Only on
WTIP North Shore Community Radio.

www.wtip.org listen on line

90.7 fm North Shore
89.1 fm Gunflint Trail
90.1 fm Grand Portage

Deb Benedict

Rest of post

Having helped raise/rear 2 daughters in Cook county, I found myself practicing
my Clint Eastwood expression, expecting boys knocking on the door. The idea of
older men chasing these girls is hard to comprehend. Esquire Magazine says
that a real man respects and watches out for everyone. I don't know much about
this topic, but I do know that when young people have a relationship with the
opposite sex it affects their whole spiritual outlook. It's so important that
young people surround themselves with quality people. And, to know the rewards
for obedience, faithfulness and patience. Community members and parents
working with young people, be clear in our advice and principles. Our young
people's spiritual welfare is at stake. I think.

Tom, what great comments you made in your February 29 post. I agree
wholeheartedly.

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MPR story on older men pursuing area teens

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