by Pa Rock
Citizen Journalist
The Nation magazine, founded by abolitionists just after the close of the Civil War in 1865, is this country's oldest, continually published news magazine, and an unapologetic upholder of progressive ideals. I am a longtime reader and admirer of The Nation magazine, though I am loathe to admit that I have let my subscription lapse - something that I need fix - perhaps today.
But I have done more than just enjoy the in-depth political articles featured in The Nation, I have also participated in their educational and cultural activities. In December 0f 2009 I went on a Caribbean cruise with The Nation that was jam-packed with lectures by prominent political commentators and observers. I had the opportunity to meet and visit with such noteworthy individuals as The Nation's editor and publisher, Katrina vanden Heuvel, acclaimed novelist E.L. Doctorow, and former Vermont governor and presidential candidate Howard Dean. Seven years later I again traveled with The Nation, that time on an educational tour to Cuba where I had to opportunity to meet and listen to several Cuban political activists and government officials, attend cultural events, tour a tobacco plantation and cigar-making operation, spend a night with a family in a private home in a small town, and walk the streets of Havana, day and night, at my leisure.
So The Nation and I have a history.
That is why I was so very pleased to learn that The Nation magazine has officially nominated the city of Minneapolis, and its humane and courageous citizens, for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. When their city came under open assault by the federal government in January, the people stayed relatively calm and observant as they protested their city's occupation by masked invaders who operated under the color of government. They gathered peacefully when the masked ICE agents put their neighbor's safety and freedom at risk, sang, chanted, observed, blew whistles, and recorded (often with videos) the activities of the invaders. In the end, after two murders by ICE agents, the federal government began the removal of its forces. Non-violent resistance clearly won day. Peace was returning.
The restoration of peace and order by citizens adhering to non-violent tactics is exactly what the world's most pre-eminent peace prize should be about.
Kudos to The Nation magazine for recognizing Minneapolis and its citizens for their exceptionally brave, resolute, and peaceful response to the tyranny of the ICE invasion. They deserve the honor of the Nobel Peace Prize, and The Nation deserves our thanks for helping to shine a light on a proud city and its patriotic and defiant citizenry!
On to Oslo!
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