Talk:Dean Zimmermann

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Two comments:

• This external link, currently footnote 1, says Zimmermann "was briefly an O. member". The second paragraph should read In the 1970's Dean Zimmermann briefly belonged to a group called the "O"...

• ...in which he took the side of those promoting a Marxist vision for food co-ops... Reference for this, as well as for the view advocating an ecological basis? Because he was only briefly a member, how did his taking a side impact the issue? --Mr Grant 17:36, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Footnote 2, the Olsen Memorial, sheds no light on Zimmermann or the co-ops issue.

Footnote 3, the Craig Cox book, links to an Amazon sales page. There is no research content, nor is the one unique customer review particularly helpful. A link to a full review of the book would be better. The brief review at Footnote 4 (Moscowfood) is not in depth. --Mr Grant 19:48, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

I have many comments about Dean Zimmermann, having known him since 1972. But briefly: a. As a student at University of North Dakota (I believe), he went around the upper midwest raising money and recruiting volunteers for the Freedom Rides in the early 1960s. b. He was one of the early founders (circa 1970) of one of the first food co-ops in Minneapolis, North Country Coop. He also helped start the first warehouse to service the coop system, known as People's Warehouse. In all these efforts, he was a member (albeit one of the most prominent) of collectives. c. For many years, he was the most visible proponent of coops throughout the region. Nearly every coop that was begun between 1970 and 1975 will say that his contributions were essential. d. To answer Mr. Grant, his move into the "Coop Organization" was seen by former friends as a severe blow and betrayal. The "CO" proclaimed itself as Stalinist, and dismissed the political analysis of its opponents as "hippie escapist" or "health food elitist". e. Kris Olson is cited because he assumed the mantle of advocate and organizer after Dean Z. went to the "Stalinist" side.

I can be reached at csloane@nwnexus.com

207.115.74.145 19:39, 30 March 2007 (UTC)Cliff Sloane