As Republicans are convening in the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, not too far away on the campus of Concordia University, a parallel gathering of speakers and progressives yesterday and today discussed solutions to global and local problems of environmental degradation, war, and human rights abuses. The conference, taking place this week, is called Peace Island. Confirmed speakers include Medea Benjamin, Kathy Kelly, Ray McGovern, Ann Wright, Colin Rowley, Bruce Gagnon, Starhawk and many others. Uprising host, Sonali Kolhatkar, spent some time at Peace Island yesterday and spoke with conference organizers and speakers.