Who knew what, and when?

“MN Statutes Sec. 609348 Perjury. Sentence. Whoever violates this section may be sentenced as follows: to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.” Ramsey County District Judge Castro recently ruled that a candidate did not actually live in the district he was running for office in. It appears that DFLer Curtis Johnson broke a Minnesota law when he swore he lived in 40B, when that, according to the judge, was untrue. I am puzzled when some say he won the election. How can you win an election you aren’t even qualified to run in? And some say Johnson has resigned.  How can you resign a position you aren’t qualified to hold, and have never been sworn in to?

A similar case occurred recently in St. Paul District District 67A , when DFLer John Thompson was discovered to use a Wisconsin drivers license, and never identified his actual Minnesota address when he filed for office, but just claimed that it was legal. It has not been made clear if the Walz administration ever did investigate that claim. If it also might be perjury, the statute of limitations has not expired.

It’s great that Gov. Walz has created a department to investigate and penalize fraud.  He could start with Political Candidate Fraud which costs the public thousands of dollars and diminishes trust in politicians. For example, I find it hard to believe DFL leader Melissa Hortman had no idea what was going on, since the parties are vying so heatedly over every vote.

Investigating Johnson might show who knew what, and when they knew it. Let’s see if the Walz administration files charges.

Jerry Monson, Mahtomedi

An apology?

The headline in the January 13 Pioneer Press reads “Oakdale Catholic church apologizes for ‘drag queen-free’ sign”… but the supposed “apology” from the some unnamed official at  Transfiguration Parish is anything but an apology. The statement reads in part there is  “… regret the controversy that this has caused as it distracts from the parish’s mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

How about regretting the controversy because your parish posted a mean-spirited message and you were wrong? The non-apology continued with the pastor, Rev. Nate Myers, writing “… I do strongly believe that all people are made in the image of God and even when serious moral disagreements occur, the dignity of a person is always to be upheld.”

What “serious moral disagreement” are we talking about? That we are all God’s children, made in the image and likeness of God, and deserving of moral support as we weave our way through life? This non-apologetic statement is repeated several times in the response. The parish is only sorry that its mean-spirited message was made public.  As so beautifully noted by Maya Angelou, when someone shows you who they are, believe them.

John R. Malone, Long Lake

How to bet on downtown

Just finished reading Joe Soucheray’s column concerning the plight of downtown St. Paul (“Refuse to face foundational truths?” Jan. 12). I couldn’t agree more.  My suggestion would be build a casino — they will come.

Larry Geisen, Oakdale

Show traditional respect

In response to the report in the Jan. 13, 2025 Pioneer Press that Donald Trump is “annoyed” that flags will be at half-staff during his inauguration, I say grow up and be the leader you claim you are. Being president-elect is an honor few in our country have even known or will ever know. President Carter earned the right to be honored in the way our flag code suggests and the 1954 President Eisenhower Proclamation on honoring the death of a President recommends.

Trump makes everything about himself and in this case. What Trump and thus his supporters fail to understand, is, a good leader who wants to bring the country together could easily follow the traditional respect and transition into how Trump will build on Carter’s life of dedication, service and love of country. Unfortunately, Trump and his supporters are carving out special circumstances that enable Trump to disrespect those citizens who grieve the loss of an American who dedicated his life to making our country a better place.

If Trump wanted to bring us together, he would keep the flag at half-staff at his home and request others do the same. Trump has no legal obligation but it would be a gesture of humanity for a person who held the office of President of the United States of America. That small gesture would pay Trump and his supporters dividends in the four years to come and on the days after his eventual death and how Trump will be honored.

Steve Petersen, Shoreview

It was fun while it lasted

Most of this is not Sam Darnold’s fault. I blame this solely and entirely on his teammates. They are the ones who let us down, effective the moment they picked Sam up in that locker room after beating the Packers. For the second time. This was a watershed moment for what was an improbable and magical season. Emphasis on “water.” Darnold got doused. Body surfed. Serenaded. It felt like the journeyman quarterback’s delayed coming out party. It was a total love fest. And it was absolutely the last thing in the world Sam Darnold needed!

We’ve all been there. When for some unknown reason we exceed expectations to such an extraordinary level that even we can’t believe it. And we don’t question it. ‘Cuz as soon as we question it … IT is over. But we want it to last forever! Or at least long enough to sign that humongous contract everyone is suggesting you’re gonna get if you can just keep it together a little longer. So you ignore it, right? And you would prefer your teammates to ignore it. That would help. Like when you’re getting into the latter innings of a potential no-hitter. Don’t you get one whole end of the bench all to yourself?

I’ll just speak for myself when I say I too would have a tough time ignoring Justin Jefferson singing 50 Cent’s “Many Men” in my ear.

This is hardly Sam’s fault. This one is on everyone in that locker room that didn’t leave Darnold alone. And the poor guy. He couldn’t even get to fully savor what was likely the last celebration of its kind with him as the focal point:

“It was mayhem. I think I blacked out.”

Welcome back Sam Darnold. It sure was fun while it lasted. Thank you.

Stephan “Hammy” Reynolds, Door County,  Wis.

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