Letters: The DFL boycotters are presumed unable to serve. Call special elections immediately
DFLers won’t show? Call special elections
The situation at the state Legislature is simply unbelievable. When one is elected to a position, one is expected to appear when a session is called by law. Legislators who do not appear must be assumed to be unable to serve and special elections should be called IMMEDIATELY to fill all vacant seats. The business of the Legislature is now.
The state Democrats are demonstrating incompetence and unwillingness to serve the people who voted for them.
Carl Brookins, Roseville
If you can’t beat them, what?
The boycott of the legislative session by DFLers in the Minnesota House of Representatives seems to be a version of President Trump’s 2020 election denial, coupled with childish petulance.
The walkout, or more precisely refusal to walk-in, emulates his utter disregard for bi-partisanship accompanied by a total lack of cooperation, and recalls the old saw “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
But the stunt of refraining from their legislative duties, like Democrats did in an ill-fated maneuver in neighboring Wisconsin two years ago, signifies a perversion of that saying: “if you can’t beat them, don’t join them.”
Marshall H. Tanick, Minneapolis
Blessings on ‘Mr. Positive’
Thank you for the beautiful story honoring the life of Carl Bentson, aka “Mr. Positive.” When I worked in St. Paul I would oftentimes see him peddling through the neighborhood on his decked-out three-wheel bicycle, but never knew who he was nor how beloved he was in the community. We all could learn valuable lessons from how he lived his life. How to be a dedicated, hard-working employee, a caring neighbor and an all around positive presence who made other people’s lives better. He never let personal obstacles get in his way of living a fulfilling life. The community lost one of the good guys. God bless you Carl Bentson, may you rest in peace.
Ann Michel Helvick, Apple Valley
Yes, put condescending arrogance behind us
Peter Langworthy’s recent piece “Condescending arrogance …” fairly identifies a few reasons the Democrats lost their way and consequentially the balance of electoral power. His two examples of $400 billion of loan forgiveness and that silly “obviously” Harris lawn sign were spot on.
I was, however, disappointed he gave kudos to Mary Riley’s “off the rails” piece. While I agree with her overall thesis — you can be too woke — her summary disparaging the left and why she supports Trump — ”at least he doesn’t seem to hate America” — has the very same condescending arrogance we so desperately need to put behind us. I’ve been stewing for nearly two months over that line.
I join Mr. Langworthy’s call to take the other side seriously … and work for a better tomorrow.
Anthony Vavoulis, St. Paul
A missed march
I attended the People’s March to the St. Paul Capitol on Saturday Jan. 18. The weather was bitter cold and still over 1,000 people showed up to protest the direction our country is heading.
I was looking forward to reading about the march in the Sunday edition of the Pioneer Press. I was very disappointed to see that there was no mention of the march in St. Paul or the march in Washington, D.C.
I don’t understand why you think this is less newsworthy than people looking at snow sculptures in Stillwater. It seems that the press has already started printing only news favorable to the new regime. God help us all.
Miriam Flysjo, Osceola
A ‘Dreamer’?
Donald Trump’s son Barron was born March 20, 2006. Barron’s mother Melania became a US citizen on July 28, 2006. Would that make Barron a “Dreamer,” a person who is born in the United States, but whose mother was not a U.S. citizen? Something to think about.
Sue DeMars, Faribault
‘Obviously.’ Or not
He did do it. V.P. Vance said he “obviously” wouldn’t do it. Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi agreed, no way: “The President does not like people that abuse police officers.” she told senators. Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson assured that Trump would not pardon “violent criminals.” Trump even said on Jan 7, 2021, that he was “outraged by the violence and those that broke the law would pay.”
I guess the “hostages” as he called then have paid enough. What an Irony when the peaceful transfer of power occurred in the very place where the “peaceful protest” took place.
My question is, will any of the above-mentioned individuals or anyone in elected office challenge what Trump did?
I think not.
Buckle up, folks …
Robert Greer, Woodbury
Back the Blue?
Back the Blue? Absolutely! Support the rule of law? Absolutely!
Release all prisoners who have attacked, injured and killed those who enforce our laws? Release all prisoners convicted of seditious conspiracy? Release all prisoners who rioted and stormed our government facilities? Release all prisoners and make it legal to attack our nation’s Capitol in an attempt to overthrow our presidential elections even if they have been found guilty and/or admitted their guilt? Release all prisoners who were convicted of assaulting, resisting and impeding our law enforcement officers even though 172 have admitted assaulting, 130 admitted obstructing and 69 admitted assaulting law enforcement with a deadly weapon? A true plan to Back the Blue and support the rule of law? Absolutely not!
Dennis Fendt, Oakdale
Downtown has suffered
I read with interest that Mayor Carter will seek another term. As I look around me I see the Downtown Y has closed, restaurants galore are gone, the Skyway is fill of empty store fronts, Lunds is hanging on by a thread, and now I read the Winter Carnival Parade is moving to Grand Avenue. I don’t know much about the rest of St. Paul, but the downtown area has suffered under his leadership. Maybe it’s time for someone new to try and breathe some life into downtown.
Carol M. Knicker, St. Paul
Related Articles
Charges: St. Paul man flees police in stolen car and crashes, killing girlfriend who was a passenger
Winners of St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carving and Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competitions
Music review: Jeremy Dutcher channels his Indigenous heritage at Great Northern Festival
Rondo-raised minister makes jewelry in celebration of MLK and Black History Month
St. Paul ordinance says city employees don’t ask about immigration status. How does it work?
Letters: The DFL boycotters are presumed unable to serve. Call special elections immediately
DFLers won’t show? Call special elections
The situation at the state Legislature is simply unbelievable. When one is elected to a position, one is expected to appear when a session is called by law. Legislators who do not appear must be assumed to be unable to serve and special elections should be called IMMEDIATELY to fill all vacant seats. The business of the Legislature is now.
The state Democrats are demonstrating incompetence and unwillingness to serve the people who voted for them.
Carl Brookins, Roseville
If you can’t beat them, what?
The boycott of the legislative session by DFLers in the Minnesota House of Representatives seems to be a version of President Trump’s 2020 election denial, coupled with childish petulance.
The walkout, or more precisely refusal to walk-in, emulates his utter disregard for bi-partisanship accompanied by a total lack of cooperation, and recalls the old saw “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
But the stunt of refraining from their legislative duties, like Democrats did in an ill-fated maneuver in neighboring Wisconsin two years ago, signifies a perversion of that saying: “if you can’t beat them, don’t join them.”
Marshall H. Tanick, Minneapolis
Blessings on ‘Mr. Positive’
Thank you for the beautiful story honoring the life of Carl Bentson, aka “Mr. Positive.” When I worked in St. Paul I would oftentimes see him peddling through the neighborhood on his decked-out three-wheel bicycle, but never knew who he was nor how beloved he was in the community. We all could learn valuable lessons from how he lived his life. How to be a dedicated, hard-working employee, a caring neighbor and an all around positive presence who made other people’s lives better. He never let personal obstacles get in his way of living a fulfilling life. The community lost one of the good guys. God bless you Carl Bentson, may you rest in peace.
Ann Michel Helvick, Apple Valley
Yes, put condescending arrogance behind us
Peter Langworthy’s recent piece “Condescending arrogance …” fairly identifies a few reasons the Democrats lost their way and consequentially the balance of electoral power. His two examples of $400 billion of loan forgiveness and that silly “obviously” Harris lawn sign were spot on.
I was, however, disappointed he gave kudos to Mary Riley’s “off the rails” piece. While I agree with her overall thesis — you can be too woke — her summary disparaging the left and why she supports Trump — ”at least he doesn’t seem to hate America” — has the very same condescending arrogance we so desperately need to put behind us. I’ve been stewing for nearly two months over that line.
I join Mr. Langworthy’s call to take the other side seriously … and work for a better tomorrow.
Anthony Vavoulis, St. Paul
A missed march
I attended the People’s March to the St. Paul Capitol on Saturday Jan. 18. The weather was bitter cold and still over 1,000 people showed up to protest the direction our country is heading.
I was looking forward to reading about the march in the Sunday edition of the Pioneer Press. I was very disappointed to see that there was no mention of the march in St. Paul or the march in Washington, D.C.
I don’t understand why you think this is less newsworthy than people looking at snow sculptures in Stillwater. It seems that the press has already started printing only news favorable to the new regime. God help us all.
Miriam Flysjo, Osceola
A ‘Dreamer’?
Donald Trump’s son Barron was born March 20, 2006. Barron’s mother Melania became a US citizen on July 28, 2006. Would that make Barron a “Dreamer,” a person who is born in the United States, but whose mother was not a U.S. citizen? Something to think about.
Sue DeMars, Faribault
‘Obviously.’ Or not
He did do it. V.P. Vance said he “obviously” wouldn’t do it. Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi agreed, no way: “The President does not like people that abuse police officers.” she told senators. Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson assured that Trump would not pardon “violent criminals.” Trump even said on Jan 7, 2021, that he was “outraged by the violence and those that broke the law would pay.”
I guess the “hostages” as he called then have paid enough. What an Irony when the peaceful transfer of power occurred in the very place where the “peaceful protest” took place.
My question is, will any of the above-mentioned individuals or anyone in elected office challenge what Trump did?
I think not.
Buckle up, folks …
Robert Greer, Woodbury
Back the Blue?
Back the Blue? Absolutely! Support the rule of law? Absolutely!
Release all prisoners who have attacked, injured and killed those who enforce our laws? Release all prisoners convicted of seditious conspiracy? Release all prisoners who rioted and stormed our government facilities? Release all prisoners and make it legal to attack our nation’s Capitol in an attempt to overthrow our presidential elections even if they have been found guilty and/or admitted their guilt? Release all prisoners who were convicted of assaulting, resisting and impeding our law enforcement officers even though 172 have admitted assaulting, 130 admitted obstructing and 69 admitted assaulting law enforcement with a deadly weapon? A true plan to Back the Blue and support the rule of law? Absolutely not!
Dennis Fendt, Oakdale
Downtown has suffered
I read with interest that Mayor Carter will seek another term. As I look around me I see the Downtown Y has closed, restaurants galore are gone, the Skyway is fill of empty store fronts, Lunds is hanging on by a thread, and now I read the Winter Carnival Parade is moving to Grand Avenue. I don’t know much about the rest of St. Paul, but the downtown area has suffered under his leadership. Maybe it’s time for someone new to try and breathe some life into downtown.
Carol M. Knicker, St. Paul
Related Articles
Charges: St. Paul man flees police in stolen car and crashes, killing girlfriend who was a passenger
Winners of St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carving and Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competitions
Music review: Jeremy Dutcher channels his Indigenous heritage at Great Northern Festival
Rondo-raised minister makes jewelry in celebration of MLK and Black History Month
St. Paul ordinance says city employees don’t ask about immigration status. How does it work?
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