Mail bag

Diversity

I have been wanting to tell you how much I appreciate Thinking Minnesota ever since I received my first issue. I at first thought it was another liberal-forced-labor-union junk publication that we fair-share union employees are continually subjected. They always get thrown away in our house. Luckily, I let it sit on the top of my desk for a couple days and actually looked into it. I was shocked to find it filled with common-sense conservatism.

I am a self-employed farmer, and I also work for a MNSCU institution teaching classes. Some of the information shared about the things going on with teachers in the Edina schools really hit home because of the things happening and coming from MNSCU. We have so many people now employed with no other things to do but research what they call “diversity” and “people of color.” At one training session we were supposed to sign up for inclusion training where some chose to apologize to people of color for being born white. After reading about people in the Edina area standing up for themselves, I might reconsider in the future and start attending again just to be involved and stand my ground on these rewrites of history and not allow color only to be how we are judged.

I hope to see more from your organization. Please know that even though there are huge forces stacked against you, there are many, many of us who would drop our union dues in a heartbeat and fully support your organization. I appreciate what you are doing and will share your articles, like the one about wasting tax dollars on green energy – Love that one, too!

-Todd Stencel, Waseca

Journalistic Professionalism

Although I am originally from Iowa, I admire the work at Center of the American Experiment. As a former journalist, I have come to appreciate Katherine Kersten’s tenacity and journalistic professionalism.

-Steven Schweers, Marietta, GA

A Very Big Iceberg

What Katherine Kersten has described in Edina is merely the tip of a very, very big iceberg. I have been harping for years that we conservatives need a publication in Minnesota to confront local media bias. Kudos to you all for Thinking Minnesota. We need some more information to combat what is out there.

-David M. Schreiber, MS, Big Lake

Very Impressed

I am very impressed with the work of Katherine Kersten and frankly all of the Center, and I don’t impress easily. Keep up the great work in helping us working citizens of Minnesota and the USA.

-Don Hanlon, Burnsville

Shocking

Totally shocking! Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to hear whether the good citizens of Edina rise up.

-Marcia K. Wolf, Olympia, Washington

Half the Story

I truly appreciate Thinking Minnesota. I consider myself a pragmatic conservative and am offended by articles, liberal or conservative, that tell only half the story. That is my reaction to Tom Steward’s article, “Subsidies Squandered: Maplewood dismantles solar project after getting $310,000 from taxpayers and Xcel Energy ratepayers.” The subtitle implies that the project was a failure but the article does not support this conclusion. The project may not have met cost-saving projections, but there was a small energy cost-saving and perhaps more importantly, clean energy generated. The real problem with the project was the decision to install the system on a roof, not that the solar panels didn’t work. I don’t like subsidies in general and I’m not sold on solar, but sometimes we have to try.

-Keith Lightfoot, Grand Rapids

A ‘Hyperbole Heimlich’

I read Thinking Minnesota each quarter cover to cover. Your organization and your publication are important for the future of our state and nation. But, I was disturbed by a “Think About This” box in the winter issue that listed corporate departures from Minnesota, which was somewhat misleading. First of all, even though company headquarters may have moved, a substantial amount of people and capital remained in Minnesota. Also, other companies have moved in or grown or been acquired by stay, offsetting the “net negative effect” of all those outbound companies. You’ve shown us only one side of the story and even misled us a bit with the implication that whole businesses have moved. Give me the facts. Don’t try to lead my thinking in any direction. We’re choking on hyperbole out here. Give us a place we can go for a hyperbole Heimlich.

-John Christoffel, Coon Rapids

Edina: ‘Free Market of Ideas’

I’m a student at Edina High School. Recently, my high school has been very divided. This may not be a new issue, but it is a constant distraction from learning. Students’ views clash with the views of other students and even teachers. I believe that it’s very important to value other people’s opinions. In an education environment, I believe there should be a free-market of ideas, where people can express their views and have civilized conversations or disagreements. Unfortunately, this is not happening.

I recently saw a video on YouTube where [American Experiment President] John Hinderaker spoke about liberal indoctrination within the EPS system, and I can’t thank you enough. I know many students who feel oppressed, like their opinions aren’t valid. I hope this soon changes. I’ve had great teachers, who have respected students and allowed them to have their own opinions. Some of my peers have not had this same experience.

Some of my classes are trying to force a certain way of thinking, a certain agenda in students. Regardless of my own opinion on such matters, I think everyone is entitled to their own view on issues such as immigration, gender identity, gun control, etc. They pushed the ideas that we don’t have enough gun control, that Trump is ridiculous, that all immigrants are good, that all gender identities are valid. I understand they’re trying to create an inclusive community, and I’d rather not express my own opinions. What I do know is that many of my fellow students do not share these opinions, and they feel suppressed by the teachers, they’re made to feel as if their opinions are ridiculous.

You mentioned that anonymity was a common theme among those you spoke to. I too, would not feel comfortable expressing my opinions in school. I’m not racist, I’m not a Nazi, but my school has not created a welcoming environment for independent, libertarian, or conservative students. I just want you to know that I appreciate you speaking about the issues within my school system and I hope change happens soon.

-Name withheld by request