I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School and landed in Durango through a somewhat circuitous route in 1975. I’ve stayed here because Durango reminds me so much of Minnesotans in their friendliness and willingness to offer help and friendship.
I have been shocked and dismayed by President Donald Trump’s actions in Minnesota. The Democratic Party there is known as the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. It has produced politicians like Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale. The current U.S. senators are women who are members of the DFL, as is the governor. They are not “radical left-wing liberals.”
We should all be alarmed by the invasion of Trump’s immigration agents using violent tactics reminiscent of the Nazi Gestapo against Minnesota residents. These tactics are now being used in Maine. Colorado may be next.
There is a legal path for immigrants in our country seeking jobs to feed and house themselves and their families. Some seek refuge from oppressive regimes or violence. The immigration system recognizes these as valid reasons to seek legal status. People who do not utilize legal methods are deported. However, this can be done humanely.
I am very distressed by these events, and I call on all Republicans to speak out against this authoritarian approach.
Rob Dawes
Durango
