TO THE EDITOR:
On Tuesday, an interfaith vigil was held at the Sherburne County Government Center. Hosted by the Sanctuary and Resistance to Injustice (SARI) and the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration Dignity not Detention (ICOM), religious leaders presented a letter to the Commissioners and Sheriff Brott calling for an end to the Sherburne County’s unjust detention for profit of immigrants. Speaking on behalf of 17 Christian denominations and nearly one million constituents, Minnesota Council of Churches CEO, Rev. Dr. Curtiss DeYoung, said “The Sherburne County and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract violates the values that undergird our faith because the outcome is the unjust treatment of immigrants. The prophet Malachi proclaimed, ‘Thus says God Almighty, I will be quick to testify against those who deprive immigrants of justice (Malachi 3:5)’. Faith communities will continue to witness for justice for immigrants until Sherburne County abandons all plans to expand or renew the current contract with ICE; phases out the existing contract and releases all currently detained immigrants; and resolves that Sherburne County law enforcement will pledge they will no longer collaborate with or detain individuals on behalf of ICE. “ Please join the effort to end profiteering from injustice. Contact your commissioner and Sheriff Brott.
Rose Thelen
Clearwater, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Continuing from last week, the welcome to naturalized citizens in our free land. The 1955 brochure addressed the rights and responsibilities of new US citizens, beginning with specific elements of the First Amendment. It continues with the right to vote in elections and the right to pursue an education and a vocation of one’s own choosing. The resources of the country are accessible to all. If one is accused of a crime, the person has a right to a prompt trial by jury. The list ended with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” By contrast, the 2022 brochure begins with an announcement that the brochure is available in 14 languages. It offers help from government services to adjust to the new life. The brochure mentions rights as outlined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights but does not explain what they entail. It warns new citizens about discrimination and committing a crime. Then it reminds them that they must pay income taxes, register for Selective Service, and provide the DHS with new addresses when they move. It suggests that these citizens get involved within their communities. Which is more welcoming—the 1955 or 2022 version?
Dr. Phyllis VanBuren,
Clearwater, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
The Becker School board has invited an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group to present on Monday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. The Parents Action League (CPL) was designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2010 in response to their anti-gay rhetoric and involvement in the Anoka Hennepin school district that led to at least four suicides of LGBTQ+ students. This led to an investigation by the U.S. Dept. of Civil Rights which found Title IX violations. Founder Barb Anderson was put on an anti-LGBT watch list by the national human rights agency GLAAD. Anderson has since created the Child Protection League which also has an anti-LGBT agenda in addition to many other causes about which it distributes false and misleading propaganda. CPL has ties to the MN Family Council, another SPLC designated hate group, which served as the statewide sponsor for the PAL. A presentation by the Child Protection League, it’s members, and supporters equates to the board condoning hate speech, harassment, bullying, and actions that will result in declining mental health, self-harm, and suicide by students in this district. Becker School District will be the next school that has to answer to parents and families of its victims.
Joe Rand,
Clearwater, MN
