TO THE EDITOR:
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the Christmas Eve dinner at the Becker American Legion such a meaningful and memorable gathering. First, my sincere appreciation goes to Mayor Mark Kolbinger and his wife, Kelly, for their generosity, energy, and willingness to step in wherever help was needed. I am equally grateful to my wife, Helen Swanson, and my brother, Tim Swanson, whose hard work and steady support made the evening run smoothly from start to finish. A special thank‑you also goes to Shane at Bill’s Food for his generous donation, as well as to Representative Shane Mekeland for contributing to the event and supporting our community in such a tangible way. Most importantly, thank you to the more than 50 people who joined us. Your presence is what truly made the evening special. Sharing a meal, conversation, and holiday spirit with neighbors and friends is what community is all about, and I am grateful to everyone who came out to be part of it. Events like this remind us how fortunate we are to live in a place where people show up for one another (#BeTheOne). Thank you again to all who helped and all who attended. Sincerely,
Mark Swanson
1st Vice Commander
American Legion
“Oscar Peterson”
Minnesota Post 0193
TO THE EDITOR:
To Representative Mekeland, I’ve been waiting for your response to the despicable “Truth Social” repost by President Trump, of a video alleging that Governor Walz directed Vance Boelter to assassinate the Hortmans last year. This video, which claims the killings were retaliation for Representative Hortman voting with Republicans to repeal the health care eligibility of undocumented immigrants, is a baseless and dangerous lie. As was proved in the investigation, Boelter was a right-wing extremist who had no ties to the Governor beyond being part of a 2019 bipartisan commission routinely appointed by the Governor’s office. It’s disturbing that this piece of information has been twisted in such a way as to stoke the kind of dangerous online rhetoric that is then promoted by the President of the United States. Representative Mekeland, surely you knew Melissa Hortman and the significance of the action she took to prevent a government shutdown. A statement from you would go a long way to bring down the temperature and help our state legislature get back to actually working together to help the people of Minnesota.
Debbie Russell
Lawyer Turned Writer
Clear Lake, MN
