Dear Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party,

This is an open letter from a Minnesotan who used to consider himself a committed Democrat. We live in Minnesota. To be more specific:

• MN House District 32B
• MN Senate District 32
• MN Congressional District 8

St. Louis River at Jay Cooke State Park

Photo by J. Harrington

We have been for a long, long time card-carrying environmentalists. We've have been in a deep funk since November 2016 and have been looking forward to voting on November 6 of this year. Unfortunately, we have a major problem. Only one environmental organization that we know of (Save the Boundary Waters*) has endorsed any Democratic candidate for any of the following races:

• MN United States Senate
• MN Congressional District 8*
• MN Attorney General*
• MN House District 32B

St. Croix River at Franconia

Photo by J. Harrington

We were pleased to see that the North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club has endorsed

• Walz for Governor
• Flannagan for Lieutenant Governor 
• Simon for Secretary of State.
• Numerous candidates for the Minnesota legislature

We had hoped to be able to vote a straight Democratic ticket but now find ourselves in a quandary. Without endorsements by a reputable environmental organization, we must consider not voting for anyone for the five races listed above. As we all know, elections have consequences. So do endorsements, or lack thereof. The world, the United States, the State of Minnesota, Congressional District 8, MN Senate District 32 and House District 32B all are facing major environmental challenges, such as responding to climate change, adapting to its impacts, protecting the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Lake Superior and the Wild and Scenic St. Croix River, plus transforming local, regional and state economies to sustainably support our children and grandchildren. We're deeply disappointed the Democratic Party hasn't put forth more qualified, forward-looking, environmentally responsible candidates so we could comfortably vote a straight Democratic-environmental ticket. Try harder next time, please? Be responsible.

We Are Not Responsible

By Harryette Mullen

We are not responsible for your lost or stolen relatives. 

We cannot guarantee your safety if you disobey our instructions. 

We do not endorse the causes or claims of people begging for handouts. 

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. 

Your ticket does not guarantee that we will honor your reservations. 

In order to facilitate our procedures, please limit your carrying on. 

Before taking off, please extinguish all smoldering resentments. 

If you cannot understand English, you will be moved out of the way. 

In the event of a loss, you’d better look out for yourself. 

Your insurance was cancelled because we can no longer handle

your frightful claims. Our handlers lost your luggage and we

are unable to find the key to your legal case. 

You were detained for interrogation because you fit the profile. 

You are not presumed to be innocent if the police 

have reason to suspect you are carrying a concealed wallet. 

It’s not our fault you were born wearing a gang color. 

It is not our obligation to inform you of your rights. 

Step aside, please, while our officer inspects your bad attitude. 

You have no rights we are bound to respect. 

Please remain calm, or we can’t be held responsible 

for what happens to you. 

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Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.