Letter: Make a difference, let your voice be heard
Published 8:30 pm Tuesday, April 8, 2025
74 days, just 74 days! That’s all it has taken Trump to take us from the “envy of the world” economically, to The Economist showing Trump bent over the outline of the United States with a saw cutting us away from the rest of the world, with the headline “Ruination Day.”
The United States is no longer seen as a country that is:
Trusted
Respected
Honest
A symbol of freedom
A nation of laws and due process
Human rights
And a leader in humanitarian aid
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, stated that Trump’s tariff policies will be felt around the world. Who will feel it most profoundly? Those who have the least. Prices on the most basic needs are going increase.
Now, add on top of the global economic catastrophe, all the uncertainty churning around threatened cuts in programs that nearly every family in this country is touched by and are central to their economic survival.
It is understandable to feel fearful, overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, unseen and unheard. But please don’t dwell there. We are this country! We do have a voice! So lean on your faith, gear up your energy and dig your heels in with grit and tenacity.
Now take all of that faith, energy, grit and tenacity and do something concrete. You can write a letter to the editor, call, email or write your state and U.S. Congress representatives and senator. They do keep track of how many calls etc. they get on each issue. Join groups with common goals. It’s easier to do projects with others. Join rallies and peaceful protests. Be informed about the issues that are important to you.
MN state Rep. Peggy Bennett (R), 2nd Floor Centennial Office Building, St. Paul, MN, 55155. Phone: toll free 877-377-9441. Email: [email protected]
MN state Sen. Gene Dornick (R), 95 University Ave W., Minnesota Senate Building, Room 3411, St Paul, MN 55155 Phone: 651-296-5240. Email: [email protected]
U.S. Representative: Brad Finstad, 2418 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone: 202-225-2472.
Or
110 N. Minnesota St. Suite 5. New Ulm, MN 56073. Phone: 507-577-6151.
US Senate: Amy Klobuchar, 425 Dickson Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-3244.
Please don’t hesitate to call. My experience, having made calls, is you will be greeted and listened to with respect. Address only one concern per call. The staff person will assure you that your concerns will be passed on. Every call is logged and tallied by the topic of the call. More calls, the more likely our concerns will be addressed. Our representatives need to know that we are not pleased with how our government is functioning. And the only way they know is when we tell them.
Write. Phone. Make a difference. United we will be heard!
Karen Bell
Albert Lea
