I was brought up in the 1950s listening to stories from my parents, aunts, uncles and their friends about the unimaginable Depression-era struggles and the most horrific military combat battles, especially the ones about Anzio, Italy, where my mother’s brother was a medic. That generation of Americans has rightfully been characterized as our toughest and bravest ever.

What these new radical Republicans are doing to us here in Minnesota is such small potatoes compared to what my parents and family went through. We should be embarrassed if any of us are thinking that Gov. Mark Dayton and the rest of us cannot stand up to them.

So what can you do?  Call the governor and let him know that we can handle whatever these new radical Republicans are up to, including the consequences of their causing the shut down of Minnesota government.

It would be a gross insult to the greatest generation of Americans who survived the Great Depression and World War II for us to lay down and die.

Fight back for local-government-aid funding, roads and bridges, every single disadvantaged low-income Minnesotan, every single student now and in the future, collective bargaining rights that brought fair wages, work comp, OSHA protections, health benefits, vacation days, sick pay, etc., the greatest system of democratic government on earth, and your job and health benefits. Our struggle is difficult for sure especially when these new radical Republicans shut down the government.

So make that call now to the governor. Keep him strong. Prepare yourself.

Ted Hinnenkamp

Albert Lea