In a recent letter, Yurie Hong accused Congressman Jim Hagedorn of calling police to intimidate those who disagree with him. In effect, she accused him of being like a third-world politician who uses the police to silence opponents.

That is an incredibly serious accusation and one would think Prof. Hong would have provided proof.

As it turns out, the Mankato police report states it was the building manager, not Congressman Hagedorn, who called police because tenants had become weary and fearful of the constant disruptions to their businesses. I suppose that’s what happens after weekly intrusions for six months.

And having a police presence at an event, such as a town hall, expected to draw hundreds of passionate people of vastly different political views isn’t intimidation. Rather, it’s common sense. Something tells me that if Congressman Hagedorn intended to “intimidate” Prof. Hong, he wouldn’t have taken the time to talk with her after the event and promise to hold an in-person town hall in Nicollet County.

Yet, Prof. Hong was in possession of all these facts and still chose to write a letter ominously portraying a U.S. congressman as someone who would use police force to silence his critics. As someone who should be a role model of reasoned, circumspect dialogue for her students in St. Peter, I would hope Prof. Hong will be more circumspect in the future before leveling insulting, unsubstantiated claims.

Christine Green

Austin