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I have been looking at the statistics surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Midwestern coalition of states you have chosen to have Minnesota join. It appears that we have very little in common with the far away states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky (Midwest?). Furthermore, I find no similarities at all between us and Michigan and Illinois. Geographically, we are the farthest north and west, and you have ignored three of our four bordering states (North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa).

By COVID-19 cases, we have the lowest number of cases and deaths. Rankings of the seven states in your “Midwestern” coalition average 19, with Minnesota being the lowest at 35. The number of cases averages 11,595 with Minnesota reporting only 1,912, again the lowest. Reported COVID-19 deaths follow a similar pattern. The coalition averages 648, while we have only 94. The only similarity I can find between Minnesota and the majority of the other states is the left-leaning views of the governors.

It looks to me that Illinois and Indiana got together and formed a group of states surrounding them, and we just joined them as a place to go. Why do we need to be part of an association of states at all? Can we not make our own decisions based on what is best for Minnesotans? You did not want Washington making decisions for us, but it seems you have no problem giving that power to Chicago. It appears we, as Minnesotans, are giving up much of our sovereignty and getting nothing in return. By the time this letter is published the actual numbers will be different but the relationships will remain similar.

Bob Sasser

Albert Lea