City council needs to do the right thing

The Duluth City Council will have the opportunity to join dozens of other cities across this nation in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. More than 30,000 civilians have been murdered in the tiny enclave (often described as an open air prison) since Oct. 7, more than 13,000 of them children. Thousands more lie under the rubble or are starving to death because of Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid.

Predictably, some councilors are dithering that this is “not a local issue” or they “haven’t heard from constituents.” Those councilors use petty politics and bizarre reasoning to sidestep their responsibility as leaders and as members of humanity. Their ability to be smug and smarmy or pretend to be clueless in the face of a genocide is unfathomable and unspeakable. 

The resolution before them is clear and necessary. It is the duty of every person, particularly in the United States, which is funding and supporting the murder of the people of Gaza, to do everything they can to stop this horror. We stand in bitter weather on street corners. We march and rally. We boycott products of companies that do business with Israel. We make calls, post on social media, send emails or write letters. Some, like Airman Aaron Bushnell, give all they have.

As president of Northland Grandmothers for Peace, I call upon the Duluth City Council to pass the resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Duluth is the metro hub of our entire region. Elected officials are elected to do what is right. Calling for an end to the murderous campaign against the Palestinian people is a universal call for decency.
Dorothy Wolden
Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin

Whose footprint?

This year being the warmest winter on record (as in “What winter?”), the sobering reality of global climate change is uppermost in many minds. One may wonder just how much the various actors contribute to global warming, and do I have a significant role to play?  
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the carbon emissions that contribute to global climate change break down as follows:
• Electricity (power plants) 25%
• Industry 24%  
• Transportation (freight & personal use) 24%
• Commercial & Residential 13%
• Agriculture 11%
Can we influence the carbon footprint coming from these sectors? Yes.  
Perhaps most significantly, we can rethink our approach to consumption, such that we reduce the need to produce or use up so many resources in the first place. For example, we can bundle errands involving the car, turn down the home thermostat at night and when away, avoid buying items in single-use containers, and eat one less meat-centric meal a week. Small things like these add up to making a difference, especially as more people get on board. 

We can also remind our decision-makers in local, state and federal government that we expect them to support measures, including legislation, that rapidly address global climate change. For a quick and easy approach to reaching your congressperson in Washington, D.C., check out the Citizens’ Climate Lobby web site at citizensclimatelobby.org/get-loud-take-action.

A more complete description of contributors to climate change and potential solutions can be found at nrdc.org/stories/what-are-causes-climate-change#choices.
To safeguard a brighter future for our kids and grandkids, change at a societal level is necessary, and that begins with you and me. Let’s get started!
Bruce Moore 
Bayfield, Wisconsin

Braver Angels

This nonprofit organization  started after the 2016 Presidential election due to the problematic issues in our country. I first heard about it on the 2020 Presidential election day. I had submitted a text response to the morning show on KARE 11 about my wife and I are 180 degrees opposite politically. 

One of the morning show anchors sent me a personal text telling me about Braver Angels and to check out their website. I did Google their website, read their mission statement and was impressed.
Since then I have spoken to family members, friends and also strangers when  the topic of politics came up. The main goal of Braver Angels is to have both Democrats and Republicans to discuss/debate political topics calmly and to listen to each side with respect. The strangers I spoke with had never heard of this organization so I feel good about spreading the word.

I made an early 2024 New Year’s Resolution to actually join Braver Angels on August 1st, 2023. I received several introductory emails from many BA managers with positive comments. In the past few months I realize that they have an annual convention, hold many training workshops, conduct Zoom meetings and  have many Podcasts. I have attended 2 Zoom meetings and listened to several Podcasts. My 2024 goal is to become an Ambassador to promote this group. I challenge everyone to check it out and maybe join? This 2024 election will be even more problematic than 2016.
Chuck Bracken
Cannon Falls, Minnesota

An open letter request to Cathy Cargill for transparency in Park Point deals
Dear Ms. Cargill,

As the Parks and Recreation Commissioner for District 3, which encompasses the invaluable natural asset of Park Point, in the city of Duluth. First and foremost, allow me to extend a warm welcome to you, albeit with a request for transparent engagement and a shared commitment to the welfare of our beloved city and its inhabitants.

Your recent property acquisitions on Park Point have understandably prompted a wave of curiosity and concern within our community. While recognizing your rights as a property owner, it is imperative to underscore the profound impact your actions may have on the delicate ecosystem and the lives of Duluth residents.

As stewards of this land, we hold a solemn duty to safeguard its environmental integrity. Park Point, with its fragile coastline and unique biodiversity, is a cherished sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. Any development, regardless of scale, warrants meticulous consideration of its ecological footprint. Erosion, disruption of migration patterns and encroachment upon vital green spaces are among the ecological concerns that demand our collective attention.

Moreover, the prospect of monopolization raises pertinent questions about its repercussions on neighborhood dynamics. The harmonious coexistence of residents and the preservation of community cohesion are central tenets of our urban fabric. We must ensure that progress is inclusive and respects the intrinsic values of our neighborhoods.

Your proposed developments also intersect with broader municipal objectives, including city planning initiatives and infrastructural sustainability. The comprehensive plans meticulously crafted by our civic leaders serve as blueprints for our city’s growth and prosperity. It is imperative that any undertaking aligns with these strategic frameworks to avert undue disruptions and uphold the public interest.

Furthermore, the logistical implications of increased traffic and the strain on existing infrastructure demand thorough scrutiny. Park Point’s singular ingress and egress pose a logistical challenge exacerbated by the seasonal ebb and flow of tourists. Your endeavors hold the potential to exacerbate congestion and impede the seamless flow of traffic, thereby impacting the accessibility and allure of our city’s natural splendor.

Beyond the tangible ramifications, your endeavors carry profound cultural and social significance. Duluth’s ethos is deeply rooted in a reverence for the land and a commitment to honoring indigenous sovereignty. The Ojibwe people’s ancestral ties to this region underscore the sacredness of the land you now steward. It is incumbent upon us to tread with humility and respect, cognizant of our shared heritage and obligations to future generations.

In light of these considerations, I implore you to engage in open dialogue with our civic leaders and community stakeholders. Transparent communication and collaborative decision-making are imperative to foster trust and mutual understanding. Your willingness to address our concerns and articulate a vision that aligns with Duluth’s values will undoubtedly pave the way for a harmonious integration into our vibrant community.

As you embark on this journey as Duluth’s newest steward, I urge you to embrace the responsibility that accompanies your significant property holdings. Respect for our neighbors, reverence for the land, and a commitment to inclusive growth are the cornerstones of our shared prosperity. I encourage you to reach out to Mayor Roger Reinert and other esteemed leaders to commence a dialogue aimed at forging a mutually beneficial path forward.

In closing, let us heed the wisdom of indigenous principles and recognize that true stewardship transcends mere ownership. Together, let us safeguard the legacy of our city and ensure that future generations inherit a Duluth that thrives in harmony with nature and community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly anticipate your response and the opportunity to collaborate for the betterment of our beloved city.
Warm regards,
Josie LaPorte
Parks and Recreation Commissioner
District 3 
Duluth, Minnesota