Thoughts about the state of our nation

I am grateful and proud of Gov. Mark Dayton for vetoing the bill called the Castle law in Florida. That law would have given the right to any paranoid individual seeing someone approaching home, car or street perhaps seeking help to gun that person down because of appearance, later to explain the reason as feeling threatened. Legalizing murder of someone whose appearance, lifestyle, culture or origin is not right.

I respect and love our Pres. Barack Obama. He is well aware of our financial problems, our unemployment problems, lack of good paying jobs for all willing and able to work to feed their families, as well as the despair of returning veterans. The president knows the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have to come to a satisfactory conclusion; wars not of his making. Pres. Obama believes in diplomatic peaceful solutions in preference to gung-ho shoot ‘em up wars which only lead to innocents suffering, more enemies. He is not afraid to speak to enemies in hopes of a peaceful solution to problems. He knows to escalate conflict only tends to create more pain and suffering. He is well aware of the dead heroes young and strong cut down in prime of life while fighting for peace and freedom. We need to help him, not  criticize him.

Did you note the remarks made by the mayor of New York City recently where he told of the positive turn to prosperity where he gives the credit to immigrants? He says the immigrants work hard, pay taxes, buy stuff and feed their families and help put New York City on its feet. I honestly do not recall him differentiating between legal and illegal. Think about it.

I am opposed to the Minnesota wolf hunt. Must we gun down a creature which has such a spiritual meaning to so many Native Americans? The wolf is a natural predator and really is our brother.

The decision not to run for reelection by our own Mayor Shawn Mason hit me square in the heart and gut. Shawn Mason brought I. Falls through some tough times and deserves to be reelected so that she may enjoy with us the turnabout she did so much to make a reality. I still consider her Minnesota’s prettiest mayor. No disrespect for anyone seeking her position, but that person could never fill her shoes. I will proudly wear her campaign button and work my heart out for her if she will only reconsider. Some of us have been silent too long.

Have a wonderful summer, my friends. Love and respect one another, keep a happy heart, a smile on your faces and suddenly we are brothers and sisters at heart. Thank you and peace be in your hearts.

Proud to be an American, proud Minnesotan, proud to reside in International Falls in Koochiching County.

George F. Konecny Sr.

International Falls, MN