LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

From the column: "All that we are being offered by those beholden to the NRA and gun manufacturers is a chance to 'harden' schools by arming teachers and staff."

I believe our political leaders need to take a step back from partisanship and get to know their local and state election officials.

The League of Women Voters in Duluth hosted a “We the People Day of Remembrance and Action” vigil Thursday.

History tells us that in order to heal our country in the midst of this uncivil war, we need both truth and reconciliation.

The right to vote ensures that citizens have a voice in the political decision-making that impacts their lives. This right, guaranteed by Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is viewed as the pillar for global peace.

In 2018, in an editorial, the News Tribune issued a challenge. While celebrating the 72% turnout in the 2018 midterm elections and the 80% in the 2016 presidential election, the paper urged, “We can do better, of course.”

Voting is an honor and privilege for all citizens.

Minnesotans want to be proud of America’s role in the global community. As the most powerful nation on the planet, we should be leading causes of humanity, addressing climate change, promoting nuclear disarmament, and fostering global diplomacy. Instead we are experiencing a vast inequality of wealth in America, a vulnerable economy, a climate crisis, the militarization of our police, and a lack of resilience in our health care systems — all of which have been exasperated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Monitoring the June 10 Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board meeting, the League of Women Voters-Duluth Natural Resources Committee was shocked when the board, against strong positive recommendations from its own staff, voted unanimously to table a funding request from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The band sought $250,000 toward a $1.347 million project to provide a new water source and treatment for Mahnomen and Brookston, where the current water supply is contaminated (“ IRRR tables Fond du Lac funding over band's 'anti-mining' stances,” June 11 ).