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If you are a frequent reader of this paper, you have probably noticed that there have been weeks with no letters to the editor published. You may be surprised that I am not happy about this change—even though the letters relating to what I write about are overwhelmingly negative. Letters to the editor are important: They give others a chance to express their views on a topic or column.

Former President Theodore Roosevelt, at the Minnesota State Fair in September 1901, quipped: “A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb, ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick—you will go far.’ If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble.”

People read my column for different reasons. Some enjoy the personal stories and others the politics. This is going to be a bifurcated column: the first part is story, and the second part is politics.

To understand the current situation in Minneapolis, you must first turn back to 2020 after the killing of George Floyd, when nationwide protests erupted with the epicenter in Minneapolis, where police killed Floyd.

When Greenlanders protested Trump’s threatened takeover of their country—either by force or forced purchase—many wore red hats, the MAGA color. On the hats were the expressions “Nu det Nuuk” and “Make America Go Away” (MAGA). It was a twist on the Danish phrase “Nu det nok,” meaning “Now it’s enough,” substituting Nuuk, Greenland’s tiny capital. I read that a charity in Greenland was selling these hats, so I bought one to show my support. Melania Trump also wore an article of clothing to make a statement: a jacket with “I Really Don’t Care, Do You” written on the back—which is exactly how I feel about her movie, which Jeff Bezos bankrolled to curry favor with the president.

In my column in last week’s QJL, I wrote that “When there was an intimidation protest outside Park Avenue Synagogue, we responded with our own rally of support. That is what we need to do every time there is a similar protest.” I did not know when I wrote the column that such a situation would happen within a few days - and in my community.