On a suburban hill in Duluth Heights, I
exchange ideas with two Muslim UMD students/co-workers who relocated
from Brooklyn Center. I swap my Liberian blended family stories with
their upbringing in the Twin Cities. Fatima's mom has worked 18
years in a factory. Her father is a full time worker also, raising 4
kids. Both of my co workers tell me they are given the finger
regularly in Duluth while driving or in a store. They are hated for
their religion and dress.
I am voting this year as a messenger of
tolerance. It is not because I have a half African son or I have
friends from every race. I am voting out of choice, not fear. I am
voting to demonstrate that I share values of welcoming the stranger
which the MNCatholic.org says should be exalted during voting season.
I am voting, not because I hate the other side, but because I can
redeem their attitudes and displacement they feel by being part of
tradition. I am the party of yes among the contrary nos. I vote
because I can. Inside me is a feeling of destiny translated to
protecting the poor.
Jane Hoffman
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