When I was a kid, my dad would sometimes talk about why he switched from being a Republican to a Democrat. As a young farmer with a family to support during the Depression, President Roosevelt became his hero. Roosevelt spoke to him, seemed to understand his problems, and pushed forward policies that helped working people to live a better, fuller life. He was bold, he cared, he got things done.

I am my father’s daughter.  I also believe that the Democratic Party is best hope for working people to achieve their dreams for themselves and their children. But these are worrisome times and people need to work together to make things better.  As Paul Wellstone used to say: “We all do better when we all do better.”

If you are interested in working to make things better, please come to our DFL annual picnic at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Pioneer Park. There will be food (bring a dish to pass if you wish) and plenty of good discussion of the issues and what we here in Freeborn County can do to spark change.

Mary Hinnenkamp

Albert Lea