I’m struck by how many young and first timers took part in this year’s DFL caucuses and state endorsing convention. It disproves the notion that people are less engaged or don’t want to participate in our elections.

The defining issues for many of the younger people I talked to at the convention here last month were the war in Iran (and Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon); the ICE onslaught, hardship and aftermath in Minneapolis and around our state (there has been renewed ICE activity in southern Minnesota these last two weeks; the expense of higher education, and the overwhelming influence of corporate PAC money in our elections.

I think all four of these issues drove the U.S. Senate endorsement process and outcome in Peggy Flanagan’s favor. I had not seen that kind of energy in a campaign since Paul Wellstone. The estimated delegate strength before Rep. Angie Craig dropped out of the process right before the convention was in the neighborhood of 75% to 12%. It was and is refreshing to feel that enthusiasm.

As someone who’s been interested and involved in grassroots and issue politics since the late 1960’s, it is reassuring to feel the next generation is ready for us to pass the torch on. They will undoubtedly continue the work of bending that proverbial arc of justice toward a more just, fair, and peaceful future.

The next question, are you registered to vote in the Aug. 11 primary election?

Mark Frederickson, Rochester

For better or for worse, whenever the Trump administration makes a proposal, we see the same graying Democratic leaders whining and hand wringing. This is true of the proposed SAVE America Act. I would generally consider myself a Democrat. I have no problem asking a voter to prove they live in the precinct where they vote, and I believe only citizens should vote. But we know SAVE America is not about election integrity, but rather to intimidate potential Democratic voters.

So beat the GOP at it’s own game. Both parties for decades have had successful voter registration drives. Why not a national movement to help voters obtain their birth certificates? This is a document every person should have, and at some time in their life will be asked to produce, be it for passport, military, financial, employment or voting. And this would be godsend to those citizens wrongly targeted by ICE based on their heritage or surname.

How should the Democratic Party do this? First, if a state does not require a birth certificate be provided to every newborn, support such a statute. For current voters, each county chapter could organize such a drive and invite other civic, religious and cultural organizations to participate. The cost in Minnesota is $26 and can be accomplished online. That is less than renewing a driver’s license.

There are those for whom this would be a hardship, so fundraising would be necessary. I received frequent email invitations to DFL luncheons or dinners where the cost exceeds this amount. Ask members to brownbag to a few of these events and donate $26.

Such an effort would be embraced by most of our increasingly contentious party, and might serve to unify. It would effectively neutralize the chilling intent should SAVE America be passed. This would serve the individual, and the nation. And the Democrats.

And be a lot more effective than whining.

Andy Lynn, Mendota Heights

In (the July 23) Pioneer Press Letters to the Editor section, M.L. Kluznik suggested Mall of America was proposed by former Gov. Rudy Perpich. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a member of the Bloomington City Council, I can count on one finger the support we had from anyone or anywhere for the development of MOA. It was mostly due to the efforts and vision of former Bloomington Mayor Jim Lindau. Gov. Perpich acknowledged this at the groundbreaking ceremony on June 14, 1989.

Many fought the development of MOA in Bloomington and now some want to take credit for it. I don’t recall seeing them at any of the many hearings we held before the final approval was given by the Bloomington City Council. What I do recall is the constant stream of those in opposition to the project.

Roger A. Blessum, Prior Lake (Bloomington City Council member 1978-1989)

Just this past week the Pentagon reported that 18 American service members had been killed during the war in Iran. The next day the Defense Department lowered that number to 14 because four of the deaths came after President Donald Trump declared a cease-fire in April. What does this suggest, other than Secretary Pete Hegseth and the president appear more interested in PR than in honoring the lives of those four true patriots?

It is beyond disrespectful but not surprising, given the prosecution of this war or skirmish or whatever word these two are now using. In closing, I offer the names and ages of those brave souls who gave their lives for our country: Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii; Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas; Sergeant Angel Rampersad, 28, of New York; Sargeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of North Carolina. Thank you and your service will never be forgotten.

Steve Larson, Minneapolis

In days of old, so I’ve been told, there was a king who told the tide, it had to hold. He was Cnut the Great, king of England, Denmark and Norway. And in his wisdom, he knew the tide was not his to command. He did this to show his followers the limits of earthly power. This story I recalled when our current wanna-be king demanded the Canadian prime minister to do something about the smoke from forest fires. Implying that the wind could be ordered to blow backward or that extinguishing rains would fall by edict. Seems somewhat short of the wisdom of Cnut, but not unexpected.

Robert Emery, Mendota Heights

A big sainted to Eric at Auto Zone on Century Avenue in Maplewood and Alex at Auto Zone on Highway 14 in Oakdale.
My turn signal light bulb burned out. I couldn’t even get close to removing the bulb. YouTube video said I needed to remove half of the front end of my car to get at it. I drove to Auto Zone and Eric came out to take a look. He stood on his head and threaded his hand through a nonexistent crevice. He got it out! The bulb wasn’t available at his store. He searched the computer and sent me to Alex where one was available.
Alex sold me the needed bulb and came out and stood on his head and threaded his hand through the nonexistent crevice to reinsert the bulb. I expected to buy a bulb and then fight all afternoon in the blazing heat removing the front end of my car and then reinstalling everything. Eric and Alex saved the day by performing way above and beyond! The best service I have ever received.

Dennis Fendt, Oakdale