Letters to the Editor

I was more than a little proud when Michael Crowe quoted an issue of the Luther College Chips published in 1981. I was editor that spring and loved working on Chips with Paul Barribeau who was especially known for his pointed and funny political cartoons (We worked as a team, along with another guy named Crowe, who might have some connection to the current editor).
Paul prodded students to step up and get involved, take action. More than three decades ago, Luther students, like many other students, got caught up in the importance of their classes, friends and activities. It was easy to lose sight of foreign conflict or presidential elections when we were absorbed with the study time needed for the next test or the location of the next Greek gathering.
I’m hoping that Luther students of 2012 are not too absorbed to take note of the November elections, especially Minnesota students. This may be your first opportunity to cast a ballot. Request your absentee ballots now so that you can weigh in on some important issues.
In particular, Minnesota has a ballot amendment that would add to the state’s constitution language defining marriage as a union only between a man and woman. Minnesota already has a law against gay marriage, so this amendment, in effect, simply places the possibility of marriage for same gender couples further out of reach. Thirty other states have already approved such amendments. In fact, no state has defeated one of these marriage amendments.
But that’s where you come in. You know people who have fallen in love and plan to build their futures together, people who are committed to a partner and dream of their shared life. Those are good dreams! Those are dreams that everyone deserves.
Help Minnesota be the first state to stop one of these marriage amendments. Vote no and keep our state’s constitution from limiting the freedom to marry.

-Sheri Brenden (‘81),
Minnetonka, Minn.