The following letter to the editor was posted in the Plymouth Sun-Sailor March 9, 2017:
Plymouth is home to many different groups of immigrants – Russian, Indian, Somali, and many, many more. Plymouth is home to the Northwest Islamic Center.
At the same time, hate crimes are on the rise (USA Today website). February 23rd a gay couple was attacked and told “You live in Trump country now” (Miami Herald.com). Mosques have been vandalized, Jewish Centers have been threatened, swastikas have been etched on cars in Lakeville, Minnesota. Schools such as Maple Grove High school are battling racism. A Kansas man recently shot two Indian men, killing one, while yelling “Get out of my country”. (NY Times). The list goes on, even in the Twin Cities.
Now, more than ever, we need our communities to come together. Many mayors across the nation, including Mayor of Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges, have publically expressed concern over the hate, support for members of the community, and statements of solidarity.
But we have not heard from Mayor Kelly Slavik of Plymouth.
K. Anderson