I'm a long-time political junkie, and I've had the great opportunity to work for the construction and real estate industries throughout my career both in management and the political world. Tuesday, May 27th is Idaho's primary election date, and the endorsements made by my employer are already making headlines and blogs. The typical media slap-in-the-face label of "special interests" is already rearing its head. Of course, the media employ their own lobbyists in Idaho, but that doesn't stop their shameless indictment of other organizations representing thousands of Idaho citizens, businesses, and families. Oh well, I'm proud to represent the construction industry which certainly contributes more to Idaho's economy and well being than the political pundits and reporters who impughn special interests. My members interests are special, and we are proud of that.
The massive wave of Norwegian immigration to Minnesota from the 1850s through the early 20th century wasn't a casual choice; it was an escape from crushing land scarcity and economic desperation. My ancestors, the Dunhams, arrived in 1851 and built a life in Otter Tail County in Minnesota. My great-great-grandfather, Jens Christian Dunham, didn’t just survive—he thrived. He served in the Minnesota legislature as a Republican from 1888 to 1890 and later became a staunch advocate for President Teddy Roosevelt. He was the literal embodiment of the American Dream: an immigrant who fled poverty to become a lawmaker in his new home. Fast forward a century, and a new wave of immigrants—this time from Somalia—is following that exact same blueprint. Like the Norwegians before them, they fled hardship to build a future in Minnesota, and many have run for office to serve the state that welcomed them. Yet, the political rhetoric surrounding these two groups couldn't be more polarized. Don...
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