Dear Friends,

Like many of you, my heart has been broken all week for George Floyd. What happened to him is inexplicable, sickening, and so very sad. Justice must and I believe will be served – and it starts today with the arrest and charges. My words have been completely absent to be able to express what’s on my heart and mind.

The peaceful protesting has been paramount to the process of dealing with the anger and sadness. The healing will take some time and I’m willing to do my part to continue to listen, and learn, and act, when and where appropriate.

That said, City and State leaders simply can’t allow looting and acts of violence and destruction to ensue as they have for the past two nights. As darkness has descended on our cities, the criminal behavior and destruction of public and private property has escalated to uncontrollable levels.

Having been born, lived and worked in South Minneapolis for a significant part of my life, it has a special place in my heart, and that of my family. Since my great-grandfather immigrated from Sweden in the 1880’s, our family has had a presence here including small businesses for over 60 years.

I have spent the entire day down on Lake Street in Minneapolis, and Marshall Avenue in St Paul. Time spent reflecting and observing the damage in the two cities, and helping my brother, who operates his two businesses, which have been severely vandalized and looted the past two nights during the riots.

The whole situation is surreal, and leaves me completely speechless, and physically hurts my heart. Lake Street is a war zone. This has to stop. Plans to protect our citizens and properties have to be fully executed now and the criminal behavior stopped, and those responsible held accountable. The failures of the past few days to do so will be reflected on for years to come. For today, leadership must step up and do the right thing. No more excuses or blaming others.

My Faith calls me to look to the Bible for guidance. At a time like this, even more so. My prayers for our community now focus on Psalms 139:23-24 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalms 139:23-24

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

If you’re willing, please take a moment and join me in these prayers. Then, reflect on our own shortcomings, work to be better. Then, love our neighbors. Every one of them.

We have much work to do. I’m willing, and hope you are too.

In the mean time, come Lord Jesus. Heal our land.

Sincerely,
Paul

Paul T. Anderson
State Senator