It seems we are bombarded daily with fraudulent spam e-mail and purposely deceptive social-media posts designed to gather information about our likes and dislikes. One might think we no longer need worry about old-style fraudulent mail, but a nefarious piece of snail mail received this week says otherwise.
On Tuesday I received an official-looking 10-by-12-inch envelope titled "2018 Voter Registration Confirmation Survey." Addressed to me by name, the envelope was designed to look like it came from U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. It boldly stated: "Survey Due By: Within 5 Days of Receipt."
The envelope and the material inside were designed to look a lot like an official Internal Revenue Service document. The enclosed survey was labeled "Form 420" and "Minnesota 2018" in an IRS-style font. At the bottom of the first page of the survey form, it stated: "Continue Official Ballot Inside."
Now, if I read the cover material carefully, I learn that the survey is from the "Faith & Freedom Coalition." You can read about this organization at www.ffcoalition.com. The survey asks if I voted for President Donald Trump, whether I am registered to vote and (in red, bold caps) if I will "solemnly pledge right now to vote in 2018."
It doesn't take long to figure out that this is a political-action survey. I strongly disagree with the coalition's agenda, but I don't deny its right to political action. What I do strongly object to is its methods. The envelope and the survey material inside are designed to intimidate and confuse postal customers. It is the kind of fraudulent junk I expect to find on social media. Surely, the coalition has crossed the line by sending material designed to look like an official government form through the U.S. Postal Service.
J. H. Fonkert, Roseville
FACEBOOK DISCOURSE
Say what you mean, do what you feel, worry less about offending
An April 4 letter was titled "Why I don't 'like' Facebook." The writer was concerned that if she "liked" something using the social-media network's feedback tools, even a puppy picture, that for some that might be offensive, as you should adopt an older rescue dog.
How on earth are we going to make changes in our society if we're afraid to stand up for certain issues because we're worried someone might be offended?
Gene Nelson, St. Cloud
BORDER CONTROL
Trump riles passions while others consider practical effects
As a university professor, I am concerned chiefly with the broadening of minds, not isolation of them. It is ironic, then, as a full-time professor in the United States and as a visiting professor in Mexico each summer, to witness our president promote the tragic idea of a military presence on the border between the two countries. After all, Mexicans, too, are receiving migrants fleeing unfathomable violence in Central America. Many of my Mexican and American students, thankfully, are unwilling to accept the militant rejection of those seeking basic safety. What about the rest of us?
