Readers Write: Violence in Nigeria, 2026 Senate race, nuclear weapons, problem gambling

Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here.

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As a first-generation West African American living in Spring Lake Park, I am heartbroken and outraged by the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Nigeria, a crisis that receives far less attention than other global conflicts.

Thousands of Christians have been murdered, kidnapped and displaced by radical Islamist terrorists. Entire villages have been destroyed while the Nigerian government remains complicit or silent. Yet this humanitarian catastrophe barely registers in American foreign policy discussions.

I urge Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith to co-sponsor S. 2747, the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which would impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials enabling these atrocities and redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations.

Our foreign policy must reflect that all lives matter equally, whether in Ukraine, Gaza or Nigeria. Black bodies and Christian lives deserve the same urgent attention and action as any other persecuted group.

Minnesota has a proud tradition of moral leadership on human rights. Our senators have an opportunity to stand with the persecuted and demand accountability. I pray they will act with courage and urgency.

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The news article “Alarm in Nigeria over Trump threat” (Nov. 3) says that “analysts” say that “violence in the country has broadly impacted Nigerians, regardless of their religion.” The article says that “Ladd Serwat, senior Africa analyst for the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, said that claims of mass Christian fatalities are not backed up by data.”

Contrary to the article, Nigeria has long been an epicenter of Christian persecution, according to the human rights organization Open Doors. According to an Intersociety report, there are at least 22 Islamic terror groups in Nigeria. More than 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in the first 220 days of 2025. The violence has displaced at least 12 million Christians since 2009. Since 2009, 125,000 Christians and 60,000 liberal Muslims have been killed by Islamic terrorists.

Three things should be clear: 1) Terrorism is a major problem in Nigeria, 2) the terrorism is being committed by Islamic terror groups, and 3) the group most heavily impacted by this terrorism is Christians.

James Brandt, New Brighton

I’ve seen firsthand Pawlenty’s deep love for our state. He is a true patriot who would bring proven leadership, fiscal discipline and practical solutions to Washington — skills honed as a two-term governor and shaped by Minnesota values. Even in semiretirement, he quietly advises on today’s toughest issues with the common sense our politicians desperately need.

The problem? He doesn’t fit the rigid mold now dominating Republican primaries. That’s why this moment demands more than endorsements from party insiders. It requires a grassroots surge from conservative and moderate Minnesotans who want a senator focused on results, not ideology — one who can win the general election and represent us with dignity.

Tim Pawlenty is that candidate. I urge my fellow Minnesotans to speak up and strongly encourage him to run. We cannot allow the socialists to control our state government or our representatives in Washington.

Rick Hegge, Hastings

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Randy Sainio, New Hope

President Donald Trump recently ordered the U.S. to resume testing of its nuclear weapons, which it discontinued in 1992. It comes quickly in response to Russia’s testing of a nuclear-powered underwater drone (aka the Poseidon). These are alarming and dispiriting developments. Testing such weapons serves more than one purpose. Indeed, “testing” is more of a euphemism for reckless saber-rattling. The timing here is important, as Trump’s decision also came just before Trump was set to sit down with China’s leader, Xi Jinping. Tensions between these two countries have been rising as a roller coaster of a trade war goes on, and China continues to flex its proverbial muscles over Taiwan and the important sea lanes abutting its borders. Similarly, the U.S. and Russia remain at stark odds over the continuing war in Ukraine.

Testing nukes raises anxiety of citizens all over the world. Nuclear weapons are unique in that there cannot be any limited use because it crosses such a red line that retaliation and escalation are virtually guaranteed. The potential horrors of nuclear war have faded since the end of the Cold War. But earlier this year there have been several needed reminders. Japan marked 80 years since the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima; a book published in 2024 by Annie Jacobsen (“Nuclear War”) gives a chilling and highly detailed minute-by-minute account of how a nuclear war would likely unfold. And a new movie, “A House of Dynamite” (directed by Kathryn Bigelow), does much the same.

All this is to say that the U.S. and world vitally need a revitalized anti-nuclear-weapons campaign, now. Mass popular movements can effectively pressure government leaders. In the past, this led to the partial and comprehensive nuclear test ban treaties (1963 and 1996, respectively) and other arms control and nonproliferation agreements. There appears to be a renewed interest and participation in mass protest in the U.S., as nationwide “No Kings” gatherings show with nearly 7 million participants. This energy and interest need to be linked to efforts toward stopping U.S. and other nations from flirting with nuclear holocaust.

Phillip Trobaugh, St. Paul

As we find ourselves in the pro sports trifecta of the NFL, NHL and NBA, the opportunities and risks of gambling have never been higher, especially for younger Minnesotans.

It’s not just fantasy leagues and sports betting apps. Many popular video games now include gambling-like features, making it easier than ever for people to get hooked.

The problem? The line between fun and harm is thinner than most people realize. Young adults who have grown up online are now the primary target of aggressive sports betting ads.

What starts as entertainment can quickly spiral into a cycle of chasing losses, hiding debt, and feeling ashamed and isolated. Gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction that can rewire the brain much like substance use — hijacking the brain’s reward system and impairing decisionmaking.

This isn’t about sheer willpower; it’s about awareness, support and prevention.

Let’s keep the focus this season on the ice, the court and the field — not on the next bet.

Susan Sheridan Tucker, Roseville