Where in Chris Talgo’s guest essay, “Jan. 6 was protest and riot, not insurrection,” Saturday, does he draw the line between a political “protest,” a “riot,” and an “insurrection?”
I recognize that everyone has the right to express their views by means of participating in, or even leading a protest, and I also understand that sometimes the expression of those views can lead to conflicts with other people who hold different views.
It strikes me that the “protesters” crossed the line from “protest” to “insurrection.”
The objective of the Jan. 6 “protesters” was not to just express an opinion, but to interfere with and prevent our elected government officials from performing their constitutional duties in effecting the mandated approval of the 2020 election results.
As is true in all criminal matters, success is not the measure of guilt. Success in an attempt at “overthrowing the constituted government” is not a requirement for a series of actions to meet Mr. Talgo’s definition of an “insurrection.”
The conviction of our former president, who was impeached for his part in the insurrection, but was not convicted in the Senate, is not a requirement for the logical conclusion that the events of Jan. 6, 2021 constituted an insurrection, which, thankfully, failed.
RICHARD MALONE
Springfield Township
STRS investment a problem in St. Paul
One might wonder why a resident of St. Paul would have more than a passing interest in articles editorials, and complaints critical of STRS-Ohio.
It’s because STRS-Ohio’s real estate holdings have been affecting the quality of life here on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, and not for the better.
Simply put, STRS-OHIO is an absentee landlord of the worst kind.
Grand Avenue is a mixed residential and business neighborhood. Its goal is to be a destination for those looking for unique shopping experiences featuring small shops and dining that distinguishes it from suburban malls.
Recently two businesses on Grand Avenue closed. A restaurant, Salut, and the retail outlet Pottery Barn. What do they have common?
STRS-Ohio hastened their demise by exorbitantly raising their rents.
So now there will be two more empty spaces and storefronts which will join over five other empty properties on Grand Avenue.
Those buildings are all owned by STRS-Ohio.
Some of these spaces have been vacant for years.
Perhaps STRS-Ohio should explain to its teacher members how creating empty storefronts in other states helps increase their pension fund?
But explanations from STRS-Ohio have been hard to get. Community organizations and Minnesota media have attempted to contact STRS-Ohio, but STRS-Ohio has arrogantly refused comment.
I am not surprised to learn there are many teachers who are questioning the handling of their pension funds and why a group STRS Watchdogs Ohio is needed, per The Blade’s Dec. 20 editorial, “Keep public comment.” I urge members to tell STRS-Ohio to divest their Grand Avenue holdings.
Teachers are community builders. Their money should not support hallowing them out.
RICHARD MENSING
St. Paul
Editor’s note: The Blade asked for and received a response from STRS: “STRS Ohio has maintained an ownership interest in four buildings located on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, since 2006. These buildings are professionally leased and managed by Minneapolis-based companies and have averaged high occupancy during this time. We are working to lease available space consistent with our 18 years of ownership history.”
Dan Minnich
Chief Communication Officer, STRS Ohio
Let’s not give attention to mass shooters
In the wake of the tragic shooting in Perry, Iowa, it’s heartening to see one local channel reported the tragedy by mentioning the shooter’s name once and did not show his picture.
Another local channel mentioned not only the shooter’s name but felt they had to show his picture thus giving him the notoriety in death that he craved in life.
I believe this attention perhaps inspires other disturbed people to commit similar heinous acts to gain attention.
I don’t understand why the practice of showing these shooter’s pictures and continually mentioning their names has any place in responsible journalism.
CHAS MAYO
Sylvania Township
First Published January 11, 2024, 5:00 a.m.
