Letter: Oppressive regime is driving people out of North Dakota

As a former resident of North Dakota, I am deeply concerned about the current state of North Dakota. Recently, I asked my two daughters if they would ever consider moving back to North Dakota, and both replied with a resounding “no.” When I asked them why, they cited the right-wing extremism that has taken hold of our state. As a father, I am proud of my daughters for their success and their education, but it breaks my heart that they have lost touch with their friends who have become indoctrinated by Fox News.

The oppressive regime that has taken over North Dakota has made life unbearable for women and anyone who does not conform to their narrow-minded beliefs. Discrimination has become state-sanctioned and our schools have become places where burning books is seen as acceptable. It is a far cry from the progressive and open society that my family and I moved to in 1976.

North Dakota used to be a place where intellect was respected and celebrated, but now it seems that education is viewed as a threat by those in power. It is shameful that the new motto of the Republican Party seems to be “education just confuses people.”

The people of North Dakota need to take a hard look at themselves and the Republican Party and make changes before it is too late. We cannot allow North Dakota to become a place where only the most extreme voices are heard and where discrimination is the norm. I implore our leaders to work towards creating a more inclusive and open society, where all voices are heard and respected.

Mike Quinn is a resident of Payson, Ariz.

This letter does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Forum’s editorial board nor Forum ownership.