[Mpls] Immigrant Voting

[Jordan Stein]

I believe that how a society treats outsiders and aliens is a gauge as to how enlightened that society is.  By denying certain members of our community the right to vote, we mark them as outsiders.  I want to know how keeping these people on the outside of political power benefits the community as a whole.   These are people who in every other sphere are equal participants in our community.  Many of these people fled chaos in their home countries, and are now trying to find stability here in Minneapolis.  I guess I don't understand how forcing them to jump through beauracratic hoops that most of us have never had to deal with, makes them more qualified voters or enriches our democracy.  I don't understand how creating a class of outsiders better protects those of us who have some power.  When I'm out in the world I think of every person around me as being an equal membr of my community and citizen of my city.   Jordan Stein Prospect Park-Ward Two "Hop on the Nolley Trolley"