Hi.
I have been asked by many of you for my thoughts in regards to Rep. Olson’s arrest. The State DFL party has chosen (correctly) to stay out of this. This is a matter between Rep. Olson and those he represents; and, of course, the Republican caucus and Rep. Olson.
The matter is if we will accept an abuser having our voice in the State House. I would hope that our elected officials hold themselves to the same standard that they hold the rest of us to. His actions and words after the fact are clear indications that he does not. There are laws on the books which exclude persons convicted of domestic violence from working as police officers, nurses, social workers, school bus drivers and other positions of public trust. State Representatives are expected to be role models for our community and of course our children.
This is not the first time Olson has used violence over those whom he perceives to have power over. During his first term in office he abused his aid and was ordered by House Speaker Sviggum to attend anger management courses. He attended only two. He has been openly hostile to constituents who bring him concerns that differ from his own view of the world.
Domestic violence is a very serious crime. It is the type of behavior that is often passed from generation to generation. For too many years this crime has been taken lightly by police, lawmakers and society in general. This is not an issue between husband and wife but rather an issue between those who think violence is an acceptable form of expression and those of use who don’t. For 40 years women’s groups have been fighting to end the cycle of violence against women. To allow an elected official to get away with it would be unforgivable.
Rep. Olson’s refusal to enter a plea and downplay the actions he inflicted on his wife (“I placed her on the ground”) show that he is in denial and does not take this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Rep Olson has been one of the few members of the house to vote against funding for battered women’s shelters.
I think we all need to commend Mark’s wife Heidi for her remarkable courage in reporting this crime. Heidi must have known that this would put her and her family in the public spotlight. Yet she stood up for herself and her children by saying “No more”. Time and time again I am amazed at the strength that women like Heidi Olson and others in her position show. Indeed I hope she is used as an example to others who may be suffering in silence. They can break the cycle of abuse, and we all need to recognize and praise her efforts. To beat your wife is the act of a coward. To report it is the act of a hero.
I ask all of you to consider voicing your opinions on this matter. I ask you to do so publicly. Rep. Sviggum, Olson, Erickson and others need to hear your voice. Our newspapers the Elk River Star, The Sherburne County Citizen, The West Sherburne Tribune, The Princeton Union Eagle, The St. Cloud Times, The Minneapolis Star and Tribune and Pioneer Press.
I am also asking you to do something positive.
“Rivers of Hope” Is a shelter that helps victims of abuse.
I would like everyone who reads this to send a donation to this fine non profit group.
Last year over 1700 people applied for help at this shelter. They also send counselors to schools to help children who may be at risk.
The address to send your donation is:
PO box 511
Monticello, MN
55326
Thank you,
Tom Beckfeld
You can learn more about Rivers of Hope at the Rivers of Hope web site.
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