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Minnesotans should keep in mind several facts about the TikTok bill headed to the US Senate (“House OKs forcing TikTok sale – or ban,” March 14).
First, there are 170 million Americans using this app. The Chinese Communist government can use this to collect information about these users and control the videos they watch. This poses a huge threat to national security that must be addressed.
TikTok can continue if the Chinese government sells it to a US company. Oracle, for example, has expressed interest in buying a stake in TikTok in the past.
Second, if the US House bill is signed into law, the TikTok app will remain on users’ phones. They can continue to use TikTok. What is prohibited will be new users downloading the app, and technological updates will be carried out going forward. Small businesses using TikTok won’t go out of business overnight.
Third, banning TikTok does not interfere with First Amendment rights. You can express your opinions on YouTube, other apps, podcasts, books, etc.
Fourth, there is a precedent in banning an app like TikTok. Grindr, a gay dating app, was also owned by the Chinese Communist government. He was forced to give in once it was realized that the Chinese government could use the information to blackmail users in the military and government.
Finally, TikTok is it controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Videos criticizing Chinese politics, pro-Taiwan videos, etc. are restricted. Anyone who says TikTok is immune to Chinese control is incredibly naive.
The US Senate should quickly pass this bill. Our national security is too important.
Jim Piga, Mendota Heights
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I hope TikTok users understand that the Chinese government does not allow Facebook, Google or Instagram in that country. Why should we allow TikTok in the US?
I am glad that there is a possibility to close it in the United States. Even more than he has bipartisan support to finish. China does not have access to our data.
With all the savvy of Silicon Valley startups, surely there is a replacement platform to TikTok in operation if there is not already.
I hope our leaders continue the path to end their run in the United States
Cynthia Syverson, Minneapolis
ENVIRONMENT
Get serious about this pollution
Emily Miller and Sonja Trom Eayrs are highly praised and grateful for participating in a large lawsuit against the Environmental Procrastination – or is it the Pollution Agency – (“The mess around factory farms and water quality in Minnesota is only getting worse,” Exchange of views, March 11).
It is simply outrageous and unacceptable that we allow factory farmed animals, comprising nearly eight times the population of Minnesota, to suffer in such inhumane and unhealthy conditions. These CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) are an evil on the well-being of our state, due to the impact of the unhealthy and unnecessary feeding of farm animal meat.
In addition to the harmful effects on humans, non-humans and the environment mentioned in the commentary, attention should also be called to the noxious, disease-producing stench that emanates from these shameful operations. An article in Tuesday’s paper (“Scientists fear microplastics may be a major health threat,” March 12), describes how microplastics floating in the air can absorb “hitchhikers” — potentially including the odors and chemicals of CAFOs, mainly affecting the lives of nearby residents.
It is now hoped and prayed that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will step in and make the EPA come to its senses.
Kai Laybourn, Bloomington
EAST PHILIPPINES
The neighborhood needs another win
Regarding “Foundry in Mpls. closer to completion” (as of February 7), there is a new effort in the state Legislature to address pollution that has long plagued working-class communities.
Last year, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) won a prolonged fight over land use and pollution, securing the right to buy the old Roof Depot warehouse site in Minneapolis. The site was intended to become a fueling station for city vehicles, but has now been transformed into a community farm and neighborhood space.
Despite this major victory, the neighborhood is still harmed by the nearby Smith Foundry, which has operated since 1923. Last year, a surprise inspection by the Environmental Protection Agency found the foundry out of compliance with many regulations, including above the limits of emissions in fine particles. which is known to be dangerous for human health.
Efforts to bring the smelter into compliance and reach an agreement with the EPA are underway, but the people of East Phillips can’t afford to wait: Their health is on the line. Children in the neighborhood suffer from asthma at more than double the Minnesota average.
The new bills introduced in the Minnesota House and Senate, HF 4231 and SF 4316, would revise state law to allow cities like Minneapolis to shut down industrial pollutants, whose damage in densely populated areas is now well known Both bills are currently in the state and local government committees in the House and Senate.
The science surrounding environmental health—and the East Phillips neighborhood itself—have changed immensely since the Smith Foundry began operating. It’s about time the law changed, too, giving local lawmakers the control they need to protect their communities. Tell your legislators to support HF 4231 and SF 4316.
Brian Wagenaar, Edina
SOO LINE GARDEN COMMUNITY
A place of learning, too
As a former teacher at Whittier Elementary, I can say that the Soo Line Community Garden is the best place in the neighborhood for students and the community to learn about environmental science and how our relationship with nature is symbiotic (“Mpls. Community garden path in hands of Park Board,” March 11, and “Not a park? You say which one?” Readers Write, March 13). This means everything from pollinators to hawks that perch above, gassing below for rodents to snack on, which in turn helps our vegetable production. Some children have discovered that tomatoes are very good! It is a place of giving and wonder.
Installing a high-traffic multi-purpose ramp will limit childhood discovery by removing grounds, community spaces, and distracting attention from what most people and living things come here to do.
Growing organic vegetables has offset the cost of food, which helps a teacher’s pocketbook more than ever today. We also donate to people in need, through direct donation and also to the Joyce Uptown Foodshelf.
As a bike commuter on the greenway in the summer, I love to feel the temperature drop as I ride through the garden. It’s a green space that refreshes the city in more ways than one!
I know that together we can come up with better ideas for an access point. Sprucing up the Nicollet Avenue ramp, which is a short walk to the east, will draw people to Eat Street and help businesses.
Please don’t tear down this habitat that cares for us as much as we care for it!
Leah Mark, Minneapolis
