David Robb ——Bio and Archives--February 2, 2026

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I lived for well over a decade in Minnesota, and got to know it rather well. Most Minnesotans are decent, hard-working, and caring people. Most of the state retains its Scandinavian heritage, coupled with a strong Lutheran influence. Agriculture plays a strong role in shaping the culture that, until fairly recently, was widely shared and formed a coherent basis for the "Minnesota character".

Most of the population consists of a broad middle class leading fairly comfortable lives with shared values arising from the common heritage. Boating and backyard barbecues in Summer, with tailgate parties for Twins and Viking games, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing in Winter have been traditional activities for a comfortable majority. A land of two seasons--Winter and Road Repair--Minnesota has been largely isolated from most of the controversies seen elsewhere in the country--until recently.

The importation of large numbers of immigrants from radically different cultures is beginning to erode that original shared culture. Over 80,000 Somali immigrants, almost half of them lacking even a high school education, with nearly ninety percent of Somali households with children receiving welfare, this introduction into a largely well-educated, self-sufficient population is having serious, and often unanticipated consequences. Many of the problems have been hidden as the immigrants have largely been confined to Somali enclaves in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The growing influence of these communities on state, and now national politics, coupled with recent discoveries of fraud and misuse of public resources has cast them into national awareness and controversy.

The culture of Minnesota, with its roots in agriculture, has long welcomed immigrants. Two aspects of this culture are significant. Throughout the Great Plains and Midwest, Minnesota included, a common aspect of the culture has been a willingness to help those in need. Farming is often a difficult occupation with many risks. Injury is common, along with illness, equipment breakdowns, market uncertainties and other unforeseen occurrences can mean the difference between a profitable year and a serious loss. Lack of rain, or too much rain, a sudden hailstorm, fire, and many other events beyond individual control can determine success or failure.

In such times, it has been common for friends, neighbors, and even strangers to band together to help those in need through a difficult time. Whether it has been help with harvest, loan of equipment, or a myriad of other forms of help, others have pitched in during times of need, knowing that they may be the ones in need at some future time, and that mutual........

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