Ep 8- Ice Fishing, Divided Views on ICE
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, ice fishing feels as Minnesotan as hotdish in a church basement; steady, familiar, almost sacred. During my “Six Days Inside Minnesota,” I couldn’t stop thinking about the people who weren’t protesting or donating, who just seemed to be living their lives while the immigration crackdown unfolded. So I laced up my boots and walked a half mile onto a frozen lake to talk with ice fishermen, wondering if their quiet was peace, perspective, or something closer to indifference. What I found out on the ice wasn’t so simple.
“I think it’s kind of dividing some people. Some people are like, ‘really, you think that way?’ I just say, ‘Hey, we’re not here to yak about this stuff.’ ”
OUR INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
Ice Fishing and Personal Reflections
Ted describes his journey through Minnesota, highlighting the emotional impact of memorials, the tension at the Whipple building, and the fear in immigrant homes.
Ted is curious about the indifference of people who are not outraged, leading him to talk to ice fishermen to understand their perspective.
Ted meets Gary Goodruck, an ice fisherman, and asks about his day. Gary mentions he caught one short of his limit and plans to quit around three.
Gary shares that ice fishing is healthy and a good exercise, and it helps him escape from the chaos of the world.
Gary's Views on Current Events
Ted asks Gary about his feelings on the current events in Minnesota. Gary expresses disappointment in the lack of common sense and practicality in the ongoing issues.
Gary believes that the rhetoric and divisiveness have escalated, and he wishes for a more practical approach to solving problems.
Ted inquires if Gary is indifferent to the protests and immigration issues. Gary clarifies that he votes and is not indifferent but focuses more on his personal life.
Gary shares his thoughts on the tragic events involving Renee Good and Alex Pretti, expressing disappointment and hoping for common sense to prevail.
Gary's Pragmatic Approach
Ted asks Gary if he feels Minnesota is coming together or being divided by the current events. Gary believes it is a mix of both, with some people being more divided.
Ted questions Gary's sympathies towards protesters or the immigration crackdown. Gary supports fixing immigration to allow people to become citizens more quickly and disapproves of the anger and madness.
Gary mentions that he has friends on both sides of the issue and prefers to focus on his life rather than arguing about politics.
Encounter with Ralph and Other Fishermen
Ted meets another fisherman, Ralph, who is hesitant to share his political views publicly. Ralph describes himself as right of center and faces criticism from his far-right friends.
Ted knocks on an ice house and meets a man who is initially uninterested in talking but eventually agrees to share his views.
Ted reflects on the varying levels of engagement and indifference among the people he meets, noting that some are more open to discussion while others are more closed off.
Ted concludes his time on Medicine Lake, reflecting on the different perspectives he encountered and the importance of understanding each other's views.