On Minnesotans

August 30, 2006
I had to make a sudden visit to Minneapolis to meet with Target today. And being back in my home state I am almost profoundly struck by how much I like Minnesotans. The men are friendly, but not gregarious. They are eager to talk to strangers--not to impress, but out of a genuine friendliness, although don't be surprised if the conversation never strays far from the Vikings and the Twins. The men dress plainly, more Field and Stream and less GQ, and even doctors and lawyers appear to have descended from farming stock. A Minnesota woman is happy and friendly, giving textbook definition to the heretofore ineffable term "pleasingly plump." And she will talk to a man like she talks to women--platonically genial, using a photograph of her children as a visual aid.

You get the sense that Minnesotans will give you an honest day's labor, but no more. Come 5:15 they will head home to help coach their son's hockey team or watch their round-bottomed daughter play softball. They all know at least three good jokes, even the women. They have been proved in the frozen kilns of Minnesota winters; and made hearty by enduring youthful rites of passage which require shoveling snow and walking home on dark, icy paths.

I would trust my life to Minnesotans, and more, and would take them in my foxhole before the residents of any other state, including Rhode Island and Oklahoma.