Words Will Forever Stain

I spent my earliest years in Roseau County. My brother Ross was named after the village from which our father served as pastor for three country churches. All my life, I've carried vivid memories from the area. And I've been a loyal son--returning for visits, performing there with my brother, cheering the careers of its hockey players, and sustaining friendships with folks who grew up there.

No doubt, I've idealized the place. But the basic decency of the people--their kindness and generosity, their willingness to work together and help each other out--provided me with a moral compass I still...