Only in the Midwest

In this state we have been known for "Minnesota Nice", the idea being that people in this area are just nicer to others than other parts of the country. Because of all the conflict fearing Norwegians in the region, people here would rather die than create a conflict.

Several days after the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Don Shelby a news anchor icon in the region talked about Minnesotans response to the bridge collapse and the heroism that ensued. He said the phrase should be changed from "Minnesota Nice" to "Minnesota Guts". I shook my head in disbelief for Don who should have been embarrassed for himself. I thought of how insulting that must be to people all over the world who had approached disasters with the same sense of bravery.

Here is what he could have said. One woman's car was missing and was presumed dead. After a couple days someone got the idea to call her work phone to see if anyone had heard from her. The woman presumed missing and dead answered the phone. Her car had fallen into the river, she swam to safety, had gone home and reported for work the next day.

Now that is a trait of midwest people. Everyone here is so darn reliable. I propose a new phrase for Minnesotans, and this woman can be the poster child of the phrase; "Midwest Dependable". This is defined as even though your car went into the river in an unprecedented bridge collapse, you almost lost your life as you fell and then swan to safety, even then you felt the need to show up to work the next day.

Now that is definitely Midwestern, handed down through the generations by hardy folk who endured many obstacles to survive in the sometimes unforgiving plains.