TO THE EDITOR:

So a couple days ago I decided to order some Chinese food from one of my local takeout establishments. I grabbed a copy of their menu from circa 2020, and ordered the same (five) items that I always do which per this old menu came to $24.85 (plus tax).  Tonight however my bill came to $40.60 (plus tax)!  That’s a 63% increase!!  Has your take home pay gone up by 63% in the last 3-4 years?   Is it the Chinese restaurant’s fault, no, . . . this is the fault of the current government, both Federal and State.  Raising the minimum wage, printing money, spending like drunken sailors, causing rampant inflation, increased energy prices, mortgage/interest rates, etc..  And I can’t just blame the democrats, as the republicans go along with it, . . . there is very little difference between the two parties these day.  The problem is the bureaucracy and these multi-term representatives, senators, governors and alike.  So when primary/election season comes around, the best advice I have is to vote all of the incumbents out.. 

Bret R. Collier

Big Lake, MN 

TO THE EDITOR:

Americanism is one of the four pillars of the American Legion. I have always considered flag displays and flag waving as a high sign of Americanism. Proud to be an American! Helping your fellow man, veteran or civilian is also a prime example of Americanism. I personally do a lot of volunteering at the VA and local events, but lately I have noticed that people do not give of themselves as much as they did before. Our Legion programs, church events, school functions and the VA suffer when people don’t volunteer. I really don’t know why people have slowed down on their volunteering but as a society I see people being selfless and the attitude that we are turning into a “me” society and if it doesn’t benefit “me” financially then it is not worth my time and effort. I expect people to get mileage or a meal when volunteering but maybe you can help out without gaining financially, don’t always say “what’s in it for me?” I really respect people that volunteer for the sake of helping someone and not just to boost their ego. Thank you to everyone that does volunteer!

Bud Stimmler

Clear Lake Legion Post 354