TO THE EDITOR:
Fact is, deliberate targeting of civilians is a war crime and must be punished. Russia has been guilty of it during it’s invasion of Ukraine and both Hamas and Israel have been guilty of it during the war in their region. About 1400 people were brutally killed by Hamas in Israel and 240 hostages were taken. Israel has killed over 10,000 in Gaza, including over 4000 children. Health workers and journalists trying to cover the story have also been killed by Israel’s indiscriminate attacks. Russia and Hamas are not our allies; Israel is. Therefore, our federal government shares in the blame for the slaughter of those innocent chilfdren and others. The US sends $4 billion in aid to Israel from American taxpayers each and every year. We need to leverage that aid to enforce a peaceful settlement. Another issue with the ongoing aid of billions of dollars from the US to Israel is that it’s going to a government there which is headed by a man (Netanyahu) who has been credibly accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust but has not been brought to trial for them. Indeed, he is trying to rig the Judicial system there to prevent that. The US government, including Rep. Tom Emmer, needs to end it’s blind support for Israel. It needs to take the blinders off and begin demanding accountability for American taxpayer dollars.
Anthony Thompson
Big Lake
TO THE EDITOR:
Those who’ve recently driven Hwy 169 are already aware, but for those who haven’t, I wanted to provide a quick update regarding the Hwy 169 Redefine Project. Earlier this month, all freeway lanes were reopened following the completion of the Jackson/193rd Avenue interchange and School Street interchange, keeping the project on schedule to be completed in 2024. The last phase of the project should be completed next year with the construction of the Main Street interchange. By way of background, significant funding for the project came from the Corridors of Commerce Program, chief authored by former Senator Mary Kiffmeyer. My entire time in office, I’ve been a strong supporter of roads & bridges transportation. I’ve also successfully chief authored funding for the Corridors of Commerce Program, which has awarded well over $200 million to our great community in just the last several years! I’m thankful for everyone in our community who are helping make this project a success. Once completed, the freeway will be a great upgrade for commuters traveling Hwy 169. More information about the project can be found on MnDOT’s website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d3/elkriverfreeway. Each and every day I’m continuously humbled at the opportunity to represent and fight for the values and priorities of our great community! Please contact me to share any issues, concerns, or feedback you have to assist me in best representing you. The best way to reach me is by email at Sen.Eric.Lucero@Senate.MN or by phone at 651-296-5655.
Eric Lucero
State Senator
District 30
