TO THE EDITOR:
Is America in a crisis? After the turmoil of the 70’s when 2,000 plus bombs were detonated on American soil and homegrown terrorists set out to destroy this country, we did survive. Is today worse? Oh yes because of our present leadership, open borders, drugs flowing across our border 100 times more than in all of last year and the “woke” society is not concerned. Homelessness in sanctuary cities. Democrat run cities, is rampant and the “free” government money is keeping millions from work. The culture wars are out of control and the Critical Race Theory is as destructive to our youth as ever been seen before. The problem is that Biden and the Democrat party are literally watching from the sidelines because they know the open borders, for example, are their ticket to extended power. Bottom line, Americans who care had better wake up. The remorse you feel for your vote will not help.
Gordon Schmidt
Loretto, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
First, I would like to publicly thank the Big Lake PD for their exemplory and compassionate care they extended to our family when my husband was missing. The officers stopped several times through the long day and the office was the focal point for all information coming in from many sources. When we hear so much negativity toward the police now, Big Lake residents should be very proud of our department. Give them a compliment whenever you meet them.
Second, this incident made us aware that Minnesota is only one of seven states in the nation that does not have a “Silver Alert” - similar to the Amber Alert for children. A Silver Alert is for anyone over 63 who is reported lost or missing. If you have to wait 24 hours to file a missing persons report, with today’s transportation, the missing can be far away. Please consider contacting your state representative, Mary Kiffmeyer and Paul Novotny, and request they consider this issue. We need to keep our elderly safe also.
Rosemary Sobalvarro,
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Back in the 1970’s parents of children with special needs worked diligently with politicians at all levels of government, educators, school administrators, school boards, and organizations like ARC to pass The 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which began the path toward EQUITY in education for children with special needs.
So, it was quite surprising to see a letter to the editor in the Patriot that ended with the statement, “Equity has no place in Big Lake Schools…” (Saturday, May 15, 2021)
Equality means treating every student the same, EQUITY means making certain every student has the support they need to be successful. It means designing systems that ensure that every child has an equal chance for success. Equality is giving every kid a pair of shoes. Equity is giving every kid a pair of shoes that fits. Many individual children and even some populations of students face unique challenges and barriers. Equity in education requires understanding those obstacles and providing the supports to help students overcome the barriers. Shouldn’t we all be concerned that every student has an equal opportunity for success? Not everyone in Big Lake believes there is no place for EQUITY in our schools.
Jeorgette Knoll
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Many paused a few days ago to honor the ultimate sacrifice of patriots to defend our land. But, unfortunately, it appears that the adage “If you don’t learn from history, you’ll repeat it” is true. In the late 1700s, Edward Gibbon wrote about the fall of the invincible Roman Empire. Are we on the same path? Rome was a world leader but fell to a barbarian horde. Rome was not defeated by a superior military force; it fell due to internal decadence. Sound familiar? Gibbon listed five defects in the Roman Empire that are prevalent in America today.
1). Divorce destroyed the nuclear family. Morality in the US shames Sodom and Gomarrah; 2). Rome raised taxes for free bread and circuses. Socialism offers freebies to grow the dependence on government; 3). Romans enjoyed food, drink, and the gladiators. We spend more on entertainment than on religion or charity; 4). Rome took pride in a mighty military. We depend on a mighty military, not God, to save us; 5). Roman leaders became self-proclaimed gods. In the US, the majority now does NOT identify with any religious faith.
Will we fall, or will we rediscover our foundation and not repeat history?
Dr. Phyllis E. VanBuren
Clearwater, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
What has happened to the Republican Party, the party of “compassionate conservatives”, the “family values” party the “pro-life” party? All misnomers, I think! Their compassion is directed at the wealthy, the gun lobby, the drug lobby and other donors who help keep them in office. Family values went out the window as Republicans embraced Trump. Trump gave power and voice to the darkest underbelly of racism, hate and selfishness dwelling in this country. Many Republican leaders remain silent, refusing to question or challenge members who lie and make outrageous claims. We have a Republican, who at 18 raped and impregnated a 14 year old (yes, its rape if she is 14) running against a member of the House of Representatives who dared to tell the truth! Pro-life is one of the biggest misnomers! Republicans are proponents of capital punishment, pro-gun in spite increased mass shootings, anti-social aid programs; anti-regulation that addresses climate change or the environment. They call programs for the less fortunate “socialism”. What have Republicans done to collaborate on health care, lower drug prices, raising people out of poverty, combatting racism and other measures that support life? The Republican Party has simply become the party of NO!
Joyce LeClaire
Big Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s — a number expected to double by 2050, including 99,000 in Minnesota alone according the Alzheimers Association. As a caregiver, I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on families across America. My mom was diagnosed in 2016 and her care fell solely on me and my sons. Caregiving was an emotionally, physically and financially draining role. We took on overwhelming tasks from assisting with daily personal care, to handling finances, and managing her ever changing symptoms, the loss of memory and more. All while trying to work full time and my sons were attending college. Thankfully, the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act (S.56/ H.R.1474) would provide much needed relief for our nation’s dementia caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act would provide grants to expand training and support services for unpaid caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Through this bill, grantees including community health centers, senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and more, would reach diverse communities to provide this training and support for families and caregivers.
Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking Representative Emmer to cosponsor the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act.
Keri Larson
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Many of us have questions about the direction our state is heading. What happened in the last election? What about all those Executive Orders? Did Xcel Energy pull the plug on Becker and cancel their plan to build a new gas power plant? What about our Second Amendment Rights and What’s going on with our education system?
Don’t forget everyone’s favorite topic – taxes. The House District 15B Republicans will be hosting a FREE townhall meeting on Tuesday night, June 8th at Pebble Creek Golf Club in Becker. We will be holding it in the main dining area upstairs. State Rep. Shane Mekeland and State Sen. Andrew Mathews will be giving us a legislative report and will also be open for Q & A from the folks who live in the district. The start time is 7 p.m. Seating is limited. We hope to see you there! Audio and visual recordings of any kind will only be allowed with permission by the HD 15B Republicans. Thank you,
Jim Newberger, Chair, House District 15B Republicans. State Representative, retired.
