TO THE EDITOR:
Memorial Day will be here in days, a day that we citizens show honor and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our liberties. These liberties are many and can be neatly summed up in the Bill of Rights. Possibly the most important of these is the First Amendment, which guarantees the right of free speech. The rights guaranteed by the First Amendment are quite broad, so broad in fact, that it even guarantees the right to turn what was a nice front yard on the outskirts of town into an offensive display of “political” signage, complete with obscenities as well as bastardized American flags. In total, it’s a display of the lie-fueled hate that led to an attempted coup d’état on January 6, 2021. Offensive it is, but protected by the First Amendment. However, something else comes into play here, respect for our community, as well as respect for non-community members who may pass by. It would be a sign of respect for others if the property owners were to remove these offensive displays. Any veteran who should pass by would likely be wondering, “I served my country to protect this?”
Rick Wittwer
Clear Lake, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
For five years, Americans have been put through 100% fake news information on the false Russian collusion and the Deep State (the folks who tried to undermine Trump election from day one), top FBI agents, the Clintons and every top Democrat in DC. The lies and deception kept us on edge and the frosting on the cake was covid-19, manna from heaven for the Democrats. Now, we are left with total incompetence in all policies that will keep America last, beginning with our energy dependence on foreign oil and the open border policy which will soon see one million border crossings with 45,000 get aways according to the border patrol. One might ask, where are they? Remorse for Biden voters has set in and already we see the aftershock as foreign leaders see their opening to, once again, rip Americans off and put us in the same position of America last which we endured through the last Democrat run country. Elections do matter and this last one has proven to be the disaster the informed tried to warn Americans about.
Gordon Schmidt
Loretto, MN
TO THE EDITOR:
Could the Patriot consider “fact-checking” our local politicians’ comments? It would be so refreshing to hear both sides of an issue instead of only partisan talking points. To wit, the article about Newberger’s town hall included biased opinions and outright distortions. Regarding Sherco, Rep. Mekeland said Xcel was “considering pulling out of Becker under pressure from the PUC and environmentalists.” In fact, the PUC will only consider Xcel’s plans later this summer. And environmentalists, like the rest of us, can only weigh in during the PUC public comment period, ending June 25. If Xcel does decide against a new $ 1+ billion-dollar fossil gas plant that will emit 3.5 million metric tons of carbon per year, be obsolete in 10 years, and leave rate payers with millions in stranded assets, it is because they examined alternatives and realize they can meet our energy needs without a new plant, save rate payers an est. $2.2 billion over 15 years and be 100% carbon neutral by 2040. If Xcel has changed its mind, it is because they are being economically smart, responsible stewards and good corporate neighbors. It is win for all of us. And Patriot, please could we have both sides?
Rose Thelen
Clearwater, MN
(Editor’s Note: The Patriot was in attendance at the Townhall meeting unlike anyone from the environmentalist groups. The fact-checking is unnecessary since the facts were stated at the meeting, coming straight from the speakers’ mouths.)
TO THE EDITOR:
On behalf of the Russell Cox family in regards to the amazing response to our recent tragedies. We have been overwhelmed in the most amazing ways by the compassion shown to us by the people we call our family, friends and our community. We wish we could have thanked each and every one individually, and we tried where and when we could to find an address and send a card. But for those we haven’t been able to track down, please know that you have touched our lives in profound ways; and God has carved a special place in our hearts for each and every one of you. We want to thank you all for going on this journey with us, and to tell you that we are exceptionally grateful. You have all been so amazing, and the outpouring of your love for ourselves, our Dad and Spencer’s beautiful wife Liz, has been incredible. For those who have donated money, a meal, and your time, just know that we are counting these blessings and ask that you are blessed in return.
All our Love-
Russell Cox, Liz Garvais Cox, Macoy (Nicole) Cox, Jena (Kent) Backes, Casey (Kyle) Kosloske, and Logan Cox
