By Lee Hamilton The 118th Congress convenes January 3, and while it’s impossible to know in advance what it will or won’t accomplish, it’s a fair bet there will be drama. With the GOP taking control of the House, a tightly divided Senate, and a presidential election less than two years away, sending political signals — as much to the party faithful as to Americans in general … [Read more...]

To the Editor, Seasons of great celebrations often carry shadows of sadness, grief, and deep hurt.  Many of us have the brightness of the holidays dimmed by loss and the memories of times shared with loved ones. It can be helpful to actively reflect on these people and experiences to acknowledge the feelings which are surfacing in our lives.  Writing down or verbally … [Read more...]

To the Editor, As someone who has just ran for State Senate, I appreciated Lee Hamilton’s letter asking the question of why politicians run for office. For me the motivation was simple: to help my neighbors. This was an extension of what I have done my entire adult life, from running a homeless shelter to providing humanitarian aid, I have always strived to help others. As a … [Read more...]

Letter about grandchildren and great-grandchildren... To the Editor, What are we being told by thinkers and scientists about the years ahead? Some predict to just 2030, some go to 2050 and some predictions go to 2300.  I am very concerned as many of our grandchildren and great grandchildren will be living into the next century.  It is important that we start seriously … [Read more...]

By Steve Zmyewski Houston, MN The first century disciples of Jesus would not recognize the extreme Christian nationalist movement that is sweeping across America today. Laced with character assassination, conspiracy theory, disinformation, slander, white supremacy and motivated by fear Christian nationalists vilify anyone whose politics don’t line up with theirs as they … [Read more...]

By Kathie Haynes Canton, MN Retired Pastor Norm Omodt explained why he became a Democrat. He asks hard line Republicans and strict followers of Trump, “Why would you be against wind power, solar power and ocean current energy?” And, “Why do you accept mass shootings with the AR-15 military rifle intended for killing people in war?” Bonnie Haugen says Vote With Your … [Read more...]

Opinions expressed here are those of the author and not of the Fillmore County Journal. By Pastor Norm Omodt, Ret. Chatfield, MN Most people remain in the political party they’ve always been a part of.  I’d like to challenge the RADICAL REPUB-LICANS to give serious thought to a change, at least in the way they vote these days,  to be more compatible with surely … [Read more...]

By Christopher Conlon Chatfield, MN I had a friendly argument about abortion recently with a candidate who stopped by my home while campaigning.  We agreed that it’s wrong to directly kill an innocent human being, but they argued that abortion can be an individual’s right because it’s not a human being that’s being killed.  We came to an impasse when we disagreed about the … [Read more...]

By George Spangler Chatfield, MN With mid-term elections looming before us, media experts are speculating about how residents of “fly-over country” will vote. Is America’s heartland  peopled with folks who have nothing better to do than argue about farm equipment? Are we gullible or skeptical? Do we value truth over fiction?  The answer lies within you.  We all have our … [Read more...]