As a country, we make a habit of looking forward, not backward. But I’m going to ask you to turn your attention back a few weeks, to Barack Obama’s January 10 farewell address to the American people. I’ve been reading presidential farewell speeches for many years. Most of them give good advice. This speech, however, was exceptional. It can be read with benefit by Republicans … [Read more...]
Can we work in common cause?
Human-caused climate change presents us with an opportunity to unite around a solution to a common problem. No one nation, religion, race, or group of any kind can address this issue on its own. It will take all of us working together for the long term common good. That presents a possibility for peace, renewed economic security, return to rational thinking and a chance to … [Read more...]
Local conversation about our future
By Peggy Hanson About 60 people gathered in Lanesboro on January 31. Why did all these people come together on a cold dark night in January? It wasn’t the rhubarb cake. The group appeared united in the belief that more understanding and positive community dialogue is needed right now. They wanted to have a conversation and share ideas for positive ways to keep America … [Read more...]
We dodged a bullet
Isn’t it amazing how excited Democrats and the mainstream media (sorry for being repetitious) are about the Russians supposedly hacking Democrat communications in an attempt to influence our recent election? Weren’t the Democrat servers, and procedures used, secure? No, apparently not. Oh dear, those rotten Russians. Let’s put all of this in proper perspective, shall … [Read more...]
The party of Alternative Facts
Today, the only thing more embarrassing than being a Democrat is being a Republican. The New York Times is reporting a record sales recently of George Orwell’s book 1984 first published 67 years ago. Although a work of fiction, it contained elements of prophecy and a warning that a complacent society can be enslaved by technology, “Big Brother is Watching You!” On January … [Read more...]
Beyond equality: Equity as an economic driver
In a recent interview, I was asked to reflect on what it looks like for rural voices to “be heard”, which has been a big talking point during this last election cycle. I referenced an op-ed from a friend of mine, former Congressman Dick Swett of New Hampshire. He stated, “Don’t insist that everybody worship at the alter of global warming, just talk to them about common sense … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… I’m sorry
First, thank you to Jerry Grehl and Jack Bratrud for their thoughtful perspectives offered on the Commentary pages of the January 30, 2017 issue of the Fillmore County Journal. Both of these local readers put me in my place, and I consider this a good thing. Based on the response from my original opinion piece about unions, I came to several realizations. We have very … [Read more...]
A big day for conservation in Minnesota
On January 17, Governor Mark Dayton signed an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to leverage $350 million of federal dollars to help fund water quality improvement efforts in 54 southern and western Minnesota counties. Dayton believes “Minnesota is at a critical juncture in addressing our state’s serious water quality challenges.” The new … [Read more...]
Erasing it from a website won’t make it go away
It’s a new age for most Americans. We have a new President, new Cabinet, New Year, possibly new jobs, houses, etc., but one thing seems to remain the same: the state of our environment. While our new administration has its positive appeals, there are negative ones as well. Particularly, I personally feel our emphasis on being a world leader in science has now been deemed … [Read more...]
Letter about Unions…
To the Editor, A few queries about Jason Sethre’s virulent anti-union editorial: Mr. Sethre, at what point in recent history did the boss-management class go from malevolent to benevolent? When did they soften their hearts to the plight of the worker? Sorry pal, they ain’t changed since, as the old saw goes, “Unions were good in their time, but---”! Unions have been under … [Read more...]