Our society, whether consciously or not, focuses almost exclusively on recycling as the means to curb environmental pollution and decrease solid waste in landfills, but there are two other very important R words in addition to recycling. They are reduce and reuse. Reduce (consumption): Reducing consumption of non-recyclable single-use products is a huge ask. Convenience … [Read more...]
In praise of competence
Not long ago, I was in a meeting to talk about a public policy issue. It was a little complex, and as we considered the various angles I began to think about what it would take to translate talk into change on the ground. I wasn’t analyzing the politics of it — I was focused on the types of people who’d have to roll up their sleeves. What I came away with was a list of … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Young people are buying homes
This past Sunday, I learned from a friend at church that her 20-year-old son just bought a house down the street from our home in Fountain, Minn. She was asking me who we used for Internet service in town, so she could mention it to him. I couldn’t believe that this young man was already old enough to purchase a home, because I remember when I was his Sunday school teacher … [Read more...]
Welcome the strangers
To the Editor, The commissioners of Fillmore County are aware of the possibility that, if nothing is done, refugees from other countries would be blocked from settling in our county. The White House issued Executive Order 13888 requiring governors AND local officials to provide written consent to opt into resettling refugees in their states and localities. I urge you to … [Read more...]
In response to Huggenvik commentary
To the Editor, I am sad to see such a commentary in your paper. I live in Rochester but we have a seasonal campsite near Rushford and I love Fillmore County and its people. This piece is inaccurate and misleading. I could write a similar piece attacking Christianity as a hate-filled religion using Bible verses; in Genesis, Lot’s daughters get him drunk and sleep with him … [Read more...]
Best kind of radical religion
To the Editor, Thanks to the Fillmore County Journal for featuring young talented writers in our area. Thanks also to Leah Himlie, one of these young contributors, for her thoughtful and timely article about the human need for love and compassion. After reading her article in last week’s Journal, I re-read Flip Huggenveck’s letter. It got me thinking not so much about … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The new drive-thru in Chatfield
The talk of the town. The big joke. That’s the best way to describe the new Dollar General parking lot in Chatfield, Minn. “The engineers must be from Arizona, where they don’t have to deal with ice and snow,” said one person. For those who haven’t driven by the site of the new store opening in Chatfield, here’s the best way to describe it. Imagine placing a … [Read more...]
Is Islam a “peaceful” religion?
By Flip Huggenvik Big Spring (Harmony), MN Jason Dahl was the Captain on United Flight 93 that crashed on September 11. Jason was my friend. I was also a Captain for United Airlines. Jason and I worked together as instructor pilots for United at the training center in Denver, Co. The Muslim terrorists that took out the four flights that day were considered “radical” … [Read more...]
When there is a choice, choose joy!
The day before Thanksgiving I woke to a world white with snow and the neighbors Christmas lights shining through the grey dawn. In that moment I felt cheered. The colored lights made me feel hopeful and optimistic. In town I saw a city truck piled high with sparkling “snowflakes” to be hung along the main street. On the face of the Commonweal Theatre is advertising for … [Read more...]
Response to Jeff Erding…
To the Editor, Jeff Erding has finally presented a worthwhile link to understanding what is wrong with America. The link he provided took me to AmericanExperiment.org. It is a great place to get right wing talking points and help with racist and white supremacy thinking. This is another organization funded by the Bradley Foundation, a part of the Koch Brothers hard right … [Read more...]