To the Editor, The fact that war would mean endless climate change catastrophes and a nuclear arms race that would risk accidental or intentional use of nuclear weapons that could end almost immediately our civilization, there is a good chance that a public movement will be able to inspire a new U.S. foreign policy that transitions from use of force to diplomacy and … [Read more...]
Jeff Erding has it wrong
To the Editor, Since when has the “far left” included everyone who isn’t far right? Or everyone who didn’t vote for Trump? You (Jeff) have it so wrong. “Every man for himself” is not the American way, in my humble but broadly-educated opinion. 1. To accuse supporters of a sane firearms policy of “wanting to tear up the bill of rights” is childish. 2. Legalization of … [Read more...]
Getting Congress back on track
The other day, someone I’ve known for years offered a pointed bit of criticism. “It’s easy for people like you to make long lists of things Congress should do to improve,” he said. “But you know good and well most of them won’t happen. So if you’re really serious, what’s the one most important thing it could do? What does Congress absolutely need to start getting itself back on … [Read more...]
Responsibility to each other
What is our responsibility to others in society? There is wide variation of opinions. Christians are commanded to treat others the way they want to be treated. In contrast one libertarian capitalist answered, we have no obligation to others. I do not think Christians generally live up to the golden rule nor do I believe the individual feels no obligation to others. People … [Read more...]
Kingsland District voters to decide on operating levy in November
By Leah Stier Spring Valley, MN In November, those living within the Kingsland School District will be asked to support our school and the children of our district and vote YES for the proposed operating referendum levy. While I do serve as a school board member, I am writing this as a private citizen, a parent of young children, and a taxpayer of our district. Our school … [Read more...]
Chumps & grifters
Since about 1980, Americans have continued to be some of the hardest working people on the planet. In fact, we work harder, and more efficiently, almost every year. And yet, we don’t see a reward from that. While we produce more, and while we produce it for less money, we don’t see any of that money. Instead, it has gone, nearly every penny, to the people sitting at the top. … [Read more...]
The time is now
To the Editor, The last week in June I was on Washington Island to hear Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove speak about reclaiming our moral imagination as people of faith. The forum is an annual event sponsored jointly by the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the Christian Century magazine. I knew it would be a challenging presentation. Wilson-Hartgrove issued a call, a national … [Read more...]
The importance of fact checking and corrections
To the Editor, Getting your facts correct these days has become critically important. Sometimes we don’t realize the damage that can be done, when we get our facts wrong. Case in point, on Monday June 17, 2019, two reporters covered the Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting and the topic of the school purchase. One reporter, Kirsten Zoellner, freelancing for the Fillmore … [Read more...]
Learning from trees and watching debates
If you have an interest in nature and trees, I urge you to visit the adjoining Parks of Kings Canyon and Sequoia in central California. I recently visited there, what an experience it was to see the groves of Giant Sequoias and learn about their relationship to fire. Giant sequoias are the largest trees in the world; the General Sherman [1,700 yrs. old] is the largest. it … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate…Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation
I first learned about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in my high school psychology class. My teacher insisted that we internalize and understand the topic. He was, and is, a great teacher (he’s enjoying retirement now). He was a “Don’t judge others until you take a walk in their shoes” kind of teacher. What he taught me about Abraham Maslow has stuck with me to this … [Read more...]