By Leah Himlie Everyone has things of which they are scared. Some people are terrified of spiders, while others cannot bear the thought of elevators. It’s different for everyone. Despite everyone being different, most people are afraid of being rejected for who they really are. This is a fear many members of the LGBT+ community face every day. Coming out is one of the … [Read more...]
Among my biggest disappointments in politics
The other day, a friend asked what surprised me most about politics. This may seem strange, but I’d never really thought about the question. My response was off-the-cuff but heartfelt. The biggest surprise is also among my biggest disappointments with American political life: the ongoing effort by politicians to suppress votes. Yes it’s gone on for years. And in some … [Read more...]
Fillmore County water controversy To the Editor,
My thanks to Fillmore County neighbors for standing up and defending their right to clean water. Water is not forever. Water is finite, diminishing. I grew up on a Burt County, Nebr., farm (not all that far from the Ogalala aquifer) where we of the third and fourth generation, needing to dig a second well, held our breath as we plumbed so much deeper than anyone could have … [Read more...]
Once upon a time
Recently I felt a secret joy as I watched snowflakes fall like feathers from the sky. Soon a white blanket covered the scene outside my window. Through the snow I saw the colored lights decorating our neighbors homes, bringing a message of cheer and good will. It was an invitation to celebrate and revisit the past. My favorite memories took place in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., … [Read more...]
Devil’s Advocate…Gilets Jaunes
The Gilets Jaunes, or “Yellow Vest” demonstrations began in France on November 17 and were initially a protest of rising petroleum taxes. At about $6.30/gal already, this impending rise of $0.17/gal was the straw that broke the camel’s back. My partner and I were in France for the first month of these citizen-led disruptions. From the news snippets I have seen, it appears as … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… I0 years and 103 miles
November 22, 2018, marked the 10-year anniversary of when it all began. Back in 2009, Jim Peters, Craig Britton, Jason Schwarz, Ross Kiehne, and myself scheduled Saturday morning runs on the bike trail. We’d usually aim for running five miles each time. We’d run at a talking pace, and it was a refreshing way to solve the world’s problems. For me, running has always cleared … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project… Fight against hegemonic masculinity
By Pailey Gordon Hegemonic masculinity has become a pressing problem that I have seen since I have entered high school. Every day it seems to be pushed upon the male population that certain things mean you are weak and certain things make you strong; even though some things do not necessarily mean you are weak, it means you are compassionate and caring. So, what even is … [Read more...]
Response to interview with a pig
By Dr. Ross Kiehne Swine Veterinarian Harmony, MN In response to: Interview with a Pig As a veterinarian focusing exclusively on pig welfare and health for over 19 years, I have dedicated my life to helping farmers raise pigs in the most humane, healthy and sustainable way possible. I am proud of the role I play and the producers whom I have the privilege to work beside. My … [Read more...]
Brain dead leadership or soul cancer? To the Editor,
Jeff Erding thinks more logging and grazing would make a real difference in the battle against California wildfires and it might help a little. Trump’s idea to “rake” California’s 33 million acres of forest tells everyone he is a truly ignorant and stupid man. Different forest species and environments need various management plans. Surprisingly, it’s also true that logged … [Read more...]
Management of chronic wasting disease
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has planned two special deer hunts this month aimed at limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The two hunts are planned for areas south of Interstate 90 in southeastern Minnesota where residents and non-residents can hunt with a permit from December 21-23 and December 28-30. According to the DNR, reducing deer numbers … [Read more...]