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Commentary continues on war, watershed districts |
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Wednesday, 28 May 2008 |
EDITOR’S NOTE: Letters will be accepted for the Open Forum for publication in the next available issue after receipt. Letters may be sent to Forest Lake Times, P.O. Box 218, Forest Lake, or by e-mail to
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Letters should not exceed 250 words and must be signed with the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Deadline is noon Monday. The newspaper reserves the right to edit letters and assure that rules of libel and good taste are not violated.
Point Missed
This is in response to Misunderstood:
No, I am not suggesting we invade all the countries of those involved in the 9/11 attack.
But if the war was in retaliation for the attack, why not invade one of the guilty countries? You (Open Forum writer Eugene Huerstel on May 22) answered: “the connection with 9/11 included experiences in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.”
While some who planned 9/11 eventually went to Guantanamo (actually, only one I know of who was transferred there just recently) most were picked up in Afghanistan.
The problem, however, is the U.S. offered rewards that amounted to a life’s income in Afghanistan so a lot of innocent people were turned in just to get the bounty.
So some are innocent. All have yet to be proven guilty of anything let alone connection to 9/11, and of those that may be terrorists they were involved in terrorist cells generally and not 9/11.
“Al Quaeda in Iraq” is the full name of the organization in Iraq. It is not THE Al Quaeda but a new organization that came to be after the invasion and occupation.
Ruth Marlis Thiele
Scandia
A vet’s thanks
Each year volunteer veterans distribute millions of bright red poppies in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans.
The program provides multiple benefits to veterans and the community, including support to the hospitalized veterans that construct the poppies.
The poppies are worn to honor the men and women who served their country and is a reminder of the sacrifices and the continuing needs of our veterans.
I want to extend my gratitude to the entire team as Casey’s General Store in Wyoming for their generosity during Poppy Days.
Not only did they allow me to present poppies outside of their facility, I had an endless cup of coffee and treats throughout the two days I was there.
This annual fund-raising effort is successful in part because of the support of local businesses who allow volunteers to post themselves at the front door.
I am thankful to all of the businesses in the community and to their benevolent patrons who purchased poppies in tribute to our veterans.
Willard D. Olson
W.W. II Veteran
VFW Post 4210 member
Forest Lake
2nd Warning
I recently sent a letter to the editor to educate folks about the powers of the Carnelian, Big Marine, St. Croix Watershed districts.
They have the power to levy for tax dollars to fund all their projects be it public or private with no one controlling their actions.
I have asked Scandia to get some guts and remove us from this district and out of this extra tax burden.
I was just informed that the citizens living within the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District will probably see their taxes increase as legislation gave this district authority to do as they wish with more levy power.
You complained about how the county assessed your properties unfairly.
Watch how these guys work. They have more power than any government agency.
They can set a budget any way they see fit and you will pay it.
I ask that everyone educate yourself about these districts as they are truly a reason to abandon all hope on fair government practice.
Call on your legislators, county commissioners and city officials to support you and not let this happen.
Erich Kertzscher
Scandia
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