LETTERS

Pawlenty would use fund dedicated for outdoors

Hunting and fishing license fees are paid by those who use the outdoors and are set aside for specific conservation purposes.

March 17, 2010

Don’t repeat baseless attacks on climate scientists

It’s vital for newspapers to do more than just repeat what’s being said, but to show real news judgment. There’s an old joke that if one group tries to claim that the Earth is flat, a newspaper would report, “Earth’s Shape: Views Differ.”

March 16, 2010

Prevailing wage survey skewed to favor union rates

Jon Hall is incorrect about prevailing wages not being a union issue. It is true that a survey is done, but the methodology of the survey is skewed to favor union wage rates. It is a voluntary survey. Union contractors have a very high level of motivation to respond.

March 16, 2010

Despite delegate mixup, DFL chairman gets nod

As the article, in March 2’s paper stated, 16 DFLer’s were “left without a voice” at the county convention. Mr. Steve Nelson was the convention chairman who declared these 16 individuals at first viable and then later ineligible.

March 14, 2010

Foreign banks hold too many U.S. mortgages

Does anyone in Bemidji realize that the banks and investment companies foreclose on average 50 homes a month? Compare this to all the small and large towns around the United States. it is a staggering amount. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the FHA will need billions in this year to settle all accounts. There will be more banks going under and now the government is telling the banks they will cover the losses. The government is not covering the loss, the American citizens are. Everyone blames AIG for receiving so much money from the stimulus program.

March 14, 2010

Disappointed at efforts to derail health care vote

I am dismayed at the charges, counter-charges, distortions and untruths emerging from the attempts to derail health care reform. Cries of “start over” really mean “go away, we do not need you!” Many Minnesotans are in despair over insurance claims denied. In 2008 the Legislature made it more difficult for this situation to occur. Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Mary Olson, among others, if this happens to you the claim can be taken to court and if there appears to be no good reason for denial, costs can be recovered. We are indeed fortunate to have a state senator who is concerned with solving problems for ordinary citizens. When Sen. Olson ran for office, she stressed her dedication to solving everyday problems which make life more difficult, and she has been true to her word. I hope you let her know how much you appreciate her efforts. I certainly intend to do so.Lorraine F. CecilBemidji

March 11, 2010

Prevailing wage neither union nor non-union issue

Prevailing wage is an hourly rate, usual wages and benefits, paid to laborers, mechanics, etc., for each occupation used in the performance of public work. These rates are established for various classifications in all counties and are reflective (by surveys) of local wages. Minnesota wages are established by the Department of Labor and Industry.

March 10, 2010

Second Amendment no guarantee of hunting rights

I am sometimes surprised by the strange and varied responses I have received in the past in regards to the Second Amendment right to bear arms. This amendment was not enacted to guarantee our hunting rights.

March 09, 2010

Republicans doing all to keep health care broken

I agree with the Obama administration that health care reform is perhaps the single-most-important issue facing our country in both the near and long term.

March 07, 2010

Law needed to better treat possible suicide risk

I recently lost my great-nephew “Josh.” He was only 19 years old. He took his own life from depression.

March 05, 2010

Howes voted right the first time on GAMC

The Minnesota Legislature took a big step forward last Thursday in solving real problems faced by real Minnesotans. Over 77,000 Minnesotans are at risk of losing their health care coverage on April 1 with the loss of General Assistance Medical Care.

March 05, 2010

Serious sanctions for Iran to stop nuke work

Iran has again rejected generous diplomatic offers and instead is expanding their nuclear program. The peaceful world does not have much time to get where we need to go — preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Serious sanctions must be put in place to convince Iran to change their minds. The U.N. Security Council and key groups such as the European Union can peacefully stop Iran — but it must be done now.

March 04, 2010

A safe haven for homes from seizure, taxation

So, now what? Republicans have failed. Democrats have failed. Neither political party has the courage nor the will to confront challenges with a clear and open mind. Special interests and self-preservation are the standards by which decisions are made.

March 04, 2010

One-year remembrance of Red Lake’s Bill Blake

Thank you, Minneapolis Police Department, Chief Dolan and Mayor R.T. Rybak. As the Red Lake Nation readies to commemorate the life of one Minneapolis police officer Sgt. William “Bill” Blake, on Feb. 24 and 25 by hosting the 4th annual Drug and Gang Summit. We would also be remiss by not recognizing the amazing support and care provided to Bill by the Minneapolis Police Department, Chief Dolan and Mayor R.T. Rybak.

March 03, 2010

Pre-census letter is a waste of government money

When I received a form letter the other day stating that I would be receiving a U.S. Census form in a few days, I was astounded that the government would do such a stupid thing. The country is in a recession and they go to the trouble and expense to generate a letter that could have been sent along with the Census form. What a total waste of our resources.

March 02, 2010