opinion
Contact your legislators on proposed amendments
Thursday, January 28, 2021 2:27 pm
Dear Editor, Two issues are making their way through the Iowa Legislature that would fundamentally change the way we live because they are being proposed as constitutional amendments. The first proposal addresses the right to keep and bear arms. Unlike …
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Improving our civic health
Thursday, January 28, 2021 2:26 pm
Dear Editor, Many of us would agree that constitutional democracy in the United States is in a state of poor health. Broken institutions and mutual distrust among citizens have caused individuals to turn inward and seek self-protection while they turn …
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Snowmobiling is a privilege, not a right
Thursday, January 28, 2021 2:25 pm
Dear Editor, Do you see what’s wrong in this photo? This is one of many photos taken this year of snowmobilers completely breaking the rules. Users are ignoring our double-marked trail signs and driving off the designated trail system on …
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Club 45 welcomes all; DHRC’s attempts are step backwards
Thursday, January 28, 2021 2:20 pm
Dear Editor, Recently, members of the Decorah Human Rights Commission (DHRC) stopped by the Club 45, the new educational/meeting center in Decorah dedicated to enlightening the public on the founding ideals and principles of America, and wanted to know if …
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Chief speaks in support of Marsy’s Law for Iowa
Monday, January 25, 2021 10:39 pm
I recently had the opportunity to join Marsy’s Law for Iowa for a Facebook live event discussing victims’ rights in Iowa and the need for the state to put these rights in our constitution. Our discussion primarily focused on the …
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Never give up on the ideals of democracy
Monday, January 25, 2021 10:37 pm
Dear Editor, The violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, is not wholly surprising, given the heated rhetoric Trump has espoused. However, such an attack is still shocking to the conscience. How can a difference of opinion …
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Some thoughts from former presidents
Monday, January 25, 2021 10:35 pm
Dear Editor, Most people want to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. I know I do. We need to be positive going forward into 2021. However, sometimes it is OK to look back and reflect on past events: FDR: WPA …
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Do we need Club 45?
Monday, January 25, 2021 10:34 pm
Dear Editor, As a lifelong Democrat you might think I would not be in favor of the Winneshiek County Republican Party having an office in the main retail section of downtown Decorah. However, you would be wrong. You might also …
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Donald, Donald, Uffda mei!
Monday, January 25, 2021 10:33 pm
Dear Editor, As you and yours attempt to make America great again, do remember that we Iowans encouraged you with all the electoral firepower that we could offer. Yes, we were one of the states that loyally supported you. Uffda …
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Patriots? I think not.
Monday, January 25, 2021 10:33 pm
Dear Editor: Recent events at our nation’s capitol have compelled me to write this letter. What happened on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, was nothing short of rebels terrorizing our elected officials in the performance of their duty in ratifying the …
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Jan. 22 is Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Chidren
Friday, January 22, 2021 2:31 pm
Letter to the Editor, The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates Friday, Jan. 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” Approximately 375,000 …
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In gratitude: 125 years of making music
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:30 pm
I didn’t want the passing of an era to go unsung. West Music (formerly Kepharts Music) is in its final week of existence in Decorah. While retail establishments come and go, this one feels more significant to me. In a …