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Letters to the Editor

Answering a religious, political conundrum

I went to see my chaplain after last week’s sermon and I asked him to answer this very simple question: “How do I vote in the next presidential election? Should I vote to save our democracy, with all of its rights and freedoms, or should I vote to help save the lives of all unborn children?” He answered: “I cannot make this decision for you. The answer lies within you and your beliefs and, in the end all will be forgiven and you will go on to heaven.” Then he added rather reluctantly: “But your beliefs will not save your children and your grandchildren. They must learn to ...

Time to fix problems destroying our country

It is time to fix the problems destroying our country. Riots, looting, sit-ins, marches, mislabeling problems, inventing problems, ignoring laws, applying laws unequally, ignoring science, and just plain old lies do nothing to solve our problems. Participating individuals may feel better, but their actions often are a detriment to innocent bystanders in loss of property, wages, or work. If the gatherings lead to violence or looting, they can reinforce prejudicial perceptions. What does work? Science works. Problems like gender identity can be solved easily, objectively. Subjective ...

We must show appreciation for our veterans

Thank you to all military veterans. Every Nov. 11 is designated as the day we celebrate and honor U.S. military veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve during war and peace time. I urge you to take time to honor our military veterans and their families. I want to express my gratitude, thanks, and appreciation for the many sacrifices our servicemembers make daily to protect our nation at home and abroad. Putting their lives both on hold and on the line for the sake of our safety is something we can all be grateful for this Veterans Day. Many have also ...

County, show the numbers before you tax us

Alpena County commissioners, Residents of Alpena County would like to be treated as intelligent members of the community. We elected you as “representatives,” not “governors.” It has been brought to our attention you seek another millage and hold our safety as the ax above our heads should we not support this demand. We hear claims that without this millage you threaten the reduction or elimination of road patrol from the Sheriff’s Office, leaving those of us outside the Alpena city limits in peril. Before you argue the state troopers would cover the shortfall, we are aware ...

Bergman unfit to be speaker of the House

Jack Bergman, U.S. representative for Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, received copious news coverage over this past week in both local and national media. This coverage followed Bergman’s announcement that he was running for the position of speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Bergman stated that he could “steady the ship” as House Republicans struggled to select a speaker after the ouster of Kevin McCarthy almost a month ago. Following Bergman’s announcement, many voiced opinions that Bergman was unfit for speakership based on a lackluster record during his ...

Book doesn’t belong in teen section at library

At a U.S. Senate committee hearing on Sept. 9, 2023, Sen. John Kennedy read a sexually explicit quote from the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue.” My original letter to the editor contained the exact quote from the book, but, when I submitted this letter to News Publisher/Editor Justin Hinkley, he responded, “We can’t publish this as-is. The quote from the book is too explicit to be published in the newspaper.” So, the quote from the book is too explicit to be in the newspaper BUT this book is in the TEEN section of the Alpena Public Library, where a child of any age can read ...