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Letters to the Editor

Nov. election will test America, her people

These are onerous times for our country and for that matter the world. We have been a beacon of democracy for over 200 years. While we have not always been perfect, we have supported freedom and inherent goodness of mankind. Note the use of the past tense. Lately, it seems we have lost our way and are so divided civil discourse is almost impossible to achieve. The following are a series of quotes that give me cautionary pause: It can’t happen here. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Well doctor (Ben Franklin), what kind of government did you ...

Replying to assassination attempt reactions

To the editor: I am writing in response to the comments made on the front of the newspaper on Monday, July 15, concerning the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. First, in response to the comment made by Chip Lenning, “it was bound to happen on either side.” We, who do not like the policies of President Joe Biden, do not want to KILL him. We want to defeat him at the ballot box and vote him out of office! Second, I challenge the comment made by Paul Libitt, “I hate everything Trump stands for.” Are you sure Paul, that you hate EVERYTHING Trump ...

We must enhance school safety in Michigan

School violence continues to be a concern throughout our nation for many families. The number of school shootings alone continues to increase at an alarming rate. As of April 2024, there have already been 32 school shootings within the United States. Michigan has faced alarming numbers of students who have had weapons on school property, been bullied, felt threatened or unsafe, and fought on school grounds. Michigan has faced two horrific shootings recently, one being at Oxford High School and the other at Michigan State University. House Bill 5549 was introduced to enhance school ...

County board wrong to oust the library board

I disagree with the Alpena County commissioners’ recent actions and stated reasons concerning our library board. The library board rightfully refused to follow the dictates of a limited segment of our population regarding its collection management. Contrary to doing nothing, that board preserved the library’s independence by following its best judgment in serving the diverse needs of our entire community. I understand why people question the sexual education material, but it conveys information factually and effectively. Though it’s graphic, it’s not erotic or pornographic ...

Resist book bans at Alpena County Library

Cashiering Alpena’s library board has won county commissioners some friends. Book banners have dropped opposition to library millage renewal, although the damage has already been done. What mystifies me is why self-appointed morality police have prevailed against the public interest. By a large majority, Michiganders reject book bans. A 2023 EPIC-MRA survey for the Michigan Library Association found that 80% of respondents believe that “individual parents can set rules for their own children” but have no right “to decide for other parents” what books are appropriate for ...

Luther pushes straw man argument on books

In her letter to the editor on July 13, Jessica Luther, assistant director of the Alpena County Library, set up a straw man argument to try to deflect attention away from the fact that she is in favor of making highly sexualized books available to children and teens in the library. The Alpena County commissioners deemed the content of these books as obscene. Ms. Luther implied that the people who object to obscene, sexual cartoons and text in books available to children don’t really care about children. She named several ways in which she has determined that the Save the Alpena ...