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Letters to the Editor

Participate in LightsOut

EDITOR: Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970, making 2025 its 55th anniversary. There are many ways to observe this holiday, including collecting trash on the beach or in a park, planting a tree or a shrub, or taking a hike in the woods. This is the time of migration. The birds are coming back from their winter quarters in the south. Many of them fly hundreds of miles at night. Instead of finding the bright lights of little cities like Escanaba welcoming, they can become confused and exhausted by the lights and even be injured as a result. Their sensitive eyes follow the stars and ...

Vote ‘no’ on school proposals

EDITOR: I am very surprised that no one has responded to Mr. King’s letters to the press about the upcoming school millage proposals in Gladstone. I would like to respond and say I back him in voting no on proposals. I worked in various school systems for 30 years, so I am aware of proceedings in school districts such as Gladstone. Here are my reasons for not supporting the upcoming millage election. Reason #1. I don’t believe 3 and 4 year olds belong in school. They should be at home or a qualified day care center learning social skills. Reason #2. Money for playground equipment: ...

Observations

EDITOR: A letter to the editor by another identified me as a Democrat. Although not offended by that assumption I am not a member of the Democratic Party. The same individual spoke of the “Democratic platform being a masterclass in economic sabotage and foreign policy blunders” among other baseless claims that are not supported by facts. Speaking of economic sabotage, the Wall Street Journal editorial on 9 April 2025 included the following: “It would be hard to find better evidence that markets believe the biggest threat to the world economy is Mr. Trump’s tariffs.” Also, ...

The power of a word

EDITOR: One way to diminish the power or influence of a word, a movement, a group or a philosophy is to use it to describe a totally different circumstance. The “Black Power” movement was diluted when “Power” was added to describe “Gray” (elderly people), “Green” (environmentalism) “Gay”, “Women”, “Fill in the blank… Power”. Anything “… Gate” has suffered the same fate. These terms have been so diluted they have become benign. There are some terms that have been “adopted” to describe situations removed from their original meaning. There is one ...

Tariffs

EDITOR: I wrote Congressman Jack Bergman a couple of days ago urging him to take steps to reclaim Congress‘ authority to set tariff tax rates. Bergman‘s response: By imposing reciprocal tariffs-matching or exceeding the trade barriers imposed by other nations-President Trump has successfully brought trading partners back to the negotiating table to secure deals that put American interests first. Since the tariffs were announced on April 2, more than 70 countries have reached out to negotiate new trade agreements with the United States. Bergman states no desire to reclaim ...

Respect the flag

EDITOR: We are fortunate to live in a nation that allows us, even encourage us, to display our American flags. Some countries don’t have that privilege. But driving around town, it’s so disheartening to see some of the flags. Several businesses and homes in the area are flying flags that are tattered, torn and look like they’ve gone through battle. There is no reason for this. Please take the time today to check your flags. If it needs to be replaced, please do so. Or at least take it down. The flags may be properly retired at either the American Legion in Gladstone in ...