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Letters to the Editor

Waterfront development

EDITOR: I am happy to see that Escanaba’s waterfront is finally going to be developed. In 2008, Mark Blomquist and I presented a proposal to the city about an “idea” to develop the waterfront. Even at that time, it was our belief that many new jobs would allow employees to work from home and that they would like to relocate to a small city. When we approached the city manager, he told us that it was dead on arrival. There was also a group of citizens who were extremely opposed to the “idea.” Mark and I only wanted it as an initial talking point — a place to begin. We ...

Politics, politics, politics

EDITOR: Nobody wants to “discuss” politics with anybody. It is only argued about. If you disagree with me, then you are evil, and vice-versa. If liberal left people were behind the movie “Sound of Freedom” than Hollywood, Disney, The View, etc. would have been raving about how it is the odds-on favorite for the Oscars. As it is now, the liberals hate it. Several weeks ago, some very good friends of mine said that all politicians lie. I took exception to that. I have known several friends and acquaintances that were in government. I believe they were God-fearing, church-going, ...

We are not racists

EDITOR: The county board did not support the UPAAA implementation plan from UPCAP because of DEI. The resolution failed to gain traction by a score of 3 to 2. The resolution was symbolic and not at all tied to funding. The county board’s decision will not cost UPCAP any money. Unfortunately, if you disagree with liberal orthodoxy, you’re labeled a racist, sexist, homophobe, or xenophobe, We are none of the four. It is easy for us to say we support UPCAP because of the things that the organization does for our community. We both support the Upper Peninsula Commission on Area ...

A few good men

EDITOR: As lead volunteer for “In Your Cell’ jail/prison ministry out of Wellspring Church and officed in First Methodist Church, both in Escanaba, we are seeking male volunteers to assist us in our prison adoption program. And, you do not have to be a Marine. For nine years now, beginning locally, In Your Cell now operates in four U.P. counties and all of Michigan’s 27 men’s prisons. We are personally connected to about 80 men and we work locally with clergy, social service agencies, courthouse personnel, attorneys, etc. In our nine years, Becky, Dan, I and others have worked ...

Irving helped area veterans

EDITOR: On July 13, Escanaba lost another Northtown veteran, Bud Irving. Bud gave thousands of hours of his life assisting his fellow veterans of the U.P. With his dogs Chopper and Chubbers, he would visit them in hospitals and bring them to and from medical appointments — no questions or payment asked. Years ago, he told me in Korea on July 4, 1952, he and his men were told to do a routine “mop up” reconnaissance mission. Bud told me that “45 of us went in, 13 came back.” He was also wounded that day, our national day of independence. When we say the Pledge of Allegiance ...

We should be better than this

EDITOR: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just media buzzwords. The purpose of DEI is actually seeking to promote, “the fair treatment and full participation of all people.” clearly, three members of the Delta County board voted against just that when it comes to staff being educated for UP Area Agency on Aging UPCAP. Tuesday July 18, 2023 I sat dumbstruck watching the county board meeting, listening to the words coming from some of the board members’ mouths regarding this issue. Fear-mongering was abundant as we were told white, Christian males are being oppressed and ...