EDITOR:

Given the scenario politically in our nation’s Capital, the average citizen is left wondering what is the truth. Both parties have some people who seem to struggle with that. If behooves us as citizens to be informed as best we can. I am reminded of a famous quote written by Thomas Paine on Dec. 23, 1776, which was requested by General George Washington. “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only the give everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article of freedom should not be highly rated.” As I read Paine’s words the question is: What do I value and how much do I value it? Freedom was tantamount on the minds of our Founding Fathers (evidenced in the Bill of Rights) when they wrote the Constitution. I personally feel that liberty/freedom is something that all citizens should be concerned about. This goes beyond religious denominational or political lines. My desire is to live out the rest of my life, as well as for my children and grandchildren, with the freedoms that have been granted as a citizen of the United States. We all have different opinions on how this is to be played out, but no matter what side of the “fence” you are on, being an informed citizen (yes, even if you and I disagree), is much better citizen. Our forefathers knew that an educated populace was a key to preservation of democracy. Getting one’s information exclusively from MSNBC, CNN, or FOX NEWS is probably not in any person’s best interest.

That being said, coming to our area to different venues are genres is an interesting, informative person, Kris Ann Hall. She visited last year at Holy Name, Bay College, Herford and Hops, and Grace Church. She has a degree in biochemistry, is a veteran, is a Russian linguist, former prosecuting attorney, and travels that country teaching the history of the constitution, especially teaching the foundational principles of liberty. For more information go to www.krisannehall.com. The events are open to the public and free.

She is speaking at the Terrace Bay Hotel on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m the 2nd Amendment; Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Religious Liberty-Grace Church; Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. Founding Mothers-Grace Church; State Sovereignty 2 at 4:30 p.m. at Herford and Hops.

In closing, we should never take for granted the freedoms and liberties that were espoused by our founding fathers! A concerned citizen.

Darryl Lindquist

Rapid River