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Open Forum: Obama isn't qualified for his job
This letter is in response to all the letters about health care. First and foremost, all the American people knew what Obama was all about before he got elected. Now people are all upset. Why? Because Obama is not qualified for the job he was elected to. If all the people who voted for Obama would look at the facts also known as the truth you will see that Obama is backed by the abortion groups, illegal immigrants groups, gay marriage groups, the Atheist Civil Liberty Union (ACLU), anti-gun groups, all special interest groups. You Democrat voters need to wake up. The government does not have any power or authority to do anything except the power the people give them. Taxpayers pay for abortions. Thanks Democrats. Guess what? You're a taxpayer.
Robert J. Hutchins
Crosslake
Preventing diabetes is important
Across the country, we're engaged in a very worthwhile discussion about health care and health insurance. A great place to prioritize preventative care and wellness over sickness comes in our prevention of diabetes.
Over a million adults and 92,000 youth in Minnesota are what's considered pre-diabetic, they're at risk of developing the full-blown disease because they have high blood pressure or high glucose. We know that diabetes can be debilitating, and require costly medical interventions - from daily injections of insulin all the way to amputations.
I am pleased to be offering legislation to ensure that pre-diabetics have access to services that will stop this disease in its tracks. The Diabetes Prevention Act is based on a National Institute of Health research study done in partnership with the YMCA. The study showed that a 16-week, intensive lifestyle program can prevent diabetes and costs less than $300 per person, per year Ð that's three hundred dollars. Studies have shown us that this investment can save us money within 2 to 3 years time.
This bill will help communities across the country to set up diabetes prevention programs - on Indian reservations, in rural areas and urban centers. Because prevention saves money and it saves lives.
Sen. Al Franken
D-Minn.
Just do the job
I am so frustrated by the politicians that supposedly represent us at every level, complaining about the mess left by the previous administration. Does anyone remember anyone ever saying, "Wow, I'm going to do exactly what the previous administration did because they did a wonderful job!" on either side of the aisle? I sure don't remember hearing that said by anyone, ever, but then I'm only 61.
The fact is, as elected officials, you were elected because you convinced the voters you could and would do a better job, that you were in fact the best man or woman for the job. You wanted to job! You got it, now quit whining and do it to the best of your ability and to best represent your constituents. By the way, representing your constituents may not be in synch with all of your views all of the time or your future employment status or your present income. But it's not about you, it's about all of the citizens of the United States of America. It's a tough job and you convinced us you were the one that could and would best represent us.
As a member of the party of "know" I intend to know as much as I can to vote informed and intelligently. I pray you do the same. Thank you for your service. May God continue to bless the America we've loved for so long.
Lynda J. Converse
Browerville
A look at recent letters
Well as I read this week's letters and listened to the news several things came to mind. One that struck me from the letters was the statement that we all hear wealth is something you acquire through hard work, we all know that isn't really true otherwise migrant farm workers would be the richest people in the land. Wealth is acquired by marriage, inheritance, illegal means, acquiring a skill or talent that provides goods or a service that is in demand and you are willing to market to the highest bidder regardless of the moral or ethical considerations.
Next was we have a war that we don't know how much it is costing with contracts for mercenaries that we don't know who they are, what they are doing or even for sure which side they are fighting on. We have a very good general that wants 40,000 more troops, however the war might be lost before they can be deployed as it will take a couple of years to create the infrastructure needed to support them in the theatre. We have troops that have more combat time than the ones in World War II and they are Reserves and National Guard serving multiple tours.
I have a suggestion on how to prevent this happening again. When a president signs legislation allowing him to send the troops to war it activates the draft. Second, a 90-day review of all war zone contracts and if they can't identify the person, the mission and reason it is vital it is terminated. I'm glad I don't have the president's job.
The Minnesota Manure spreader was down in Iowa I must admit they seemed to like his manure. John Kline and Michelle Bachmann were spreading the same in D.C.
Jesse Nix
Emily
Health care reform now
I've heard said that President Teddy Roosevelt was the first to speak in support of the concept of health care for all. All of the modernized nations of the world have it in some form. So what's the big deal? We have it already in Medicare and Medicaid and here in Minnesota its called Minnesota Care and is a godsend to many families.
I am often struck by how quickly we approve billions, perhaps trillions in spending for a war in Iraq but wrestle time and time again with an investment in our selves and our future. Special interest (insurance companies, pharmaceuticals) railroad the discussion every time by pandering to our fears, let's hope it doesn't happen yet again. We've debated this for close to a century. Lets get on with it! Health care for all and health care reform now.
Mary T. Anderson
Hackensack
An injustice against the unborn
The Pledge of Allegiance concludes with the words, "with liberty and justice for all."
Isn't abortion an injustice against the unborn; because all life comes from God, and abortion denies the unborn their God-given right to life?
Patrick Borden
Brainerd
Listen to Meyer's speech
I recently received notice from my daughter, Sara (former Northern State University basketball player) that the NSU men's coach, Mr. Don Meyer, was honored as the recipient of the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award on the 2009 ESPN ESPYs. I ask that you view Coach Meyer's acceptance speech on "News" at www.northern.edu. This is a must see for all. Take 9 minutes, 42 seconds.
Hank Hemquist
NSU alumni parent
Baxter
A useless war
I read an article today on the amount of wounded soldiers coming back from the war. I wish there could be a price tag put on their pain and suffering and the politicians who propagate and continue to support this foolish war would be made to pay for it out of their own hides. I too wish someone could give us an estimate on the real cost of supporting these people the rest of their lives. We seem to have deep pockets when it comes to war, but then it is big business isn't it? The Bush administration would not even acknowledge the expense and swept it under the proverbial rug. They left it for our children to pay. The present administration after all of their campaign promises to not follow the same course, is waffling now too.
I want to repeat something I have said before. We have not won a war since the end of World War II, and we won't win this one either. Our enemies have learned to exploit our weaknesses. We can send all of the soldiers we want to Afghanistan and the bad guys will continue to hide under a rock until we grow weary and leave, and then they will come out and continue with their program. In the meantime we will have bankrupted our country and ruined the lives of many of our young people who now walk on springs or sit and stare out the window half brain-dead.
To Congress and the president I say this. When you cure the ills in this society. When you rid us of the greed and corruption that permeates our society. When you balance the budget. Then you can go out and tell the rest of the world how to live.
Mike Holst
Crosslake
God and our government
In comment to the letter from the person in Pine River on his letter in Friday's Dispatch, I think the remarks about our founding fathers are in error. If our founding fathers wanted to keep religion (God) out of government, why do we have, "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" ... the part of believing the Bible to be full of myths and supernatural nonsense may be believed by some, to their regret, I for one believe in God's word and although you seem threatened by Bible quotes, I will give you one from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which says, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do," maybe that is why our courts still use it to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, etc.
The second quote, a favorite of mine, is from 2 Chronicles 7:14, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." Our land, the world is certainly in the need of healing. Bible quotes are taken from the New Living Bible; Life Application Study Bible.
F. Leslie Wise
Staples
Stand up for what you believe
I think God is deeply saddened by what is happening in many of our churches today. Instead of basing their decisions on the truth of God's words to us in the Bible, they seem to be making decisions on what is popular and commonly accepted by society. Because of our love for God, we as Christians want to live our lives as pleasing and honoring to Him. A church is supposed to give us guidance and to stand up for what is right in God's eyes. Who else in this world will? Unfortunately, Hollywood movies and television shows sometimes have more influence on people than the very words of God. Look around you at how many harmful behaviors are now looked upon as acceptable, because Hollywood has decided they are and glorifies them. Every one of us has our struggles with sin in this life and only by the power of God can each of us win our individual battles. I pray God's peace and blessings to the pastor who is resigning because of the recent decision by the ELCA. It takes courage and faith to stand up for what you believe.
Kathy Anderson
Baxter
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