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Letters to the Editor

Health Benefits Assistance millage worth renewing

Some people really hate to pay taxes. They claim, “taxation is theft.” I disagree. I see it as a method by which each of us is able to toss a bit into a purse from which, together, we are able to accomplish a good end that few of us could reach alone, to the ultimate benefit of the whole community. Currently there are several millage renewals in the upcoming primary election Feb. 27. One close to my heart is the Health Benefits Assistance renewal. These funds are administered by the Dickinson-Iron Medical Care Access Coalition. As a board member, I see how this program helps to ...

A ‘dismal deer season’ in 2023

As most deer hunters now know we had a pretty dismal deer season as far as seeing deer. Two recent articles by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in The Daily News allude to that but continually put the blame mostly on severe winters. Statewide, deer harvest numbers are down 11% and the Upper Peninsula harvest is down 26% (DNR Stats). There are multiple reasons why. In my opinion, and the opinions of hunters I spoke with, list why we are not seeing deer other than winters. Let’s look at the seven deer seasons there are — 1. Liberty Hunt; 2. Early Antlerless Firearms; ...

What factors control inflation?

Does the government control inflation? Inflation measured by economic institutions is an average of a group of items and services, meaning there are going to be some over the inflation number and some below it. Some of the items or services measured are not in control of the government. For example, local rent and real estate cost are largely controlled by location, availability and market factors related to location such as school, cultural access, and job access. The government can affect the overall number over time by use of spending programs and the Federal Reserve interest rate ...

Choice not just one or the other

I woke this morning with no thoughts of writing this letter. But then I saw an ad on the internet for a shirt that had printed on it, “I prefer Veterans to Immigrants.” I will admit to being instantly offended. What in the world has one to do with the other? Let me tell you, this shirt is meant to rankle you. You are supposed to think that if we have immigrants, we are somehow taking something from our veterans. I am a 100% disabled combat veteran and I cannot see what anything my life that would be negatively affected by solving America‘s immigrant crisis. Someone wants you ...

Seeking people to write to inmates

It only takes 45 minutes or less per month to help change the direction of a man in need. My name is Mike Olson and I am the director of In Your Cell jail/prison outreach ministry based out of Wellspring Community Church and First Methodist Church, both in Escanaba. We provide a Christian-based outreach in Dickinson, Delta, Menominee and Marquette counties so far, and to all of Michigan’s 27 male prisons and some federal facilities. For jails, we offer phone calls, U.S. mail, visits and go to court with inmates desiring that option. Our goal is to offer support, encouragement, a ...

Explaining ‘Bidenomics’

What does “Bidenomics” mean? Bidenomics is a significant change in the approach to trickle-down policies of the past. It is a much more aggressive approach to economic development and job creation than past presidents. The program emphasizes long-term development and job creation. It also considers long-term energy security and national security, such as electronic chip manufacturing in this country. It is the idea around industrial policy and the power of fiscal policy to solve what needs solving. The idea is to stimulate solutions to present needs, such as rural broadband and ...