Mr. Don Samuelson (who served in both the Minnesota House and Senate for many years) says; “The $5 billion dollar budget problem in Minnesota was left to us by Gov. Pawlenty” and “For the first time since 1971 the Republicans have the majority in both houses of the Legislature and look where w...

With all the bad news about our state being shut down by a bunch of whining politicians, there is good news. I am so thankful that we live in such a caring community, here in Baxter/Brainerd....

  This morning’s jobs numbers really warmed my heart. We’re on our way, the recession must be over. A whopping 18,000 new jobs in June  — and “they” had to adjust the number of new jobs from April and May down by 44,000 jobs. Our economy must create 125,000 new jobs each month to...

Last night was not just any Monday; it was the Fourth of July. I turned on the television to watch the Boston Pops and the fireworks from Boston — a yearly ritual for me. For the better part of an hour I listened to the patriotic music, so carefully synchronized with the fireworks coming from the ...

 I want to commend Paul Gazelka for his efforts to stop the tax and spend mentality of Mark Dayton. The top 5 percent of Minnesota people  already pay 43 percent of the total state income tax. If we tax them harder they will leave Minnesota,...

Our society has become more unequal. As citizens, we need to address fairness and justice. This requires addressing the ‘success to the successful’  feedback loop (also know as the “rich get richer”). Instead of politicians leveling the playing field, many have increased the advantage o...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting ready to allow newer cars and light trucks to use gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol. But in letters released Tuesday, a dozen domestic and foreign manufacturers complained that the higher ethanol content could damage their vehicles’ engines...

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I do not understand the mindless masses standing on the corner yelling the party line, tax the rich, distribute the wealth. Why should someone that has done well pay a larger share of tax than me? How is that fair? Believe me, I am not rich and not a big fan of high taxes, but why should my share be...

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