Open Forum

District 4B Rep. Larry Howes was recently quoted in The Brainerd Daily Dispatch (web-posted Dec 14, 2002) as saying "he didn't sign the no-(new)-tax pledge." Yet, an examination of the Taxpayers League of MN Website http://www.taxpayersleague.org/no_new_taxes.php prominently lists Howes as a signer. Mr Howes further states that the current budget situation is "a good exercise for government, comparing it to how the Chrysler Corporation was in serious financial trouble and had the chance to reinvent itself." Mr Howes apparently forgets that the federal government helped 'reinvent' Chrysler Corporation with a multi-billion dollar bailout. Who will bail Minnesota state government out? Perhaps our corporate buddies like Enron or Worldcom (Ha! Ha!). More likely it will be the average Minnesotan, either through tax increases or lost essential services. Someone once said that every society gets (develops) the criminals it deserves. Apparently the same holds true for politicians.

Dave Butcher

Pequot Lakes

People should think

I wish to address a few key points concerning potential war with Iraq. I wonder why people ignore Vietnam and Korea and compare it to World War II? They say 'evil dictator' -- so I'll mention some key points from WW II. Hitler was the instigator, and was overthrowing countries for a long time before USA got involved -- no one is currently overthrowing any countries. At this time, we are the instigator, without global support. And how did World War II end? Nuclear bombs ... on a civilian population. Who had nuclear capability at the time? How many countries have nuclear capability today -- and support USA military action in Iraq? If the twin towers attack was bad -- what would a nuclear attack have looked like? And why do so many countries dislike USA policy?

We also hear of smallpox threat -- highly contagious, with a 30 percent death rate. But we have a vaccine! The government doesn't mention the ebola virus. Maybe because it too is highly contagious, with almost a 90 percent kill rate, and we have no vaccine.

When we look at home policies ... not extending unemployment benefits, cutting fuel assistance, and increasing military spending for a war that could lead to chemical, biological, or nuclear consequences whether overseas or in America. At the very least, it will probably increase terrorist attacks, and not from Iraq! No one has proved a link to the terrorist activities to Iraq. Not to mention civilian casualties and depleted uranium poisoning, again. Review the first Gulf War, the politics, actions, and consequences.

Read the Constitution -- we are to question, speak out, and be responsible for our government. All I ask is for people to think. That is the responsibility of every American.

Elaine Kain

East Gull Lake