Open Forum: Shame on you, Paul Koering

Since being mentioned in the Feb. 2 Dispatch article about the recent GOP meeting, I felt compelled to address the core issue.

It is sad that the reason behind the meeting (a letter sent to the BDD implying that the writer spoke for the GOP Executive Committee) turned into a fiasco over endorsement procedures.

The article correctly stated that a group of Koering supporters decided that since he was the incumbent, no one should be allowed to oppose him for the endorsement.

This attitude is absurd, as the process actively seeks people to vie for endorsements.

But here is the real tragedy. Paul Koering sat by and allowed this brutal assault of name calling and hysterics to take place on his behalf. He could have put a stop to it immediately if he had had the moral courage to do so.

But he didn't.

Koering allowed his supporters to go on accusing opponents of being "homophobes" and people who were out to "get the gay guy."

Shame on you, Paul Koering.

The only people making an issue of your sexuality were your supporters. No one else mentioned anything about that.

Mr. Koering should have had the sense- and grace- to insist that the endorsement process continue under prescribed party rules. Insist that he stop being the center of divisiveness. Insist that we not split the party.

But he didn't.

I will vote for the person I feel best represents my conservative views, based on the issues. Period. I do not care one iota about Mr. Koering's personal life.

But I will not be labeled a homophobe because I disagree with Koering's voting record any more than I will stand for being labeled a racist for opposing the Obama policies.

Crow Wing County residents deserve better than this kind of performance.

Tony Bauer

Nisswa

An exhausting morning

This morning, I had the opportunity to volunteer for math stations with a second grade class at Baxter school. My son then convinced me that I "had" to eat lunch with him "because it's pizza day!" I was at the school for less than three hours and am now sitting back at my quiet office reflecting on my morning - exhausted.

I am not writing to complain about or endorse union contracts or to rehash referendums. I am writing to say thank you! Thank you to the teachers who are managing a room full of children with a vast amount of social and learning levels. Thank you to the aides who are so patiently working with the kids with special needs. Thank you to the lunch staff who smiled at the hundreds of children that came through and encouraged healthy eating to the little girl who sat across from me at lunch. Thank you to the office staff who were taking care of the sick little boy while trying to get a hold of his mom.

My few hours of volunteering at the school each month are my reminder to say thank you to those who dare to show up every day. Thank you!

Jill Carlson-Ferrie

Baxter

The U.S. can't do it all

While reading the paper the other day, someone expressed anger at a reader for not supporting Haiti and could not understand why. In my opinion, there are many that do not support the next new cause. Why? While Haiti is experiencing a catastrophe and many countries are helping, there are those who think America should be the leader in help and support. Unfortunately, we as a country are facing our own problems. Every time there is a problem, the first thing we do is jump on the band wagon and start pledging money and supplies. This time though we jumped too fast. I wonder how many Katrina victims were appalled with the speed of our government to help Haiti while many are still struggling to get back on there feet.

Then, of course, there is the problem of people and where they will live. In a country that is getting crowded and a government that cannot solve the health crisis of its own people, we start shipping them here. Those who were here illegally and were getting ready to be shipped back, lo and behold, they are now here permanently! Those with family here already, come on up. Let's adopt all the children. Are you sick and needy, well jump on board.

Somewhere this country is going to realize our borders are not forever expanding and money and supplies are not forever replenishable. We are not the superpower we were 20 years ago; China is. And we cannot support every country that is in need, especially those countries where there own government cannot or will not help!

Phil Netteler

Brainerd

Grunewald qualifies for trials

I just wanted to take the time to congratulate former BHS student-athlete Justin Grunewald on his outstanding performance in a recent 1/2-marathon that he ran down in Texas. Justin's time of 1:04.49 was fast enough to qualify him for the 2012 Olympic marathon trials (1:05.00 is the qualifying standard).

Just to give the readers some perspective of just how fast his time was; Justin was able to run at a pace of approximately 12.1 mph for 13.1 miles. This equates to a pace of about 4 minutes and 57 seconds per mile. I do not know Justin personally, but I do know the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to be an athlete at this level and look forward to seeing how he does in his marathon debut. Congratulations on an amazing race and I'm sure you'll make the Brainerd lakes area proud when you toe the line for the 2012 trials.

Casey Miller

Baxter

Obama's business plan

I am a supporter of President Obama's plan for stimulating growth and increasing jobs. As a small business owner, I have seen an almost complete shut down of growth in our Brainerd Lakes area. It is time for small businesses to receive the help from the $39 billion planned for community banks to help increase lending, and the tax credits needed for businesses to be able to hire new workers or increase wages. I am for ending capital gains taxes for small businesses. In my opinion, in our area, we need the help from the aggressive plan Mr. Obama laid out in his State of the Union Address.

Galeen Royce

Pequot Lakes