Open Forum: Individuals can make a difference

I just want to express my excitement over the large number of people that turned out for Tuesday night's caucuses. Regardless of the party people chose to support, seeing that many people participating in the democratic process was inspiring. I truly believe the rights to vote and to let our voices be heard are the greatest privileges we have as Americans, and to see so many of my neighbors exercising those rights was really exciting. I hope the support stays strong through November, because every vote counts, and, as individuals, we can make a difference!

Amy Gray Ellingson

Baxter

Stay in touch during the session

I want to thank all of the people who attended my town hall meetings this past Saturday. I really enjoyed our discussions and the feedback you gave me, and consider your questions and suggestions to be very valuable. As I start soon in St Paul, I will definitely keep your comments and input foremost in my mind.

I also want to thank those of you who filled in my legislative survey on Saturday. This, too, provides me with very valuable information on what is important to you. You can also fill out my survey at my web site at www.voteforward.net.

I want to encourage you all to please stay in touch with me during the session. I appreciate and feel truly blessed to be able to represent you in St. Paul. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Rep. John Ward

DFL-Brainerd

District 12A

Treating people equally

This is by no means a personal grudge on anyone or anything, but more a voicing of the hard truths that no one else has the ambition to mention. Speaking from not only personal experience but also the fact that I see it happen every day to friends and persons I haven't even met alike.

I think it's very comical but also unfair every day when I look in the paper and see all these ads for jobs with the letters eoe at the end. As we all know, that stands for equal opportunity employer but to be completely honest, you may as well print at the end of your ad, "don't bother applying if you have any sort of record." There is no doubt in my mind that there are those types of people in this world that have records and will continue to add to them in which case they may not deserve certain jobs but, there are also those of us that maybe had one slip-up by our own fault or others that want to make things right and make a contribution to our community. Speaking personally as one of the latter, or so I would like to think, it is very unfair and downright embarrassing to have to tell your friends, family, or significant other that "you didn't get the job because of your record again."

All in all I guess I'm just trying to point out the blatant discrimination that is happening not only here but all over our country. Not discrimination towards race, religious beliefs or even sexual preference but towards those of us who strolled down the wrong path once. I can sit in a room and look at everyone straight in the eye and ninety percent of the time Iwouldn't be able to tell you who has a record and who doesn't. I wish the rest of the world would see it that way.

Nicholas Moilanen

Brainerd

Bring back Jack Benny, Bob Hope

Recently Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League appeared on Fox News venting his frustrations with Bill Maher and his remarks on his HBO Friday program. One remark was in essence, "There is a far greater possibility that UFO's exist than God or Jesus. I'm sure the first thing that will pop up in some people's mind is, "Boy, those Christians sure have thin skin!" If you are not aware - in today's "New Age" persecution of Christians is on a dramatic rise. Yet, those who dare say unkind words about gays or lesbians, females or black people have found themselves in hot water up to their ears along with the possibility of losing their jobs, lawsuits or both. It matters not how ugly, obscene or demeaning Maher's remarks about Christians are. He is protected under the umbrella of free speech and the producers of his show evidently could care less.

Whatever happened to shows like George Burns and Gracie Allen or Bob Hope (although his jokes could be risque at times) and Jack Benny, who when asked the question "Your money or your life" would stand with no expression on his face and after a long pause would say "I'm thinking" and would have people roaring with laughter. Simplistic? Yes, there was a time when fun was clean and, not like today, with so-called comedians or comediennes who think by grabbing a body part of speaking of bodily functions or using the names of God and Jesus in vulgar terms in order to get people to laugh, have taken comedy down into the sewer. But, have you noticed one religion which Hollywood and TV stars handle with kid gloves...Muslims and the Quran! Will we continue to cower in corners too afraid to speak out? Peace, but at what price?

Dolores Zaske

Pine River

Planned Parenthood unchained

What motivated my friend in the Twin Cities to participate in the "March For Life" pro-life rally on Jan. 22? Was it because her younger sister, a high school student, received an unsolicited postcard from an abortion clinic in Dakota County offering its services?

These postcards went to many juvenile females at her school listing various confidential services offered to her and her partner - if she has one. The clinic also advertised its gift shop with some products that promote sexual promiscuity in my view.

When this student's mom called the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic to complain, they agreed to take her name off the mailing list. What list? Did someone at her school provide a list of prospective female customers to Planned Parenthood? Isn't that against our state law? Is targeting our teenagers with this ad campaign only the first step for pro-abortion forces to recruit more soldiers in their war against the unborn? God help our children! Vote Republican.

John Holley

Ironton