Open Forum: McCain cartoon was a slam on veterans

I read the Brainerd Dispatch every morning. The political cartoon on page 4A of the Feb. 7, 2008, issue was a real slam to all the veterans of our community and I found it to be very inappropriate! Coming on the heels of the Minnesota caucuses, the Dispatch's attempt at political persuasion is flagrant and distorted.

We live in a community that has a long history of military support to our Country. To publish such an arrogant slander against a specific presidential hopeful is without conscience and I think the Brainerd Dispatch has abused all of their Readers. A simple apology will not be enough for the damage that has been done. Objective presentation has been thrown out the door and we the public have been treated like we're very ignorant!

Allen VanLandschoot

Baxter

Belichick should study Dungy

I gave CNN a break Sunday night and was one of the 97 million that tuned in on the Super Bowl. I was kind of rooting for the "Brady Bunch" as I believe they are probably the best team the league has ever produced. The game itself did not disappoint me and was among the classic Super Bowl games ever played. The game was very competitive down to the very last second. Both teams had their chances but the deciding factor was that the Giant receivers wanted the game more than the heralded Patriot group. The best team on the field won the game.

I felt the only real loser in the game was Bill Belichick. At that level of competition, to walk off the field with time remaining on the clock is "bush" league. Bill should study the qualities of his colleague, Tony Dungy, and try to emulate him.

Don Weinmeister

Hillman

Is Vietnam a threat today?

The latest State of the Union message "The war in Iraq is vital to American interest" smacks a little of what we heard during the Vietnam War, "if all of Vietnam goes communist it will be a threat to our security." Does anyone feel threatened by Vietnam today?

Irving Morrissette

St. Paul

Please put action behind your words

With all of the conversation about our troops, you have to keep in mind that 250,000 men and women are deployed all over the world - not just Iraq and Afghanistan. Even if we were not at war, there would be 250,000 troops deployed. With that being said, it is important to put action behind the words "we support our troops." One such group did just that - the Interact Club from Brainerd High School. In January, a group of approximately 15 young men and women gathered at the distribution center for Operation Interdependence to pack boxes for the troops. As a result, 20 boxes were packed containing letters, toiletries, food, sports equipment, books and magazines that reached 1,000 men and women serving the U.S. (50 per box). As a board member for Operation Interdependence, I thank the Interact Club on a job well done in supporting our American men and women who are protecting each and every one of us.

Operation Interdependence supports 50,000 troops on a monthly basis with civilian rations and a letter from home. If you want more information go to www.oidelivers.org to see how you can help. We are always in need of goods, letters and money - so please put action behind the words "we support our troops" and help like the Interact Club - some of the finest young men and women in this area. One suggestion is to attend the Military Chili Cook-off Feb. 22 at 305 West Washington St. (3WI). Sample all the chili for $5 a bowl and then vote on your favorite chili. Bring a donation, goods and letters and join the fun. Thank you again for a job well done.

Rachel Cross

Baxter

Board member, Brainerd Distribution Center

Operation Interdependence, Inc.

DFL pleased with caucus turnout

Thanks to everyone who showed up to caucus on Tuesday night. Special thanks to the many people who caucused for the first time. Democrats showed up nation-wide in record-breaking numbers! More than 230,000 DFLers statewide attended a precinct caucus - triple the old record.

While some other states have primaries, where citizens show up to vote throughout the day; show up, vote and leave. Our state, among others, has a caucus. Minnesota's caucus is a party-building activity. It is designed for neighbors to gather and talk about the issues that concern them and to begin political party activities.

Neighbors elect delegates to move on to their county conventions, endorsing conventions, Congressional District conventions, the state convention and ultimately the national convention. Resolutions forming the party platform are received and discussed. Precinct chairs are elected.

On Super Tuesday Democrats filled the Brainerd High School and the Little Falls' Community Middle School. Crow Wing County Democrats cast 1,002 ballots and Morrison County 415 ballots in the presidential preference poll. This record high participation Tuesday night testifies to the hunger for change. People willing to brave a cold February evening and wait in long lines indicate the commitment to make that change. We welcome the hundreds of newcomers who caucused with us Tuesday night, and we encourage you to stay involved with your local party unit.

Tip O'Neil reminded us "All politics is local."

We look forward to an exciting 2008 and want to again thank all the Democrats who took a couple of hours out of their busy lives to participate in the DFL caucus Tuesday night. Thank you for supporting the Democratic Party in central Minnesota.

Marcia Ferris

Crow Wing County DFL Chair

Yvonne Leiser

Senate District 12 DFL Chair