Open Forum: The bashing of teachers is getting old

Bashing our local teachers in the Vox Pox section of the Dispatch is getting very old. Making a headline about the teachers and then reflecting their pay, lack of ratifying a contract, etc., is getting old, as well. If the economy had not gone into the tank, if there had never been bonds passed for improvements to improve and or add a school, teachers' pay may not be an issue. There were others who led the charge to spend money! To single out the teachers all the time is not quite fair, in my opinion.

You get what you pay for and we have very good teachers. Perhaps, were our students more attentive, better prepared and buoyed in their education at home, teachers would have more time to teach. As it is, they have to teach to the middle with no child left behind. Our district produces good students and we should be proud of that. They accept a pretty big obligation of trust with the future of our children. That's no small task and it's a big responsibility. They deserve every penny they get. To constantly ridicule our teachers does little but cause hurt and anxiety for those who devote their careers for the cause of future generations. Who else among us can claim such a calling, such a responsibility? More support with less ridicule would go a long ways in our community. This is an investment that goes far and wide, often over-looked and undervalued. Again, you get what you pay for! If education has no value to you, you've lost your future.

Allen VanLandschoot

Baxter

Pass health care now

Since long before the last presidential election I have seen the need for health care reform. Unfortunately, instead of working together to provide affordable health care to our citizens, our lawmakers would rather turn it into a political campaign issue. I cannot afford to see my deductibles and monthly premiums continue to increase at an alarming rate. My paycheck is not increasing, it is shrinking due to health care costs. My employer cannot afford to absorb all the increases and is passing most of the increase on to the employees.

I am sick of all the politics. How about our congressmen all getting together and doing something for the working people of this country. We are incredibly close to passing real health reform. I stand with President Obama in calling on Congress to finish the job. Pass the health care bill now.

Doreen Mahoney

Nisswa

Who really rules this country?

Has it come to the point in our country where a minority group can overrule our military by demanding the repeal of a standing law of Don't ask, don't tell? Our American military with over 200 years of experience, expertise and discipline is now being confronted by a powerful gay rights lobbying group backed by George Soros. Evidently, gays feel their rights succeed all others. According to our Constitution the only rights we are guaranteed are those of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Let me reiterate, I do not hate gays and lesbians as individuals but am alarmed by their activist organizations who, in an increment fashion, have forced their lifestyle into every niche of our lives. Many of our military leaders are most reluctant to have this law repealed for fear of opening a Pandora's Box especially during the time of war with the possibility of even undermining the safety of this country (a thought which will be scorned) but, that doesn't seem to phase this group in the least because it is all about them. Seemingly, they have full support of President Obama and a number in Congress who, in their continuing fashion of arrogance insist they know that is best for we, the citizens of this country who are deemed ignorant. Undoubtedly, I will be thoroughly lambasted for my views but how aware are you of how homosexuality has pervaded not only our government, but public schools and churches. The Hate Crime Law has at its core some very troubling possibilities that in the future a pastor speaking in defense of our Christian beliefs against homosexuality could be arrested. Why? Quoting Biblical scripture telling that homosexuality is a sin would be considered discrimination against gays and lesbians. Never? Never is a long time!

Dolores Zaske

Pine River