Open Forum

This letter is in opposition to the proposed DGPS tower. We are not convinced this tower could not have detrimental side effects to the populace, wildlife and ground water supply.

Do we really want to risk unknown health hazards, which surface years later, as was the case with lead-poisoning, chemical and asbestos related diseases, by acting in haste?

Towers should not be near residential areas. Furthermore, this tower, with its accompanying light pollution, should not be in a location where tourism is crucial to the economy.

We were told our area is already covered by a tower located near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Eliminate the redundancy and do not erect another tower just because it is available.

Raymond and Beverly Westby

Merrifield

Mosquito issue

An estimated $110,649 was listed as a starting tax dollar figure required to fund a possible local mosquito control program for this summer. (Dispatch, March 21) Wouldn't that $110,649 be just the beginning?

Brainerd and Baxter future expansion plans are somewhat uncertain. If annexation plans are carried out, surely more funds will be needed for necessary city expenditures. Mosquito control is not one of those necessities!

Our Brainerd City Council will hold a discussion on the issue at city hall on Monday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. Attend the meeting, if possible.

Please contact city council members. Let them know that individual families can take responsibility for their own protection against mosquitoes. We definitely don't want our precious tax dollars wasted on mosquito control misadventures!

Elaine Jensen Chesley

Brainerd

Reality check needed

On Sunday, March 26, 2000, I was reading your newspaper, when I became upset. I read your Open Forum column and was appalled.

I believe this Steven Spaid needs to get a reality check. Just because Nisswa is a "small town" doesn't mean nothing can go bad there. Do I have to remind him of all the kids bringing guns to school and all the school shootings? That alone should be a reminder that even the smallest town cannot escape crimes and horrible murders.

As for the police officers, this guy needs to look into his information a little deeper. Police officers in the state of Minnesota, have to have at least a two-year degree, go through an operational skills, and pass the POST test, to even be considered for a job. I believe police officers are underpaid for the job that they do. They're not here to only give us speeding and DUI tickets, they're here to serve and protect us.

I don't think Steve Spaid would've objected to the police officers actions, if he was the one being held up by gunpoint in his "small town."

Police can make mistakes, but Steve Spaid believes they shouldn't, or maybe just not with his son.

I've had my problems with the law, as any young person has. But yet I continue to support the police and sheriff departments for the fine work that they do. It's time for people to look at the good they're Police department does for them. Not just the bad. Maybe Steve Spaid should watch "Cops," "America's Most Wanted," or go for a ride along with the police officers. He could then see the officers treated his son like all other suspects. Steve Spaid should be ashamed of his self, and thank you to all Police departments for doing a great job!

Kathy L. Grewe

Brainerd

The drug war

There is a war that is being fought, here on our own soil. It's a war fought by Americans, against Americans. It's a quiet war, intentionally kept quiet because if the public knew its details, they would not support it. The war is against drugs, and we have been fighting it since the '70s.

Internationally, the United States is anti-drug. Strange then, the U.S. also uses more drugs per person than any other country. Nationally, the U.S. is divided sharply. Whatever opinion you behold is your own, and Americans are very proud of what they think is right. It's a difficult task to change the mind of an American. Most people have been indoctrinated to think drugs are bad, this leads to the belief that a war against them is just. The logic behind this is only sound if it's analyzed with a minimum of thought. If your stance is drug reform, then you probably know how this war is really fought. And are not satisfied with the current results.

This is not a letter that has a full solution to the drug problem in the states. This letter only has an idea for the first step to victory. We must listen to each other. Opinions must be spoken, and the listeners must be tolerant and accepting of new ideas. The bureaucracy has not been able to find a working solution to the problems that drugs cause in some people's lives. Perhaps a solution could trickle up through the governmental hierarchy, from the people. After all, not all good ideas are created in Washington, many a great idea has come from the people.

Mick Moriarty

Aitkin