Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words. To call in a comment, dial 829-2900 or 1-800-547-2909 then enter code 8008. To e-mail a comment, write to voxpop@brainerddispatch.com. Comments, which must meet the newspaper's standards of fairness and good taste, may be edited for clarity, length and libel.
Bad dream?
So are legislators going to get to work on the budget now that they have paid back the MCCL by getting the "Women Are Stupid" bill in Minnesota and the NRA with the new "conceal and carry" bill? What a comfort, knowing women are losing control over their personal lives and people sitting all around me are armed. Is this still Minnesota, or is this a bad dream?
Why deer opener?
I am reading about all the budget cuts that (Gov. Tim) Pawlenty is proposing to make, such as closing the state hospital by 2007. So why is he proposing a deer opener so he can have one like the fishing opener? People are going to hunt deer regardless if he has an opener or not. Are we cutting budgets all over the place so he can throw a really big bash for himself for deer opener? That's not where I would like my hard earned tax dollars going to work.
Women's Right to Know
In the interest of non-discrimination and since the "Women's Right to Know" bill has passed, how about an amendment that would require a 24-hour waiting period for men seeking vasectomies? A doctor would have to give a patient verbal and written information on possible side effects of a vasectomy. Pharmacists also should be required to provide information about the proper use of condoms and the failure rates of condoms, while those purchasing condoms should be required to wait 24 hours before doing so. Additionally, a 24-hour waiting period should be imposed before a prescription for Viagra could be filled.
Welcome to Baxter
Nice sign on bypass, warms the cockles of the heart. Soon, more greetings, signs of all the commercial enterprises and confused drivers. Where is Brainerd, lakes, trees, Paul Bunyan? No visitor center or park? A slogan contest might be an idea. Baxter, Land of 10,000 Retailers, Realtors, Financial Institutions and No Plan. Really now, what difference would a supercenter make? ... The old Wal-Mart building could be occupied by another bank or mortgage company. ... Where is Brainerd? That's over there where the bars and the fire stations are. The city planners always just said no to any new additions. Welcome to Baxter. Looks almost as good as Fridley.