Open Forum

"When any group resorts to lies to try to make a point, they are of all people most bankrupt in morals and integrity". Thank you ' Liberty or Death ' writer April 29, you have just described George W. Bush exactly.

Do the supporters of the war even remember the reason for going to war, or has the reason changed so many times that it doesn't even matter to them. Weapons of mass destruction were a lie so on to the liberation of Iraq. When it was apparent that we were not openly greeted as told we would be, then the tune changed and rightfully so, to occupiers..

What a proud moment in U.S. history. It is 2004 and we overthrew a country just because we felt like it. It is wrong, and half of us know it. The other half are emboldened by a me first, bullish attitude with no regard for sanctity of life or laws.

Explained away with Bushisms, the 'Liberty or Death' writer sounded like a brainwashed American full of fear. She used a quote from the Revolutionary War as a place to launch criticism of those of us against Bush and his war. How ironic. It is people like her that would never have the guts to think for themselves and therefore change or overthrow government. Not very revolutionary-like to blindly follow a corrupt leader and condemn those who won't.

Gabrielle Monroe

Baxter

Fire chief resigns

One council member said she was sorry to see it. The mayor would like to not accept it. He went on to say that "certain" department members make it hard for a chief to do his job. "The tail is wagging the dog." In all matters concerning the fire department or the departments relief association, the city's governing body has the final say. So how did "certain" members ever gain such power? The city gave it to them, that's how.

As a member through the 1980s and part of the 1990s, I watched as these "certain" members became more and more arrogant with their power. In the early 1990s "certain" members went so far as to change relief association by-laws under false pretenses. They also failed to get city council approval before implementing them, something they are required by law to do.

When it was later pointed out to the city council that these things had happened, they chose to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the problem. By doing that, the city council all but told "certain" members that legal or not, they could do whatever they wanted.

The city council has two lessons to learn:

1. You do reap what you sow

2. The more you scratch a big dog's ear, the harder he wags his tail.

E. Ike Isackson

Brainerd

Living "the Word'

In response to the homophobic forums that use the Bible to justify banning gay marriage: I wonder if you, the writers of said forums live completely by

"The Word"that you so freely use for condemnation and discrimination? Take my quiz to see.

1. Have you eaten shellfish? Leviticus 11:10 states this is an abomination.

2. Enjoy bacon or ham? Leviticus 11:7 states that pig should not be eaten.

3. Ever worked on the Sabbath? Exodus 35:2 states not only should you not, but you should kill those who do.

4. Ever sat near a menstruating woman? Leviticus 15:19-23 says you should not. By the way, it may be hard to tell a menstruating woman from a non-menstruating woman.

5. Check your shirt tag. Cotton/polyester blend? Leviticus 19:19 states that wearing fabric of more than one thread is sinful.

Any person who answered yes to any question, yet continues to use the Bible to oppress is a hypocrite. While most of us have evolved past Old Testament thinking: not selling our daughters into slavery (Exodus 21:7) and no longer sacrificing bulls (Leviticus 1:2-3), there are still those who are condemning with a passage or two, yet do not comply with the whole text.

Let's all open our minds and see that in the year 2004 we are not allowing our full population to live equally. Marriage for all couples does not give anyone special rights, only the same rights. Just as most people view slavery (also once justified biblically) with abhorrence, so will our children reflect with disgust the treatment of gays and lesbians in today's society. Let's strengthen families by giving all families equal protection under the law, protection that only comes with marriage rights and privileges.

Kaylo Brooks

Brainerd

Bush should apologize

President Bush should get down on his knees and apologize to the entire world for starting the war against Iraq. From the beginning it was wrong. Now that the news has broken about the terrible treatment his troops have given to their prisoners he should pull all troops out and cut his losses. How can we expect the world to view the United States?

Our country has done things in the past that I can only rationalize by thinking that they were done long ago before people knew better. There is no excuse now for what is going on.

How can we instill good values in our children when the people they look up to do what is wrong? In my opinion war is never a way to settle any thing, but we should at least follow the worldwide guide lines. Like my father always says, "Two wrongs don't make a right."

The United States of America is a wonderful country and I love it. Just the fact that we are free to voice our opinions is priceless, I just hope that we can all learn from this and never repeat what has happened.

Cynthia Grimm

Brainerd

Rebate help available

The AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer Group will be offering free assistance with Minnesota's Renter/Property Tax Rebate forms, by appointment, at the Brainerd Public Library on the following Fridays; May 14, June 11, July 9, and August 13, 2004 from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.. To schedule an appointment please call RSVP at 218-824-1345.

Charles Jorgensen

AARP District Coordinator

'Pride and Prejudice'

Thank you to the members of the community for the compliments on the high school's production of "Pride and Prejudice." As a senior cast member, it's a very flattering way to end my high school drama career. Maybe even next year the BHS administration and Brainerd School Board will grace us with their presence (and possibly a proper auditorium in the future?)

Hannah Burchill

Brainerd