Open Forum

There was an article in the USA Today about which businesses are concerned about the controversial illegal immigration bill. The statement that immigrants do the work that Americans can't or won't do keeps popping up. Some of the industries worried about losing immigrant workers are hotels, restaurants, technology, nursing and construction. If that holds true, my question is, what jobs are Americans capable of and willing to do? In some fast food drive through restaurants, the order is given to someone overseas and relayed back to the kitchen. Apparently we aren't even capable of asking, "Do you want fries with that?"

Julie Pawlak

Hackensack

Pet adoption prices were incorrect

My name is Missy Wiskus. I am the acting shelter manager at the Morrison County Animal Humane Society. I have recently gotten phone calls about the affordable pets ad in your paper stating that our adoption prices are between $20 and $30. This is incorrect and we would like a retraction printed in your paper. If the paper would like to write about the Morrison County Animal Humane Society please contact me (Missy Wiskus) to verify information.

Thank you for your time.

Missy Wiskus

Acting shelter manager MCAHS

Lakes area is a great place to live

Congratulations to the Crow Wing County Fair Board, the Mills family and all others who helped build the new bandshell facility at the fairgrounds. I attended the inaugural celebration and enjoyed the great entertainment, food and fellowship. The bandshell is a wonderful addition and will be used for many events. Thank you for making our lakes area an even greater place to live.

I also want to congratulate Vern Lewis and his committee for the awesome job they did on the Project Play kids fishing contest recently held in Crosby. It was a fun and exciting event on a beautiful day. The hard work and organization put into the event was evident throughout the day. What a great family time for a wonderful cause! My family and I had a blast, thanks for the memories.

I have really enjoyed being at many community events and visiting with so many of you since session ended. From the Nisswa Turtle Races to area Memorial Day Services, CTC and Crow Wing Power Membership Meetings, Miss Brainerd Mackenzie Ross's sendoff to Flag Day celebrations, it has been my pleasure to talk with and listen to your feedback and concerns. I will continue to attend as many events as I can or please feel free to call me at home (or the Capitol) to let me know how I can better serve you. It is my privilege to represent you. Thank you for that honor.

Rep. John Ward

DFL-Brainerd, District 12A

A great day for World War II vets

Saturday I was one of the World War II vets that boarded one of the three buses going to the memorial dedication at St. Paul. It was apparent that a lot of time and preparation was put into this project. The American Legion, DAV, VFW and Purple Heart participated, plus the Salvation Army was there with coffee and donuts.

The Reichert bus No. 298 was hosted by a volunteer driver from the Crow Wing County Veterans Office. We were furnished with bottled water, pop, fresh fruit, ham sandwiches and chips. We were delivered to the registration tent and again received refreshments. Following registration we were presented with a W.W.II Memorial Medallion and given a personal thank you for our military service.

There was time for visitation and an opportunity to view the memorials. Colors were presented by an all military unit and the main program began. Gen.. Vessey and Gov. Pawlenty gave excellent recognition speeches.

This entire project was a great success and credit is due to all the participating organizations. Many thinks for making this a day we will remember.

Doug Splady

Brainerd

Bush went to war on his own

In response to a recent article I would like to point out a few things! Is this person going to say we weren't fighting an enemy in Korea or Vietnam? Wake up, these countries were battle areas in which being part of the U.N., the U.S. and many other countries were fighting communist aggression! Our enemies came from all over.

How many of these present deserters have political pull to get these kids off the hook like our president did? How about not listening to the U.N. council, and going to war on his own! How about WMDs? Where are they? What about "Mission Accomplished"? What mission? Another fact from this present administration is, George W. has 140,000 troops in Iraq! George W. has put almost as many private contractors in Iraq as troops! Over 100,000 plus contract employees coming from outfits like Halliburton, Dyn Corp, Blackwater, L-3, Titan, Custer Battles, Triple Canopy and Wackenhut. They are reaping billions of our tax dollars doing military work that the Bush/Cheney pentagon has outsourced. They also happen to be big dollar donors to Republicans and/or are run by executives with tight GOP ties!

Yes, I do hope the moderate and undecided voters do look very close at what's going on (low wages, job outsourcing, more lies,) to name a few of many items that we've been faced with, not to mention troop deaths, and troop wounds and injuries! God Bless Our Troops!

James Cummings

Nisswa