Open Forum: Shock and disbelief regarding the cranes

I just want the young men who were shooting at the cranes at my sister's home Monday morning and killed one that I'm praying for you. I'm praying you turn yourselves in and face the consequences for such malicious, hateful behavior. I'm praying that God softens your heart and you would have no interest in doing such evil deeds ever again.

This pair of cranes had been coming to my sister's home for the past 8 years we figured. It had turned into a "spring ritual" to hear that the cranes had arrived. We then knew a baby crane would soon arrive.

You now have taken that joy away from us as cranes usually mate for life and the veterinarian said - she can't be sure if it will find another mate or not.

Such a simple joy to have my sister call and tell me the cranes had arrived and in a matter of a few minutes - you took it all away. Why? What possible thrill could that bring to your life?

Still in shock and disbelief.

Nancy Reseland

New Ulm

A serious political blunder

It appears Brainerd taxpayers are going to take back their city. It was very gratifying and a wonderful experience listening to the citizens voice their concerns and dissatisfaction with the council decision to cut off the street lights without regard to public safety and not notifying the citizens.

My motion to turn on the lights was defeated by council member Koep, Fisher, Nesheim and Cumberland. It could be said this was a serious political blunder to vote against the Brainerd taxpayers.

I have offered several items in the expenditure budget that could be reduced, and would not affect the safety, health and welfare of our citizens. The council was not interested in discussing my budget reductions or approving them.

I have learned throughout the years, the financial mentality that is prevalent among my colleagues is vastly different from the financial mentality that I have witnessed in the private sector.

My current term on the council began Jan. 1, 2001. During these years I have voted against eight of the last nine budgets because of unnecessary and wasteful spending.

The taxpayers of Brainerd will again have the opportunity to voice their concerns about city government at the ballot box in November 2010.

There are four positions up for re-election this fall, Mayor Wallin, Alderman-at-large Cumberland, Second Ward Alderman Bevans and Fourth Ward Alderman Fisher.

I've not won any popularity contests with my colleagues or city staff while serving on the Brainerd City Council. This does not concern me.

The citizens of Brainerd have elected me to represent them to the best of my God-given ability, which I have tried to do. End of story.

Bob Olson

Brainerd City Council member

Traditional marriage important

Living in an era of sexual deviancy, many try to confuse us with arguments leading us away from foundational principals that have made our country. Traditional marriage is often overlooked as to its role and importance in our society. While marriage is a biblical concept; one man and one woman, others have attempted to destroy marriage by trying to redefine it. But then it is no longer marriage, it is something else.

I believe that you cannot be truly pro-life and not be pro-traditional marriage. The original purpose of marriage is rooted in human biology and psychology, and is evidenced in the laws of earlier civilizations. Marriage exists because the sexual union of a man and a woman, often results in children. Throughout history, leaders in many cultures maintained that a man and woman had a responsibility to raise the child they had created. The marriage contract also served to protect their offspring by bringing the father into a legal relationship. A mother bearing children naturally bonded women physically to her child; a social contract reinforced the bond of the father to his children. Understood as a publicly recognized legal sexual relationship between one man and one woman, marriage accomplished several things: children received benefits of having both biological parents, and society did not bear the responsibility of financial or civic support for orphans. The traditional family is what is best for children. Traditional marriage is the very bedrock and cornerstone of America, and is what has made us great.

Being pro-life and pro Biblical marriage is an important societal position both spiritually and politically. Life is our most fundamental "inalienable" God given and constitutional right. And how we care for life especially our children with marriage is equally as important.

Pastor Steve Erickson

Pointway Church

Baxter

An exceptional concert

On Sunday, July 11, we attended the excellent Lakes Area Chamber Music Festival concert (www.lakesareamusic.org) in Little Falls. Our daughter had recommended this group to us last summer. These young people (primarily students at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.) are led by Scott Lykens of the Brainerd/Nisswa area and are exceptional. Their next concert is Sunday, Aug. 8, 3 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. (Free will offering.)

David and Angele Larson

Longville