Open Forum:

To respond to the claim in Monday's Dispatch that global warming is the largest fraud ever perpetuated on mother earth would be to react on grounds of provocation. Appropriate response to such fallaciousness consists of a headshake and a coffee sip, followed by a page turn and forward progress.

The science community has reached a consensus on the threat of anthropogenic global climate change. Northern hemisphere temperature increases since the 19th century have been unprecedented in the last 1,000 years, and post-industrial revolution carbon dioxide levels are 100 ppmv greater than pre-industrial levels of 280 ppmv. Using reliable climate model programs, the IPCC predicts that the earth's temperature could increase up to 6.4 degrees Celsius by 2010, stressing ecosystems, raising sea level, and intensifying water cycles. Find plenty more proof at http://www.aip.org/history/climate/.

No one wants to be the reactor, and if it takes provocation, then the situation is probably quite grim. This December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen to proactively address global climate change. If the United States does not actively participate in a preventative solution now, then my generation and your children and grandchildren's generation will be forced to react. No one wants to be provoked by drowning cities, unbearable drought and flood, or a failing ocean conveyer belt, and as much as I don't want to be provoked by a letter to the editor, the situation is that grim.

Do not find yourself being a reactionary. Join the progressive movement to mitigate the causes and effects of anthropogenic global climate change. Insulate your home, walk to the store, cash in your gas-guzzling clunker, and demand sustainability from our elected and appointed officials. Proactive change starts today with a nod of your head, a sip of your coffee, a turn of the page, and personal forward progress.

Ashley A. Ver Burg

Brainerd

'Under Our Skin' to be shown

The documentary Under Our Skin will have showings again in Crosslake, due to public demand. The following schedule has been set and has been posted at the Lyme display at the Crosslake Community Center:

Tuesday, July 28 - 6-7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 11 - 6-7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 - 6-7:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 -1-3 p.m.

Dr. Bob Uppgaard

Pequot Lakes

Stop the crazy spending

I am guilty of staying silent too long, of being frustrated and doing nothing because I didn't think it would matter. I am afraid for our country. Our so called leaders are bankrupting our country and leading, no, make that pushing us towards socialism, playing politics with our lives and livelihoods and we are letting them. I am not talking as a Democrat or a Republican, I am an American. How dare politicians vote on bills that they have not even read, understood or has all kinds of unrelated crap attached to it. Where did politicians get the idea that they get to have what they want? They work for me! If you vote for someone because of a R or D behind their name, shame on you. I have done it, I am sorry, I will never do it again. Alone we can do nothing, together they must listen to us. I am going to, and I ask you to join me in writing to every one of the politicians that supposedly represents us and demand that they stop the crazy spending, the bailouts, the appointment of czars and any change that does not make sense. Elections have consequences, we are getting change, God help us we are getting change. I pledge to you that I will pray, I will write and I will do whatever it takes to elect honest people that work for us and I will also do whatever it takes to vote out those that are working for their own or lobbyist interest. Will you join me?

Keith Riedel

Brainerd

Common lies on health care

One of the most common lies about health care in this country is that it's the Best In The World. In fact, in many areas it's far from the best in the world. Best implies there's nothing better and that's simply not the case. The cost we pay in this country is hardly what one would call the best. True, we have the most expensive but that's hardly a top spot we really want to hold. Profits for the insurance companies are some of the highest in the world, not a title we seek to hold either. CEOs and other executives of those same insurance companies make some of the highest salaries in the world too, but do we really have anything to brag about there? These profits and salaries come from the premiums we all pay and not from some magical money machine.

If paying the highest price bought us the best care in the world, we would have something to feel satisfied about. Again, not the case. Infant mortality, cancer and an epidemic of obesity are just a few areas we are not doing our best' with. Another lie that is repeated over and over especially by elected representatives blocking reform.

Is it any wonder resistance to reforming of the health care system comes so loudly from members of Congress who collect untold millions for their campaign funds. Current Senators McCain, (R), $8.6 million; Sen. Arlen Specter, (R/D), $4 million; Sen. Johnson, (R), $3.8 million; Baucus, (D) $2.8 million; Santorum, (R) $2.8 million; McConnell (R) $2.7 million.

Get the picture? Is it any wonder we hear slow down, too expensive and socialism. Who would replace these huge amounts in their campaign coffers. Let's not forget who pays for the contributions you and me! No lie!

Jim Grimes

Crosby