Open Forum

Trespassing charges against Tucson's "Raging Grannies" have been dropped, according to the Brainerd Dispatch, Aug. 28.

Patricia Birnie and four other members of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom had tried to enlist at a Tucson military recruitment center. All between the ages of 65 and 81, the five Tucson "Raging Grannies" had offered to go to Iraq as replacements for their children and grandchildren serving there. Trespassing charges were made then against the protesters.

Their ingenious efforts to protect the Iraq War have been truly remarkable.

Surely, the United States would benefit from having more citizens who are as dedicated to peace as are the Tucson "Raging Grannies."

Elaine Jensen Chesley

Brainerd

What if Robertson was in power?

Listen to Pat Robertson and his fundamental crew when they are not in power. Imagine what they would do if they were. Inquisition time.

Helen Gangsei

Pequot Lakes

New perspective on work issues

The Brainerd School District and area schools are to be commended for providing the staff development symposium on Aug. 22. Dr. Willard Daggett presented a positive perspective for school change. His views concerning education are very relevant to bringing a 21st century perspective for dealing with current issues.

One of these major concerns relates to developing an area work force.

The Brainerd Area Chamber Workforce Development Committee is promoting a proactive initiative that supports economic and work force needs related to community development. Various sectors are being invited to partner in this effort. These partnerships will include contributions from business/industry, education, secondary and post secondary levels, support services from state agencies, economic and employment, Rural MN CEP, The Brainerd Workforce Center and Parents.

Concerns related to this initiative need study. The mission for the Workforce Committee supports development and implementing opportunities for a work force in the Brainerd lakes area to achieve personal and economic goals for all participants.

One of the major concerns relates to in-sourcing issues. This needs to be explored as it relates to the impact it has on work force development and the local economy.

If this sector is not utilized as a productive workforce contributor, it is especially significant as it represents a major part of the local labor force and is a major segment for economic and work force community development.

If out-sourcing is an issue for various labor force needs, this in-source aspect presents an off-setting development and adds opportunity for the sector. It is therefore even more significant that training and education be developed to bring a greater number of this group into the total work force.

Support and participation is being explored to bring these partnerships forward as a community development effort. Contact the Brainerd Area Chamber office for information and/or supporting interest.

Arlo V. Renschler

Retired educator

Ideal Township

Pequot Lakes

Supporting morality shows character

The writer in Tuesday's forum (Thomas tries to defend the president) should acquire an education in morality before deciding what is and isn't moral.

Because of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis dying at the hands of a "murderous tyrant" it is moral to be in Iraq. When one battles against war on terrorism, one slaps the faces of every soldier in Iraq, serving proudly; courageously. To say there was no terrorism in Iraq before the U.S presence is hypocritical. Any intelligent person knows Iraq was and is a breeding ground for terrorists. Obviously the Deerwood writer does not fit in this intelligent category. Islam's history is full of immorality, injustice and violence way back to at least 622; its beginning. It will be an uphill battle but the good fight must be fought against uncivilized tyrants who kill the innocent. This reader wonders if the Deerwood citizen has looked at the gas price today; around $2.79. If the U.S. was after Iraq's oil, we would have taken it, and we could. Gas prices would not rise so dramatically.

We're in Iraq for power? We already are the most powerful country in the world.

U.S. hegemony in the Middle East? If our aim was to dominate Iraq, the war would have ended after one week.

Sheehan loses credibility daily. A writer who said her son would be ashamed of her is correct. He died bravely as a hero. Sheehan mourned her son's death and then became a media puppet. A large portion of America supports the president and our mission in Iraq. If all media reported honestly, you would know this.

Supporting morality does not make one left or right. It makes one wise and of good character. Got character?

Ima Crois

Baxter

Youth leader encouraged by award

I am writing to send you my deepest thank you for the wonderful editorial. I am truly humbled by your kind words. You only encourage me to continue giving back to my community in hopes of making this a better place to live.

Your editorial has given people a sense of the real world, of the good that is going on in the community, and of the people who do or can perform these tasks. Your paper helps people understand the real deal of the good that people can do, instead of just what the big-time media wants people to know. I appreciate the fact that editorial pages give the public the opportunity to voice their opinion.

Thank you again for the kind words and for the hard work you do in the community. God bless you and America.

Caitlin Cross

Operation Interdependence Area Manager

Baxter