Open Forum

I'll make it short.

God bless "all" true American Patriots, especially, Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin.

Ray Byrd

Merrifield

Public access work could wait

I'd like to voice my opinion on the DNR's proposal of closing the public access on North Long Lake, Sept. 6. They have said they were going to do some updating at the access. We have no problem with updating, but with the timing. the access is the only one on the lake that is capable of handling large boats. We would like the DNR to consider waiting until Oct. 1., so everyone would have the time to remove their boats for the winter. There should be ample time for any work to be done then.

David Betland

Brainerd

Everyone deserves a chance

The federal Department of Education is examining "for-profit" universities and Trade-Schools to see if their graduates get a good enough job after graduation to pay back their student loans. I can understand the goal that the education received should result in a useful, good-paying job that would allow for paying back the loan. The schools should not "over-sell" the value of the education. However, if entrance standards are raised, fewer students will get a chance to be educated.

Perhaps a more important question is: " Does the education received equip the graduate for a good-enough job to keep them off of the welfare rolls?" It may well be that the cost of all of the entitlement programs, for which an unemployed person is eligible, is larger, on an on-going basis, than the amount of the student loan. It is suggested that this approach be evaluated by comparing the relative financial condition of a graduate with a comparable person that is considered unqualified to seek an advanced education.

It certainly is frustrating as a taxpayer to see the large number of students that do not pay back their loans. It is also frustrating to see so many people on welfare. A determination needs to be made of which bad situation we should be more tolerant. My own feeling is that everyone deserves a chance even if it doesn't work out.

Chuck Hagberg

Crosby

The best photographers

You can say what you want about the Brainerd Dispatch, but they have three of the best photojournalists anywhere around.

Bill Marchel's pictures of animals and wildlife can't be beat. Steve Kohls' picture of people and everyday life are so true. Then you have Kelly Humphrey's whimsical and beautiful photos of a bee buried deep in a flower to get a sip of honey. A little green frog peeking out from under a leaf. The full moon shining over the Northern Pacific shops was just awesome.

Thank you Dispatch.

Coralie Warner

Brainerd