Open Forum

Ralph Nader refuses PAC and soft money.

He and Winona LaDuke will be in Minneapolis on Sept. 22 for a reception ($100 to $2,000 campaign contribution). RSVP Leslie Smith at (202) 265-0633.

That evening, Nader speaks with Michael Moore. Call (612) 332-7170 for tickets ($7 minimum donation).

Support truth, integrity and action!

Barbara Carlisle

Brainerd

Go Braves

The Brainerd Braves recently won the State Championship and several other honors as well. They were presented with the Sportsmanship award which was given to the team that exemplified good sportsmanship throughout the tournament, had several players named to the All-Tournament team and our very own Chris Studer was named MVP of the tournament.

If you are looking for an inexpensive family outing and want to surround your children with positive influences, I would encourage you to grab a cooler and bring your family to the ballpark and support the Brainerd Braves. You will have the opportunity to watch a group of young men play a game they love and have a lot of fun doing it. You will see these same men support each other during good times and bad both on the field and off. My daughters have grown up watching these players play ball and have learned so much about life by getting to know them both on and off the field.

Congratulations, Braves! And thanks again for all the good times and for helping me make memories for my children.

Tina Beyer-Hood

Pillager

Power of the Internet

When the opportunity arises to make a lasting and positive difference in our community, local leaders need to seize that opportunity and run. We now have the chance to bring the economic and educational power of the Internet to District Four like never before.

Recently, the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development announced that it will offer $1 million in matching funds for Technology Catalyst grants. The Legislature set aside this money last session to encourage rural Minnesota to develop wireless and fiber optic Internet access systems. Local units of government, including cities, counties, townships, and recognized Indian tribal governments, are welcome to apply.

Internet access would allow District Four to take part in the economic and educational benefits that new technology can bring. Wireless technology in particular could help us level the playing field for less money. A wireless antenna can be placed on a city water tower, and could reach across lakes and through forests to give rural residents access to high-quality service without having to lay cable.

Of course, these matching grants are competitive, and the application deadline -- Nov. 15 is fast approaching. I urge local government officials and residents to work together in the next two months to make this grant program a part of their ongoing Internet development strategy. With the right vision and planning, we can put this collaborative opportunity to work for us. Please contact Connie Ireland of DTED at (507) 389-1896 or connie.ireland@state.mn.us for more details.

Anthony G. "Tony" Kinkel

Senator, District 4

Oil shortage

In 1992 we imported about 40 percent of our oil needs from foreign sources.

After eight years of the Clinton/Gore administration we now import about 60 percent of our oil needs from foreign sources. They have made us even more dependent upon the whims and fancies of foreign governments.

Why would they do such a dumb and potentially dangerous thing? I can

think of two possible reasons.

1. They are intellectually challenged.

2. They know what they are doing and fully intend to bring on an economic crisis. Since Al Gore has published his book blaming all the worlds problems on the internal combustion engine, I suspect a combination of the two reasons.

For eight years Clinton/Gore and the Democrats have told us they are working really hard for "the people." Why then would they lead "the people" down the road to an energy crisis? They had plenty of opportunities to open up for development our own known huge oil deposits. They chose to oppose further development thus making us increasingly dependent upon other nations.

It appears to me that these people, being socialists, fully intend to

bring down this once great capitalistic nation. They'll probably blame "big oil" for the crisis and then insist the government must take over the energy industry to solve the problems. Hopefully, "the people" are beginning to realize that government policies, and not "big oil", are to blame for these crises. The British people have.

There is an election coming up. Hopefully, we "the people" will elect a new government that is not ashamed of and opposed to our nation being the strongest and most powerful on earth. A government that believes we "the people" are capable of and responsible for our own lives and behavior, while continuing to help the truly needy.

Ralph E. Kant

Deerwood

Look to the future

Regarding the article about the proposed new Brainerd fire station, what an opportunity for Brainerd and Baxter to get together and build a substation at a location to better serve both north Brainerd and Baxter. Baxter has been concerned with this need for years and with the expansions to the north of both cities, the time is right! Parts of the unorganized area would also benefit by a substation located at closer proximity.

Look to the future and plan for better service to the whole community. I believe it would be cost effective, efficient for all and preferable to tearing down the existing fire station and rebuilding at that site.

Mary Koep

Brainerd