Open Forum

When our country is in need, Mexico has disappeared! Since Sept. 11, the world is not the same. It's quite true that when times are tough you see who your true friends are. Mexico is very conspicuous in their non-support of our needs in trying times. Many other countries are with us and fully support the United States in our response to the horrible atrocity brought upon us on Sept. 11. Mexico does not support us and they feel no obligation to help. Think again before you spend your vacation dollars in Mexico! We, in the United States, misunderstand the reaction that our generosity sometimes engenders. Our wealth is often despised. Our country is the envy of the world. The global community is starting to draw its own lines of support and Mexico is absent. We should take notice.

Allen VanLandschoot

Baxter

The wrong impression

From age 2 -- nearly 30 years ago -- when I was included in an "Elect Steve Wenzel" campaign photo, to my current work as a consultant to state government, I have always been interested in politics. More specifically that of District 12B -- the area I will always call home. The people of this district are hard-working, generous, and accustomed to honesty in their public servants. This expectation should not be compromised.

Watching the election for my uncle's seat, I am concerned that Ms. McLennan is giving the wrong impression about her connection with Rep. Wenzel. For example, in her "Open Letter to the readers of the Morrison County Record" (August 26, 2001) she states that she has "worked actively with Steve Wenzel ... for several years." Again, on Oct. 4 in the Record, she stated, "Representative Wenzel and I share the same views on issues." These statements are misleading and simply untrue.

As someone who is very close to Steve Wenzel and his work, I know that Ms. McLennan has never been a part of his campaigns or efforts for 12B. Not for the farmers, businesses, pro-lifers or sportsmen and women. It is troubling to me that she would try to benefit from Rep. Wenzel's work and reputation.

Citizens of 12B, please consider the type of leadership you have become accustomed to. Integrity, honesty, hard work and commitment have been the centerpiece. Are these values being demonstrated in this campaign?

In 1972 you sent a 24-year-old school teacher with no previous experience to St. Paul. For 15 elections you trusted his character and performance enough to send him back to continue his work.

12B needs honest representation. You are used to it. You deserve it!

Dennis A. Wenzel

St. Paul

A former Randall resident

Response to Oct. 9 letter

That wasn't Junior holding that news briefing. It was the president of the United States. And he was telling you and I and the rest of the people in the United States about the first air strikes in the war against terrorism. I was glad he didn't, and I was watching a game too.

I've known some dyed-in-the-wool sports fans, but you are beyond belief. What you are saying is that had the planes hit the Trade Center towers on a Sunday afternoon, the news media should have waited 'til halftime, or better yet, 'til your precious game was over, to report it to the public. Or maybe some of those terrified passengers who were about to die, could have convinced the hi-jackers to fly around and take a little scenic tour and not hit the towers 'til the game was over. Does all that make sense to you?

You need to get a life.

Roger Carlson

Nisswa

Breakfast with Dad

To Lutheran Social Services, Country Kitchens and Service Drug:

Thank you very much for providing a low-cost meal and a very good one at that for my father.

He is 91 years old. I'm 57 and live with him. He enjoys getting out of the house to have lunch. He is a late riser at around 10 or 11 a.m. and is not ready for lunch till 2 p.m. or so. He likes to sit in a booth with me for about one hour and eat real slow. This makes his day. We went to the First Avenue Cafe in Crosby and were told they are not having the LSS meals, at least not for now. We have gone to Country Kitchens seven times in the last two weeks, and the meals have been very good. I love my Dad and am thankful for this service so he can have it "his way."

Sue Blom

Ironton