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Efficiency of fools

To the editor: Efficiency — Doing more or with less? Cut waste. Make it better faster. The leading cry of many administrations. In the extreme, it’s dangerous and rigged to benefit a few while we and the future pay a deadly price. DODE performed a lobotomy on a patient who had a broken arm, celebrating destruction in the guise of efficiency with a century of repercussions in lost trust, productivity, safety and taxes. .Efficiency apart from quality and sustainability is a bait and switch. Did the government firing thousands of people and rehiring some unqualified persons result ...

Questioning E85 pricing at gas pump

To the editor: Gas has gone up in price about $2 per gallon. Crude oil has gone up from $60 per barrel to about $110 per barrel and E85 has gone up $1.75 per gallon, but corn has stayed to around $4 per bushel. Corn grown locally and processed to ethanol in Marshall and Luverne has not gone up in price. There is no transportation cost so why the price gouging. Russ Pilegaard Ruthton

Thank you Lyon County Sheriff Department

To the editor: I want to send gratitude and thanks to Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. A radar sign reminding drivers on their way into Russell that the speed limit is 30 mph was set in place. I live on North 2nd Street in Russell close to the edge of our small town. Traffic passing by is never going 30 mph in either direction. Drivers travel above and beyond the speed limit. This street has multiple trucks traveling between gravel pits and dump off sites. This street has multiple ATVs and 4-wheelers driving above the speed limit. I am not a hater of drivers of any vehicle. I am ...

Dahms, Swedzinski failed in fighting fraud

To the editor: Re: Dahms, Swedzinski talk fighting fraud May 22 Representatives (Minn. Sen. Gary) Dahms and (Chris) Swedzinski are featured in the article discussing combating fraud in Minnesota. Both have massively failed the voters who elected them to protect our interests. To provide them a headline that implies they are somehow involved with the current fraud investigation and solutions is an insult to the taxpayers they failed. We elect our representatives to advocate for our best interests-regardless of party affiliation. An estimated $9B in Minnesota fraud is approximately ...

Time to address wealth inequality

To the editor: Wealth inequality in the United States has reached levels that should concern every American. While millions of working families struggle to afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and higher education, while a small percentage of the population continues to accumulate enormous wealth at a historic pace. Hard work should provide stability and opportunity, yet many full-time workers live paycheck to paycheck. At the same time, large corporations and the wealthiest Americans often benefit from tax loopholes and economic policies that widen the gap between rich and ...

Oh Say Can You See

To the editor: There are torn remnants of an American Flag whipping in the wind not far from my house. Bit by bit, the blasts consume it. Day after day, it rips and shrinks. Only a few Stars and Stripes still resist surrender. Symbols carry weight. High School Mascots. Wedding rings. Raised fists. The cross. They are reminders, commitments and calls to action. Each color, stripe and star of Old Glory carries meaning and expectations. The tattered flag did not happen overnight. The lack of care and respect is a symbol of surrender. Many have relaxed their allegiance to democracy ...