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Letters to the Editor

United Way makes a difference

To the Editor: There are countless ways the United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) impacts our communities. The program that has made a difference in my family’s life is the Imagination Library program. My two children, Georgia (7) and Boden (4) have been enjoying the program since they were born. Georgia has graduated from the program; however, still enjoys seeing Boden’s book come in the mail monthly. A little history for you. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program was launched to benefit the children of her home county (Sevier) in East Tennessee. Dolly’s vision was ...

Xcel Energy shuts down Sherburne County Unit 2 coal unit as grid reliability worsens

To the editor: The shutting down of coal, gas and nuclear power plants here in Minnesota and across the country are putting the citizens in future danger, especially with weather like we are experiencing. It’s become obvious after many years of experience that the solar panels and windmills cannot replace or meet current demands for electrical power that industries, businesses and residents require. We need to go back to a little over 8 years ago when then President Obama committed the United States to “unprecedented action against climate change” with sweeping new curbs on ...

A joke that’s reality

To the editor: In light of all the promises we will be subjected to this general election year, the following joke, for those along in life enough, to remember the old antenna wires, should provoke a few laughs and maybe some tears. Did you hear about the farmer, around 1960, who started getting a politician on every channel of his TV, even the ones that didn’t normally work? The repairman drove out to the farm, suspecting he was being played for a fool, but sure enough, there was a politician on every channel. He checked out the TV set, found nothing wrong with the tuner, so he ...

Slavery ‘cornerstone’ of Confederacy

Re: Haley knew what she was talking about (Jan. 4) To the editor: It’s amusing to see someone from the “Pacific Northwest” claim that the reason the Civil War was fought was taxes and tariffs the South resented having to pay when their economy was “good.” It is really funny that an economy can be good when the major income is produced by people who are not paid wages? Is owning people and fighting to maintain that status quo so entertaining and innocent? Gosh! How could anyone say that slavery had anything to do with the Civil War? Nikki Haley can perform her cowardly dance ...

The cause of the Civil War was slavery

Re: Haley knew what she was talking about (Jan. 4) To the editor: It’s disheartening that this letter to the editor is even necessary, but given recent defense of Nikki Haley’s whitewashed response to the cause of the Civil War, it’s important to note that there is no doubt that the cause of the Civil War was slavery. Don’t take my word for it. Take the words of the state of Mississippi, the second state to secede from the United States in 1861. As “A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal ...

Still time to make a difference

To the editor: As valued supporters of United Way of Southwest Minnesota, it is essential to keep you informed about how your donations are being invested in local programs and services. Rest assured that we take our responsibility very seriously and are committed to providing transparency and accountability in all our endeavors. Your donations focus on improving lives in areas like financial stability, hunger, education, health, safety and well-being. Our Community Partners know that the United Way of Southwest Minnesota expects accountability, transparency, and efficiency from ...