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Letters to the Editor

Let Sherco plant keep running

To the editor: The Dec. 5 ‘We cannot eat money’ letter focuses on serious health effects we will suffer if we allow coal fired power plants to inject sulfates into the atmosphere to reflect solar radiation. I am saying state government should let the Sherco plant at Becker MN keep running because: 1. You’re never going to have squeaky-clean air. The U.S. averages about 68,000 wildfires per year , according to NOAA. Volcanoes annually emit up to 25 million tons of sulfur dioxide. How is it that we can survive our state of Minnesota being blanketed in Canadian wildfire smoke, ...

Beware of fake news

To the editor: Unless you were on a mission to Mars, you probably have heard the “facts” related to the death of George Floyd and his trial. As is the case in many news stories, there was a rush to judgment. Liz Collin; former WCCO anchor had the courage to report what really went on in the days when Minneapolis was burning. For her efforts she was demoted and later quit the Good Neighbor to the Northwest. Just recently she produced a movie/documentary that shows, much like the newly released Jan. 6 videos, all the evidence that was omitted. Probably the most glaring lies were ...

We cannot eat money’

To the editor: I’ve noticed that Mr. Phil Drietz is pretty good at picking and choosing information to fit his chosen narrative. His latest letter (Dec. 1) is no exception, and in doing so he fails to communicate the full impacts the excessive use of fossil fuels has on us, our environment and our world. So, what happens when sulfates, nitrates, heavy metals and other particles created by burning coal end up in the atmosphere and environment? Well, some of those particles get into the human body by breathing polluted air, drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food ...

Ignoring greenhouse gas effects

To the editor: In the Independent on Dec. 1, Mr. Phil Drietz of Delhi submitted a letter. In martial arts, students learn to use their opponents strength against them. Mr. Drietz attacks science by using data provided by science. And, like a stage magician, he misdirects our attention away from the real science to help him make his point. Mr. Drietz lists the amounts of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane in the atmosphere. But he avoids discussing the effects of each of these gases. The percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere is hundreds of times that of carbon dioxide. ...

Anti-fossil fuel folk fueling global warming

To the editor: The Nov. 17, ‘Beef is a way of life’ said: “Well-managed grazing on perennial grasslands is our best and maybe our only hope of helping to mitigate climate change.” Actually, water vapor is the greatest greenhouse gas, comprising 1% to 3% of gasses in the atmosphere. Man-made CO2 is only about 0.0016%, and man-made methane is only about 0.00012% of the atmosphere. Over the last 15 years I have yet see a sensible explanation on how these micro-portions of methane and CO2 can jerk our weather systems around when the oceans contain 50 times more CO2 than the ...

Making a difference in multiple ways

To the Editor: I am writing to express my deep appreciation for the invaluable impact that United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) has on our community. In multiple ways, this organization has been a beacon of hope, support, and positive change, touching the lives of individuals and families in ways that often go unnoticed but are truly transformative. One of the key strengths of UWSWMN is its ability to address a wide range of community needs. Whether it’s providing access to quality education, promoting health and wellness, or supporting basic needs like food and shelter, ...