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Letters to the Editor

First Amendment not being honored

To the editor: “Why publish hate speech?” was a Public Forum letter published in reply to my concern that the rainbow flag remains in the Marshall Middle School, despite the lawsuit settlement that declared the flag, “not viewpoint neutral.” Isn’t “hate speech” words that show disregard and disrespect for others? I did not write about my hatred for the LGBTQ community or those who support them. My concern is that our First Amendment rights, which provide equal respect for all beliefs, are not being honored in our Marshall schools If the flag for the “Fellowship ...

Never going to have squeaky-clean air

To the editor: A Jun 16, 2023 Salena Zito column said: “Between 2010 and May 2019, 290 coal power plants, or 40% of the U.S. coal-generating capacity, closed permanently..” while a 2022 report stated: “China is on track to build 43 coal-fired power plants and 18 blast furnaces powered by coal over the next few years to support the country’s economic expansion.” I suppose so that they can sell us more solar panels, inverters and wind turbines so we can be “Carbon Free”. Here in Minnesota we’re on track to build new power lines to bring wind turbine and solar power ...

Why publish the hate speech?

To the editor: As sure as Spring becomes Summer, one can always count on the annual anti-LGBTQ Letter to the Editor from Ms. Madetzke and this year is no exception. Every Summer (and at other times of the year), we are treated to her bible-laced opinions on this subject, which are beginning to sound like a broken record. I believe that there is a verse of the Bible that says something to the effect of “judge not, lest you be judged.” A true Christian should take this as a design for living and not be so overly concerned about a flag that is meant as a sign of peace when there are ...

Community dialogue before school year starts

To the editor: Jim Muchlinski’s recent “Opinion” column (7/15/23), “Radical parents shouldn’t be allowed to dictate school policy”, included his thoughts on the debate over the display of the Rainbow Flag at the Marshall Middle School. Jim felt positive that the disagreement over this “moral issue” did not “come from a national special interest group” but “from the grass roots.” His suggestion: “Let our local community have a dialogue and hopefully come together for a mutually acceptable solution.” I think the parents of the Middle School ...

Vote yes on aquatic center

To the editor: On behalf of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, we fully support the extension of the sales tax that will go towards the development of the new Marshall Aquatics Center. At our June Board meeting, the Board voted 15-0 in full support of this initiative. The Board’s decision making with this vote was clear. A new aquatics center in Marshall is seen as an amenity for not only the residents in Marshall but for others to make the trip to Marshall and take advantage of the many other offerings our great city has to offer. Additionally, this is ...

If I had a pipeline

To the editor: The possibilities are endless. So far, to me, most of the possibilities seem to lean toward the negative side. Everyone is for clean air, but at what cost? I have been to multiple carbon pipeline meetings, both informational and against the project. When the audience has the opportunity to ask questions, the answer to important questions usually falls into one of two categories, “I don’t know” or “I’ll find out and get back to you” so far I’ve never received a call back. Have you? Some of the questions are, “How much water will this take?” “How much ...