August 13, 2009

Republicans should refuse grant money
I received the August 6, 2009 Star News on Friday morning of last week. After reading it, I thought I was having a bad dream. Surely all those Republicans in Stetsonville are not going to accept a $2 million grant from that socialist government in Washington that we hear these Republicans maligning all of the time.
If I was Dave Obey, I wouldn’t give Stetsonville 5 cents. Let these Republicans who live in that community pay their own bills. But then, when it comes to money, Republicans seem to have no pride whatsoever. I can only say, I guess, that they simply have no self-respect when it comes to politicking. I had to laugh when I saw village president Greg Brunner accepting a replica of the $2 million check. I would have thought, knowing his community, that he would have accepted the check with his hand behind his back.
— Jack Nikolay, Abbotsford

Decker praises changes to hunting laws
It wasn’t that long ago we were hoping that the snow and ice would go away. Now we are already done throwing firecrackers and we’re starting to talk about hunting and the Packers. Hunting is a big part of our culture in Wisconsin and numerous bills this session have been passed or are under consideration to update our hunting rules to make it easier for hunters to enjoy their time in the woods.
On August 13, the governor will sign SB 167, a bill to start a mentored hunting in Wisconsin. The bill, authored by Senator Jim Holperin, passed the senate in June on a 26-7 vote. I strongly supported this bill because it will let families start teaching kids about hunting earlier in a safe way. It gets kids out in the woods to start enjoying one of Wisconsin’s best traditions.
The bill lowers the legal hunting age from twelve to ten, but puts additional safety measures in place for mentored hunters. It requires mentored hunters to be with a parent or other experienced, adult hunter. Only one gun or bow may be shared between the adult and the mentored hunter and the adult must always be within arm’s reach of the new hunter.
There are numerous other bills working their way through the legislature that could affect hunting as well. I have written a bill to make it easier for groups to hunt. The bill is SB 222 and it would allow a member of a group to kill a deer for another member of the group if the person for whom the deer is killed has an unused deer tag. It also gives the hunter one hour to let the other hunter know about the deer he or she got for the unused tag.
The bill would also eliminate the requirement that unloaded guns and bows be cased; putting Wisconsin in line with the vast majority of other states who do not require guns and bows to be cased.
I spoke to conservation wardens in states that don’t require hunters to case their guns and bows and they feel as I do, that for years hunters have proven to be safe and responsible.
Hunters frequently make short trips to get to a different hunting spot or take a deer back to camp. They should be given the choice to case their unloaded gun or bow. The bill does not change the fact that a gun must be unloaded while being transported.
All of these proposals would make hunting easier to enjoy and make sure families can keep this important tradition going for generations to come.
— Sen. Russ Decker, Schofield

Writer says to beware the threat from within
Terrorists world wide should relax and not bother trying to destroy our country, our own government is doing a great job without their help.
— Gerald Gums, Santa Anna, Calif.

Writer responds to comments about animal welfare
I wasn't planning to respond, as I was merely just pointing out and promoting the benefits of supporting rescued animals, and the societies that help them, wherein, the grey wolf was just used as an example. However, many acquaintances asked me to respond. Also, Mr. Edens ill-thought claims irked me a bit, as he felt compelled to attack me, rather than explore the true message of my letter, which was based on bettering society, has changed my mind.
I am in Seoul, South Korea, which, may be a ways away. You do have me on that. However, my legal residence is in Medford, has always been, and I will be returning soon to complete a Doctorate Degree in veterinary medicine. So, I do not believe I am misinformed.
"The large wolf population in the federal parks out west are killing off all of the local animals there." By large wolf population, you mean the current estimate of 2,600 wolves in the entire 50 United States, and 284 in Wisconsin and Michigan combined (even lower out West)? Or, do you mean the previous estimate, before any protection laws (the middle of the century) that had the count down to less than 300 grey wolves?
Why should HSUS provide fences for farmers? It is their responsibility to protect their commodities, in this case, cattle. Why do you get insurance? To protect you from unforeseen accidents and trauma. If not taking precautions for their animals physically, i.e. fencing, etc, how about purchasing insurance on their commodities? Anything that is worth money, I would insure right away. There are a plethora of low-cost options out there.
"I don't feel that the feds have the right to rule in local problems as long as they don't violate the Constitution." What about the Endangered Species Act? Shooting endangered animals clearly violates this, therefore, this statement is null and void. Furthermore, until any state, or area, secedes, the federal government does (and rightfully so), have jurisdiction over environmental protection laws.
"Why don't you deliver a pack of wolves to the judge ruling on the wolves and see how sympathetic he/she would be after the wolves killed their pets." Again, with the personal attacks. I'm sure the judge(s) take proper precautions.
"With all of the anti clubs you belong to, if you get meat or use leather products, you are a hypocrite to yourself and a traitor to the clubs you belong to." Again, this negative mindset is why Americans have a pompous reputation. You need to explore the mission statement of the organizations (not clubs) I belong to, and you will find the answer yourself. Anyway, why are organizations that help the welfare of animals considered "anti.” I can understand "anti-racism,” "anti-gun," "anti-prejudice," but "anti-helping of animals." I guess maybe "anti-abuse" or "anti-extinction," but really, is that the argument? All the registered organizations I belong to clearly identify themselves as supporting animal welfare. I defined this in my last letter. They promote responsible actions toward all animals on this planet. I have no issues with people eating meat, so long as the living being they are consuming was slaughtered humanely, not feeling pain. My qualms come in when people advocate torture in the slaughter of animals. This is extremely prevalent in "kosher meat," amongst many other situations. I personally very rarely eat meat due to my personal mindset, but what you consume is up to you. Just don't put the animals through unnecessary pain, and make sure where your meat is coming from. Maybe I am a hypocrite, but at least I define my beliefs, and stick to them.
I don't know how you got to the point of myself being a "tree-hugger." Again the negative connotations. This has absolutely no prevalence in the topic. To answer though, I do support the preservation of our wilderness and environment. Every day the temperature of the Earth is rising due to Global Warming. It is multiplied by the depletion of our wilderness, taking away not only the only source of our oxygen, but also, with all the greenhouse gases being expelled to eliminate our natural wildernesses for commercial development, we are creating havoc for our ecosystem. Sure, we will live in relative comfort, but what about our children, and their children. Should this be all about ourselves, or should we live in the mindset of “if it doesn‘t affect me, who cares?” Again, this issue of arrogance, pompousness, and negativity brought up by so many is aggravating. I also think taking it to the point of toilet paper, and other essential items is a little bit far-fetched, don't you? Not to mention, believe it or not, but many brands of TP now are biodegradable, and many are also recycled, lowering the necessity of the "market" you refer to.
The problem that lies herein is people's unwillingness to explore alternative options. I love my hometown, however, myself, and many, many other people, despise the narrow-mindedness of some people. Is it that farfetched to consider a solution that is ethical and positive, rather than negative (i.e. the wolves are killing some cows, so let's kill them off). People really need to consider more than one solution regarding issues. This is why we have a senate in this country, rather than a dictatorship. "By the people, for the people" is one of the staples that this country is built upon. We need to consider what is best for society at large, rather than for ourselves. This negative mindset is getting us nowhere as a society. Instead of this negativity, let's learn to adapt, and find a solution that is beneficial for all.
Please support your local humane society and animal rescue organization. If you would like to learn more about animal rescue and welfare, want to find out how to donate or help the cause, or want to get an idea regarding welfare, please feel free to contact me at helpkoreananimals@gmail.com.
— Ryan Goessl, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Encourages people to stand up to blustering rants
The temptation to take Ms. Osolkowski to task is held at bay by the realization that her blustery rantings are largely irrelevant. The party of scoundrels she favors is at least – or more – at fault for the mess we find ourselves in than the party she disdains.
As for me, on the one hand I’m glad we didn’t have to settle for John McCain as our President. On the other hand, I’m very disappointed with who we did get. I voted for McCain because I knew he wouldn’t trash the soul of who and what we are. I wouldn’t vote for the other guy because he is a man of no substance; an opportunistic impostor. People like Jack and Linda deserve him. Uninformed citizens elected him. The rest of us hope we survive the destruction resulting from his tenure. I hope we do and I hope we learn a lesson in the process.
The way I see it, there is a significant difference between folks like me and the likes of Jack and Linda. Folks like me consider it a privilege to be able to fight to preserve their rights. Folks like them will fight to see my rights turned into privileges. Before I was born I had the right to life. They disagree. I have the right to feel secure from having my country’s boundaries secure. They disagree. Etc.
You need to understand; I am not a Republican. I am fiercely independent. I was politically conservative before I ever heard of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or Glenn Beck or any of the others you can name. I do not go to them to find out what to think. Mostly I am quiet about these things but lately I feel the need to speak up. I noticed with some delight that when the votes were counted last fall, Taylor County as a whole did not elect Obama. Could it be that a few of us expressing our concerns in Vox Pop letters had an affect on that? Think about it.
So, I say to some who may be reading this, don’t be afraid of them just because they are rude and loud. Conservative values built this nation and conservative values are needed to sustain it. I am pro-God, pro-life, pro-gun, pro-capitalism, pro-capital punishment, pro-private enterprise, pro-right to succeed and right to fail.
I think tort reform is the first step in getting control of healthcare costs and I think the way the government runs the VA medical programs is stupid and a disgrace. I expect national healthcare to end up the same way if the democrats have their way. I think Obama and the various organizations that he owes his political life to is the most corrupt group that has ever taken control of our country, if they are indeed allowed to take control. To see what I mean, pay attention to what is taking place in the west with respect to the various green energy programs. Certain companies are attempting to get permits to construct solar panel and other such set-ups. Also pay attention to the way it is being done with the unions, the EPA, and the various permit granting agencies in California and Arizona i.e. no unions - no permits.
Who among you is able to put forth a better plan, and willing to act on it?
— Richard Sigmund, Medford

August 6
July 30
July 23
July 16
July 9
July 2
June 25
June 18
June 11
June 4
May 21
May 14
May 7
April 30
April 23
April 16
April 9
April 2
March 26
March 19
March 12
March 5
February 26
February 19
February 12
February 5
January 29
January 22
January 15
January 8
December 25
December 18
December 11
December 4
November 27