LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - EDITOR
To the Editor: The time is nearing again for the Abbotsford Lion’s sponsored blood drive with the American Red Cross. They have offered donor promotions for those who give during the summer holiday time frame. The Red Cross has joined forces with goodr (a well-known active eyewear brand) to make the world brighter for patients in need. Those donating between July 1st to July 14th will receive an exclusive pair of American Red Cross x goodr “Just My Type” sunglasses. Also, in Wisconsin, Red Cross is teaming up with Kwik Trip. All donors will receive a coupon for one pint of Kwik Trip’s Nature’s Touch Ice Cream (give a pint, get a pint).
Please consider joining us and donating on July 2nd from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Abbotsford City Hall. Book an appointment for the Abbotsford Colby Blood Drive by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCross-Blood.org and enter Abby to schedule an appointment.
Hope to see you there!
Lion Karen LaPine Blood Drive Coordinator
Is the United States Becoming a Police State?
To the Editor: The yellow flag bearing a coiled snake and the words “Don’t Tread on Me” was once a revolutionary symbol against British tyranny. During Biden’s term it has reemerged among Trump supporters, signaling widespread fears of government overreach. With Trump in charge again, many feel the same way on the other side of the political spectrum.
There are several signs commonly associated with a police state. Here are a few of them as they apply today: Suppression of Dissent: Pressuring media, defunding institutions like Harvard, strong-arming law firms, deploying propaganda and using the Justice Department against political opponents.
Surveillance and Control: Militarized responses to protests and centralized data collection on citizens with DOGE.
Undermining Legal Systems: Verbally attacking judges, ignoring court rulings, installing loyalist judges and pardoning allies, supporters and donors.
Enforcing Loyalty: Purging non-political employees from government, hiring only loyalists for traditionally apolitical positions and pursuing agents tied to Trump-related investigations.
Trump has relied heavily on executive orders—330 of which have faced legal challenges, with many struck down in court. His approach pushes legal and institutional boundaries in pursuit of greater control.
The biggest test may come if he tries to use the military against civilians. The question then becomes: Will the commanders and soldiers be courageous enough to uphold the Constitution or will they simply “follow orders?”
Markus Fasel Chippewa Falls
Protecting Social Security
To the Editor: There’s more than one way to destroy something. Brute force is obvious—like Elon Musk’s DOGE, which gutted U.S. AID by firing staff and erasing decades of critical public health data. But there’s also a quieter, more insidious approach— what’s now happening to Social Security.
The plan? Let it fail from within. Thousands of regional offices are closing. 7,000 essential employees are being fired— many of whom understand the outdated systems and coding that keep payments flowing. These experts are irreplaceable. Without them, the system will break down.
The former head of Social Security has warned that the program could collapse within 60 to 90 days. When that happens, Donald Trump and his allies will call it “broken” and push to privatize it.
This isn’t a glitch. It’s a deliberate setup. Privatization will mean higher costs, slower service, and likely denial of benefits for many. The people who rely most on Social Security—our seniors, the disabled, low-income workers—will pay the price. Corporations will profit. Congress will lose control.
We must act now. Call, email, or write Representative Derek Van Orden, Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin today. Demand they protect Social Security as a governmentrun program. Tell them to stop the destruction before it’s too late.
This is urgent. Once it’s gone, we don’t get it back.
Candace Hennekens Eau Claire
Good News on the Climate Change Front
To the Editor: A new energy record was set this past March when renewable sources met 51% of power demands across the entire United States! Recent investments in green infrastructure have really paid off - this is the first time in our nation’s history that renewables outcompeted fossil fuels for an entire month. A decade ago, clean sources like biofuels, hydropower, solar, and wind made up just one-third of energy generation.
Several levels of government including prior federal administrations, states, cities, and organizations contributed to this national achievement. A notable example is the Climate Alliance, which is a group of 24 bipartisan governors. Collectively this coalition represents over half (55%) of our country’s population and 60% of its economy. Policy priorities include GHG Targets & Governance, Buildings, Climate Finance, Electricity, Industry, Just Transition & Equity, Pricing Carbon & Valuing Damages, Resilience, and Transportation. As a Climate Alliance member, Wisconsin introduced state legislation to launch the Climate Accountability Act during the 2025-26 session. This will require development of statewide plans to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030, and then create a plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Forty-five out of 100 of the largest U.S. cities (by population) have greenhouse gas reduction targets and associated inventories. The Ceres company, as a member of the Climate Action 100+ initiative, believes that “A strong economy needs a healthy planet. Ceres supports investors, companies, and policymakers to advance climate solutions and achieve a cleaner, just and more resilient economy.”
So, celebrate the 51% renewables record, tell Wisconsin representatives and senators to support the Climate Accountability Act, and join a local Citizen Climate Lobby (CCL) chapter to work on this critical issue in your city. It takes all levels of involvement, but as the March record shows, collaborative effort is working!
Peggy Burkman Washburn
