opinion
Whatever you do, don’t stay home during local elections
Friday, November 29, 2024 1:48 pm
My very first editor moderated live candidate forums each and every election cycle, and he’d always end them by thanking the candidates and telling the public to “vote early, and vote often.” From what little research I’ve done, it’s a …
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A prediction of life under next Trump presidency
Thursday, November 21, 2024 1:38 pm
Donald J. Trump, president elect, will soon be in office. Remembering his past words is a good way to look at his and our future now. Not long ago, we were told he wanted to be president for life. And …
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Reclaim the spirit of Armistice Day
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1:37 pm
To the Editor: As we mark Veterans Day this year, we would do well to remember its origin, the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. This date was celebrated as Armistice Day, a day to end all …
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‘To him, you are nothing more than cannon fodder’
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1:36 pm
Belleau Woods, France, June 1918. This was the first and deadliest battle fought and won by the USA troops (Marines) in WWI. June 2018, at the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, France held a ceremony honoring the soldiers who gave their all 100 …
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No matter who won Tuesday, I hope they’ll reach across the aisle
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 8:28 am
My very first time I registered to vote, it was in a middle school gym. I was a senior in high school, and I believe I had study hall at some point on Election Day that year. So I walked …
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Presidential race could become a landslide
Saturday, October 26, 2024 11:06 am
It was breakfast time and, as I looked at my wife eating her cornflakes, it finally dawned on me. Why is this race for president of the United States running neck and neck? Women voters could overwhelm this election and …
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A call for fair events at a fair price
Saturday, October 26, 2024 11:05 am
Dear Winneshiek County Ag Association, I had reservations about writing this letter. However, after talking to many individuals, I decided to do it anyway. Our Winneshiek County Ag Association does fair buttons at $30 for three events and $60 for …
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‘We need to see a school board approved plan’
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:08 am
I have concerns regarding the upcoming $38 million elementary school vote. Now, more than ever, the voters need complete transparency in the election process. We need to see a school board approved plan. Last week, the local news highlighted Monticello’s …
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Finding a fair balance on the opinion page
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:05 am
Letter to the editor: The new Decorah newspaper is a great change! A much needed breath of fresh air in our community. It has meat. It has interesting articles and information. Thank you. Decorah is a liberal town. Winneshiek County …
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Loyalty or self-interest
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:05 am
The voting booth is a secure, private and confidential place in a democracy. In that secure place, the voter has very important questions to answer. Which candidate will serve the voter’s self-interest when they become a public servant in an …
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Overwhelming and hard questions deserve our best effort
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:03 am
Human beings’ deep awareness of life is a mixed blessing. The wonderful diversity of all life and the depth of the universe is not completely understandable. When we become overwhelmed, we retreat into denial or become polarized to pretend we …
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Don’t forget about the opinion page when election season is over
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:02 am
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I’m ready for this election season to be over. Thankfully, that day is steadily creeping closer and closer. And, as promised in my Sept. 5 column, we’ve hit that point in the …
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A response on FEMA funding
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:22 am
In response to the editor’s note on my comment on the opinion page, yes the funds designated to FEMA’s disaster relief is supposed to be a designated fund for disaster relief, but the Biden-Harris Administration set up another fund in …
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Reader asks Leader: What about Corkery?
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:21 am
Dear Editor, The Decorah Leader has been such a refreshing change in the newspaper life of Decorah. We have appreciated the number and variety of substantial articles about our community. A case in point was your coverage of the Oct. …
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Excitement in the air ahead of Nov. 5
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:21 am
Do you feel it? There is hope and excitement in the air! There’s a brighter future on the horizon. Will you be part of the positive change? It’s up to each of us. Trust your gut. The choices are clear. …