Letters to the Editor: Trump’s no angel

I know there isn’t anything I would write or say that will change the way you think or believe. 

Scripture speaks of truth. It also speaks of wisdom. Most of what you write shows very little or none of either. Trump may be no angel, but compared to the damage Biden and his administration have done to this country these past years, Trump and many of his alleged offenses seem minor to being a traitor to this country. 

Green energy and climate change are a joke, as science is starting to admit. Look at what is happening in Germany.

P.S. Like Paul Harvey used to say, “And now you know the rest of the story.” The media today is not acknowledging it, of which you are a part.

Roger Anderson, Storm Lake

Nothing’s safe while in session

This quote from the 19th century is just as apropos now as it was then. It should be published every year when the Iowa Legislature begins their session, and maybe several times during the session.

“No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” — Judge Gideon J. Tucker (1826-1899)

William Crilly, Storm Lake

Thanks, BVRMC

My recent experience at BVRMC in having a hip replaced by Dr. Harrer has taught me that we have many wonderful and caring people serving our community. My friends in Arizona all wondered why I would come back to Storm Lake for hip surgery when they have more facilities and doctors in Arizona. My answer is that this is where my supporters are. It certainly proved to be the correct choice. From the moment I entered the hospital for registration on Jan. 9, including the pre-op class, everything was handled thoroughly. I want to mention the CNAs who were exceptionally well-trained. They were caring and helpful when I was feeling vulnerable and at my lowest. As we drive by the hosiptal every day, we take for granted the exceptional employees who give outstanding service and care. I also deeply appreciate my support team: Dave, Pam, Dan and Candy. Thanks, BVRMC — you make me proud to be from Storm Lake!

Bill Patton, Storm Lake

Iowa’s children need you

Iowa’s hungry children need you. Not your money, only a minute of your time — time enough to sign a petition asking Gov. Kim Reynolds to reverse her decision to refuse federal funding to feed food-insecure children during the summer months when they can’t access free and reduced-price lunches.

In a press release three days before Christmas,  Reynolds announced that Iowa would not participate in a new federal program to feed Iowa’s neediest children, citing unsustainability and rampant childhood obesity as reasons.   

Unsustainability? What does that even mean? If it can be sustained for just one summer, that’s 68,800 Iowa children fed for three months!  How is that a failure? Is it unsustainable by the state, which would pay $2 million to administer a program yielding $30 million in food aid? The math seems unassailable. The USDA doesn't consider it unsustainable, calling it a permanent program.

The $40/child/month pre-loaded card issued in the child’s name will be redeemable at farmers’ markets as well as grocery stores. Is that unsustainable for farmers? Or obesity-worsening?

And since when did it become politicians’ responsibility to withhold food from children because their parents can’t afford nourishing, less fattening foods? The optics of this should be politically toxic. That's also up to you.

Clearly, what’s unsustainable is Reynolds’ short-sighted, mean-spirited thinking. Please help her understand that by signing the petition at iowahungercoalition.org/summer-ebt/ before the extended mid-February application deadline.  As of this writing, 8,500 of 10,000 signatures are needed.

Karen Heidman, Sioux City

Late Christmas greetings

I received the following email from my second cousin in Denmark. It gave me a better understanding of the European point of view about Russia’s war against Ukraine. I wonder if your readers would appreciate reading his letter. His written English is not perfect, but I think he makes his point.

Thank you.

Nancy Nelson, Linn Grove

Hi Nancy and family,

A little late Merry Christmas and a Good New Year.

What have I done the last year? Going in the pool every day. Gone to dance with some Ukrainsk people and trying to learn Ukrainsk.

After Christmas, I went to Kyiv in Ukraine for 10 days. I was alone and only my brother in Holland knew about it. I was afraid that everyone would advise me against it.

And I had wished to go there since summer 2022. 

It was a big experience and sometime you didn’t notice the war. And other times  It was really scary. Russia attacked Kyiv two days when I was there. I really hope that USA politics wakes up and helps Ukraine, because Russia is going to attack Europe soon. If they win in Ukraine, they will use all the Ukrainian men as soldiers in a war against Europe. I don’t think that people in the States really think it will go so far. But if the USA doesn’t help soon, I think that Russia can stand at Nato’s border next year because Ukraine is really fighting  — with very little — it is really expensive to be in a war. And what USA used in a month in Afghanistan, which was about  $100 billion, the usa has given about  $60 billion to Ukraine over two years. And for this they have given weapons equipment that is facing having to be destroyed because it is getting too old.

In Europe many hope that USA could help with weapons so we can get rid of this mafia state once and for all — that makes war everywhere in the world. I know Europe has been a fool in believing in the promises from Russia — but you can’t trust them. See what Poland does — they know the Russians.

That’s all — I hope you all are well.     

Kindly regards, Jan Agerholm

Editor’s note: This letter has been edited for clarity.