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Letters to the Editor

Have we forgotten who we are?

Josh Wolsky, Minot Almost 250 years ago, the American Colonies were fighting for our independence from an imperialistic world power. We were an emerging democracy; we were also on the brink. In our moment of need, another world power, France, lent aid, arms, and even troops. It was critical support in a moment of extraordinary need. Undoubtedly, it swayed the outcome. It invites a question: what would have happened if the French hadn’t been there for us? Would we cherish chips and vinegar instead of fries and ketchup? Would we be spending pounds instead of shedding them? ...

Slow down for safety

Richard Reuer, Minot Just last weekend a friend and co-worker was involved in a serious accident that caused his pickup truck to be totaled and damages to both legs that prevent him from walking due to another driver going through a red light while he was making a left turn on Broadway and 31st Ave. It seems that many drivers here in Minot do not pay attention to the speed limits posted on 83. I’ve noticed in some parts of 83 the speed limit is posted at between 30 and 35 mph, but people are driving faster and pulling in front of other drivers who are going the posted speed ...

Celebrate freedom to read

Jo Ann Miller, Fargo October 1st-7th is Banned Books Week. When I was growing up, reading was a meaningful part of my life, and I read everything I could get my hands on, sometimes reading texts far beyond my reading level. Why do we today focus on banning reading materials? Who makes the determination about what is acceptable and what should be banned? Why can’t citizens decide for themselves? Banned Books Week is especially timely in North Dakota after our recent North Dakota legislative session, and the introduction and passage of HB 1205, as well as SB 2360 and SB 2123, ...

Exercise freedom during Banned Books Week

Kerrianne Boetcher, President, N.D. Library Association, Minot Jackson Harper, Chair, Intellectual Freedom Committee of the N.D. Library Association, Grand Forks For as long as there have been libraries, there have been people who disagree about what belongs on library shelves. Presently, there are an above average number of people who disagree with the books on library shelves. PEN America, a literary organization and advocate for the freedom of expression, has reported widespread activity in the United States to remove controversial literature from public and school libraries ...

Week celebrates importance of books

Val Stadick, Owner, Main Street Books, Minot On behalf of Independent Book Stores in North Dakota I would like to inform the community that Oct. 1-7 is National Banned Books Week. This is a week that celebrates our Freedom to choose what we want to read. It is also a celebration that brings to light the importance of bookstores and libraries to be able to choose what they want to put on their shelves and for parents to choose the books that they believe are appropriate for their own children to read. Why is this important? This is important because it is vital to be exposed to hard ...

Burgum is ND’s second presidential candidate

While skeptical North Dakotans scratch their heads over Governor Douglas Burgum’s race for president, we need to be reminded that he is not the first aspirant for the big chair in Washington. While a congressman, North Dakota’s William Lemke threw his hat in the ring as the presidential candidate for the Union Party in 1936. Of course, Doug is not burdened by the likes of Francis Townsend, Charles Coughlin and Gerald L. K. Smith, all of whom fragmented the Union message. Messages of disunion Townsend had a plan to pay everyone over the age of 60 $200 a month, sort of a ...