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Letters to the Editor

Politicians on fast track to making state worse

Katie Christensen ND State Director, External Affairs, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund Fargo It’s that time again, when North Dakota lawmakers ignore individual freedom, public health best practices and medical research to instead promote an unscientific and dangerous agenda that will undoubtably harm North Dakotans. Our politicians’ actions put us on the fast track to a religiously governed state. So far, politicians rejected paid family leave and pushed forward a plan to send public dollars to private (religious) schools. They ...

Medical choice is ND core value

Dr. Duncan B. Ackerman North Dakotans for Open Access Healthcare Bismarck Are you aware of your legislators’ priorities? It shouldn’t be controversial to chart the course of your own future – but North Dakota legislators are pushing policies that promote a very specific unscientific and inequitable agenda. Science and research show us what works to improve public health. Let your lawmakers know that you are paying attention. Should patients be able to make decisions regarding who is on their healthcare team? If you believe patient choice should be a core value in ...

Buckle up: Enjoy what matters

By Gene LaDoucer Director of Public Affairs, AAA-The Auto Club Group in ND Fargo As a group, North Dakotans have a strong appreciation for family, friends and neighbors. They will go to great lengths to protect them from harm and to help during times of need. So why do so many refuse to take a simple step to help protect themselves? Why do 1 in 5 drivers choose not to buckle their seatbelt? I feel it necessary to ask these individuals, “Do you get so much enjoyment of going without a seatbelt you’d give your life for it?” At least 46 North Dakotans would likely ...

Eating Disorder Awareness Week promotes change

Kristina Hokenson, Minot Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Monday, February 27th, to Sunday, March 5th. This is an annual campaign started by the national eating disorder association (NEDA). The purpose is to “educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.” The theme this year is “It’s Time for Change.” The awareness colors of green and blue will be lighting up many landmarks across the United States, including the Alerus Center in Grand Forks! According ...

Support legislation that reflects ND values

Rev. Ellery Dykeman and Denise Dykeman First Lutheran Church, ELCA Rev. Kathy Hintz Senior Warden All Saints Episcopal Church The Rev. Kim Becker Northwest Regional Coordinator Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota Rev. Rachel Simonson Lutheran Campus Ministry, MSU Rev. Natasha Woitzel-Kolles and Jared Kolles ELCA Rev. Janet Mathistad ELCA (retired) All Minot Rev. Kim Gifford ELCA Burlington Stephanie Fournier Hope Lutheran Surrey Bishop Craig A. Schweitzer Western ND Synod-ELCA Bismarck The Right Rev. Thomas C. Ely, ...

Bill is more seatbelt harassment

Ross Hausfeld -, Minot This week our State Senate passed Bill 2362 — an expansion of mandatory seat belt coverage to all passengers of a motor vehicle and more pertinently, granting police power to initiate traffic stops solely for failure to comply. Currently in North Dakota it is law to wear your seat belt in the front seats but an officer may only ticket you incidentally in the course of a traffic stop for a different reason. Now of course with every discussion regarding this topic I have to preface my statements with this: I wear my safety belt and I do so all the time. I ...