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Letters to the Editor

Upset by response to 1619 project

To the editor: I was appalled and disappointed at my ignorance of Black History as taught in the Iowa school system. I have learned so much since the George Floyd murder and the Black Lives Matter movement. Unfortunately, Republican lawmakers want Iowa students to remain in the dark. In honor of black history month, Iowa Republicans have introduced a bill mandating the Trump commission’s 1776 program be taught in Iowa schools not the 1619 project. The Trump commission’s 45-page doctrine labeled the “1776 Report” came out on Jan. 18, 2021 - on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. ...

Wants officials to be blunt on property tax

To the editor: I like Fort Dodge. My wife and I both grew up here and although we had to move away to pursue careers, we were excited to move back “home” a decade ago when we retired. We built a nice home here and have great neighbors. We plan to stay. According to the tax assessor our home has increased in value about 30% over the past seven years. Our property taxes have increased about 26% over the same period. I’m not complaining. Our home is worth more now and we expect to pay more to support the local taxing bodies. I did have to smile a little though, when I read the ...

Wonders if ex-presidents are really like us

To the editor: A private citizen is defined as one who does not have an official or professional position in a given situation. With this narrow definition, we say an ex-president is a private citizen because they no longer need to act on matters of importance to our country. They receive less publicity and there is less reference to what they think or say of current issues. However, should not all private citizens and taxpayers be concerned with the conduct and actions of one who will continue to receive an income of $219,000 a year for life, Secret Service protection for a spouse, ...

Wonders how nice Iowa is

To the editor: People say “Iowa Nice.” They also say Iowa is 10 years behind everyone. The nation voted 51.4% to elect Biden. Iowa voted 53.2% for Trump. Is it nice to lie? Trump lied 22,247 times in 1,316 days. That’s 17 lies a day. But his one-day record is 138 on Nov. 5, 2018, the day before the mid-term election. Trump cheated on his wife with a hooker, no less, and illegally paid her off to keep her quiet before his election. He is shown on the Access Hollywood tape saying it’s OK to grab a woman by the private parts and implying they won’t care. Apparently my 1997 ...

Wants temperature checks

To the editor: Since day one all we read about or saw on TV was wear your face mask and the impossible thing, stay 6 feet from other people no matter where you’re at. The spreading of the virus will not change until they start taking temperatures upon any entry of any buildings. Of all places, grocery stores should be number one. The way it is now, almost all customers put a mask on. Wearing a mask doesn’t mean you don’t have the virus. Even all the help don’t have their temperature taken before work. The cashiers are trying to dodge the virus-proof 18-inch square glass. So ...

Fort Dodge Community gives her hope

To the editor: Reflecting on the events of 2020, I wanted to express gratitude to the youth and staff of the Fort Dodge Community School District and community for the kindness expressed to our family when COVID-19 hit our household. My husband, a teacher at Fort Dodge Middle School, was recovering from surgery, when he and my son came down with covid-19. Our daughter had just been selected for the homecoming court, but would have to quarantine and miss the festivities. This was a worrisome and heartbreaking time for us, but our family was uplifted and given the gift of joy by our ...