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Letters to the Editor

Candidates need to address the issues

To the editor: On Sunday’s (8/11) Opinion page, Mr. Bill Horan comments on the lack of discussion regarding agriculture and science by the Democrat presidential hopefuls during their recent debates. His thoughts are informed, timely and valid, but do not go far enough. I am 87 years old, have been an observer of political debate all my adult life, and cannot remember a more lemming-like, shallow, ill-informed, single issue, I’m-more-politically-correct-than-you group than the current slate. The present and future state of our country, either socially or economically, did not seem ...

Who deserves more from their representative?

To the editor: U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-WY, reacted to U.S. Rep. Steve King’s question, “If not for rape and incest, would there be any population” by tweeting, “ ... it’s time for him to go. The people of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District deserve better.” King, R-Kiron, has been stripped of his House committee assignments, and many of his comments have been criticized by both parties. Cheney is almost correct in her assessment. King has won each election since 1996. It would appear that these majority voters support their candidate and agree with his positions. With ...

Neither party has a monopoly on shaming

To the editor: In “The Shaming of America” in the Opinion section of The Messenger on Aug. 13, Kathleen Parker writes of how shame has become part of the 2020 presidential race. Even though Parker suggests some Democrats contribute to the shaming, I believe Democrats look at Trump and his supporters, and Republicans in general, as having a monopoly on shaming. Such a monopoly is not true. Parker quotes words Trump used when talking about illegal immigration as a presidential candidate over four years ago and connects them to the recent mass murder in El Paso. The murderer in ...

Suggestions for silo mural area

To the editor: I grew up in Fort Dodge and now live in Sioux City. Over the last couple of years I’ve followed the development of the grain elevator mural with interest. This week, I finally had an opportunity to stop by and see it in person. The mural is, indeed, impressive. What was not impressive is the lack of effort to make the site visitor friendly and a real tourist draw. I can’t imagine any community not doing so and using this site to create a positive impression of the community. Here are some suggestions: 1) provide more parking, 2) provide directional signage to the ...

Shag the Drag was a success

To the editor: Thank you to the 50-plus participants, 20 volunteers, and local sponsors who helped make the 2019 FD Shag the Drag run/walk event successful. We were able to donate $500 to Meals on Wheels thanks to the generous participants. It would not have been possible without all of you. Special thanks to Blue Ribbon Pelham’s Water, Hy-Vee, Olde Boston’s Restaurant & Pub, Rush Hour Clothing, Shiny Top Brewing, and Pancheros for donating to the event, as well as Holy Trinity Parish and Mitch Lunn State Farm for lending race materials. We would also like to thank Lydia ...

A RocknRail1850 thank you

To the editor: You cannot put on a competitive bike race without the help of many. Our thank you is a wide course of help, from our amazing volunteers that day to the local businesses who knew this niche event was going to be a reality in downtown Fort Dodge. There was much to do: planning, logistics, and discussion with many who would be involved, impacted or inconvenienced due to the event. We appreciate all who did their part to help us pull off this new, exciting activity on a beautiful July day. Our goal is to say thanks. Thanks for believing in this race. Thank you for making ...