Viewpoints

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that my fears of rioting at the Republican convention were not realized, possibly because there were more cops than protesters in the streets. As I write this, the Democrat convention is starting, and it sounds as if protests may threaten there, too.

Oddly enough, on this weekend between the two conventions, I finished reading Golleen McCullough’s book, Bittersweet. She writes about Australia, with her most famous work The Thorn Birds, a great book, being made into a very good movie some years ago.

Bittersweet deals in part with politics, around the 1930s, and indicates things were not much different “down under” than they are in the United States. The book was published by Simon & Schuster in 2014. There, unlike the GOP candidate’s wife, I cannot be accused of plagiarism!

To the Editor:

The other day I was in a local diner and I observed a fellow diner eating alone. When he finished he continued to remain at his table and periodically make noises. There was only one waitress on duty and she was busy tending her many customers. When she passed him, he called out in a loud gruff voice and complained that she hadn’t talked to him. She apologized and explained that she had quite a few customers to take care of but she was here now. He further (loudly) complained that he wanted the price for his meal. She explained the usual procedure for payment by the cash register. He was more agitated as he again complained that she hadn’t talked to him. She continued to make him feel comfortable and cared for as she sat down across from him and told him she was his friend and to show him this was so, there was no charge for his meal. The other diners burst into applause.

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that as I start this column, the Republican National Convention is within a few hours of starting.

A week from today, the Democrat convention starts.

Given recent events, I fear violence, particularly at the GOP convention.

I suspect there may be some inside agitation at both, with the “never Trump” folks this week, and some who still Bern for Bernie next week.

To the Editor:

Now that we have been nearly locked up (or is that locked down?) by election year politics, let’s think about what’s being stolen from us. Every political sound bite targets opponents and sites more potential threats.

Even among our local candidates there are people that we think are trustworthy walking a very fine line between what is ethical and/or legal. However, in the next few months all the candidates will be walking around among us at numerous benefits, humanitarian events, religious gatherings, making speeches, strutting down parade routes, knocking on doors, etc.

As a concerned voter and advocate for our disabled and disenfranchised Iowans, I am not able to just stand aside and watch folks in need of health care handcuffed, sentenced or adjudicated because of Governor Branstad’s decision to privatize health care. Now our Governor wants to close the two remaining Iowa state extended care mental health hospitals?

To the Editor:

I truly appreciate the people of Waukon for their generous support of the Memory Garden in the Waukon City Park. It is remarkable that 68 trees have been planted in memory of groups, family members and individuals. I also wish to express my gratitude to those people who have helped plant trees and landscape around them.

While working at the Memory Garden, I find it peaceful and serene. Hopefully, this is a place of beauty for the community of Waukon.

We are about to embark on another project that we hope you will support. This new project is the parking lot area and retaining walls. More information will be published in The Standard as it becomes available.

Wayne H. Burk
Waukon

To the Editor:

The Allamakee county Food Shelf is a non-profit organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors. It is also run by all volunteers. The food shelf relies solely on the contributions of time, food, and money from individuals, clubs, our county churches, and our local service and social organizations.

We could not provide food and non-perishable food to our local residents if we could not cost share with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank located in Waterloo. We get 95% of our food from this area collection site. Without the support from them, we could not exist. We are able to cost share $10 worth of food for your $1 donation.

Without this support there would be no food shelf. Our shared purpose is to provide nutritious food to those in need.

The board and volunteers appreciate your yearly contributions. You are the heart of our food shelf.

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that the average life span of a male born in the United States is about 76 years of age, so by the time an individual has beaten that number by a handful of years, as I have, he has outlived a number of people, relatives, associates, friends, acquaintances, etc.

Wasn’t it Yogi Berra who observed that “a lot of people my age are dead.”

That’s especially true, I think, when one grows up and ages pretty much always in the same town in which he was born.

I have not made a habit of eulogizing folks I knew who died. Some were worth some nice words, I know. Others didn’t make much of an impression, good or bad. Still others ... well, as that fairy tale mother cautioned, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

I debated (appropriate slip in word usage?) devoting a column to the late Brother Leo Ryan, and finally decided to say something.

To the Editor:

I like to read The Standard online, but was disappointed that there was nary a word about the All School Reunion held in Waterville June 25-26 this year. Writing is not one of my strong suits, but I would like to give a few of my thoughts.

What a great job many people did in creating the all school reunion; a job very well done, even with some of the participants living in Waukon. Saturday all of the festivities were in Waterville, and then Sunday another registration, lunch and program were held in the Waukon Banquet Center. There was also a full motel, several bed and breakfasts, and several eating places used.

To the Editor:

I’m going to be 90 years old in about three months (God willing). My energy is not what I’d like it to be. Things I used to love to do I called fun, now I call it work - even writing this letter.

I am joined by many people in being deeply concerned about the direction of our country the last eight years. Al Sharpton, a so-called minister with a love child, has made big money by recreating chaos, and he is our present president’s most trusted advisor.

The liberals in our government have done the most damage to our country when they eliminated anything to do with Christianity in our schools - no mention of God, no reading the Bible, no mention of the Ten Commandments, no prayers. When they eliminated all of the above, the devil walked in our schools and our country has taken a downhill slide.

To the Editor:

A big thank you is deserved by all law enforcement, thank you for keeping us safe.
You are all doing great work. I am praying for your safety.
God Bless you all.

Sincerely,
Cindy Duvel
Waukon