Viewpoints

To the Editor:
I was recently talking with my 5th grade granddaughter about our National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and country. It troubled me to learn that her class seldom recites either.
As an elementary school student and citizen I was taught, and recited it every morning as school began and we did it with our hands over our hearts. We also learned our national anthem. We continued to better understand and appreciate more of what each of these meant as we matured. Patriotism, respect, support of country and dedication to these United States just for starters.
Are we becoming so jaded by the dance of political correctness that these basic American values are being diminished and ignored? As adults, it’s imperative that we guide our youth to instill the highest civic values and respect for this country.  Talk to your kids.  You might be glad you did when they’re running it some day.

To the Editor:
On February 16 we attended entertainment at the Waukon Banquet Center, “Doug Thompson - The Hypnotist.” Cudos to Audra Peterson, Becky Decker and staff for providing this area with a great night of fun.
After attending the previous show, “Dueling Pianos,” in November, we knew we didn’t want to miss the next event they had planned. The decor for both shows was upscale and the appetizers delicious. The cost of the tickets was very affordable and the work that went into the events was evident.
We appreciated these two nights of laughter and fellowship with friends in the middle of a long winter. I can’t wait to see what you have planned next.

Brian and Kay Deeny
Waukon

by State Representative Patti Ruff

by District 28 Senator Mike Breitbach

It has been a very busy week. I proposed a fix to the Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax bill that passed last year, but needed to be adjusted. The revised legislation eventually made it through the Senate and a companion bill went through the House. This bill passed Wednesday, and I’m sure will be signed shortly by the Governor.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Grant VanderVelden

To the Editor:
In a letter to the Editor in the February 4 edition of The Standard, the writer was unhappy about the possibility of increasing the minimum wage to 10 or 15 dollars per hour because people working for the present minimum wage are having trouble supporting their families. McDonalds and Walmart were specifically mentioned. Those two companies are not the only ones guilty of feeling their employees’ time is so worthless and keep them at slave or almost starvation wages while some CEOs are making a million dollars per year. Most of those large companies would hardly notice a difference in their bottom lines if the minimum wage were increased.

To the Editor:
Catfish Annie here and I’m officially spitting out the hook! What happens when the citizens of this county are not informed by elected officials about the reality of decisions being made on their behalf? Although they may blindly try to avoid fish nets, they can end up on a hook.
Here’s the bait, as I smell it. We have the opportunity to demolish Makee Manor and dispose of that building. Believe me, the asbestos alone is a serious environmental and health hazard. Why haven’t those costs been included in the estimates for a new law enforcement center, or “public safety center,” on that site?

To the Editor:
I propose a tariff on foreign crude oil and petroleum distillates that we import and is transported by tanker ships from overseas sources. However, Canada and Mexico, our NAFTA partners, should be exempt from the tariff. This tariff could expire in May 2017.
Saudi Arabia has ramped up their production of crude oil in order to flood the world market and drive down the price of crude oil. This they have done because of their  fear of Iran and ISIS. The lower price reduces crude oil revenues for Iran and Isis and so also their power.
What could our crude oil tariff be? Seven dollars a barrel, five dollars a barrel or $n a barrel. The United States must have wise diplomacy with Saudi Arabia to determine this. A crude oil tariff by the United States would help Saudi Arabia resist the encroachments of Iran and ISIS.

Bruce Palmer
Waukon

by State Representative Patti Ruff