Viewpoints

To the Editor:
As every holiday approaches, we hear and read that old stale blurb “buckle up,” and our so-called safety officials are more concerned about protecting that sacred idol, the seat belt law (SBL) than they are about “true safety” which is to prevent crashes. Their primary concern is SBL compliance. They never tell us what percent of the victims were seat belted that were crashed into by big rig trucks. Of course those victims are politically correct even when dead if they’re just seat belted.
I asked several area sheriff’s departments how much speed enforcement they do on big trucks. I got no answers, or evasive ones, which I’ll take to mean they aren’t doing any speed enforcement on them. They don’t get any funding to do truck speed enforcement, but I’ll bet they get funding to do seat belt enforcement. They love doing the latter because its easier and less dangerous to officers than to do the former.

To the Editor:
Our American flag is a symbol. The symbol of our country. She’s recognized throughout the world. Feared by some, loved by others and, hopefully, respected by all. It’s proudly flown in parades. She’s been carried by our military personnel at the forefront in battles and wars this country has engaged in, whether you agreed with the war or not. She’s adorned the coffins of fallen soldiers and national leaders. It proudly and boldly flies in front of government offices. Many churches display the colors near the front of their sanctuaries. We have postage stamps commemorating her. Occupational uniforms of many Americans are decorated with the red, white and blue.

To the Editor:
Recent news about the Iowa Legislature has focused on when we will adjourn. However, what matters more to Iowa families are the disagreements preventing adjournment.
The most important disagreement is education funding, something that directly affects economic prosperity.
Iowa’s families depend on educational opportunity.  Education is the primary tool we have to give our children and grandchildren a leg up in life.
Investing in education is also key to building a stronger Iowa economy. Iowa’s schools help make Iowa’s workers among the nation’s most productive.
Rather than more tax giveaways for low-skill, low-wage jobs, we should promote the high-skill, high-wage jobs and businesses of tomorrow.
Educational leadership starts at our local schools. Today, Iowa invests $1,600 less per student than the national average, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Lynn Groe

Matthew 11:28  - Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Samantha Houser

by Heather Homewood,
Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Director

In order to understand VA benefits, please remember that there are three main branches of administration that cover federal benefits. The Benefit Administration covers Disability Compensation, Non-Service Connected Disability Pension, Education, Home Loan Guaranties, and Death Benefits. The Health Care Administration covers Medical Care in VA facilities and Fee Basis Health Care. Finally, the Cemetery Administration covers aspects of burial in veteran cemeteries.
The following are a few recently changed federal and state veteran benefits.

by State Representative Patti Ruff

by State Senator Mike Breitbach