Viewpoints

Blessings on you all as the Christmas Season is here, and in our part of Iowa snow will soon claim us all. However, it was very different in balmy Bethlehem as well as my own Oakland hometown.
No chilly open tables here, either and no mama will give birth in a barn. So, yes, Christmas comes to different places and climates in different ages, but the Holy Babe is still as alive here in Iowa as He was 20 centuries ago in old Israel.
I’ve even been there - looking inside of the Bethlehem stable, even as I enjoy smiling at cows in our Iowa barns. So, whether we still see the Baby Jesus in a bed of straw in that Bethlehem stable with Mary close by or our Holy newborn in a bassinet in our nice hospital along with a rested up Mother Mary, we need to remember that He is still the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah, to each generation through the ages.

by Dick Schiling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that there is an old country song that starts out “we live in two different worlds.”

That’s the way I felt early last week when events unfolded in Missouri as the decision by the grand jury in the shooting death of Michael Brown approached, and then was announced Monday night.

To the editor:

Last week, President Obama spoke on TV with his plan for immigration, bypassed the Congress like a bully; much like he pushed the 2,700-page health bill through. Mr. Gruber, the formulator of the health bill, called the American people stupid. For once he told the truth, but not all Americans are stupid, just the bottom feeders.

To the editor:

Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are increasingly abused because they are available and easily accessible to all ages. If each of us takes the opportunity to educate ourselves, we can begin to affect this progressive, scary and deadly trend of over-the-counter misuse and prescription drug abuse.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

... that since I spent more than two of the happiest years of my life stationed at Moffett Field Naval Air Station on the peninsula south of San Francisco, I wondered what would become of that historic facility after it was decommissioned 20 years ago.

Now I know.

To the editor:

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are reminded that now is a great time for giving. When you make a donation by December 31 to the Allamakee County Community Foundation, you aren’t just giving money - you’re making a difference in our community, Here are 10 ways to make the most of your year-end giving. 

To the Editor:

I had six friends with me from McGregor in Waukon for the Christmas Fantasy Luncheon Monday, November 19. I was so proud (having been born and bred in Waukon) as to the elegance and loveliness of this occasion. I can’t imagine the planning and volunteering that goes into this.

Thank you, Waukon folks for making me so very proud!

To the Editor:

Whomever is removing the bronze flag holder medallions and/or staffs from Veterans’ gravesites should hang your heads in shame. If you desire something “free,” I encourage you to contact me for free counseling.

Carl R. Christianson

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

... that I remember when I was a member of the basketball team at my parochial high school, and we played lots of other Catholic school teams, there were some players who made a habit of making the Sign of the Cross before shooting a free throw. And I remember thinking then that probably God doesn’t give a God ... er, ah, you know ... whether or not you make that free throw. But it can’t hurt.

To the editor:

Last night (November 8) Waukon was treated to a voyage of high seas entertainment from the cast and crew of “Anything Goes.” Leading the way was hands on hips and attitude forward Sarah Gruman as Reno Sweeney.  She sparkled as she belted out the best of Cole Porter.