Viewpoints

We just don’t know!

“When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out” (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17).

King Solomon was the wisest man on the earth (I Kings 10:23). Solomon’s wisdom was known throughout the world and all kinds of people would come from far and near just to learn and see his wisdom. In the verses above, Solomon, the wisest man on the earth, teaches us a very important truth - we cannot be certain of God’s purpose behind each event.

To the Editor:

The newly passed Infrastructure Bill means no new taxes for Iowans, yet will bring better roads and bridges, and new construction jobs for Iowans.

However, the three Republican Iowa U.S. Representatives voted “no”. They voted “no” even though this money will provide needed roads, bridges, water improvements, regional airport renovations, and broadband without raising taxes. Ashley Hinson, the representative for northeast Iowa, did not represent the needs of northeastern Iowans by voting “no”. Only Cindy Axne, the lone Iowa U.S. Democrat Representative voted “yes”.

Thankfully, the Democrats passed the Infrastructure Bill. For Iowa, that means $3.4 billion over five years, or approximately $700 million per year, that Iowans will not have to pay. Because infrastructure is generally paid for by state and local taxes, Iowans will receive the needed infrastructure improvements without the state of Iowa or local entities increasing taxes.

To the Editor:

The Waukon Mayor and present City Council should be commended for a great job this past year of planning and scheduling street repair and improvement plans. The City Engineer, Street Superintendent and contractors, local and from a distance, down to the hand shovel operators, all seemed to do a very professional job in all areas. They did this all the while trying to accommodate local traffic and provide the least inconvenience.

It is great to see tax dollars being used in such a visible and positive manner. It’s been a long summer and the timing could not have been better. The new streets ride like glass and our automobiles thank you all.

I’ve heard this from numerous individuals and the retiring City Council members should take pride in your judgment and accomplishments during your tenure in office. This also goes for the State highways that traverse our fair city. Thank you from our community.

To the Editor:

Going to school on a cool November night gave a Waukon audience more candy for their depleted trick-or-treat bags. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” was a delightful dive into the world of childhood angst and ambition.

Madelyn Helgerson shown brightly as the contest moderator, deftly maneuvering contestants through the peaks and valleys of competition. Abby Wiemerslage captured the mercurial BAR-FAY with style and command.

Annelise Ellingson was special and sprightly bounding across the stage. Her exit was memorable. Gabe Goettel was pure joy tossing his hair.

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Scott Boylen for his insightful, compassionate and heartfelt letter of November 3. We can all agree that there is entirely too much vitriol and divisiveness in the country at the moment and any effort to lessen that and to bring us together should be applauded.

However, Mr. Boylen appears to dismiss the reasons for what he is seeing without giving consideration to why what is happening is happening. There are myriad reasons for why the phenomena he dislikes is happening.

To the Editor:

I feel compelled to write this letter, but being 95 years old in a couple days, writing is not easy. I feel so let down by the National Republican Party when they did get in power and could have changed some things, like Planned Parenthood, letting the clergy speak their mind regarding politics, putting the Bible and Ten Commandments back in public schools, securing our borders. Congress has low respect, only 11% approval - worse than a used car salesperson.

I feel let down by G.W. Bush, who I voted for and only to hear him criticize Trump, what a joke. You can bet your bottom dollar that Bush was a guest of Clinton’s many trips with Epstein to his fantasy island.

To the Editor:

I guess I wrote The Standard before about honoring our vets who fought for our constitution and country, but yet you put half pages, probably free of charge, in The Standard by Grassley or Osmundson, who are members of the Trump and Republican party that held an insurrection of this country to invalidate an honest and fair election. They, in part, are in the process of passing voting laws to restrict people of color from voting.

Any Iowan, man or woman, who holds an elected position should be able to pay for their words. It’s funny, these people slip into town without anyone’s knowledge, but yet suddenly their picture appears in the paper with only a few select area people in the picture from a certain party. I didn’t fight for this country so the Republican party could try and take over this country and put in a dictator.

Pat Ward
Waterville
 

To the Editor:

I am curious which small-town, rural, Midwestern, American ideal or ideals are being conveyed by flags that say “(Expletive) Biden, and (expletive) you for voting for him,” like the one flying at the edge of Iowa State Highway 76 on the edge of Rossville? Is there anyone out there willing to provide me with an appropriate explanation I can give to my nine-year-old niece, my four-year-old nephew, or the seventh and eighth graders I teach that makes it clear to them why this language and attitude are not okay at school, church, or in other public spaces but are just fine as a “Welcome” flag for places like the small town of Rossville in northeast Iowa?

I will clarify, I am not looking for a shouting match and will not tolerate any further name calling, nor demeaning responses. I am truly curious how this can be spun into something acceptable. How can this be made acceptable by any rational explanation?

To the Editor:

Over the past few weeks, we have noticed a change in our ability to transfer critically ill patients who need complex medical care to other facilities with resources available to provide that care. In most cases these situations have involved patients who require intensive care but we have also had experiences where it has been difficult to transfer patients for other reasons that may not need intensive care

To the Editor:

You might be surprised to learn that the upcoming city-school election may have a bigger impact on your daily life than who is elected president, senator, or governor. While races for those higher offices receive greater attention, the locally elected officials play a more direct and immediate role in your community.

I believe voting is the best way to make your voice heard and make a difference in society. The United States of America is the greatest and freest country in the world because we give citizens the power to choose their elected leaders and form of government. As Abraham Lincoln famously said in his Gettysburg Address, we are a “government of the people, by the people, for the people”.

Do not ignore the power and responsibility that lies in your hands. Learn about the candidates on the ballot on November 2 and exercise your civic duty by voting for the ones that best resemble your values.