Viewpoints

Since this is my first article in the Waukon Standard in almost 30 years, I thought it would be a good idea if I took a few lines and introduced myself. I arrived to serve the parishioners in Waukon, Hanover and Dorchester on July 13 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This is my eighth assignment in 34 years since my ordination to the priesthood.

I was born in Guttenberg, the youngest of five children. My family moved to a farm near Elkader when I was two years old. I attended St. Joseph Catholic School until it was closed - 1st thru 4th grade; I am a graduate of Central Community High School (Elkader) in 1977, Iowa State University in 1981, and the St. Paul Seminary (Twin Cities) in 1986. My hobbies include the following: bicycling, fishing, flowers, and motorcycling.

On May 24, 1986 I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

To the Editor:

Hello and good health to everyone. Iowans are respected around the U.S.A. for being kind and courteous.

During this nationwide and worldwide pandemic, let’s keep it going by wearing a face mask and using hand sanitizer.

I don’t know (does anybody?) if that hinders the spread of coronavirus but I have not heard from anybody that it causes it. Let’s be nice to each other.

Len Smorstad
Waukon

To the Editor:

Friday, October 17 the VFW Auxiliary to Post 4117 in Waukon conducted its annual Poppy Campaign. Once again, the community made a significant contribution to area veterans.

These funds are strictly earmarked for supporting veterans. We provide gas and grocery certificates, emergency funding for medical expenses, and monies to the Veterans Home in Marshalltown, the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City and the National Home for Children.

In 1924, the VFW registered the name “Buddy” Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. The “Buddy” Poppy represents the blood shed by American military service members and reminds us of their sacrifices.

If you were missed and would still like to contribute, you can mail your check to: Karen Mathis, 506 Fifth Avenue NW, Waukon, IA 52172 or you can call me at 563-568-2534 and I will pick it up.

Karen Mathis, Treasurer
VFW Auxiliary
Post 4117
Waukon

To the Editor:

In response to the letter submitted by Harriet Sharp of Lansing (Pivotal Points to Ponder), I find it sad that Ms. Sharp attacks Muslims and the concept of socialism, and then attacks the Democratic party for embracing them both. She seems to be targeting abstract ideas and instead forgets that people of the Muslim faith are children of God, just as she, and are equally vulnerable to hurt spawned by such words of insensitivity and darkness.

Further, it is incorrect to classify the Republican party as being pro-life and the Democratic party as being opposed to this ideal. On the listing of important social issues which includes abortion but also health care, education and climate change, just to name a few, members of the Democratic party act with the highest compassion and concern.

To the Editor:

The choice is clear in this election. If you want to eliminate Social Security, Medicare and the protections for pre-existing conditions, then choose Republicans. The reckless payroll tax cut that the administration imposed by executive order will eliminate Social Security by 2023, according to the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration. This administration has pledged to completely terminate payroll taxes in a second term, which would further weaken and dismantle Social Security. Also, this administration’s proposed budgets have included more than $845 billion in cuts to Medicare. Medicaid, which covers impoverished seniors’ long-term care costs, would also suffer cuts.

To the Editor:

Your CASA Program is calling for community members to step up and advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare system in our local area.

Volunteers with Your CASA Program are known as CASA volunteers, or Court Appointed Special Advocates. These CASA volunteers advocate for a child or sibling group while they are in foster care. CASA volunteers advocate in the courtroom, school and other settings for the best interest of the child they are representing, help them stay connected with their families and communities, and work towards family reunification whenever safe and possible.

Now is a great time to get involved with CASA. With info sessions, pre-service volunteer training and swearing-in ceremonies currently conducted online, you can begin making a difference in the lives of children and families in the foster care system - right from your own home.

To the Editor:

Our planet Earth has everything necessary to support all its life forms. We humans are screwing this up royally. We’re overpopulating, while limiting aid to mitigate this problem.

We’re polluting our world, fouling our air, water and land with too many chemicals, from toxic emissions to herbicides and pesticides.

Our sea life  is being severely threatened by our plastic waste and chemical run-off from yards, golf courses, agricultural lands, etc. We are over-harvesting many species of ocean flora and fauna.

We are destroying many species of living things daily by over-use and over-indulgence. Do we need pristine lawns? Do we need perfect looking fruits and vegetables? Do we need the latest synthetic fashion apparel? Do we need to use so much throwaway plastic? Do we need to consume inordinate amounts of meat? Do we need to drive when we can walk?

To the Editor:

As we, the American people, approach our 2020 elections, we must be discerning in the battle to preserve America and to protect the future for our children and posterity.

This election goes far beyond the two men running for President. Never has there been a more stark contrast between the two parties they represent. It is imperative to look beyond our pet peeves or a one-issue focus and to grasp the “whole plan with purpose” of each major party regarding America and her future. There are defining differences in philosophy, agenda and vision. You must consider not only the candidates, but also the issues their party supports.

To the Editor:

Historic wildfires ravage the West and an unprecedented number of hurricanes hammer the Southeast. Yet the Republican administration denies climate change is man made.

Our country leads the world in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths because the administration misled us about the danger of the disease early on and continues to downplay its severity. We still do not have adequate testing and contact tracing.

The administration is currently in court attempting to end the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which would eliminate insurance coverage for 23 million people and would allow insurance companies to deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions. They are taking this action even though they have no plan or program with which to replace the ACA.

To the Editor:

Just days after the upcoming election, lawyers working for the White House are scheduled to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) should be struck down in its entirety. This means no more coverage for pre-existing conditions, and children under the age of 26 will not be able to stay on their parents’ health insurance. For decades now Republicans have said they have “a health care plan,” but none has been seen.

The White House is doing all it possibly can to eliminate each step the previous president achieved for our nation over eight years; and Iowa’s incumbent Senator has taken “dark money” and proven to be literally owned by “Big Pharma,” while the opposing candidate for this important Senate position is advocating to have Medicare negotiate for lower drug costs. A huge difference!