Viewpoints

To the Editor:

Tuesday, November 7 we had our elections. The Democrats won the governorship of New Jersey and Virginia. I will predict that at the end of their four-year term both states will be a mess, like all the states that have Democrats as governors. Crime will go up and they will plunge into big debt.

Now that being said, the Republican party is in deep doodoo - and until they drain the swamps completely, why would you ever support the National Republican party?

Trump is the best thing that happened to the USA in years - if he was to run today for the presidency, he would win by an even bigger margin. The abuse that he is taking from the fake media is terrible. He needs our prayers and support now.

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that it is said that a person’s attitude toward something is often based on past experiences with that something. Which may explain why I do not understand nor appreciate the increasing attention being given Halloween. It seems to me that it has gone from a religious observance (All Hallows Eve) to a national holiday with all the accompanying celebrations, merchandising, and, worst of all “beggar’s night.”

I can only recall two experiences with trick or treating. The first was when we lived in west Waukon and my playmate Larry Joe and I went, about six or seven, accompanied by our mothers. It was cold with alternating rain and snow, and was cut short because we were all miserable. The second was after we moved to south Waukon, and “treats” included popcorn balls and wrinkled apples.

When did the bigger deal begin and why has it grown?

To the Editor:

Together, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program provide critical health coverage to Iowa children. Working hand-in-hand, they have helped our state achieve an historic share of covered kids: more than 97 percent. Medicaid and CHIP - called hawk-i in Iowa - cover 28% of children in Allamakee County.

These two programs are a lifeline for working families. They cover developmental, vision and hearing screenings and treatment for illness or injury. They cover newborns, foster youth and children with disabilities. Kids who have health coverage do better in school, are more likely to graduate, go onto college and earn higher wages.

To the Editor:

Iowa was on display tonight at Waukon High. The best fair in the nation was the backdrop for family drama, high competition, forbidden love, and adventure in Des Moines. “State Fair,” the musical came to life after an 18-year hiatus educating a new generation to the delights of mincemeat and midway mischief.

Nathan Smith and Katelyn Leiran were perfectly parently as Abel and Melissa Frakes. Carley Sweeney had a sweet sway as Margy and Micah Treptau strutted confidence as young Wayne.  Oonagh Ahouse had great presence as the sassy torch singer Emily and Denzel Decker was fun to watch as the conflicted correspondent.  Special mention must be made of Ryan VanderVelden mugging and careening through his various characters.

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that a national columnist this morning noted that if President Trump does nothing else (and he hasn’t been able to do much!) he may have had some success in reestablishing the separate roles of the three branches of government. He has in some instances undone the executive orders of his predecessor and referred a matter to the legislative branch, where it should reside according to the constitution. And he named an apparent strict constructionist to the Supreme Court.

To the Editor:

November 7, Waukon residents will have the opportunity to vote on our local Hotel/Motel Tax. You might ask, “what is this?” The Hotel/Motel tax is a tax imposed on the gross receipts from the renting of sleeping rooms, apartments or sleeping quarters in any hotel, motel, inn, public lodging house, rooming house, tourist court, bed and breakfast or any place where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests when staying for 31 consecutive days or less.

A City is the entity that can impose, by ordinance of the city council, a Hotel/Motel tax at a rate not to exceed 7%. This tax, when imposed by a City, shall apply only within the corporate boundaries of the city. Currently, the rate is 4% tax for these sleeping accommodations in our city, which, according to State of Iowa figures, is low. Out of 156 Iowa cities that have a Hotel/Motel tax, 135 have gone to that 7% level.

To the Editor:

Many towns in Iowa and elsewhere large and small are know for one thing, whether it be a flower (tulip) or a fruit (strawberry) or a prominent landmark, such as a waterfall, cave, overlook, etc. Waukon over the years could have been known for a number of things, such as in the 1960s-1980s as the birthplace for America’s meatcutters.

Many retail and wholesale meat markets and outlets across the country could be found staffed by personnel who originated from or who grew up in the Waukon area. In fact, The Postville Herald newspaper received a prestigious award for its series of investigative journalism articles on the meatcutters of Allamakee County, Iowa.

To the Editor:

I guess we will all agree that our country is in deep trouble; national debt out of control and our moral situation is deplorable. It’s time for concerned U.S. citizens to wake up!

The following test can be taken with the answer choices being either R = Republican or D = Democrat:

Which party is great to increase taxes? R or D
Which party is for English only? R or D
Which party supports our military and police? R or D
Which party will put the Bible and 10 Commandments back in schools? R or D
Which party would secure our borders? R or D
Which party would eliminate Planned Parenthood? R or D
Which party would push for term limits? R or D
Which party promotes a balanced budget? R or D

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that the handwriting seems to be on the wall in regard to the future of the Waterville attendance center of the Allamakee Community School District.

Not on the walls of that almost 100 year old building, but in the information publication put out by the district’s board for consideration prior to the board meeting in November and the December meeting to announce a decision.

It isn’t anyone’s fault if the decision is to close the school. It is a victim of changing population densities. The information shows an average of about 20 students per grade just 20 years ago to about ten projected for next year. Rural populations have declined everywhere as farmers have faced the same problem as many mom and pop businesses, either get big or get out.

To the Editor:

Stigma is the greatest barrier to helping individuals with mental illness. Many people mistakenly think that people with mental illness are dangerous or that people with substance abuse disorders have a moral failing. In fact, the majority of people with mental illness pose no threat to others. And regardless of moral beliefs, addiction is a disease that impairs a person’s health, social function, and ability to control substance use.

This misunderstanding causes feelings of shame and fear among people with co-occurring disorders. Many people isolate themselves to avoid embarrassment, or deny that they need mental health treatment. Stigma in our society also prevents people in need from receiving help. Cultural rejection can prevent individuals with addiction from finding work, maintaining stable housing and providing for themselves.