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Things were worse in Carter’s time (2008/05/13)
Are gas prices too high? Yes. Are food prices escalating because of the gas prices? Yes. Is this the worst economy since the depression of the 1920s? No. Is this the worst economy in the past 30 years? No.

Thanks for going smoke-free (2008/05/13)
I want to extend a very warm “thank you” to local businesses and establishments offering smoke-free environments for the public to enjoy. I have noticed more restaurants going completely smoke-free, and I am thrilled to be able to spend time there.

Concerns about medication (2008/05/13)
In the April 23 Tribune article, “Singulair concerns? Chat with your doc?” by Terry Rindfleisch, I was quoted as saying, “… I have told patients in the past that (Singulair) has no side effects.” Singulair is a drug used to treat asthma and allergies. Clarification of what I had intended to say is necessary so that Tribune readers would not gain the wrong interpretation.

Fight cuts in medical payments (2008/05/13)
I urge you to do all you can to assure Congress reverses the mandated 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors scheduled for July 2008. Action is needed by mid-June or Medicare will begin processing payment cuts.

Be nice on and off the road (2008/05/13)
In response to Terry Hubert’s letter, which enlightened us as to the legalities of merging on highways, I wanted to point out that being courteous is not legally mandated. We teach preschool children to say please and thank you, as adults, we hold the door for someone who has their arms full, or leave our waitress a decent tip, not because the police are enforcing any of these behaviors, but because we value kindness and courtesy. Those simple, little gestures make life more pleasant.

Iacocca wrote must-read book (2008/05/13)
I just finished reading a book by Lee Iococca that everyone should read before making a decision on whom they want for our next president or any elected official.

Put a stop to all of this (2008/05/13)
When is it going to end? The men and women dying in the war, the excuses for gas to go up, and the amount of drugs that young people are able to get. It is bad enough that gas is close to $4 a gallon, but sending thousands of teens off to war is too much! We need a president who can put a stop to all of this.

God and government (2008/05/12)
I don’t mean to copy what everybody else is doing, but I found this information:

Keep the star/cross on Holmen hill (2008/05/12)
This is just a little more information about the star on the hill in Holmen. My father was also involved in the construction of this landmark. It was a joint effort, as I recall, between the Lions Club and the Legion, again when times and issues were so much simpler.

We need a grand push to the left (2008/05/12)
When Oedipus saw that his actions had unwittingly brought disaster to his country, he did not attempt to excuse himself by saying, “I didn’t know.” Rather, his shame over the consequences of his ignorance caused him to tear out his own eyes.

Questions about prison sick days (2008/05/12)
A recent story about correctional officer sick leave as it relates to overtime created more questions than answers. First, the readers should be aware that prisons are 24/7 operations. Officers’ schedules are either on the state or federal format. This means that the majority of officers work six to seven days straight before getting two days off and having a weekend off is every five weeks.

Presidency isn’t hereditary (2008/05/11)
Why do the Clintons, both Hillary and Bill, seem to think that they have to totally destroy Sen. Barack Obama in the primary contest?

Outrageous oil profits (2008/05/11)
In recent days, revenue and profits for various Fortune 500 corporations has been released. Wal-Mart headed the list with $378.8 billion in revenue, realizing a profit of $12.7 billion. Exxon-Mobil had a revenue of $372.8 billion, with a profit of $40.6 billion. That figures to be three times more profit than Wal-Mart — on slightly less revenue. We, the public, are being gouged to maintain these outrageous profits for the petroleum industry.

Don’t kill Sparta’s geese (2008/05/11)
I find it interesting and really quite typical that humans are once again trying to mess with nature. What a mess we are making of our Earth!

Let area hunters kill the geese (2008/05/11)
I find it necessary to write about two articles in the April 15 Tribune.

Pork ban doesn’t go far enough (2008/05/11)
Our 3rd District U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, has recently announced and sent e-mails out letting everyone know that he has decided, on his own, to not sponsor any “earmark” (better known as pork barrel) legislation for one entire calender year.

Stop torturing prisoners (2008/05/11)
Four years ago, we first learned of the torture and cruel treatment at Abu Ghraib and other military prisons. Now we have learned that senior Bush officials met or are meeting inside the White House in order to develop “enhanced” interrogation techniques for the CIA.

Church-state clarifications (2008/05/10)
John McDonald’s guest column brought up many good points, but there are a couple of things that should be clarified. The motto, “In God we trust,” first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1864.

Cover story of Pentagon pundits (2008/05/10)
On April 20, the New York Times ran a story about how all of those ex-generals we see as expert military analysts on the TV news shows were really just feeding us much propaganda about the Iraq war.

War in Iraq still continues (2008/05/10)
The days lengthen, the sun warms, the bluffs turn green, and the killing in Iraq continues. The war lengthens, the bodies come home, the families wear black.

Demonstration Sunday in park (2008/05/10)
The group Standing Women Global Village calls upon the people of the world, from day-old babies to the most senior elders to stand with us for peace and social justice.

Punish the pharmacist (2008/05/10)
I agree with the Tribune editorial urging the punishment of a pharmacist who refuses to dispense a legally prescribed drug because their use is counter to his or her religious beliefs. The idea that one’s religion, however mainstream, far out or downright goofy, should be grounds for professional medical decisions is dangerous on its face.

Partisanship hurts UW System (2008/05/08)
It is an understatement to say that I have had more than a fair share of curveballs hurled at me while standing at the plate as president of the University of Wisconsin-

Let disabled vets get Social Security (2008/05/08)
I’m 65 years old, having served in the U.S Army from 1962-66. I served during the Vietnam war, was stationed in Korea at the end of the “armed ceasefire” and in the Dominican Republic during the uprising in the Spring of ’65. I was decorated appropriately. Because of a serious accident in 1998 that left me in a coma, on dialysis and performing physical therapy, I was awarded a nonservice-connected disability.

National primary (2008/05/08)
On Saturday morning, I heard on television that super delegates are going to be appointed to choose the Democratic nominee.

Anti-Christian discrimination (2008/05/07)
Recently a prominent member of the Illinois Catholic Medical Association did a study on medical school admissions committees. It was learned that many admissions committees ask questions to learn about the student candidate’s views on abortion as well as the student’s degree of religious leanings.

Campbell board is out of touch (2008/05/07)
Starting the second Tuesday in March, the Campbell board decided to hold only one meeting per month. The private sector, which recorded meetings to be aired on television, was also suspended. Those of you who watched the televised meetings should come in person and witness how your local government operates. We need new faces with independent thinking, as our elected official deserve your help.

Provide more health insurance (2008/05/07)
Last week was Cover the Uninsured Week, a national effort that seeks to bring attention to the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance.

Why do they act like children? (2008/05/07)
This letter is to those who believe that 18-year-olds should have the right to drink because they are adults.

Don’t punish pharmacist (2008/05/06)
I take serious exception to the La Crosse Tribune editorial saying pharmacist Neil Noesen should be disciplined for not dispensing drugs or referring to another pharmacy because of religious beliefs.

Understand Wright in context (2008/05/06)
It seems important to mention for those who did not watch “Bill Moyer’s Journal” on public TV April 25, that he interviewed the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s pastor, who has gotten a lot of bad press. It of course has been used to taint Obama.

Develop new energy sources (2008/05/06)
It’s really nice to see gas prices continue to soar. I hope we hit $6 or $7 per gallon by the end of the decade. I say this because Americans get kind of lazy when things are going well, but when faced with real and complex problems, the innovation kicks in and great ideas are born, and people go to work and the old ways disappear overnight.

Get the geese out of the park (2008/05/06)
I thought parks and golf course were created or developed for humans, and refuges were developed for birds and animals.

Speak the name of God (2008/05/06)
Congratulations to Naomi Blum for her letter in the

Holmen Star a strong memory (2008/05/05)
The Holmen star was built in our basement when I was a grade-school student in the 1950s. My father and a couple other local fellows felt it would be a nice addition to the village during the Christmas season. I am not sure which organization backed them but suspect it may have been the American Legion. Back then, things weren’t so insane, and the small village — about 365 people strong, did not have a lot of resources, so purchasing the lumber and the strings of lights needed was a large investment.

People must know about the Holocaust (2008/05/05)
I am a junior at Aquinas High School taking a Holocaust class. I think classes like this are essential for all students. Everyone needs to know what happened during the Holocaust. I have learned so many things about the Holocaust that many people are unaware of. Some topics we have discussed include: anti-semitism, Adolf Hitler, discrimination, transports, ghettos, the Nazis and concentration camps.

New standards could hurt business (2008/05/05)
This is in response to your April 29 story about the La Crosse City Planning Commission recommending new standards for commercial design. It is the responsibility of city officials to consider and listen to the public regarding zoning changes that may be necessary regarding a proposed Walgreens to be built on the South Side of La Crosse. But that is where their responsibility ends.

Responsibility of drivers (2008/05/05)
When merging into traffic, “You must yield to traffic already moving on the roadway.” This is a quote from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Motorist’s Handbook (p. 37).

La Crosse needs more stop signs (2008/05/04)
The stop sign distribution in La Crosse is in need of improvement. Safety is jeopardized and stress is increased by the current set up in this city.

A historic music event (2008/05/04)
My wife and I returned to Viroqua from our winter refuge in Arizona early to attend one of the most remarkable and historic musical events recently in La Crosse.

We should have universal care (2008/05/04)
We wonder why we don’t have a national health care system. Democrats and Republicans alike tell you how difficult it would be.

Thanks students for stadium vote (2008/05/04)
It is with humble heart that, as a Vietnam veteran, I want to say thank you to the students of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

What about Democrats’ wars? (2008/05/04)
To letter writer Duane Teschler: Must you be so vindictive? How old are you? You cannot be old enough to remember, or even know about the “police action” in Korea in which Democratic President Harry Truman sent thousands of our men into battle to fight over a bunch of hills.

Founders were deists (2008/05/03)
People are wont to quote Thomas Jefferson, not only to support the concept of the separation of church and state, but to the opposite effect as well. George Washington is quoted in support of the mixing of church and state too.

He could use a day of reason (2008/05/03)
After reading the opposing views concerning whether the government should continue to support a National Day of Prayer, I must partially agree with Mr. Imhoff, that there should be a National Day of Reason.

Birth mothers offer gift of life (2008/05/03)
An open letter to all birth mothers on behalf of the families who have been able to adopt the children to whom you gave birth: Your gift of life granted to these beautiful children gave us and all the other parents the ability to be parents.

It must be a serial killer (2008/05/03)
As a lifelong resident of this area, I am at a loss for words as to why the La Crosse Police Department and this Task Force that Chief Kondracki created to look into the river drownings keep blaming binge drinking on these “accidental” deaths.

He lives on through his gift (2008/05/03)
It was with sorrow that I read of the loss of Mary Jo Rozneoski of her son, Dustin, in 2005, at the age of 22. I too believe, everyday holds the possibility of a miracle, as Donna Frett believes.

A company that cares (2008/05/01)
A few weeks ago, Oprah Winfrey introduced her audience to Amy and Randy Stoen, of Claremont, Minn., and their 3-year-old daughter, Madelaine. Amy had noticed a small cyst inside little Madelaine’s nose. A visit to the doctor resulted in a devastating diagnosis: Madelaine had alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Don’t tolerate big spenders (2008/05/01)
Our elected politicians have been spending our money like it’s free. Last year, “earmarks” cost the taxpayers of America $17.2 billion for these pork projects.

Too many lack health insurance (2008/05/01)
This year we mark Cover the Uninsured Week from April 27 to May 3. Standing at the outside looking into our health care system is frightening for the 47 million uninsured as unexpected medical needs and a lack of preventative care can put individuals and families on a path to financial ruin.

Do we need dual presidents? (2008/05/01)
Barack Obama cannot attack Hillary Clinton in the manner that he should because, if he does, he will appear to be “an angry black man” and therefore a threat.

He lives on through his gift (2008/05/01)
It was with sorrow that I read of the loss of Mary Jo Rozmenoski of her son, Dustin, in 2005, at the age of 22. I too believe every day holds the possibility of a miracle, as Donna Frett believes.

Programs for women’s health (2008/04/30)
April 27-May 3 is Covering the Uninsured Week. Access to affordable health care is a challenge for many. Do women know what’s available in Wisconsin to help them with their health care?

The uninsured need coverage (2008/04/30)
In Wisconsin, 11 percent of our friends, neighbors and colleagues without health insurance are forced to gamble every day that they won’t get sick or injured. Living without health insurance is a risk no one should have to take.

Oppose Dairyland’s landfill proposal (2008/04/30)
The Genoa off-site landfill project proposed by Dairyland Power Cooperative touches on many issues.

Benefits from not watching TV (2008/04/30)
I just wanted to comment on the benefits our family has seen during this year’s National Turn Off the TV Week. On average, children in the United States will spend more time in front of the television (1,023 hours) than in school this year (900 hours).

The cartoon said it all (2008/04/30)
The editorial cartoon Tuesday says it all. It seems to me that food to fuel is not only ill-advised, but immoral.

Leave the cross on public property (2008/04/29)
The Holmen cross should stay on public property. Here’s why.

Make sure all have health insurance (2008/04/29)
For the past 15 years, those involved with the St. Clare Health Mission in La Crosse have witnessed the problems facing the poor and uninsured in our community. We also have been witness to the difference that the giving of one’s time and talents can make in the life of someone in need. April 27 to May 3 we celebrate both National Volunteer Week and National Cover the Uninsured Week.

Cover the uninsured (2008/04/29)
Cover The Uninsured Week is April 27 to May 3. Covering Kids and Families is a national effort to highlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance.

We need to hear all the opinions (2008/04/29)
There is no right and no wrong. It’s all popular opinion. Do we ever hear the whole truth anymore? Newspapers all have their own views: Either Democratic, Republican, or independent, So does the news on TV. The best bet now is BBC. Are all the voices heard? That’s what I am asking about this opinion page.

We need true conservation (2008/04/28)
It was interesting to read Terry Schmeckpeper’s letter regarding alternative fuels and Tom Still’s column on biofuels in recent Tribunes.

Emphasize ‘we’ and not ‘I’ (2008/04/28)
“We the people of the United States.” Wow! What are the implications of this statement by the Founding Fathers in the opening lines of the Constitution of the United States of America?

‘Smart growth’ takes away rights (2008/04/28)
Many years ago, the state of Wisconsin required La Crosse County, as well as other local governments, to come up with a plan by 2010 for how they project the land in their area will be used, such as farming and residential. Until now, the county has been requesting guidelines from the local governments.

Provide health insurance to all (2008/04/28)
Cover the Uninsured Week is April 27-May 3. This is a project of Covering Kids and Families which is a national effort to highlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance.

Outsiders should stay out of issue (2008/04/27)
The Holmen star issue is a controversy that can be settled by our Holmen Village Board. We have a very competent board, and be assured that they will do what is right for all parties concerned.

Keep Franklin and Roosevelt (2008/04/27)
The North Side and La Crosse residents have told the school board “no” again to building a new North Side elementary school. And because of this, the school board is now threatening to close a school.

Support impeachment (2008/04/27)
Dear Congressman Ron Kind: We have collected more than 11,000 signatures statewide on our impeachment petition. Now, New Hampshire is joining us in a resolve to impeach for peace.

Free-market ideas are not enough (2008/04/27)
Free-market solutions are best for health care? Sounds so good and so American, but beware, because Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Follow the money, and you will find generous donations to his campaign fund from the health care and insurance industry. He will deny it, but money talks in Madison.

Letter wrong about builders (2008/04/27)
A letter by Diane Eisermann on Sunday, April 20, was way off the mark and totally mischaracterized the intent of housing stimulus legislation now pending in Congress.

More problems with drivers (2008/04/27)
I agree with letter writer Matt Gaworski about people not moving over for cars going onto or coming off the interstate. But people also have to know how to merge coming and going on and off the interstate. Many people take their time about that.

Conservation will play larger role (2008/04/26)
We are living in an oil-dependent world. People are gobbling up oil and other fossil fuels faster than ever. By 2006, U.S. consumption went up to 20.7 million barrels a day. This is a 3.5 percent increase from 2003, at a time when prices doubled.

Thinking about Mother’s Day (2008/04/26)
I was just thinking about my mother since Mother’s Day is approaching, and thought of a line I’d written in a poem I wrote her when I was a child. It read, “Thanks for scrubbing on your hands and knees and giving the dog a bath so it won’t get fleas.”

Informative show was on too late (2008/04/26)
On April 19, I was lying in bed watching the news on WKBT-TV waiting to watch a rerun of “CSI: Miami” when appeared an educational program on “teenagers and alcohol abuse.” This was at 10:35 p.m. I’m not sure what viewers they were trying to educate at that time.

All are needed to combat poverty (2008/04/26)
A Tribune editorial April 21 said, “the answers to poverty, related issues will be education and job growth.” I agree; these are two components. However, it takes more than a high school education and a new minimum-paying job to get children out of poverty.

Understanding the Tibet issue (2008/04/24)
With the upcoming Olympics in China, an issue has resurfaced regarding Tibet. The legal question is whether Tibet is a part of China or independent, as claimed by the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans.

Visit women’s resource agency (2008/04/24)
I’m supposed to be writing an article that April is Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month, but I find myself cogitating about community interactions instead.

Police officer was very kind (2008/04/24)
A week ago, my two grandsons and I were leaving the Children’s Museum. As parking is at a premium downtown, I parked in a two-hour spot on a dead end road. I saw one of the police parking officers getting out of his vehicle close to my vehicle.

Not legitimate commentary (2008/04/24)
Tuesday’s column from a nobody at the Philly Inquirer is not legitimate commentary. It is from the right-wing noise machine. If you read it closely, you can feel the underlying racism from the writer. It is palpable.

Don’t criticize Catholic faith (2008/04/23)
Bill Maher found it necessary to cut down the Catholic faith on HBO national TV, calling it a cult, etc. Hey, Bill, why don’t you have something to say about the Muslim religion? Or could it be that you are afraid about retaliation and what they might say or, more importantly, do. I wonder? Cluck, cluck, cluck.

Obama was refreshing (2008/04/23)
I think it would be hard to find an out-of-work person in Ohio or Pennsylvania who would not agree with Barack Obama’s so-called “elitist” remarks he made about them being bitter about their situation. It’s true, I am quite sure they are bitter, so what is all the fuss about? Spin, spin, spin. Ad nauseum

La Crosse feels like home (2008/04/23)
I’d like to thank KJ Lang for her story on April 13 about feeling at home in La Crosse. Although I don’t live in

Don’t shoot geese at Sparta lake (2008/04/23)
The Sparta City Council is going ahead with the plans to shoot geese around Perch Lake in June despite the recommendations of the Humane Society. This will only be a short-term solution and will result in the deaths of innocent wildlife.

Come on, people, let’s ‘drive nice’ (2008/04/23)
I am taking a moment to comment on something I have been noticing more frequently in the La Crosse area. I know, everyone complains about other people’s driving and the experiences they have with “road rage.” I myself am no saint, but my experiences over the last couple days have led me to at least attempt to open some eyes.

Honor our everyday heroes (2008/04/23)
There are many of our fellow citizens who are heroes — those in the military, serving in Iraq and all over the world, as well as those who we encounter on a daily basis — the doctors, the nurses, the firefighters, police officers and others who help us, heal us and save us from danger.

Earmarks are not all bad (2008/04/22)
Displayed on the walls of Ron Kind’s office in La Crosse are two telling photographs: one showing the congressman posed with Al Gore, the other showing a similar shot with William Proxmire. The former image speaks to Mr. Kind’s environmental advocacy, the latter to his fiscal conservatism. Sen. Proxmire, you may recall, was a tough critic of wasteful government spending.

Young people helped neighbors (2008/04/22)
We hear so many negative comments about today’s youth, I think we need to always pass along good comments.

Time to develop alternative fuels (2008/04/22)
Have you noticed how many people, including myself, have complained about how the government doesn’t do anything about the obscene oil prices we’re faced with? Well, guess what? Oil prices have been rising by leaps and bounds since the late 1970s (that’s 30 years, folks) and the feds haven’t done anything except emit hot air about it, so what makes us think they’re going to start now?

Common sense in America (2008/04/22)
This letter is in reference to Rodney Griffing’s comments on Barack Obama’s elitism, Friday’s edition, specifically to his opinion that Obama was framing his “bitter,” comments in a Marxist world view.

Shame on the school board (2008/04/21)
Shame on you, La Crosse School Board! The school board has a referendum to ask the people for school repairs, boilers, electrical and other essentials.

A true patriot is retiring (2008/04/21)
I saw in the April 2 La Crosse Tribune that my childhood barber, Jerry Besl, is retiring after 59 years of cutting hair on the North Side of La Crosse. During my many haircuts with Jerry, I never knew about his service to our country during the second World War.

Alternatives for Dairyland Power (2008/04/21)
This letter is in regard to Dairyland Power Cooperative’s need for an ash disposal site. I will give the highlights of an idea to solve this problem.

Christians and public schools (2008/04/21)
A letter to the editor dated April 9 declared that “Christians are forced to pay taxes to public schools ... ” This happens, not because they are Christians, but because they are citizens of the United States of America. Thankfully, in this country, citizenship is not based upon one’s religion, and our Constitution further declares that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”

Opportunity to hear survivor (2008/04/20)
As a Holocaust educator at Viterbo University, I am pleased to announce that the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo is bringing another survivor to the Viterbo Fine Arts Center to speak to our community free of charge at 7 p.m. Monday, April 21.

Oppose Planned Parenthood (2008/04/20)
Do you know how our tax money is being spent on Planned Parenthood? Just take a look on its Web site for teens: www.teenwire.com.

Education of young children (2008/04/20)
“All young children need and deserve high-quality learning experiences that will prepare them for life;” that is the motto of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and a worthy goal for parents especially during last week’s “Week of the Young Child.”

Home builders political issue (2008/04/20)
The April 4 CNBC news program “Cramer” reported that home builders said they would not support candidates in the fall election with donations because “the home builders” were not included in the current housing default bill.

McCain supports failed policies (2008/04/20)
John McCain is now embracing, without a doubt, the most glaringly failed U.S. president ever. With 81 percent of our population disapproving of the direction our country is going, McCain is even with either of the Democratic nominees.

Why not just praise Heston? (2008/04/19)
This letter is in regard to columnist Jimmy Gillman’s opinion about Charlton Heston.

Willing to sacrifice for others? (2008/04/19)
As I have watched fuel prices soar, I have also watched area citizens. What I have observed are many cars with only one person in them. One day I was returning home as school was dismissed.

Stop the pay discrimination (2008/04/19)
Equal Pay Day is Tuesday, April 22. The American Association of University Women has a proud history of advocating for equal pay for women. AAUW’s Public Policy Program states that AAUW is committed to supporting “vigorous enforcement of employment antidiscrimination statutes.”

Lead testing encouraged (2008/04/17)
The La Crosse County Health Department would like to stress that possible lead poisoning in and around one’s home is an even greater risk to children than the potential from toys, crayons or products a child might play with.

Keep band shell or lose memories (2008/04/17)
Concerning the band shell in Riverside Park, I think some changes have to be made, but we must look at the total picture. La Crosse has done too many quick fixes in the past. The main band shell in Riverside Park is made of carved stone.

Consider all costs of war in Iraq (2008/04/17)
The human cost of the war in Iraq — how else can we say it to move our governmental leaders into action?

Smoking is a free choice (2008/04/17)
I have to side with the Tavern League per the smoking ban. Someone needs to stand up and help the small business owners. If a bar chooses to be smoke-free, so be it. If someone chooses to patronize the business, so be it. If one chooses to work there, so be it.

Have you read the preamble? (2008/04/16)
I’m a fourth-grader, and I just finished studying Wisconsin history. While studying, I found the preamble to the Wisconsin Constitution. It says, “We the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure our blessings form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquility, and promote the general welfare, do establish this constitution.”

Upset about the cross debate (2008/04/16)
For billions of Christians around the world, the cross is a powerful symbol of faith. For some African Americans, the cross has been a symbol of racial hatred. To Jews and Palestinians living during the crusades, the cross must have been regarded as a symbol of death and genocide. In all cases though, it is simply an idol, representing some idea that humans assign to it at a given time.

Anti-bias sign taken from yard (2008/04/16)
Recently, when I left to take my children to school, I looked around my yard and something was not right. My “Would Jesus Discriminate?” yard sign was gone.

Time to limit public smoking (2008/04/16)
Recently there seems to be a movement toward no smoking in public places (restaurants, bars, theaters, grocery stores, hair salons, etc.) as well as other businesses that attract a wide range of ages of customers.

Keep bandstand just as it is (2008/04/16)
When I first read that a group of people in La Crosse wanted to replace the bandstand in Riverside Park, my first thought was, “Oh, no, another group asking for money.” Then I wondered why.

No new tax for stormwater utility (2008/04/15)
Tuesday evening, while the rain was falling gently on your roof, across your lawn and into the drain, your city council at the committee of the whole meeting was busy hiring a $75,000 consultant to see how much the city could charge you for that.

Find a better alternate fuel (2008/04/15)
I would urge nonsupport of using compressed natural gas as a fuel source.

Vote by mail, as Oregon does (2008/04/15)
After reading Sen. Herb Kohl’s opinion column promoting his weekend voting bill, I took a look online at stats for the state of Oregon, which as he references in his own editorial, is the first state to conduct statewide elections completely by mail. Here is the link: http://www.sos.state.or.us/ executive/votebymail/history.

We need relief from pesky calls (2008/04/15)
It is good to have a reprieve from the pesky automated campaign phone calls now that the April election is over. Unfortunately, they do not come under the “do not call” guidelines and will begin before our voting in November.

Fest button area will expand (2008/04/14)
In 2008, Riverfest will again enlarge the area that requires a button for admission. The area will be identical to the one in 2005. Finding solutions to rising costs and declining sponsorship opportunities without increasing the cost of a button has been a challenge of the board for several years.

Curb illegal immigration (2008/04/14)
CBS News recently presented a story about the 2,400 babies born to illegals that were delivered free at McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas, last year.

Why would they steal gas container? (2008/04/14)
I recently went to a local station to fill a gasoline container for my lawn mower. I set the container next to the pump while I went inside to pay for the gas and when I came out the container was gone. Are people that poor or don’t they have any morals or conscience?

Eliminate oil dependence (2008/04/14)
There is a theory about the recent housing collapse that goes like this. Ten years ago, in order to soften the impact of losing all those manufacturing jobs, big business and big government (what’s the difference these days) got together.

Oppose the war in Iraq (2008/04/14)
In 1919, the historian Joseph Schumpeter wrote about ancient Rome, “There was no corner of the known world where some interest was not alleged to be in danger or under actual attack. ... When it was utterly impossible to contrive such an interest, why, then it was the national honor that had been insulted. Rome was always being attacked by evil-minded neighbors.”

Support UW-L’s Green Fund (2008/04/14)
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Green Fund is about more than just being green. The Green Fund is about taking responsibility for our investments. As Mark Halverson has pointed out, our purchasing power can create cost-effective solutions to high-energy costs. Students have consumer power, so why not use that power to invest in local, renewable sources of energy?

We need to know Obama’s votes (2008/04/14)
It’s a fact that Barack Obama has been planing for a long time to run for president. I began to check his voting record while he served in the U.S. Senate, and I found almost nothing on the Internet in regard to his voting. We need to know the bills (over 100 of them) where Obama voted “present.” What were those bills that he did not want a record of, neither “aye” or “nay?”

Not related to that Edward Klein (2008/04/14)
When I wrote a letter critical of Hillary Clinton prior to the Wisconsin presidential primary, I deliberately failed to mention that the author of the “The Truth about Hillary” and I happen to share the same name. I did not want the letter to appear that I was promoting a family member’s published work, and you can trust that the Edward Klein who wrote the book and I are in no way related.

Don’t interfere with property rights (2008/04/13)
There is quite a bit of discussion regarding saving “our” farm land for farms. I have not figured out who owns “our” farm land. Does the title holder or farmer? Then they should decide what they want to do with their farm land.

Learn about hysterectomy (2008/04/13)
Women considering having a hysterectomy should think first and not become a victim to a surgeon’s knife due to a lack of information.

Do something about big oil (2008/04/13)
We could discover oil in your backyard tomorrow and it wouldn’t help our country. We are giving away our oil to big oil companies in our country that are the cause of high gas and oil prices.

Iraq war is five years old (2008/04/13)
Five years and counting. It doesn’t sound like a big number, but when you are talking about war, five years is an eternity. As of this month, there are 531,000 ISF (Iraqi security forces) and 90,000 CLC (concerned local citizens) under arms and 155,000 coalition forces in Iraq.

A great job on a great play (2008/04/13)
I want to compliment Janet Melby of La Crescent, Minn., on her fabulous review of the play, “The Boys Next Door.”

Your view: Support national health insurance (2008/04/12)
A report in a recent Annals of Internal Medicine shows a solid majority — 59 percent — of my fellow doctors now support national health insurance, a Medicare-like plan that would guarantee good coverage for everyone. That’s 10 percentage points higher than five years ago, and just slightly below what the general public supports (65 percent), as shown in an Associated Press poll last December.

Your view: Keep line between church and state (2008/04/12)
Letter writer Dianne Klinski says, “(People) should research the religious traditions of a place, its people and customs before moving to an area.”

Your view: Weekend voting is a bad idea (2008/04/12)
As a town clerk for 13 years, I feel your approval of Sen. Herb Kohl’s weekend voting proposal was not well thought out. I really doubt that weekend voting will bring any additional voters to the polls. Those wanting to vote can certainly find time on Tuesdays with the polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. We also have absentee voting available for any voter if they can’t make it to the polls.

Your view: We need a bigger dog run area (2008/04/12)
I recently read in the Tribune that we have five areas where you can walk your dog (on a leash) — Houska Park, Trane Park, Clayton Johnson Park, West Copeland and Dr. Fred Park. Hixon Forest also is used as a dog area. Accordingly, most are required to have the dog on a leash. These are not true exercise runs for an active dog.

Your view: Why do we need security upgrades? (2008/04/12)
Attention school board and referendum committee: I was sold on the need for building consolidation. I was sold on the need for new boilers and other major repairs. I was not sold on $2.5 million for “security” upgrades. What is the justification? Is this a response to rare random acts of violence that have taken place in schools in other parts of the country?

Fine line between stupid and stubborn (2008/04/10)
Late night pundits have been quick to recognize presidential shortcomings.

Stand up for Christianity (2008/04/10)
So, a cross could offend someone, but not a six-limbed Hindu goddess? Drawings of Medusa, the Grim Reaper, a being with horns on its head and demonic masks don’t “infringe on other students’ rights” while on display in the art room, but the teacher and Tomah High School won’t allow student A.P. to create something with a cross.

Don’t censor religious art (2008/04/10)
Tomah school officials, you have Buddha and Hindu figurines, a teacher who teaches Hindu principles, a Hindu goddess and drawings of Medusa and demonic masks in your school, but you refuse to allow a drawing of a cross?

Use car seats for your children (2008/04/10)
I am an early childhood education student at Western Technical College. My passion is children and their overall health and safety. Throughout my time at WTC, I have learned a lot of great safety tips on “child proofing,” which are ways to make your child’s environment less of a safety hazard. One safety hazard I feel is not talked about enough in society is car seat safety.

State shouldn’t promote religion (2008/04/10)
When people talk about “freedom from religion” they are not talking about the state abolishing religion, but about the state promoting a particular religion. The knee-jerk reaction is to think this is about wanting all religion banned. That would be undemocratic on the face of it. I think rather, that what most fear is a sectarian theocracy forced upon us by whoever happens to be the majority religion at the time. A Christian Taliban would be no better than a Muslim Taliban.

Taxpayers foot the bill (2008/04/09)
The front-page article about the pain the military feels due to high costs has things a bit misstated. U.S. taxpayers, not the military, pay all the bills of the war in Iraq and other places. It also glosses over the extremely high cost of the Defense Department’s Energy Support Center, which sucks up all of Kuwait’s oil subsides to the United States in its administrative costs.

Christians endure offensive views (2008/04/09)
I am writing in response to Ashley Ellefson’s March 27 letter, “Glaring Public Symbols.” In reference to taxpayer mon-ey being used to light the Hol-men cross on Easter, she says, “atheists and agnostics don’t force their views on others.”

Bush violated U.N. Charter (2008/04/09)
A recent editorial as to President Bush’s foreign policy said: “Treaties were unilaterally cancelled.” The word cancelled was not the best choice of words. The United Nations Charter is an important treaty that was not cancelled. Every nation, including the United States, still belongs to the United Nations. A more precise editorial would have said President Bush violated the U.N. Charter.

Only 80 percent compliance? (2008/04/09)
I do believe that entrapment is the act of a law enforcement official, or his agent, “inducing” a person to commit an offense which that person would not have, or was unlikely to have, otherwise committed.

Pet cremation is available (2008/04/09)
In reference to the recent “business of the week’’ article on pet cremation, Rivers Edge Pet Crematorium has been in business for four years and during that time we have been providing local service for 16 clinics in La Crosse and the surrounding area.

New band shell or renovation needed (2008/04/08)
It has been interesting to read the recent letters regarding the Andersen Band Shell in Riverside Park. Being an “oldster,” I do share some concerns about preservation; however, I also value function.

Contributing to school foundation (2008/04/08)
Voters chose to say no to the construction of a new La Crosse school building during last Tuesday’s election. Some made the decision because of fixed incomes, others because of an extremely high tax rate. I doubt many voted no because they don’t believe in the education of our youth.

Vote for Clinton, not Obama (2008/04/08)
I listened to the television the other night, once again to hear Barack Obama beating the same dead horse: Troops were killed in Iraq because Hillary voted for the war.

AP story wrong about Obama (2008/04/08)
An article titled “Close Democratic finish could mean tough choices,” published Sunday, is another example of the La Crosse Tribune’s lazy editorial practices. Rather than simple misstatements or half truths, the AP piece was a blatant lie. Even a casual observer of current events would see this. Even still, the story is unapologetically presented as fact.

Let the crying begin (2008/04/08)
Sure is funny when the Democrats lose an election. The other guy cheated, he didn’t play fair. Get real. This was an election and the majority won. More people voted for the elected judge than the appointed one. Maybe the people in this state are just tired of the paid appointed people of Gov. Jim Doyle. This was a legal and binding election.

We all benefit from cell research (2008/04/07)
I was inspired by Paul Ibisch’s letter to the editor of March 10. Mr. Ibisch said “alumni of the University of Minnesota, please return all solicitations for donations with the message ‘I will no longer contribute to any of the university’s programs as long as embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic human cloning continues.’”

City did poor job on snow removal (2008/04/07)
La Crosse, we have a problem: The sidewalk snow removal ordinance.

Daughter gave the gift of life (2008/04/07)
Eight years ago, I was told by a Mayo Clinic doctor that my kidneys were failing. In June 2007 I was told that I had only a year or so to live unless I could find a way to replace my kidneys.

Police admitted their error (2008/04/07)
We would like to praise the La Crosse Police Department for admitting their error in the mix-up concerning a recent Crime Stoppers television ad.

Alcohol laws need to be changed (2008/04/07)
I see that a recent grant has dedicated $25,000 toward

We didn’t learn from oil crisis (2008/04/07)
Here we are, once again, dealing with high crude oil prices that lead to frustration at the gas pump. Why on earth is anyone surprised by this? We, the consumers, have asked for it. No lesson was learn from the 1970s.

National Turn Off the TV Week (2008/04/06)
April 20-27 is National Turn Off the TV Week. An average family may spend up to four hours a day in front of the TV and have only about 30 minutes of meaningful conversation. This is a week of pledging to turn off the TV and finding something else to do with one’s children.

Legion should remove signs (2008/04/06)
A handful of Campbell citizens prompted by the board wanted to get rid of the private commander boards. The Campbell American Legion Post 417 has two commander boards that after four-plus months have not been removed.

Judicial race an embarrassment (2008/04/06)
Well, so much for the integrity and the dignity of the election of state Supreme Court justices!

Issues involving real estate sales (2008/04/06)
One of the most basic rights for all Americans is having the opportunity to pursue and achieve the American dream of home ownership.

Protect La Crosse’s historic structures (2008/04/05)
In reference to the La Crosse Tribune editorial board’s comments March 31 about myself and the bandshell in Riverside Park, I feel that a rebuttal is necessary.

Open letter to Ron Kind (2008/04/05)
Dear Congressman Kind: I am writing in advance of yet another unfunded request of $102 billion for the Iraq war, sometime in April.

Religion is a means to an end (2008/04/05)
Religion is a tool, a means to an end. Mankind uses this tool in the same manner that it uses a hammer and nails; to build a supporting structure.

Preserve the Riverside bandshell (2008/04/03)
I was dismayed to read the editorial in the Tribune Monday about the proposed new Riverside Park bandshell.

It should be a place for music (2008/04/03)
I have had the great pleasure of playing in the La Crosse Concert Band every summer for more than a decade. I am not paid to play. I play for the sheer joy of making music with — and for — my friends in La Crosse’s beautiful riverside setting.

Life is good without alcohol (2008/04/03)
It was good to see the letter regarding the fact that there are many nondrinking college students, (Tribune March, 10). Also mentioned was the possibility of parents being more involved. This is not to brag but simply to say, “It can be done.”

Payments won’t stimulate economy (2008/04/03)
Recently we received in the mail a “Dear Taxpayer” notice informing us that Congress passed and the president signed into law the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. This pat-on-the-back notice cost us $42 million.

Refreshing voices in the media (2008/04/03)
Your staff writers Betsy Bloom and Joe Orso are refreshing voices in the media world, which chronicles the often sorry state of government, the Iraq and Afghanistan; wars, the economy and the divisive atmosphere of the election process.

Stand up to oil-producers (2008/04/03)
Why wouldn’t the House and Senate stand up to the president on the price of oil? It is time they do. It is time to hit the countries that make up OPEC where it hurts: Foreign trade. Reports earlier this year on Yahoo and Google had the United States with more opportunity to drill for oil in states such as Colorado and Alaska, that it would make us the largest producer of oil in the world.

It isn’t right to torture (2008/04/02)
There is no mystery that our purpose in life is to help and care for one another, whether it it is a family member, friend, neighbor or total stranger.

Sexual assault awareness (2008/04/02)
The month of April is Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month. On the national level, Congress will be working on the president’s budget proposals to cut funds to various agencies that help victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and dating violence.

Cast your vote based on issues (2008/04/02)
I am writing in response to some of the opinions in this paper and also the opinions I’ve seen from some of the public in the news. The upcoming election is going to be of great significance, far greater than any that I can recall in the recent past.

Two sides to every story (2008/04/02)
I read recently that Rep. Mike Huebsch and Sen. Dan Kapanke are taking heat because they voted against Assembly Bill 377 and the equivalent in the Senate, S.B. 129.

Why shovel? Snow eventually melts (2008/04/01)
If nobody ever shoveled their snow, it would all be melted by now.

Term limits for Congress (2008/04/01)
I recently read Laura Ingraham’s book “Power to the People,” in which she refers to one of her listeners saying that we should elect illegal immigrants to Congress because he had heard that they will do work Americans will not do.

We’re not in a recession (2008/04/01)
This is a comment about James C. Harrison’s March 6 letter to the editor.

Don’t support torture of prisoners (2008/04/01)
I am writing in support of your editorial arguing that both Gen. David Petraeus and John McCain are right to oppose the use of torture by the CIA in their interrogations. President Bush vetoed a bill that would not have allowed the CIA to use such “aggressive tactics” in part because he refuses to acknowledge that tactics such as waterboarding constitute torture.

Lower the drinking age (2008/04/01)
Is the age 18 considered an adult? You can legally die for our country in war, vote for the leaders of our country and be charged as an adult in court and go to prison in our country, but why can’t an 18-year-old buy alcohol? The laws and regulations surrounding alcohol use in the United States are quite contradictory.

Emergency contraception (2008/03/31)
This letter is in response to the March 12 letter from Dr. Steven Pavela in regard to the Emergency Contraception Act and the “conscience clause,” which (thankfully) was eliminated from the bill’s passage. Dr. Pavela argued for the need for this clause. I would disagree for the following reasons:

Jesus and homosexuality (2008/03/31)
In response to the Holmen parent who feels that a student gay-straight alliance is long overdue (letters, March 21), I take exception to her argument that since Jesus is silent on the topic of homosexuality, we therefore have no idea what he thought about it.

In defense of ‘Day of Silence’ (2008/03/31)
This is in response to the article “Planned Gay Vigil Sparks Protest in Holmen”

Start covering Great Lakes issues (2008/03/31)
Why would people spend so much money with your company to send a letter to Speaker Huebsch?

Online exclusive: Today's letters to the editor — and more (2008/03/30)
Due to the heavy volume of election-related letters, the Tribune is publishing some letters online only.

Oppose the school plans (2008/03/29)
The La Crosse School District must change the way they operate. The school district has been most generous to its employees with wages and benefits over the years. So good, in fact, that La Crosse is ranked first in this area.

Vote for Dave Rudolph (2008/03/29)
I support Dave Rudolph for school board. The school administration is asking taxpayers to spend $55 million to support their needs, yet they make little or no effort to cut their own costs. Presently 18 administrators are scheduled to make more than $100,000 this year and another nine are scheduled to make more than $90,000.

Knee surgery led to the absences (2008/03/29)
In John Pederson’s letter in the March 21 Tribune, he mentioned that Robert Keil was a “friendly, good man, but unfortunately, his attendance has been less than stellar” at La Crosse County Board meetings.

Back Pedretti in 27th District (2008/03/29)
Marilyn Pedretti is a candidate for county board supervisor in the 27th District. A vote for her will give you a representative that has a lot of experience in proceedings on the town, county and state levels.

Butler for Supreme Court (2008/03/29)
The Supreme Court race between Louis Butler and Michael Gableman has been poisoned by special interest television advertising that distorts, misleads and has no relevance to the important work Supreme Court justices do.

Vote for Kelly and Burke (2008/03/29)
I feel that Howard Kelly would be the best addition to the Onalaska Town Board. Communication with residents and willingness to research information is key to making decisions that affect all residents in the town of Onalaska. It is clear that Howard Kelly has a considerable advantage in both areas.

Oldenburg for school board (2008/03/29)
I have been a clergyman in La Crosse since 1989. And I can proudly say that my wife and I have owned our own house since 2004. I’m writing both as a professional person in our community and as a simple tax payer to support Bill Oldenburg in Tuesday’s School Board election.

Consider Huesmann (2008/03/29)
On April 1, the voters for District 27 will choose a new district representative for the county board. I strongly encourage the district residents to vote for Mark A. Huesmann. Mark has vast experience as a small business owner, military officer, school board member, adjunct professor and community leader.

Schools need renovations (2008/03/29)
The La Crosse School District is at a critical juncture. We have many aging school buildings that need major repairs, updates and renovations. Ten schools are currently being heated by boilers that have exceeded their life expectancy.

Back Flood in 12th District (2008/03/29)
I would like to encourage you to make your vote count in the county board election on April 12th. You have an opportunity to elect Bridget Flood to the county board, and when you do so you are making a smart choice.

Plesha a friend of the taxpayer (2008/03/29)
Voters in the 7th District have an important decision to make on April 1. Having worked with both candidates in a variety of areas, I urge you to vote for Roger Plesha. In his quiet, unassuming way, Roger is committed to serving the taxpayers of La Crosse County with integrity, particularly regarding issues of aging and long term care.

Support Tovsen in 17th District (2008/03/29)
In December, I signed Tari Tovsen’s nomination papers for county board. I have known Tari for many years and feel he would be an asset on the La Crosse County Board.

Back Johnson in 18th District (2008/03/29)
I am writing to support the candidacy of Tara Johnson for the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, 18th District. I have had the opportunity to serve with Tara on several occasions, most recently on the executive board of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation.

Oppose tax hike for schools (2008/03/29)
Citizens for Responsible Government, La Crosse County, believes voters should vote no on the school referendum. The top 10 reasons are?

Support Keil in 19th District (2008/03/29)
The La Crosse County Board needs experience to navigate the many difficult and important decisions that need to be made in the upcoming years. I believe Robert Keil is the right person to represent the 19th District on the County Board.

Support Justice Butler (2008/03/29)
This year’s spring off-year election has crept up and is now just days away, Tuesday, April 1.

Butler is a lawyer’s best friend (2008/03/29)
Louis Butler, as part of the 4-3 majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, has made Wisconsin a national Mecca for the trial bar. With his support, the high court has systematically dismantled the state’s tort reform laws and eliminated caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice rulings.

Elect Hancock to Holmen board (2008/03/29)
I am writing to encourage voters to re-elect Cheryl Hancock to the Holmen school board. I attended the school board’s candidate forum recently and found Cheryl to be the most poised and thorough in her responses to the questions that were raised.

What makes a snowmobile different? (2008/03/29)
What makes driving a snowmobile different from driving any other motorized vehicle; for example, a car or truck? Many things, right? Children as young as 12 years of age can drive their own snowmobiles on trails as long as they obtain certification in a classroom course.

No Canadian-style health care system (2008/03/29)
Imagine yourself having to wait at least a month to see a doctor or medical professional. As the son of a medical professional and being a pre-med major myself, I could eventually see this occurring. Many current prospective presidential candidates praise the fact that social medicine will help the country and are going to act upon it right away.

Do you want a political analyst? (2008/03/29)
I am not sure if we have ever been formally introduced, my contact with Tribune readers has to do with my use of the Tribune’s opinion page to get a few points across.

Why do we need money for boilers? (2008/03/29)
For a number of years I’ve been listening to our school system representatives telling us, the taxpayers, that the cap on property taxes isn’t adequate. This doesn’t allow money to handle all the plans and building projects necessary for a good school system.

Do something about gas prices (2008/03/29)
I wish the American people would get together to do something about the oil and gas prices. There are 6 million people in the U.S. and there’s the Internet. We should stop and ask: “What can we do?”

Bush wrong on intelligence veto (2008/03/28)
I am extremely disappointed that President Bush vetoed H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization bill, which prevents the Central Intelligence Agency and other U.S. agents from using waterboarding, sexual humiliation, dogs and other techniques that amount to torture and ill-treatment.

Respect the local practices (2008/03/27)
I married and moved here from Montana a little over seven months ago. My husband’s farm is here. Caledonia is a lot like where I grew up used to be 30 years ago. What’s happening in Holmen has been happening in Montana for some time.

Government shouldn’t preach (2008/03/27)
Letter writer Jay Lyngaas of Onalaska asks, “How far will secularists go?” My response is: As far as they must. What Lyngaas and others decrying the actions of Eric Barnes don’t seem to understand is that no government anywhere in the United States has ever been given the authority to proselytize any religion.

Star Hill belongs to the people (2008/03/27)
“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” So said Christ. Star Hill belongs to the people, not God.

Glaring public symbols (2008/03/27)
I have never seen the cross in Holmen, but by having these glaring public symbols, “Christians” are trying to force their religion on everybody. Often, not looking at them is not an option.

Public land, (2008/03/27)
private thoughts By COLIN HUTCHINSON La Crosse Religion is the most delicate of topics. It is for that reason I do not support the sale of publicly owned land for the purpose of protecting any religious symbol.

Election letters (2008/03/27)
Gableman for Supreme Court By TOM BICE | Trempealeau, Wis. We live in a great state in the country that has the longest running democracy in world history. The main reason for this is our Constitution. I have read and researched everything possible on our current candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Elect Flood to county board (2008/03/26)
To all the voters in La Crosse District 12: You all have the wonderful opportunity to elect Bridget Flood as your supervisor in the upcoming election April 1. Bridget is an amazing woman who knows La Crosse like few people do.

Gableman’s ad distorts the truth (2008/03/26)
Michael Gableman, a candidate for the Supreme Court, recently released his first campaign advertisement — an ad that attacks his opponent, Justice Louis Butler. In deliberately misleading viewers and distorting the truth, the Gableman ad strikes a new low in Wisconsin politics.

Cheryl Hancock for school board (2008/03/26)
On April 1, the voters of the Holmen School District will be asked to cast their votes to fill three school board seats. I am writing this letter in support of Cheryl Hancock.

Brockmiller in county race (2008/03/26)
In the time that I’ve known him, Bill Brockmiller has proven to be passionate about local and national politics, interested in improving the lives of his neighbors, and genuinely committed to being the representative of the people in the 13th District.

County board endorsements (2008/03/25)
I’d like to recommend four fine candidates for the La Crosse County Board — two incumbents and two challengers.

Don’t let village sell cross land (2008/03/24)
I was greatly disappointed at the Tribune’s quick solution to the controversy regarding the display of the religious symbol on property in the village of Holmen. The First Amendment was written to protect both the church and the state.

Let’s all erect our own crosses (2008/03/24)
In a country of violence, profanity, deceit and immoral behavior, a symbol of a person’s faith or spirituality can give comfort.

Allow the Day of Silence (2008/03/24)
In response to Jo Anne Killeen’s article: “Planned gay vigil sparks protest in Holmen,” which appeared Saturday, March 15.

Crack down on illegal aliens (2008/03/24)
A few weeks ago there was an unnecessary tragic bus crash in Cottonwood, Minn. An illegal alien who did not have a driver’s license was responsible for running a stop sign, causing the deadly accident.

Back Hancock for school board (2008/03/24)
I would like to encourage Holmen School District residents to re-elect Cheryl Hancock to the Holmen School Board. I have known Cheryl for many years in her various roles throughout the community. As a fellow Holmen Area Partnership for Youth board member, I’ve seen first-hand her dedication to the youth of Holmen. Her commitment and amazing spirit and knowledge have propelled us forward in our pursuit for a youth center in Holmen.

Those were school employees (2008/03/24)
I’m concerned that statements made in a recent letter to the editor and an article on the Vote No group are misleading, or at least deserve more context. In her letter published March 13, Judy Hengel makes reference to 270 people who don’t even live in the La Crosse School District but were included in the community survey the district took to assess the public’s opinion regarding schools. Those 270 people were school employees.

Muth is involved in the community (2008/03/23)
To the citizens of Onalaska: My dad has been a huge impact in my life since I can remember. He had me on the golf course and softball diamond before I could crawl. He has coached not only me, but so many teams through St. Patrick’s Elementary and Park and Recreation. He referees many basketball games in the area just for fun.

Back Brockmiller in county race (2008/03/23)
I have been a resident of La Crosse County for more than 23 years, and I plan to raise my family here.

How far will secularists go? (2008/03/23)
How far will “freedom from religion” go? What do they expect from everyone else? When will everyone else stand up and quit letting this mob rule everyone else’s life?

School plan is too expensive (2008/03/23)
Recent news stories tell us that wheat prices have tripled. Gas prices are approaching $4 a gallon. Bear Stearns — one of the most respected names on Wall Street — needed rescue due to the credit crisis that is still far from over. Foreclosures are at record highs and climbing. Wall Street and consumer confidence are plummeting. Incredibly, in the midst of all this, the La Crosse School Board is asking us to fund a brand-new school!

Invest in education (2008/03/23)
Investing in education makes good sense financially. By spending money on education, we are creating a system that produces smarter people. Smarter people tend to spend money smarter. This makes me wonder: If we spent less money on education, would we produce fewer smart people who would spend money in less smart ways that might actually cost us more in the long run?

Back Erickson for county board (2008/03/23)
I have worked with Terry Erickson for many years, in several different capacities, and I would like to support his candidacy for county board supervisor in the 25th District. During my 10-year stint as president of the organization promoting youth baseball in the Coulee Region, Terry’s support was key in helping us grow The Independent League, thus reaching ever more young people.

Smoking ban was held hostage (2008/03/23)
Disappointed doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling that the majority of Wisconsin residents are feeling today after our state Legislature ended its session without putting our state’s health out on the floor to vote on a smoke-free workplace state.

Cross issue is confused (2008/03/22)
The problem many people seem to be having with taking down the “Star Hill Cross” is the perceived object that’s under dispute. Many people are getting very upset because they see this as an attack on Christianity. This could not be further from the truth.

Vote yes for our schools (2008/03/22)
Today we’re living in an all-new world. It’s a world of instant communication, computer world, an amazing electronics world, a space-age world and one of rapid worldwide travel. The three Rs that we once studied in school don’t begin to cover the educational requirements of today’s youth as they grow up and compete for new types of jobs and strive to make a successful place for themselves in today’s world.

Mike Giese (2008/03/22)
for mayor By DAVE TRAPP Onalaska, Wis. I have known Mike Giese for 20 years. Mike is the right man, with the right heart, intellect and experience to lead our city. He is the man for our rapidly changing new world (whatever it may be).

Bob Muth for mayor (2008/03/22)
Since the primary, I have learned a lot about our candidates for mayor. Bob Muth is a man of his word, taking the time to talk to me about the issues of my campaign and truly wanting to understand them. During my campaign, I stated that the council members are out of touch with the employees.

Gay-straight alliance overdue (2008/03/22)
How does a day of silence in solidarity with victimized gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students glamorize homosexuality? If students held a day of silence to call attention to persecuted Sudanese refugees, would they be “glamorizing” starvation?

Support those who will spend less (2008/03/22)
I am writing this letter in support of two candidates for La Crosse County Board.

Back Pedretti for County Board (2008/03/22)
We would like to express our support for Marilyn Pedretti for 27th District county supervisor.

Mach is better in District 15 (2008/03/22)
I write this letter in support of my friend and fellow community volunteer, Beverly Mach, in support of her election to the County Board, District 15.

Republicans wrong on budget (2008/03/20)
The latest Republican proposal on the state budget is absurd grandstanding. Wisconsin has cut investments in education (K