Cal Thomas is wrong

To the Editor:

I’m writing to correct the entirely false opinion piece by Cal Thomas titled “the government shutdown explained” (DMG 10/16/25).

The government shutdown is not caused by FDR and the New Deal; it is not caused by a 1935 tax hike on the rich; it it not caused by rich people being taxed too much; it is not caused by poor people not working hard enough; it is not caused by people who fail to live by “economic and moral rules”; it it not caused by people abusing the privilege of seeing a doctor when they’re sick; it is not caused by people lacking initiative to get rich in a system stacked against them; it is not caused by people who make the “bad choice” to get cancer.

And the shutdown is not caused by Democrats. Republicans are in charge of the Presidency, Congress, and the Senate. They could re-open the government any time they wish.

Republicans, including our own Rep Jack Bergman, passed a uni-partisan Big, Bad, Budget Bill, that strips health care support from millions of middle and low income people, and drastically cuts Medicaid, SNAP, and other social programs, while increasing the deficit and expanding handouts to billionaires. Unlike Republicans, Democrats are responding to the 75% of citizens who want the ACA Marketplace tax credits to continue. If Republicans are so determined to double premiums for their constituents, they should again use their power to bulldoze over their constituents. And we will use ours to bulldoze them out of office at the ballot box.

Sincerely,

Sarah Green

Calumet Township

S.K.Y. says thanks

Editor:

School is back in session and the board of Simple Kindness for Youth (S.K.Y.) would like to take a moment to thank our community for their support. By attending our fundraising events, such as Chicken Bingo at the Waterfront during Bridgefest, Giving Tuesday, Pie Sales or those directly donating funds, we have been able to offer grants to our students for many basic items and also, opportunities. Basic items such clothing, a warm jacket or personal hygiene items or, OPPORTUNITIES, such as extracurricular sports needs, field trips, and participation in prom or other events important to a young person wanting to feel included.

This is all done discreetly and as efficiently as possible to ensure the child’s need is addressed. We acknowledge the wonderful teachers, educational staff and other designated human service personnel who advocate for their students and children in need by submitting the grant requests. We appreciate the sincere thank you we often receive from the recipients.

Please check us out on Facebook or visit our new website at simplekindnessforyouth.org

Thank you,

Simple Kindness for Youth Board of Directors – Simple Kindness, enduring effect!

Pam Hiltunen

Toivola