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Letters to the Editor

Constitutional Republic vs. Democracy

Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address sorely missed the mark. He mentioned “democracy” eight times. His speech ended with two more. He never once mentioned America as a Republic. This same mindset has long embraced public school education. Students should be taught in government classes like civics and social studies that America is a Constitutional Republic. There’s a huge difference between Democracy and a Constitutional Republic. A democracy is a political system in which the people periodically, by majority, vote at the poll to select rulers. The rulers then have ...

Fight to maintain local control of utility siting

Citizens for Local Choice is leading a petition drive to allow for a ballot initiative to repeal aspects of Michigan Public Act 233. That law strips away local control of large-scale electrical utility projects. Michigan has 83 counties and 1,240 townships. Officials representing these government units are selected by popular vote. Residents can also voice concerns at public meetings held close to home. Local residents and local government officials also understand the economic, environmental and social context of what is important to residents’ well-being. If allowed to stand, ...

Faith perspective: Belief, not science, can explain God’s power

Twenty centuries ago, a Jew named Yeshua (in Aramaic, a language related to Hebrew) was executed by Romans. His execution was by a very cruel form of torture. In the 21st century, people still believe that Yeshua, known to us as Jesus, is the Son of God and our Savior who died for our sins and was raised from the dead. Are they wrong to have that belief? Jesus spoke with an assurance that what he said and did would be remembered. They have been. Christianity would have perished in the first century if his resurrection had not occurred, but it did happen. What began with Jesus and ...

Faith Perspective: Get close to God with a KISS

Getting close to God is easy with a KISS approach – Keep It Simple Sinner. A personal relationship with the Lord is just that – a one-on-one connection. It does not have to include church or reciting prayers. But it does involve praying. Saying prayers before going to bed is something that we learn when we are young. Many of us remember or still say - “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, Watch and guard me through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Amen.” But praying can be more like an intimate conversation. The Lord’s Prayer is a good ...

Praise for Hancock School Public Library

Thank you for recent articles highlighting the Hancock School Public Library. It is a true treasure, in no small part thanks for the creativity and dedication of director Boni Ashburn. She goes way above and beyond in writing the grants that have brought so much to the facility. She is unfailingly enthusiastic and helpful to patrons of all ages. And it is very evident that the students adore her. I hope Portage Lake District Library is keenly aware of what an asset we have in Hancock’s library, and in Boni Ashburn. I can’t wait to check out the Library of Things! Joyce Wiswell Hancock

Childhood games and lessons learned

Many of us prior to the advent of cellphones had the experience and fun of joining in on neighborhood games as children. Games like hide and seek, tag, kick the can and hop scotch to name but a few. These games were played after school, on weekends, and lasted until the street lights came on or when our parents called us home. These games were democratically comprised of boys and girls of all ages. The games had rules and were occasionally modified by group consensus. If rules were violated, admonishments and consequences would follow. Understanding and abiding by the rules kept our ...