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An open letter to President Elect Trump

You won the election. Governing a very divided nation will be much harder. Fifty percent of voters did not vote for you. The American public is as polarized as at any time in our nation’s history. You would increase that polarization by ignoring the fifty percent of Americans that voted for another candidate. Alternatively, you could do something to unite Americans. My suggestions: Reduce or Eliminate Federal Deficits Annual interest on US Debt exceeds the annual defense budget. Do something without harming people. Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid These programs are in bad ...

Response to Kevin Lewis

Who would have thought that a few printed sentences in a local newspaper could create such angst in people. There is a man in South Carolina who did not like an article I wrote about Trump winning the presidency. Most certainly he has the right to disagree with me. Although we have never met, he used endearing phrases as,” foolish, delusional nut, bozo award winner and a blasphemer.” In the middle of his dialogue, he claimed he was a Christian. Kevin, by your words I think you cannot claim Christianity, or at least one who knows the language of the believers. You will find that God ...

Staying silent is evil

The policy of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants was a significant component of the presidential victor’s campaign message. Additionally, a key promise was to improve the economy. Those of the Christian faith are responsible for praying for guidance when voting. The process of making election decisions is serious, and the outcome of our choices should bring us joy. However, even after praying, we sometimes make mistakes. When we witness wrongdoing, we must not remain silent. Staying silent during the implementation of a mass deportation policy is, in itself, an act of evil.

Kindness in the community

The last few weeks have been a time when different views have been very strong. The TR has done a magnificent job in reporting those opposing views on local, state and national issues. The differences have been great. After reading and listening to all of the pros and cons with heated disagreement, Tuesday night I attended a terrific Marshall County Brass Quintet Band Concert. When I returned home, the doorbell rang. My husband went to the door. Someone at the concert had found my purse. They discovered my address in the purse and brought the purse to my door with a flash light leading ...

Funding the Arts + Culture Alliance is a worthwhile and effective use of our tax dollars

On Monday evening, the Marshalltown City Council should enthusiastically approve funding of the Arts + Culture Alliance to implement the Marshalltown Arts and Culture Master Plan. Our Council wisely approved funding for this very purpose one year ago and, due to state legislation changes that resulted in termination of the original source funding, it now has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the Alliance and to developing our community in the cool, creative, and authentic ways outlined in the Master Plan that will deepen our connection to this place and make us even more ...

MPL boardroom antics

My rejected November statement of concern contained a petition with nearly 200 signatures/numbers of patrons asking for placement of The Epoch Times and The American Rifleman, on the main shelf. Board contempt towards the public was displayed in Pres. Gaffney’s comment that some of the signatures were even gathered in the Walmart parking lot. The once proud Marshalltown Carnegie Public Library, has been highjacked and transformed into a copy of agenda driven libraries throughout the US. It succeeded with a rogue administration, bent on defrauding the public and its million-dollar ...