Viewpoints

To the Editor:
I read both Mr. Mullarkey's and Mr. Quandahl's letters to the editor in The Standard (January 20, 2016). Mr. Mullarkey better think twice who he stands up with, as Quandahl has suggested someone should bomb Planned Parenthood and he should be arrested by the FBI for what he wrote, as he made a terrorist threat, especially in light of what recently happened at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado, where mass murder was committed.
And as for killing and slaughtering babies for body parts, is he really from Earth? It's against the law of the land, Quandahl. I also believe the letter writers don't judge a person by what's in their hearts or their character. If Mr. Mullarkey agrees with Quandahl, he's in the same boat. Just because you have Freedom of Speech doesn't mean you can say anything, right or wrong, that pops into your head.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor:
I ask myself, “Is this worth my time to be expressing my opinion?” I guess the answer is yes, because here we go again.
I am deeply concerned about the future of our country. From my point of view, the country is nearly bankrupt, money-wise, and for sure morally.
I can’t believe any decent Christian person would support a candidate who really likes the Planned Parenthood program, a place where babies are killed or slaughtered for body parts. I’d like to see Planned Parenthood be given orders to evacuate immediately because we are starting bombing practice in 24 hours, like Putin gave the USA a 24-hour warning before he would bomb in the Middle East.
Also, the VA hospital is a big farce run by a bunch of crooks. They cooked the books for 180 million so they could get a big bonus and nobody has been fired. Give the veterans that qualify a voucher to our local hospital and they will get better care at a big savings to the taxpayer.

To the Editor:
Each week when The Standard arrives, I scan the front page headlines and then check the Op/Ed page to see if Ozzie Quandahl or Msgr. Lechtenberg have written anything. Ozzie and Msgr. Ed are always good reads.
Ozzie’s letter in the Jan. 6, 2016 issue was a gem; a refreshing break from the endless, mind numbing prattle the professional politicians bombard us with as we approach the caucus. Ozzie hit the nail squarely on the head with every point. Well done Ozzie!
For several months I have bemoaned the fact that both the Democratic and Republican slates of Presidential candidates were about as capable and appealing as a bucketful of messy diapers. Now I shall attend the caucus on February 1 and I shall stand for Ozzie Quandahl. Join me.

Ray Mullarkey
Lansing

To the Editor:
When it comes to K-12 education, America’s parents want more choices. In fact, almost two thirds of parents - 64 percent - say they wish they had more options for their children’s education.
In a society where Americans choose practically everything, from the brands of coffee they drink in the morning to the types of cars they drive, it is understandable that parents are demanding more of a say in where they send their children to school.
Parents understand that with greater options come better results for their children. Every child is unique, with distinctive interests and learning styles. Moms and Dads know that a school that might work for one student might not be a good fit for another.
In many states, Iowa included, lawmakers have taken action to provide a more diverse variety of school choices for families.

To the Editor:
Do you love wireless technology so much you wouldn’t care if it came with harmful side effects like prescription drugs and over the counter drugs? What if wireless technology came with side effect warnings informing you of all the possible side effects? What if it harmed your friends or even a family member, would that make you think twice about wireless technology?

To the Editor:
Recent news and world reports have us talking a lot about Islamic terrorists, illegal aliens, Black activists, refugees, white supremacists, etc. We tend to identify the various factions of our society according to race, color and religion. When there is a need to talk about “scary” people that don’t fit into those categories, we have another very colorful group referred to as the ‘mentally ill’.
Persons with mental illness are typically invisible until something happens that draws attention to them, and then they stick out like the sore thumbs of our society. Battered and bruised they fumble at survival by trying too hard, giving up all together and everything in between. They can become far removed from being a productive member of society they lash out at themselves and/or others.

Dear Editor,
Every four years, Iowa has the unique opportunity to be the first in the nation caucus. I know some of you might not consider this unique because it seems to extend the campaign season for a long time. I take the approach that this provides Iowans access to the candidates to talk to them on the issues that matter most to me, our state, and shapes candidate’s platforms on a variety of issues.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor:
While I realize it is a fool's errand to respond to a recent letter asserting Congress should make public schools "English Only."
"English Only" laws are inconsistent with both the First Amendment right to communicate with or petition the government, as well as free speech and the right to equality because they bar government employees from providing non-English language assistance and services.
Furthermore, as the writer himself points out, "Local people can and will run our schools better" than the federal government. If he truly believes this, I suggest he refrain from demanding government intervention every time he disagrees with the decisions of others.

Cate St. Clair
Waukon