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To the Journal editor: I asked ChatGPT to summarize the 2024 political platforms of the Republican and Democratic Parties. AI gathers information and analyses from an enormous database, so its conclusions are not a simplistic “liberal” or “conservative” bias. Then I asked ChatGPT to compare and contrast how the Democratic and the Republican Party platforms conform to the Corporal Works of Mercy in Matthew 25. Why? Because in the Final Judgment, God will separate the goats from the sheep solely by this criterion. Who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, sheltered the ...

Political environs are toxic

To the Journal editor: “So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.” — “All along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan Many years ago I read the book “Toxic Workplace” and it relates closely to our current toxic political environment and upcoming presidential election The book focuses on people who are so negative and counterproductive that they hurt the morale and productivity of the whole. “The day this person left our company is considered an annual holiday!” – quote taken from author’s research. The book defines “toxic” people as having the ...

Labor Day on tap

To the Journal editor: Labor Day is a national holiday to honor all working people. Previous labor activists pushed for the holiday to recognize that it was workers who were behind America’s prosperity. Please join the Marquette Alger County Labor Council and the Upper Peninsula Regional Labor Federation on Sept. 3 in Negaunee for a Labor Day parade and picnic. The parade of organized labor affiliates starts at 11 a.m. marching together in solidarity down Iron and Rail Streets. A picnic from noon to 4pm will be at the Jim Thomas Pavilion and Jackson Park. All are welcome! The ...

Likes photo feature

To the Journal editor: I really appreciate the “U.P. Moments in History” feature on the Superior History page Wednesdays. The 1940s photo of Rapid River caused me to reflect much on my folks’ visits to relatives often in Rapid River in those years. They were married in 1942, before dad headed off to war from the Upper Peninsula. Can’t imagine all the challenges for newlyweds in those tumultuous years. They were together 62 years. It’s important to remember those who went before us, all they endured and how we stand on their shoulders still today. Thanks for reminding ...

Reflection needed

To the Journal editor: Here we are in our summer season. I looked at one of my readings that was July 1, 2021 and I wrote: “It’s a nice, sunny morning,” as it is today, July 1, 2024. My message was: the green grass is here, the flowers are coming out, leaves on the trees and I mentioned we are still lucky to have beauty in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Also, I wrote about changing times. More pollution of our air, water, etc. That was 2021. Now, it is getting much worse. More hot weather, bigger storms, flooding and hurricans will happen more often. Also, I wrote about ...

Honor questioned

To the Journal editor: Dickinson County veterans and Upper Peninsula veterans should be outraged at “bone spurs” Trump’s recent remarks about the Congressional Medal of Honor. “But I really, I watched Sheldon sitting so proud in the White House when we gave Miriam the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he said. “That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but civilian version, it’s actually much better, because everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers. They’re either in very ...