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Letters To The Editor

Keep the Forest Service’s Roadless Rule

To the Journal editor: The U.S. Forest Service recently announced plans to repeal the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, established in 2001, that has kept some of our public land free of roads and development. When the Roadless Rule was established, the Forest Service held hearings across the country and received 1.6 million comments supporting the rule. One of my favorite Roadless Areas in Michigan is the Norwich Plains in the Ottawa National Forest. I have hiked in this area to explore the Trap Hills and was impressed by the scenery and the wildflowers there. There are also areas ...

Remembering Dolly Parton and her literacy work

To the Journal editor: This week, we mourn the loss of Dolly Parton, a woman known for her talent, kindness, humor and generosity. But as an educator, I will remember her for her commitment to literacy. Dolly understood that something as simple as putting a book into the hands of a child can open a door that changes a life. Inspired by her father, who could not read or write, she created Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which grew from her Tennessee community into an extraordinary literacy movement reaching millions of children. I know how powerful books can be. I was a shy ...

Living in the present grace: Why faith is about today, not just tomorrow

To the Journal editor: A few evenings ago, I overheard a lively conversation at a local brewery. People were talking about faith, but the dominant note in the room wasn't hope or joy—it was anxiety. The discussion centered on a persistent, nagging worry: Is what I’m doing right now enough to ensure where I go when I die? It was a poignant moment, because it captured a trap so many of us fall into. When our primary view of faith becomes a ledger of works to secure our future after death, we subtly stop living in the present. Faith turns into an insurance policy, and our daily life ...

Bergman is ineffective congressman

To the Journal editor: After nearly a decade in Congress representing the First Congressional District of Michigan, Jack Bergman is ineffective in solving the problems facing our district. While he has voted for everything President Trump wants and has been endorsed by the president in his bid for re-election, apparently Jack Bergman cannot pick up the phone and ask the president for help with issues that matter to the people in our district. Lt. Gen. Bergman touts his rank and position on the Committee on Armed Services, but he is unable to get the Pentagon to take action on ...

Why I vote Democratic

To the Journal editor: The first time I ever voted, I chose all Republican candidates. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my conservative (and loving) grandfather. However, the Republican Party in those years was very different from the party it is today. The leaders of the Republican Party have evolved into individuals who put self-interests over what is best for our country, starting decades ago with legislation that continuously lowered taxes on the rich. Federal income tax rates for the top earners in 1965 were 70%. Today the top rate is 37% and the top corporate rate is 21%, a ...

In defense of Sara Cambensey

On November's ballot, there will be three candidates for outgoing State Sen. Ed McBroom's seat in the 38th District. Dave Prestin, Kelly Van Ginhoven and former State Rep. Sara Cambensey. Sara is running as an independent. I've seen many people of both parties not react well to that, even to the point of longtime friendships being tested over support for her. I've seen accusations flying wild and insults online even from people who endorsed her in 2016. For this reason, I feel compelled to re-frame the conversation around her independent run. We hear things like “Fake Democrat” ...