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Voice of our Readers April 8, 2021

Frakes: One party rule here
To the Editor:
I can’t understand why everyone is running down China. Aren’t their politics the same as we have here? Don’t we also have one party rule?  What the top dog says is law? Doesn’t our government want to control all our energy sources, churches, businesses and the citizens up to and including when and where we can work and where we can’t, and even how to breathe and where we can breathe and where we can’t. Hello!!??
Bill Frakes,
Luverne
 
Smith: 'Normally I get a chuckle and move on'
To the Editor:
As a recent transplant to Luverne, I have been amused by Mr. ToddMeinerts’ weekly letters to the editor.
While I have not found his letters to be particularly cogent, I normally get a chuckle and move on. However, hismost recent letters warrant a brief response.
First, downplaying the current pandemic as “just a virus” and questioningthe safety of the approved COVID-19 vaccines is at best ignorance and atworst willful malfeasance. Mr. Meinerts has zero qualifications to issuecreditable medical guidance, and readers should consult their primary care medical provider if they have questions about vaccines.
Second, Mr. Meinerts seems to have an issue with the 1.9T American Rescue Plan. As is widely understood, this bill provides temporary direct payments to most Americans. He asks, “Did anyone get a $5,722 check? I didn’t…” The absurdity of this question is that a quick Google search will reveal that Mr. Meinerts has taken over 75K in federal farming subsidies.
I have zero problems with farming subsidies. I do, however, have problems with people that bemoan federal spending and the national debt without first acknowledging that they have taken more in federal government payouts than 99 percent of American citizens.
Might I humbly suggest that any future opinions on government spending start with a bit of self-reflection or a perusal of Matthew 7.
Tom Smith
Luverne
 
 
Radisewitz: 'Don't let these events define you'
I thought Lori Sorenson's recent article about local youths wrecking Christmas displays was right on the mark. Yes, it was heartbreaking. Yes, the young people should be held accountable, and yes, this doesn't have to be the end of the story.
To the young people, friends and family. … Don't let these events define you. Let me share stories about others who walked in your shoes. 
South Dakota had a former governor who was arrested more than once in his youth. He joined the marines, found his calling and became the longest-tenured governor in that state's history (16 years).
A friend named Charlie was in a similar embarrassing situation in a small town. He vandalized some properties and his antics made the front page. Charlie paid his dues, refocused, and went on to be one of the most successful investment advisers in the country. He now lives in Beverly Hills and his clients are TV/movie stars we watch every day.
In high school a member of my class made some bad decisions. She paid her dues, focused on her future, and today is a highly regarded judge for the state of California.
These three plus many others owned up to their mistakes but didn't let those actions define them.
As a community, I hope we can let these youths and their families heal.  Many of us know that but by the grace of God we could be in their shoes.
Life is not defined by when you hit rock bottom but how far you rebound.
Mother Theresa said it best: "Don't spend time judging others; that gives you less time to love them."  
Cary Radisewitz
Luverne

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