Viewpoint Letters – March 19, 2017
Trump “governing on chaos”
Editor,
In response to the writer of “liberal media is corrupt” (March 12 Star Journal), I beg to differ. What is corrupt is the insidious way Trump and those on the right “gaslight” the public into believing the reality of what they see and hear is not to be trusted. They manipulate and sow seeds of doubt to a targeted group (voters, media, FBI, CIA, CBO, etc.) hoping to make those that are targeted question their own memory, perception, and sanity.
Each and every day since his election we have been subjected to a cascade of “alternate facts.” How can we trust what the President and his minions, even if recorded, say? They have equivocated, walked-back, qualified, hedged, flip-flopped, pivoted, dodged, evaded and backtracked on every promise and pronouncement.
It is alarming the way they play fast and loose with governmental rules, regulations, precedent, and procedures. Actions called into question in previous administrations are now regularly laughed off, ignored or explained away with a Nixonian “Well, when the President does it, that means it is not illegal.”
Consider the “Obama wiretap” tweet accusation, for which the President instead of putting forth proof passed off to Congress hoping it would go away. What about the slow, but steady Federal investigation involving Deutsche Bank and the laundering of Russian dirty money (the same bank that holds millions in Trump loans) which will now be curtailed because the Federal District Attorney was fired by Trump. What about the Chinese investors forgiving 4/5 of Kushner (Trumps son-in-law Jared) Companies debt at 666 Fifth Avenue in a deal set to make $400 million with the China-based Anbang Insurance Group. How about releasing those tax returns so that the American people can review the deal Ivanka was making for Trump to build another tower in Azerbaijan again involving questionable development money this time from Iran. It just goes on and on.
Yet, the President still has not filled nor even nominated replacements for hundreds of executive positions to ensure a smooth running government administration. He seems to have no coherent policies or programs in place. When he speaks we are asked to believe him. How are we to believe him if we get weasel words coming from Sean Spicer who when asked “can we trust what the President says,” replied that Americans can trust President Trump “if he’s not joking.”
“The man ran on chaos. He won on chaos. And now he’s governing on chaos.” [Charles P. Pierce, Esquire.com]
John Kocovsky, Hazelhurst
Reader supports Holtz for state superintendent
Editor,
We have become so accustomed to partisan elections and being bombarded with nauseating TV ads. Well, we have another election on Tuesday, April 4. It is the “silent” Wisconsin spring election with non-partisan candidates on your ballot. In many ways, the spring election is the most important. We will be electing the government that is closest to the people, town supervisors, school boards, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice and Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction.
I am very concerned about the education of our children and grandchildren. I want school boards that exercise local control and are responsive to parents and their communities. We must change the culture of our educational system. A strong leader is needed for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. I will be voting on April 4 for
Dr. Lowell Holtz as Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Dr. Holtz’s platform for Wisconsin’s kids to “learn, compete and win” is focused on three things:
•Improving performance, discipline and safety
•Honoring and empowering our teachers
•Advancing and embracing local control
Please join me in voting for Dr. Lowell Holtz on Tuesday, April 4. All polling places are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Make sure your friends and family vote!
Carol Cady, Arbor Vitae
Roskoskey has reader’s vote for school board
Editor,
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ben Roskoskey for the past few years and can assure you he is the right choice for the school board of Rhinelander, based on my experiences with him in the past. He is patient and relatable, dependable and responsible. He has a strong background with public education, as his mother was teacher in his home state of Michigan. He has also made the admirable choice to serve in the National Guard.
I got to know Ben and his wife, Katie, on a mission trip in Detroit, Michigan in 2014 with my youth group from the First United Methodist Church when he served as one of the adult leaders. I admired his down-to-earth personality and how well he was able to relate to both the teenagers and adults who accompanied us.
Roskoskey is very conscious about the future for Rhinelander School District students, which is understandable after he recently welcomed his daughter into the world. This is obvious motivation for Ben to strive to do his best for our schools if he is elected. By choosing him, he will benefit tremendously for this generation of education.
Please consider Ben for the position as a member of the school board. He will undoubtedly do his utmost best for the future of our schools and will make a difference in the lives of our current and upcoming students. We desperately need the dedication and discipline that Roskoskey possesses to move forward for the benefit of our schools.
Nick Wagler
Rhinelander High School, Class of 2014
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