×

Readers’ Views

Socialism? Really?

To the Editor:

Members of the Democrat Party seem to be stampeding to the left, with virtually all of their party hopefuls espousing the supposed virtues of socialism on a daily basis.

The numerous Dem hopefuls, most of the party elites and the compliant press are intentionally overlooking the mass of hard historical evidence and the reality of the current Venezuelan nightmare, all of which demonstrate beyond any arguable point that socialism is a totally failed scheme. It has never worked and never will. The millions of lives it has claimed are each a testament to its worthlessness.

Anyone even thinking about voting for a candidate identified as supporting any part of the concept should invest in a trip to Caracas where, if they are fortunate, they can find a garbage truck with sufficient scraps to feed themselves while enjoying the other glories of the system. It may cost a few bucks to make the trip, but voting for such a candidate, or supporting such a party, will be catastrophically more expensive in loss of freedom, wealth and opportunity if that candidate or party wins.

Harold King

Welcome

‘Trio’ failing Fairmont

To the Editor:

I had previously never written a letter to the editor in my life. Now I am writing my second in two months. Because I just don’t understand the reasoning behind what the “Trio” is doing at the latest Fairmont City Council meetings.

They must have some kind of misconception that they are doing what the citizens of Fairmont want them to do. Before they get themselves in any deeper, maybe they need to listen to what is being said by the people of Fairmont, instead of enacting Councilman Tom Hawkins’ agenda. Common sense is not being used.

Instead, Mr. Hawkins is trying to get pity, saying a few citizens are picking on him and that he is doing what the majority of this town wants. I’m upset with him for what he has done to the trust factor with fellow council members and everyone who voted for him. His actions and those of his helpers are wrong, and I don’t think they have a clue what is transpiring here.

It is my opinion that we are in trouble already and going without legal representation at council meetings is only going to be more trouble than anyone can imagine. Mr. Hawkins may say that having an attorney present at council meetings just needs to be taken out of City Code and that the council can still request that the city attorney be present at its meetings. But given all of Mr. Hawkins’ actions lately, why would anyone trust him with anything?

When we were passing around the petition to recall Mr. Hawkins, I took an informal survey of all the people I talked to. Here is the breakdown:

60% were very eager to sign the petition;

25% were very eager to sign but were afraid of repercussions/retaliation;

8% didn’t have an opinion and didn’t really care what happened

7% wanted more info or were on Mr. Hawkins’ side.

I think it’s time for the “Trio” to take a hard look at what the city of Fairmont wants and needs. I still feel that Tom Hawkins should step down as a councilman-at-large. Now!

Citizens can express their thoughts to the council at the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Monday in council chambers at City Hall in downtown Fairmont.

Bruce Ehlert

Fairmont

Support appreciated

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Rural Advantage board of directors and the Fairmont Farmers Market, I would like to express our thanks to the Martin County Youth Foundation and to Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont for their financial contributions to the 2019 Power of Produce (PoP) program for this year’s activities.

The PoP program is an important program for youth in the area. PoP provides $2 (four 50-cent tokens) for each child, ages 4-12, at the Fairmont Farmers Market, each market time. Kids can use the tokens to purchase any of the fresh produce available for them to eat or share with their friends and family.

The program has provided many positive benefits to our community. First, it gets kids interested in eating healthy food that is locally grown. It gives them power to select and the resources to buy healthy food they are interested in. Some kids know exactly what they want. Some need support of a trusted adult. Some kids have done their own menu planning for their family. The kids are very excited about this program with many repeat and growing numbers each summer. In 2018, we had 75 kids participate, not counting repeat participants.

Secondly, the vendors benefit. They sell more produce but they do it with a laugh and the challenge of negotiation with a shrewd kid (the kid usually wins). The vendors love interacting with the kids, building a positive adult/kid relationship. Thirdly, parents, grandma, aunts, uncles and neighbors who bring kids to the market benefit. Kids must have an adult with them to participate. The excitement of the kids transfers to other adults who support them and support buying fresh, healthy foods for themselves and their families. It brings more people to the market and more fresh produce consumed in our community.

Thank you again to Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont and the Martin County Youth Foundation for their support.

Don’t forget to visit the Fairmont Farmers Market from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The market is located in the northeast corner of the mall parking lot, near Burger King.

Linda Meschke, president

Rural Advantage

Fairmont

Relay offers thanks

To the Editor:

Thank you to all the sponsors, volunteers, everyone who donated and all who attended the 2019 Relay for Life even though it was a very hot day.

At the end of the Relay on June 29, $57,812 had been raised for the American Cancer Society. That is not the final total; we still have a few weeks to do more fundraising. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be able to raise the money that helps so many people with so many things.

We did see the concern stated in the June 25 “Readers’ Views” in the Sentinel about the environmental issues with the balloon release that is one of the favorite parts of Relay for the survivors and all of us. We voted to have the balloon release for the 2019 Relay in the fall of 2018. We purchased biodegradable products and removed the string before they were released. We are sorry it upset people and will consider other ways to close our ceremony, although the balloon release will always be our favorite.

Marsha Williams

and other members

of the Martin County Relay

for Life Committee

Welcome

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.65/week.

Subscribe Today