Stop showboating and start caring!

To the Editor:
When we have such tremendous needs as a result of the disaster in our area, it is offensive for people to politicize it. For weeks the Argus gave Rep. Tschumper a voice for partisan politics when people were hurting. Rep. Tschumper accused Gov. Pawlenty of "showboating" while Rep. Tschumper received front page coverage each week as well as critical articles. The articles did not encourage the people who were hurting. They did not praise the many people who opened their hearts and bank accounts for the benefit of those who lost so much. There were efforts by Amish, Jewish, and many Christian faith groups to help. Instead the articles complained about the governor.

The governor visited repeatedly (in double digits). The governor made the devastation a priority for the state. The governor immediately shifted moneys from other areas making nearly $32 million available. The governor saw the devastation and brought in the National Guard. He saw the tears and called the special legislative session.

Gov. Pawlenty as well as Rushford Mayor Les Ladewig in spite of criticism were able to establish better estimates of the damage. Rep. Ken Tschumper was quoted as saying, "when the tornado hit St. Peter the governor and Legislature had $20 million in place in 10 days." Even as late as the special session Rep. Tschumper was promoting a $100 million bailout. It was Governor Tim Pawlenty, before the start of the special legislative session, who proposed an aid package in the $150-$160 million range, the largest in the history of Minnesota.

With people out of their homes and companies at the brink of ruin, how could Rep. Tschumper and many DFL legislators even think of putting other legislation ahead of the needs?

Paul Ibisch
La Crescent, Minn.

Help support motocross races

To the Editor:
Last Saturday we attended the motorcross races in Caledonia. Considering the challenges the organizers of this event faced due to your weather, the event went rather well. We commend the hard work they put in to providing this event for many to enjoy, especially since the contestants are traveling quite a distance to participate.

There are not many motorcross races in this area, so we encourage your community to keep working together and keep events like this going. At the end of the day it was mentioned that your fair board needed members from your community to sign up and be a part of the leadership.

As an avid supporter of local events to keep small communities going, we also encourage residents to not be afraid to come forward and lend a helping hand. There is always a job that you will be able to handle. The more help you have the easier the projects are to accomplish.

Laura and Reggie Lubka
Postville, Iowa

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Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475

E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com