LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Merrill Foto News, its publishers, Editor, or staff.
To the Editor:
First Amendment
I grew up hearing, I don’t agree with what you are saying, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
What has happened? Suddenly only certain people have the right to speak freely? What I have been seeing about censorship on the internet should send chills up and down the backs of every person that lives in the country, regardless of what side you are on.
In my opinion, this is an extremely dangerous precedent. If one side stops all opposition, we no longer live in any type of freedom.
I’ve seen people commenting on re-educating people that disagree with them. This phenomenon is directly related to China. China does this to their people. Last time I looked, I was still in America.
It looks like we are headed for totalitarianism. That is a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.
There is no place for censorship or re-education camps in this country. We must wake up before it’s too late. IF, it isn’t already too late.
– Rose Laessig
Merrill, WI
To the Editor:
Good Samaritans do exist
Good Samaritans do exist!! While everything going on in the world has brought families closer together; in a lot of ways it has distanced strangers.
On Jan. 17, I slipped and fell on the ice at the intersection of W. Main St. and Grand Ave. while walking my dog. I let go of the leash when I fell. My little dog is a rescue from an abusive home, and I’ve only had him a few months and I was worried he would run into traffic while I was trying to get back on my feet. Two wonderful people stopped to help!! The sweet lady kept my little dog’s attention by calling his name and speaking softly to him. A very nice man helped me get back on my feet. The two of them then helped me get my dog. Just as I scooped up my dog, a police officer stopped to see if I was OK. In the midst of all this, my Good Samaritans left, and I don’t remember if I thanked them! Please help me say “Thank you!!” to these two wonderful people by printing my letter. My little dog was safe, and I only suffered a sprained ankle! Please, spread the word, “Good Samaritans DO exist,” and two of them came to my rescue!! I pray for them every day!
– Teresa Baker & Shiloh
Merrill, WI
To the Editor:
GOP legislators are proposing legislation to end the Governor’s mask mandate. This will kill people. Their attempts to end the simplest thing we can all do to protect ourselves and our communities will cost lives. KNOWINGLY! If your actions knowingly cause death, it is called Manslaughter.
This is a pandemic. Politics, personal beliefs or rights are irrelevant. They have nothing to do with disease. We are facing a strain of the virus which is much more contagious and the GOP wants people to take their masks off, resulting in more death. There is no question that removing the mask mandate will cost lives. The GOP legislators are aware of this. They do not care. Their actions in response to this crisis are nothing short of criminal.
Decisions about who to vote for can be complicated. I will support the side that is not trying to kill me.
– Doug Curtis
Gleason, WI
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
*Letters must be 250 words or less (There will be no exceptions to this. Any letter longer than 250 words will not be printed.)
*All letters must include full name, address and phone number of the composer. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published, but will be used for verification purposes, if necessary.
*Letters will be published at the discretion of the Editor. While letters on most any topic will be published, any letters deemed derogatory, inflammatory, slanderous, or involving vulgar language, will not be published.
*Letters will be published on a “first come, first served” basis. Any letters which we are unable to publish in the printed newspaper will be run online at www.merrillfotonews.com and may be printed in the paper at a later date if possible.