07-30-2020 Letters and Commentary

Mid-year review It seems like it was just yesterday I had taken my oath of office and began serving as the voice of my community in our state capitol. Despite the unprecedented setbacks of COVID-19, I’ve been able to deliver meaningful results to the hardworking people of Berrien County. The largest accomplishment by far has been the historic auto-insurance reform package. For decades, special interests have profited off our broken insurance system while Michiganders have had their wallets drained. On July 1 that finally ended. My largest personal accomplishment has been leading a 16-bill package to help Berrien County businesses grow and expand. Now law, my bills will help local brewers by allowing them to distribute more of their product without signing a contract with a distributor. This slashes red tape and allows these businesses to grow without imposing regulations at too early of a stage. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on other issues that are important to the people of Southwest Michigan. Some of this year’s highlights include: Leading our state and nation with bipartisan criminal justice reforms; protecting our great lakes, precious natural resources, and the 1,800 jobs that depend on Southwest Michigan’s sportfishing industry; defending the integrity of our elections; assisting Michigan’s professional license holders by providing a credit on the renewal of their license; opposing the dangerous and reckless policy of defunding local police departments; protecting our most vulnerable residents from the governor’s dangerous nursing home policy; and respecting your tax dollars and standing up for small businesses. Michiganders work hard for their money, and they deserve to know Lansing is investing in their priorities and helping them recover from the COVID pandemic. It’s the honor and privilege of a lifetime serving you. If there is anything I can do to be of service to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at PaulineWendzel@house. mi.gov or by phone at 517-373-1403. You can also visit my website at www.RepWendzel.com.

Focusing on children’s eye health Sun and screens are likely two of the most impactful things on a child’s life during the summer months in Michigan. And while they are fundamentally different – one involves being outdoors and the other typically indoors – they both can play a significant role in children’s eyesight. August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time set aside by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to focus on and bring awareness to youth vision. Summer in Southwest Michigan is one of the best times to call our part of the state home. Spending time outdoors in the warmth of the sun is a great time for families to get out and enjoy nature and fun activities. Though it is true that overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can be damaging to our eyes, it is also true that a lack of sun exposure can have health effects. According to the AAO, some studies suggest sun exposure is necessary for normal visual development, and children who experience less sun exposure are thought to be at a higher risk for developing myopia or nearsightedness. So, telling our kids and grandkids to go play outside is in fact good for them in more ways than one. Just make sure they are wearing full spectrum, UV blocking sunglasses and sunscreen. Another, perhaps, more growing concern is the amount of time our kids are spending staring at screens. Youth are spending hours per day using phones, tablets, and computers at very close distances to their faces. AAO indicates that nearsightedness is becoming more common, and whether screen time is solely or in part contributing to increased myopia, it is important that we are ensuring kids take frequent breaks from staring at their screens. A simple recommendation is to follow the 20-20-20 rule – that every 20 minutes you put down the screen and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. In addition to these easy methods we can practice at home, it is also important that children receive eye screenings. Regular checkups can help detect any potential problems sooner, which can help provide any necessary vision correction to ensure eye health. For more information on eye health and safety or to find an ophthalmologist near you, visit https://www.aao.org/. As always, residents can contact my office with any state or local issues by calling (517)373-6960 or sending an email to senklasata@senate.mich igan.gov.

Getting to the other side of trouble When the War of 1812 began in June of that year, the future of the newly free and independent United States was cloudy. A lot was happening that threatened “the great experiment’s” survival, including troubles with both England and France. Congress had approved the building of six heavy frigates. The USS Constitution was one of the three largest, which also included the USS President, and the USS United States. “Old Ironside” left Boston Harbor in July, 1812, sailing south to join with some merchant ships. Off the coast of New Jersey, by Egg Harbor, they encountered a British squadron of five warships. Captain Isaac Hull determined that it was too one-sided, and turned to escape. Then it happened. The wind stopped – for all of them. Hull dispatched long boats to tow the Constitution. The British saw it and did likewise. Then a young lieutenant, Charles Morris, had an idea. Take the anchors out in front of the ship, and drop them far ahead. Then work the winches to pull the ship forward. It worked! It’s called kedging and is used for freeing ships from sand bars or for tight maneuvering in port. The American sailors had endured 57 hours fleeing the British by rowing and kedging. Their persistence and ingenuity won the day. Later, the Constitution would sink one of those ships that had pursued her that day in 1812. Charles Morris’ perspective had proven true: “Keep faith in the advantages to be effected from perseverance, so long as any chance for success may remain.” Similar Biblical guidance says, “So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NET) With Jesus Christ as our anchor, held on firmly by the rope of faith; our perseverance in pulling through troubles will also assure our deliverance.

Let’s not anchor down our small businesses as they look to reopen It has now been some five months since COVID-19 changed the world as we know it, and nearly everyone has been impacted one way or another. That includes southwest Michigan’s small businesses. Back in March, Congress passed, and I voted for, the CARES Act that established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has funneled more than $16 billion to Michigan small businesses and helped keep 1.5 million employees on the payroll. Since its passage, I’ve had a number of conversations with small business owners, and it’s clear that the PPP has been a real lifeline. To that end, I recently introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that this lifeline would not become an anchor as businesses look to get back on their feet. My Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act would cut burdensome red tape and expedite the loan forgiveness process for countless small businesses with PPP loans of $150,000 or less. This will certainly relieve stress for business owners, their employees, and local lenders as we all work on our economic recovery. With so much uncertainty, our small businesses – which are truly the backbone of our local economies – should be focused on using PPP funds to reopen their doors, rehire employees, and prepare for the future; not sifting through mountains of paperwork. To learn more about important legislative issues, follow me on Twitter at @RepFredUpton or by visiting my website: upton.house.gov. You can also call my offices in Kalamazoo (269-385-0039), St. Joseph/ Benton Harbor (269-982-1986), or Washington, D.C. (202-225-3761).

New feature in My Social Security puts you in control The future can be uncertain. However, Social Security’s new Advance Designation program can help put you in control of your benefits if a time comes when you need a representative payee to help manage your money. Advance Designation enables you to identify up to three people, in priority order, whom you would like to serve as your potential representative payee. The following people may choose an Advance Designation: Adults applying for benefits who do not have a representative payee; adult beneficiaries or recipients who do not have a representative payee; emancipated minors applying for benefits who do not have a representative payee; emancipated minor beneficiaries or recipients who do not have a representative payee. If you fall into one of the above categories, you may provide and update Advance Designation information when you: File a claim for benefits online; use the application available in your personal “my Social Security” account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount; call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You may also change your Advance Designation(s), including the priority order, at any time while you are still capable of making your own decisions. In the event that you can no longer make your own decisions, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing you already chose someone you trust to manage your benefits. Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.

PLEASE DON’T WASTE YOUR VOTE! Time and again when I’m extolling some to get out and vote and not to waste it – I get the reply – It’s my right not to vote just as much as it is my right to vote.

That may be, but I’ll guarantee nobody has spent the billions of dollars that others spend to take it away from you.

The primary election next Tuesday is a political one, no doubt about it. Candidates, political parties and lobbyists all have a hand out for your vote. Go ahead, take your pick. That’s your right and privilege.

Election Day is also one where the local ballot asks for your opinion and support on issues such as police, fire and ambulance operations, institutional request to support hometown libraries, schools and such. Others will be for extra funds to fix the local roads, sidewalks and such. Others still will be seeking support for public spaces for parks, beaches and woodlands.

Indeed, it is your right to vote, just don’t lose it or abuse it. There are others that hope you will.

SPEAKING OF PARKS … I was reading discussions on Facebook this past weekend, as I often do. There was a bit of news about funds granted for county park projects in our area, including the Paw Paw River County Park in Watervliet.

A citizen commented that he had often thought it would be nice if the parks in Watervliet could be linked. And then he closed the thought … That would take building another bridge and that would cost too much.

In my mind that’s exactly what parks are for; to fund projects of import where there isn’t the money in a single community. But there are funds for projects that transcend local boundaries and impact populations well beyond the boundaries of small communities. So, what is big bucks in ‘Anytown’ is much less spread out to a larger audience that enhances the value for all.

You’ve seen that with the North Berrien County Paw Paw River. Since the first time I crossed the Paw Paw River from Hays Park to the ‘island’ in mid-1984, I recognized the island as a natural attraction for hunters and fishermen, hikers, walkers, explorers all. That’s when the papermill dams provided access at Hays Park and again a quarter mile or so upriver.

When the mill closed for good and the dams were removed, the ‘bridges’ no longer provided easy access to the island and a well-trod trail that led from the upper dam to the boundary of the airport and out to M-140.

With less traffic the paths on the island were overgrown, but the hunters and fishermen waded and hacked their way to prime locations.

State grants and County funds and Watervliet funds have created a new and beautiful park which is split by the Paw Paw River. A bridge connects the two parcels. It is not unfeasible that another bridge over the river will connect the island to the trail to the airport.

Just after the park and bridge opened, I was talking with Bob Lohr, longtime Watervliet Airport manager. I mentioned that it would be neat to have the trail open from the island to the airport, as he had been the one to keep the trail open by mowing it regularly.

“Still do”, he said. “There’s people that use it.”

So, a bridge from the island across to the trail to the airport is not that far-fetched; or is a trail connected from the County Park, over the river, across the island, over the river, to the airport, to Hays Park, over the river back to the County Park.

And when that’s done, there’s a bit of a trail that could be expanded to connect Sterner Park to the County Park, along Mill Creek, under the railroad trestle, through Flaherty Park, over Butternut to the County… you get the idea

An important message to the voters of Watervliet Charter Twp.

Editor,

There are a number of local millage proposals on the August 4 Primary Election ballot including millages for Public Safety, Police Protection, Road Improvement and two separate millages for Fire Protection.

While there are two separate Fire Protection millages for 1 mill each, these are the same two millages that have been in place in the past but appeared on the ballot as one proposal for 2 mills. This millage represents the funding necessary to guarantee that our local Fire Department has the resources, personnel and equipment necessary to appropriately provide fire services to township residents.

While the requested renewal rates include a slight increase, it is important to know what that increase represents. To provide perspective, for a home valued at $100,000, the increase in rates would result in a total annual tax increase of between 53 cents and $1.05 for each of the proposed local millages. The proposals ask only that they be restored to their original value.

Millages have been “rolled back” over the last four years due to a combination of real estate value increases and inflation rates. The actual increase represents a hardly perceivable change when returned to the original rates.

Patricia J Bambrick

Watervliet Charter Township Clerk

Hickmott would work hard for Coloma Charter Twp. as Clerk

Editor,

I have known Shelia Hickmott for nearly 20 years, both in her banking career as well as in the rental industry. Sheila has a long-standing history in banking in various capacities. Upon leaving the banking field, I convinced her to come to work with me in the retail rental business. She has worked with me for over two years.

Because of the number of businesses I have and the amount of detail required to run these businesses, this is a very challenging industry. Sheila is the office manager for my companies. She has helped me in streamlining the operation. Additionally, she has become a trusted member of our team with our tenants.

Overall, I have come to know Sheila as a very intelligent person and very organized. She works hard for the organization that she represents. I know that would be the case as Coloma Township Clerk.

Finally, Sheila does not have a “hidden agenda”. What you see is what you get with Sheila. Additionally, she does not have an “axe to grind”. She works well with everyone she comes in contact with.

Coloma Township needs to bring some young people on to the board. She fits this need very well. She would come in and learn from the more experienced members. She would help set the stage for continuing the excellent board we now have, into the future.

Bob Howell

Ken Parrigin is best choice for Coloma Charter Twp. Supervisor

Editor,

I am writing this letter to express my view as to why Ken Parrigin is the best choice for Coloma Township Supervisor. My name is Jim Fulton. I have been a resident of Coloma Township for the past 30 years. I am a residential building contractor who became acquainted with Ken through my business 35 years ago. Ken, through his paving business, worked on many of my construction projects over the years. He has always been fair, honest, prompt, and dependable. He takes pride in his work and delivers a quality product.

I was elected to the Township Board as a Trustee in 2008. I started to work closely with Ken in his Supervisor position at that point. In his role as Supervisor he oversaw the successful installation of the water system that was mandated by the State of Michigan. He applied for and received a Sewer and Water Assessment Grant for the State. This grant made it possible for an engineering firm to evaluate the Township’s entire sewer system and make recommendations for maintenance and improvements. Currently Ken is working with Wightman Engineering and the USDA to obtain a low interest loan for the repairs and upgrades to the system.

He has also taken a very active role, concerning drains throughout the Township, by advocating for the citizens with the County Drain Commissioner. Because of his paving business he has the knowledge to oversee the repaving and maintenance of the Township roads. He has done an excellent job during his tenure. When the Township acquired Washington School, he took charge of the demolition of the building and converting the vacant land to a park.

Ken has always been a hands-on Supervisor. He will always make time to meet and listen to any citizen with any problem or complaint they may have. He always takes an interest in those problems and does his best to resolve them. He has a very even temperament and will listen to all sides before making a decision. He always takes an active role in all the day to day operations of the Township. He works well with all of the other Board members and the Township employees. He is an excellent fit for the role of Township Supervisor. I believe it would be in the best interest of the Township to elect Ken Parrigin as Supervisor for the next four years.

Sincerely,

James G. Fulton

Red Cross encourages donations to keep robust blood supply as pandemic continues

$5 Amazon.com Gift Cards offered to thank all blood donors who come to give

Right now, the American Red Cross has an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19. The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double over the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in.

Individuals who have fully recovered and received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis are urged to sign up to give convalescent plasma now by completing the donor eligibility form at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid.

Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection – in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. With each donation, COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to help up to three patients recover from the virus.

Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid pandemic

Though this summer may feel different than summers past, one thing remains constant: The need for blood donations to help save lives. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood to restock the shelves for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country have stepped up to help by giving blood or platelets with the Red Cross. Blood donations from healthy individuals are just as essential now to meet patient needs; and those who gave this spring may be eligible to help again.

Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. Plus, come to give by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm, redeemable through the 2021 season!

Blood donation safety precautions

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities from Aug. 1-15:

Monday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Marys St. in Decatur

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Niles Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road in Niles

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Paw Paw Lions Club, 227 County Road 665 in Paw Paw

Letters carried forward from 07-23

Jacquie Gnodtke Blackwell signs American for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge – opposes Rep. Wendzel’s Commercial Fishing Bill

Jacquie Gnodtke-Blackwell announced Monday, July 20 that the Americans for Tax Reform has accepted her signed Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Gnodtke Blackwell is running for state representative in the 79th district; challenging incumbent Pauline Wendzel.

“COVID-19 is calling for a complete overhaul of the way we budget and fund programs. The 101st legislature will need to be creative for the challenge ahead of us – and be willing to re-think budget priorities. I believe that by eliminating waste, fraud and the abuse of our resources, we will have a budget to work with. In addition, residents are struggling with their own losses of income. Therefore, I do not see a need to raise taxes.

“I am honored to sign the Taxpayer protection pledge. As a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, I will oppose all efforts to increase taxes on families and small business, and look for sustainable solutions to alleviate as much burden on small businesses as possible; i.e., reducing the cost of doing business. I will protect the economic gains our state has made and will build on these gains by continuing to cut regulations and keep taxes low.

“My opponent has refused to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. In fact, she has taken the path to increase costs on businesses and consumers by sponsoring a bill as part of a 3-bill package against the Michigan Commercial Fishing industry.” Those House Bills are HB 4567 sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann); HB 4568 sponsored by Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet); and HB 4569 sponsored by Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Park Township).

Fellow Republican State Rep. Brad Paquette (Niles) voted against Wendzel’s Commercial Fishing Bill. Gnodtke-Blackwell joins Paquette who also signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

“These bills go against small business by increasing fees (i.e., taxes), regulations and nanny state demands on the last remaining 13 family-owned commercial fishing businesses in Michigan,” Blackwell said. “The plight of these fishing operations will have a negative ripple effect on restaurants, fish markets and grocery stores.”

If passed by the Senate these bills would in effect smother these small businesses causing Michigan restaurants and consumers to import fish from Canada – with added tariffs; and causing fresh fish to be at least a day older. This is not sensible legislation and needs to be stopped especially in light of businesses that are struggling and closing down.

The Fishing Bills were on the agenda of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources for Wednesday, July 22.

Signing The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is a commitment by candidates and incumbents to oppose any and all tax increases. While American For Tax Reform (ATR) has the role of promoting and monitoring the Pledge, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is made to a candidate’s constituents, who deserve to know the candidate’s stance on taxes. Since the Pledge is a prerequisite for many voters, it is considered a binding agreement as long as the individual holds the office for which they signed the Pledge.

To learn more about the Taxpayer Protection Pledge please visit https://www.atr.org/about-the-pledge.

Articles regarding Commercial Fishing can be found at https://thumbwind.com/2019/10/20/demise-michigans-commercialfishing-industry/ and https://www.nationalfisherman.com/national-international/great-lakes-high-stakes-fishing-bills-threatenfreshwater-industry.

For further information about Gnodtke-Blackwell please view: https://www.jacquiefor79th.com/.

Letters carried forward from 07-16

Message from Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation President

To Lakeland Health community members,

As many of you know, I will be moving out of the area later this month to be closer to family. As I prepare to move, I’d like to thank you for your support and philanthropy over the past four and a half years. It’s been a tremendous privilege to serve as President of Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation, working campaigns like our new Pavilion, the Parcourse in Watervliet, and events like Hope Grows. Your generosity has truly inspired me and impacted our community positively for future generations.

As I depart, my colleague and friend, Melinda Gruber will take over as interim president of the foundation. Amidst a time of changes and challenges, she and the foundation team look forward to continuing to work with you as we move forward in our mission of improving health, inspiring hope, and saving lives.

Brandi Smith

President, Spectrum Health

Lakeland Foundation

Dan VandenHeede is the right person for the 78th District

Editor,

On November 3rd, residents of the 78th district have an opportunity to elect a truly outstanding individual to be our State Representative – Dan VandenHeede.

Having taught with Dan at Dowagiac High School for 25 years, I saw first-hand how much he valued education and how hard he worked toward improving it. Public schools faced many challenges in those years, which Dan met with compassion and intelligence. Dan taught government, civics, history – all social studies – with a passion. He understood his students and adapted his teaching to meet their needs. Going forward, challenges in education and those of the 78th District will require someone with these abilities and background. Dan VandenHeede is that person.

Dan believes in the adage, “Practice what you teach”. While teaching full time, Dan also served as a Niles City Councilman for over 20 years. He has the practical experience of governing his hometown. He understands the needs of the citizens. He is devoted to meeting the challenges of the future in Michigan. Dan would empower the people of the 78th District rather than big businesses and bureaucrats. Unlike his opponent, he is not beholden to big donors, such as the DeVos family.

Recently the President and Secretary of Education have been pushing to fully open all schools in the fall, regardless of the possible health consequences for students and teachers. They have even threatened to make things difficult for schools that don’t comply with their demands. These blanket demands have no regard for individual communities or states. We need elected officials who understand how schools and the communities they serve truly function.

Dan VandenHeede understands both, and this is why I am supporting him for State Representative in the 78th District.

In the ever-changing world we live in, we are going to need principled, knowledgeable, and compassionate leadership. We need Dan VandenHeede for the future of the 78th District!

Teri Frantz, Buchanan

Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking

Dear Citizens,

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office support the Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking campaign. Furnishing alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal substances to minors, even your own children, is illegal and can result in serious criminal charges, and quite possibly a civil lawsuit.

Hosting parties where teens are allowed to drink alcohol is extremely dangerous and poses a great risk to the children in attendance. It is illegal to allow minors to drink alcohol in your home, even if you did not personally provide the alcohol. Teens who consume alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal substances risk criminal charges which could negatively impact their future. Teenagers are not equipped to handle the effects of alcohol and could have serious physical reactions or engage in behavior which causes harm to themselves or others. Furthermore, parents who host these parties send the wrong message to teens at a critical stage of their life – that breaking the laws is ok. It is not.

We encourage all of you to take the pledge: host substance free parties for teens. Don’t allow teens to possess or consume alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal substances; and discourage teens from attending parties where substances will be available to them.

For more information about the negative effects of teen drinking and how to talk to your youth about drinking please visit: https:www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking.

Sincerely,

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and The Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office

Letters carried forward from 07-09

Is goal to make U.S. better, or destroy it?

To the Editor,

Many of us are greatly troubled about the condition of our Country. And when I use the word “Country” I’m referring to the people, not the land on which we live. It is the land of the free but many of us don’t feel very free. We have been taken hostage by people who hate this Country and those who blindly follow them.

For example, I recently took my mom to the Watervliet hospital. In front of the doctors’ offices was a sign supporting the group Black Lives Matter. I wonder if they bothered to find out anything about this group. Their website informs us that this group was started in 2013 by “three radical Black organizers” who founded their organization on a lie, the so called murder of a man who was a thief. When did criminals become heroes in America?

Among the many issues they list on their website are “LGBTQIA”, “Environmental Conditions” and “Gun Laws”. These women have radical views that are intended to destroy the America we love and the freedom we cherish.

I wonder if this is the same agenda Spectrum stands for. And if so, if I am not black can I expect to receive good and right medical treatment? Since when are hospitals political? Does this mean that a democrat, republican, independent, liberal, will receive different treatment? Why don’t ALL lives matter to Spectrum? An interesting note about Spectrum, the hospital that supports BLM, of the 83 pictures of people connected to running Spectrum on their website only two are black!

The real problem is not a black and white issue. The real issue is that America has rejected God and the Bible. The Bible teaches us to love everyone. It teaches us to respect others and treat them well, even if they hate you, (Mt. 5:44). It also teaches us to treat others like we want to be treated, (Mt. 7:12). The sad truth is that the Bible also describes a time when people will be selfish, unthankful, hateful and Godless, (2 Tim. 2:1-7). This may describe the world in which we live, but it doesn’t have to describe us individually.

Over the last 244 years has our country made mistakes and committed sins? Yes! But this Country has done more things right than wrong. And this Country has repented and corrected a lot of the sins committed. I am very thankful for Freedom. But I am greatly thankful for Forgiveness. I wonder how many of those protesting and rioting have dark spots in their background. Could it be their goal is not to make our Country better but to destroy it? Spectrum, America, WAKE UP!

God Bless the USA!

A concerned citizen who loves this country and ALL who live here,

Mark Manning