Letters to the Editor for Feb. 26

The Courier Press welcomes opinion letters up to 500 words from readers. Writers are limited to one letter, per topic, per month. Concise letters and those that offer a new perspective or add depth to the discussion of an issue are more likely to be printed. We reserve the right to reject letters at our discretion or edit for grammar, punctuation, length and clarity. Personal attacks, form letters or letter-writing campaigns are not accepted, and self-promoting letters from candidates for public office will not be published. If we receive numerous letters on one topic from various authors, we may select only one to be printed. Any congratulatory letters must be matters of public interest and will be tightly edited.

Please include the author’s full name, address and daytime phone number in case clarification is needed. Emailed letters are encouraged and mailed submissions must be signed. Letters to the editor are not a reflection of the Courier Press’ or its staff’s stance on matters of opinion.

Dear Editor,

How many of us are disappointed to see constant negative ads and campaign messages? We now hear that billionaire and super PAC resources are investing over a million more dollars in the barrage still coming before our April 1 Wisconsin State Supreme Court election.

Recently Brad Schimel was accused of being soft on crime in domestic abuse, sexual assault and child pornography cases.  Ironically, his response was “The criminal justice system exists to protect the community, but it also exists to restore people to being productive community members again.”  This seems a fair and thoughtful response.

Yet his own campaign’s misleading attack ads include one claiming that Judge Susan Crawford had released a convicted rapist (over 20 years ago) and another describing the horrors inflicted upon a child sexual abuse victim, trying to instill concern for all our neighborhoods, all the while blaming his opponent for being soft on criminals.   

Judges and prosecutors have to consider multiple factors when dealing with a case.  They are human and may make mistakes, but they are often required by law to give probation, or the least restrictive sentences to first-time offenders. Victims and their families may not always agree with their decisions as prosecutors and judges work to find a sentence that is fair and just.

So, the next time you see these attack ads on television, on the internet or in campaign literature, remember to take things with a grain of salt.  Just because something is claimed and repeated over and over, does not mean you are getting the full story or a full understanding of the situation.

I suggest you vote for Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford, who has pledged she will always be objective, “doing the right thing.”  Our judges’ decisions should not be influenced by outside political support, nor should the amount spent determine the outcome of our elections.

     Sincerely,

Terri Connell

Prairie du Chien

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Dear Congressman Van Orden,

Let me begin the letter by stating on  most issues  I’m not a fan of yours. There is one issue that we do agree on and that is showing support for our veterans. From reading your emails I know this issue particularly important to you.

I would ask you and your fellow GOP members to investigate Elon Musk and his DOGE team that is trying to downsize the federal work force by firing a work force that contains many veterans. These people have shown their dedication to the United States by not only serving in the military, but upon discharge they wanted to continue their service by joining the Federal Government. I find this a disgraceful treatment of these patriots.

What powers do you and the Congress have to stop this shameful action? Can you pass legislation to protect these jobs? Can you make sure that proper procedures are following in the termination of these employees? Are these dismissals even legal when done by a non-elected person? It would be very important for the voters of 3rd District if you would write an Op-ed piece supporting these veterans in the local newspapers.

To the Voters of District 3 I would ask you to call Congressman Van Orden at his offices in La Crosse 608-782-2558 or in Washington 202-225-4903. Please let him know how you feel about the veterans losing their jobs and Elon Musk.

Jerry Ziemann

Eastman

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To the editor,

I can’t believe we are watching this unprecedented, unconstitutional, and frightening takeover of our entire federal payment system unfold with seemingly no resistance. Let’s not be fooled. Multibillionaire Elon Musk has bought his way into our government, and, under the guise of efficiency, has managed to gain access to all of our personal and private information. It’s not hard to imagine who will benefit from these actions, given the fact that Musk and his companies have received billions of dollars from the federal government. SpaceX alone had contracts totaling $3 billion in 2023, and approximately $20 billion since 2008. I’m going to guess that those contracts will not be deemed “inefficient”.

In our good state of Wisconsin, we need to be sure that these kinds of power grabs don’t take place. Elon Musk has already inserted himself into our State Supreme Court race by endorsing Brad Schimel. The hardworking and fair-minded people of Wisconsin deserve better. Our government should not be for sale to the highest bidder. Keep our Supreme Court one that will represent all of us, not just the wealthiest. Get out and vote for Susan Crawford on April 1.

Mary Gasser

Prairie du Chien