Opinion

This month, Wisconsin Watch reported on a renewed effort to pay reparations to Black Americans, citing past slavery as a reason.

There are problems with this idea.

If you enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of our national parks, you might like a new book by Amber Share entitled, “Subpar Parks.” The title is satirical because the book includes snide remarks that underwhelmed visitors have left at various parks, but most of the book is complementary.

I usually enjoy the weekly Stanek Column, but last week’s “Government has no right mandating vaccines” could have benefited from some historical perspective. In a democracy, freedom also comes with responsibility.

During WWII total deaths in our military amounted to just over 405,000. Currently, deaths due to COVID amount to 682,000 and still climbing due to the number of people who have refused to be vaccinated. Many people are exercising their right to refuse vaccination and are apoplectic when they are told that they will face sanctions as a result.

Covid is a particular kind of psychological torture. You feel lousy and sometimes scared, but you have to stay away from everyone else and just deal with it by yourself. The days drag on and on, and I keep hoping to feel better, to turn the corner and put it behind me.

My first paycheck. $100! A ONE with two zeroes behind it! It didn’t matter that I spent a week pulling weeds in a 45-acre field. It didn’t matter that I sweltered under a hot July sun. It didn’t matter that I earned minimum wage. It had my name on it. I earned it.