Letters to the Editor

Dear editor, “I am the master of my own fate.”  We may not hear those exact words, but we hear that sentiment being expressed a lot these days. Personal freedom is a precious thing that should be cherished, it allows us to make choices that can empower us to find our own way to accomplish the things we value.      However, what perplexes me is that we have the personal freedom to influence some really important things, the economy and the government – but we don’t use it enough.    Fundamentally, you and I are the economy because we are buyers and sellers. The CEOs of corporations are not in control, we are - if we collectively use our personal freedom in a productive way.  When gas is too expensive in one area, if those who can buy our gas elsewhere, the sellers will be pressured to lower prices.  We do see some individuals working collectively to change the economy. Unions members around the country are winning better salaries and benefits by striking corporations run by CEOs that for decades have been hoarding profits for themselves while workers struggle to pay their bills.  Other folks are supporting the strikers by refusing to buy products from those corporations.  Many of us are leaving jobs where employers are unwilling to increase wages and benefits and are finding better jobs elsewhere.  More money in our pockets results in more money spent, which drives the economy.  Money socked away by the rich inflates their wealth but does nothing for an economy that benefits us.  Fundamentally, you and I are the government – if we are voters. A big part of the government’s job is to equitably collect taxes and use that money for the collective, public good.  If the government is not meeting our needs by fixing the roads, investing in broadband, cleaning the water, and regulating bad actors – then be a voter.  Identify the politicians who will act on your behalf to provide these things, and vote for them.  If we all use our personal freedom to vote for those who will serve our public needs rather than rich donors, we can have the things we all need to make our lives better.  When representatives waste our tax dollars on corporate welfare, tax deductions for the rich, and frivolous investigations, we are not being served. Government policies that provide better jobs, higher salaries, and child tax deductions let us put the economy in hyper-drive, which is good for everyone. Don’t let the CEOs deceive you into thinking that higher demand for products mean prices must go up – they don’t.  Raising prices is just corporate greed.  We can use our personal freedom to change the things we are not willing to accept, including an economy rigged to only benefit the rich and a nonresponsive government.  Once we begin to understand the power of our collective personal freedom, the precepts of the Constitution, “promot[ing] the general Welfare, and secur[ing] the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” becomes possible. Personal freedom is a powerful tool.  When used responsibly, it can accomplish mutual benefit.  When used carelessly, it can cause immeasurable harm.   Beverly Pestel Richland Center   Dear editor, Wisconsin’s new voting district maps are now in the hands of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. You can let the court know we are watching and expect them to act in a nonpartisan manner when deciding which maps will determine representation in our state for the next decade. Come to the Fair Maps Rally, one of several similar rallies taking place across the state, at 12 noon on Friday, January 21, outside the Iowa County Courthouse in Dodgeville. The decision the court makes could have far reaching consequences.  In many states Republicans have introduced or passed laws that shift the authority to oversee elections from independent election officials and commissions to the legislature.  These laws give the legislature partisan control of decisions about election rules; which ballots to count or discard; and which results to certify or reject.  And, since Article II of the U.S. constitution provides that each state shall appoint electors to the Electoral College “in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct,” state legislatures already have the power to make the rules for choosing electors to the Electoral College. Up until now, every state has automatically certified electors who support the victor at the polls. However, legislatures could decide to select electors themselves or refuse to certify the slate of electors the voters have chosen. Unthinkable? Not anymore. The only obstacles preventing the Wisconsin legislature from passing similar laws here are the veto pen of the governor and the fact that Republicans do not have a large enough majority to override a veto. But that could change if the Supreme Court decides in favor of the legislature’s redistricting maps. Those maps, even more gerrymandered than the current ones, would increase the possibility of Republicansgaining a veto proof majority after the next election. Were that to happen, our best hope for fair elections would be the passage of the Freedom To Vote Act ( FTVA) now stalled in the  U.S. Senate. The FTVA not only contains provisions that remove obstacles to voting and insure election security but also prohibits partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts. Let’s join together on January 21 to let the Supreme Court know that rural small town Wisconsin is watching them.   Allen Pincus Barneveld   Dear editor, This weekend River Valley hosted seven other teams for our annual Rick Lawinger Invitational. The wrestling teams that joined us were Brodhead Juda, Cashton, Hartford Union, Iowa Grant/Highland, Mineral Point, Reedsburg, and Waunakee. The reason I am writing this is to thank everyone in our community for their help. Early in the week we were sitting at four teams total for the tournament. This tournament was in a stage of constant evolution throughout the week. Teams dropping out and teams joining, injuries, and COVID-19 situations. We were worried about filling brackets and even switching to a dual meet format to make sure the wrestlers/coaches/fans would have a great experience.  With the help of many people, we were able to have a successful tournament that many teams and fans talked about throughout the day. There were numerous people talking about how smooth and how they wanted to commit for next year already. The coaches’ room that was provided by the generosity of our parents and River Valley Wrestlebackers was top notch. Most coaches said they would strictly come back for that! Beyond the amazing food provided, coaches did say the actual wrestling was something they would love to come back for as well.  Without listing names and accidentally forgetting someone, we just wanted to say one last thank you. These tournaments require a ton of work behind the scenes that people don’t see. Without that work, these tournaments fail. From the small details of organizing and printing information, to running the event and announcing, thank you. River Valley Wrestling is lucky to have all of your support. We already know this weekend’s youth tournament will be a success because of how hard you all worked on the Rick Lawinger Tournament. Very Thankful  River Valley Wrestling Coaches Spring Green   Dear editor, The Red Cross is currently facing their worst shortage in 10 years and doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.  The River Valley community, once again, stepped up and helped to fill this gap.  Eighty-six units of blood were collected on January 7 and three were from brand new donors.  These donations have the potential of saving the lives of 258 people!   We would like to thank Christ Lutheran Church for generously providing us with the use of their facility.  All of our donors received a coupon for a free pint of frozen custard donated by Culver’s of Spring Green. If you were unable to give last Friday, there are several upcoming opportunities in the River Valley area.  It is recommended that you make an appointment.  February 1: Lone Rock April 25: Plain May 17: Lone Rock June 3: Spring Green Community  at Christ Lutheran Church June 15:   Cornerstone Church June 17:   Arena June 27:   Plain If you have any questions concerning the donation of blood, we encourage you to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. Sincerely, Barb Louis, 588-7253, and Barb Baxter, 588-7038 Spring Green Community Blood Drive Coordinators