Category: Perspectives

When people say they want to see America great again, to which period in America’s history do they refer? It must be a period within living memory. The consensus would probably be what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation” in his book by that name. The 40s and 50s were a time of great economic, […]

Is this really who we are? Voting this year up and down the ballot is more important than ever to preserve what decency is left in our country. Fifteen GOP Governors opted out of a federal summer food program for 8 million children. Most of these governors are in states with some of the highest […]

In Iowa, the air is buzzing with results of the GOP primaries. The main topic is how Christian Evangelicals can keep voting for Trump after so many indictments, two convictions and several broken Judeo-Christian Commandments. Some voters mention only their belief that he abhors abortion, but others speak in interviews of their desire for a […]

It’s time the Biden administration closes our borders. A sovereign country must have closed borders. Biden doesn’t need more money to get the job done. We have existing, adequate laws that just need to be enforced.   There is a simple solution. Just reestablish the rules implemented by the Trump administration, and the problem will be […]

Once again we have Republicans supporting judges who they say will “enforce” the law. “Bad” news is the Judicial Branch of our government does not enforce laws. Their job is to interpret law! That’s why a  judge’s opinion is subject to appeal. It’s an opinion, not an enforcement. It’s the job of the Executive Branch […]

The Rule of Law begins in the preamble to the Constitution. “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility …”. The Rule of Law is a political ideal that all citizens and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the […]

I have been a lawyer for 50 years, and was a judge for 14 of them.  Recently, I attended a meeting where Attorney Brett Reetz presented his qualifications as a candidate for Door County Circuit Judge. Mr. Reetz is a successful trial lawyer. He has been in practice for more than 30 years; he has extensive civil […]

Our ability to influence public policy goes beyond voting. Yet, some opportunities to make an impact get little public attention or participation. People are more likely to gather in town halls, call elected officials or display outrage and dismay after the fact once the ink has dried on policies and regulations affecting our day-to-day lives. […]

See the Show Once in a while it is nice to get one’s mind off of climate change and political angst. I found a treasure on County F just around the corner from the Gibraltar School. It is a current show in the beautiful gallery at the Peninsula School of Art. Upper elementary students from […]

Based on meeting minutes and draft plans, the Town of Liberty Grove Plan Commission is now considering using a large portion of Mariner Park as a boat launch and a vehicle and boat trailer parking lot. This, even though currently there is a perfectly good existing boat launch, open to the public, on the adjoining […]

I recently read Liz Cheney’s book, Oath and Honor. Have you heard anyone talking about oath or honor lately? I haven’t. How sad. Oaths are simple and go by many names. In church we called them creeds (“I believe in one God…”), or commandments (“Thou shalt not lie…”). In school we said the Pledge of […]

Tyler Huebner, Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner, was fired Jan. 16, by the Republican-led Senate. He is the 10th Governor Ever’s appointment to be rejected by Republicans. In the three decades prior to Governor Ever’s election, the Senate had only rejected four such appointments. Huebner operated as a commissioner for nearly four years without confirmation by […]

It is with sadness I read that John Dietrich is closing Ellison Bay Pottery (“Gallery Closes, Era Ends”, Jan. 26 Peninsula Pulse). I want to applaud John for his commitment and dedication to creating exquisite pottery in Ellison Bay. We met John in the early years, and appreciate his personal welcome and gentle humility. After […]

Thank you for expanding community journalism by working with the League of Women Voters of Door County (LWVDC) Observer Corp. Your article [“Community Journalism Project Kicks Off,” October 2023], reminded me that Robert’s Rules of Order is commonly used to facilitate decision-making. Unfortunately, research shows that Robert’s Rules restrict collaboration and consensus-building.  Questioning that leads […]

As we watch the continued dog-and-pony show in the House of Representatives, we must question what did we do to deserve a replay of the movie Ground Hog Day at the start of this new year? There are somewhere between 10-15 members in the house that are called the hard right. They cannot run our […]

I reordered my three-month supply of a maintenance drug through the automatic voice mail system of a national pharmacy located in Sturgeon Bay. I picked up the prescription the next day. I had a conversation with the clerk explaining I did not need to talk to the pharmacist as I was quite familiar with the […]

The interview with Yana Zenefski was quite uplifting (“The Unsilencing of Yana Senefski,” Jan. 5 Peninsula Pulse). Ms Zenefski’s civic involvement is an inspiration, irrespective of her political persuasion.  What matters is that she gets up off the couch, puts her e-device aside, and not only does something but leads others in her efforts – […]