OPINION

Letter: Keep election process honest

In my opinion, in his letter of Feb. 3, Graden West managed to spew out another unsubstantiated fact. It’s no big secret that a few shortcomings exist in our electoral process that can make it susceptible to voter fraud. One of the shortcomings could have been corrected years ago, if Congress would have enacted a photo ID law.

By Gregg Kulberg, Hector , February 07, 2012

Letter: When church and state collide

If and when the constitutional amendment is adopted making holy matrimony safe from gay marriages as conservative Catholics and Protestant fundamentalists propose, what penalty for breaking the law are they suggesting? How many Protestant ministers, United Church of Christ, Unitarian/Universalist, ELC Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal priests and ministers will be hauled off to jail in handcuffs away from their pulpits for continuing the practice because they see it as a basic human right? It will be Prohibition all over again with sentences meted out to prominent clergy causing civil strife not too different from that amendment that fundamentalists supported and Catholics fought as an unjust law curtailing their drinking habits.

By Lee Paulson, Glenwood , February 07, 2012

Commentary: Gingrich is right that GOP race is not over

If the goal of the primary process is simply to nominate a candidate, essentially to nominate the man or woman most likely to win in the end, then this primary season should be declared over. Clear the stage, and give it to Mitt Romney. Newt Gingrich’s promise to go the next 46 notwithstanding, you couldn’t find anyone in Vegas to give you ballpark odds on his winning. And forget about Ron Paul or Rick Santorum. They never had a chance.

February 04, 2012

Commentary: We Americans should watch politics south of the border

SAN DIEGO — Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said recently that her biggest regret from her time in the George W. Bush administration is that she didn’t focus more on our backyard.

February 04, 2012

Cartoon by Dave Granlund

February 04, 2012

Cartoon by Chris Britt

February 04, 2012

Cartoon by Dave Granlund

February 04, 2012

Editorial: This idea is a bad one: Just legislate

Minnesota legislators should learn to do their jobs and not take the easy way out with constitutional amendments, such as a supermajority requirement of a three-fifth majority for tax increases.

February 04, 2012

Letter; Protecting the right to vote

Have there been any cases of voter fraud in Minnesota? Answer — 0.009 percent. With only that tiny amount it is obviously not worth the amount of money it will take to put voter ID on the ballot. Why would anyone, specifically Sen. Joe Gimse and other Republicans, want to place it up for a vote?

By Graden West, New London , February 03, 2012

commentary susan estrich newt gingrich Commentary: Why Newt Gingrich should not drop out

Here are 10 reasons why Newt Gingrich should not drop out of the Republican presidential nomination race.

February 03, 2012

commentary ruben navarrett senator rubio immigration Commentary: Florida’s Sen. Rubio does step up on immigration

Ruben Navarrette’s e-mail address is rnavarrette@wctrib.com.

February 03, 2012

Editorial: St. Cloud move is good for Stingers

Baseball in west central Minnesota benefited recently when a Willmar Stingers minority owner completed a purchase of the St. Cloud River Bats franchise in the Northwoods League.

February 03, 2012

Letter: Investments and taxes

Investment income is taxed at a lower rate because the government wants people to invest their savings (yes, this money has already been taxed at least once) in businesses of all sorts. Since the failure rate of businesses is fairly high, any investor might lose all his money at any time. Therefore, when a profit is actually made, the tax rate is lower to acknowledge the risk that was taken in earning the money.

By Kari Stadem, Blomkest , February 03, 2012

Letter: Can’t have it both ways

This is in response to Barbara Edwards’ letter on Jan. 24. By making four appointments, Obama did get two bureaus working. The question is, was this action legal? When these appointments were made the Democratic-controlled Senate was in pro forma session, not in recess.

By Barb Norine, Atwater , February 03, 2012

Cartoon michael ramirez eric holder: Cartoon by Eric Holder

February 03, 2012