Letters to the Editor - Nov. 19, 2006

Duluth growth stalls despite resources

To the Budgeteer:

As a young child fond of geography, I pondered a contradictory phenomenon.

Our city had 100,000 people, but, surprisingly, one of our nation's states, Nevada, even fell short of this sum.

Moreover, our city with its iron ore, vast forests and commercial trade advantages would continue its uninterrupted growth.

Nevada, then characterized as scrub wasteland, would continue its decline.

Today, our population has regressed to less than 100,000. Nevada is surging over 2 million -- the nation's fastest growing state, with a population more than 25 times greater than our city.

Unhappily, Duluth's richest resources were rapidly depleted.

However, we still have our precious jewel, our city, encased in its beauteous setting.

In Nevada, some saw opportunity in bleakness to make the deserts bloom with magical sparkling lights.

Such a magical make-believe glittering destination draws multitudes the world over.

The awesome force that cleaved the watery furrow that drew the distant mighty oceans to our very doorstep in mid-continent also graced us with the lush greenery of summer and the stark whiteness of winter.

Such contrasts enliven the spirit.

We are richly blessed, surrounding us on all sides is the precious life's blood of a thirsty world: fresh water.

Can our wisdom now create that beneficiary common to all?

However, as an observer of over 80 years, I sense wide latitudes and divergent goals for our city.

Two questions beg answers: Do we fancy such a plan that sparks renewal, expanding our community to its unlimited, ever-growing potential and increasing population?

Or, should we only marginally modify what we already have?

Which way, Duluth?

Paul Lampi

Duluth

Hope for meth addicts

To the Budgeteer:

There is a drug and alcohol abuse problem seething through this country. Who hasn't heard talk of friends and families tragic and often losing battles with substance abuse, for themselves, their children or their children's children.

What is sadder, more horrific to consider is there seems to be no cure. No way out for the afflicted millions -- except prison or death.

When my mom called to tell me my little sister had been arrested with a large amount of meth, I was terrified for her. But what could I or anyone do?

We raised money for bail. We hired an attorney. We searched the Internet, the phone book, and we asked friends for help finding a treatment program.

To our surprise, most programs were enormously expensive and very short term. We knew she needed more.

Then we heard of a program with over 70 percent success rate. We were skeptical, but called anyway.

They told me that the program did not have any set time, but that they would help my sister in treatment until she and they knew she could live a productive life without drugs.

They told me how their legal liaison would work with the courts and our attorney.

They told me they could give my little sister her life back, and, then, just as they promised, they did.

This organization of angels is disguise is called Narconon Arrowhead. If you or someone you love needs help, call (866) 648-7609. You might even get to talk to my little sister, Holly, who works there now.

Daniel Gladden

Tulsa, Okla.