In excitement over new jobs, talk of mining safety missing
The writers of recent articles about new mining ventures, job creation and environmental concerns, including the Sept. 21 story, "Iron Range rebound," omitted what may become the most important issue: That's the health and safety of miners and folks who live near the mines.
It probably was no accident that former Minnesota Health Department Commissioner Diane Mandernach and Gov. Tim Pawlenty didn't release information about thecancer deaths of 38 miners with these new projects in development (Our View: "No excuse for health chief's delay on Range cancer cases," June 22).
In the days of mining high-grade red ore there wasn't the fine dust that's emitted now in the taconite crushing process. Until the University of Minnesota studies are completed, no one will know mesothelioma and other health problems were caused by this dust or whether miners have good jobs or dangerous jobs.
Jim Waldo
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Duluth
Never mind the critics: Bush will be remembered as great
The Bible says to multiply, but too many critics prefer to divide. No one should allow themselves to become critics.
Jesus warns in the book of Matthew, "Judge not that ye not be judged." A mountain will always be made out of a molehill when dirt is thrown at other people. No mud can soil except for the mud thrown at others. The mud-thrower never has clean hands.
Carving a path to success is impossible with cutting remarks. Tillotson said, "There is no readier way for a man to bring his own worth into question than by endeavoring to detract from the worth of other men." Henry Ford commented, "Men and automobiles are much alike. Some are right at home on an uphill pull; others run smoothly only when going downgrade. When you hear one knocking all of the time, it is a sure sign there is something wrong under the hood."
Remember this: Anyone afraid of criticism will die doing nothing. If they want a place in the sun, they'll have to expect some blisters -- and some sand kicked in their face. Criticism is a compliment when the person being criticized knows they are doing right. Great minds discuss ideas, good minds discuss events and small minds criticize other people.
President Bush was one of three presidents who responded well after being drawn into a war. He will be remembered in history as a great president. Each president has had critics. President Bush's highest priority is to keep U.S. citizens safe. It has been about six years since the sneak attack on Sept. 11. Respect is not given, it is earned. Bush has done that in spite of the critics.
Cliff Crosby
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Duluth
School Board should have involved citizens in planning
The arrogance of four people on the Duluth School Board is amazing. By a vote of only four to three, an on-the-basis of a questionable survey of only 300 people, the School Board members refused to ask the taxpayers of Duluth to approve a $257 million obligation. Or is it $293 million? Or is it $437 million? How much is it, really?
Superintendent Keith Dixon said individual taxes would go up only $12 to $16 per month based on "only" $100 million. But if the new numbers are right, we in the Duluth district will be paying taxes on almost$300 million. Taxes could go up $36 to $48 per month or as much as nearly $600 per year, by my calculations. This on top of the city raising taxes and fees for a $6 million budget shortfall and a $300 million unfunded liability for city workers' health care. And a bleeding aquarium and zoo problems and the county raising taxes, and, and ...
Isn't there a less expensive way to bring Duluth's schools up to standards? I've been told this can be done for only $41 million. Duluth cannot afford $437 million (almost half a billion).
Petitions bearing almost 3,000 signatures were presented to the School Board. Four members still refused to allow the people a referendum. Such arrogance. Amazing. School Board candidates Tim Grover, Gary Glass and Harry Welty would let the people vote.
Lawrence J. Burda
Duluth
