Music Integral in Kids' Lives

Having grown up with music as a vital part of my everyday life, I don't think I could go a day without my iPod, the CD player in my truck or my laptop – no joke, my iTunes library could play for nearly nine days straight without repeating a single song. And considering I grew up in the generation between cassettes and mp3s, my CD collection is beyond immaculate. I haven't counted recently, but I'm fairly certain I have close to 750 albums. Needless to say, music has always been a huge part of my life, as I can recall my brother and I spending hours upon hours listening to 45s on my parent's turntable at a very young age. "Splish Splash" by Bobby Darin "Peggy Sue" by Buddy Holly and "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro were a few of my favorites.

It's because of this particular love that I acquired for music at a young age that I decided to join band when I was in junior high. Though I never had piano lessons as a kid and had never touched an instrument in my life, I was intrigued when all of my friends started taking lessons for their respective instruments. Not one to always go with the crowd, I figured this was something that my parents would actually approve of me doing. So I signed up for lessons. Originally intending to play either the flute or clarinet, the woodwinds didn't work out for me. After working with my band director to find a better fit, I started playing percussion, which I did until my sophomore year of high school when my studies became a higher priority. It was a great experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Regardless of the fact that I didn't stick with it, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about music and understanding the different notes. My brother, on the other hand took a different approach to music, teaching himself how to play guitar and, eventually, attending what is now the McNally Smith College of Music in Minneapolis. He has since made running sound for a couple small-town bands his second job, which, ironically, he loves more than his primary source of income. So when I see a school like Independence having to cut back in areas like music, it pains me. There are so many kids out there who are musically inclined and they're not going to have the opportunity to show off those abilities.

In essence, these kids will end up being punished due to budgetary constraints, something which they, more than likely, cannot even comprehend at this point in their lives. While I understand that something needs to take a hit, I truly believe that the music department is the wrong place. In addition to alleviating stress by increasing the body's release of endorphins, music has been found to play a significant role in childhood development. Not only is learning to play an instrument fun and challenging at the same time, but studies have found that music instruction also promotes cognitive development, verbal skills and emotional intelligence. In this day and age where surfing the Internet, watching TV, playing video games and texting are considered acceptable hobbies, I think now, more than ever, it's extremely important to make sure kids have something like music to occupy their time.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Justice System Fails Us Again

During one of the most controversial and talked about cases of the decade, a jury in Florida was recently asked to decide the fate of a woman accused of killing her two-year-old daughter. While I thought the case was pretty cut and dried, what with the evidence pointing to foul play, the jury in the Casey Anthony murder trial decided otherwise, acquitting the 25-year-old mom of first-degree murder. In my eyes, the justice system has failed us again. This helpless little girl was killed three years ago and, as of yet, no one is behind bars paying for it. In that respect, it eerily reminded me of the O.J. Simpson case, minus the infamous black glove and white Bronco chase, that is.

What disturbs me more is that some of the jurors have come forth saying they don't think Anthony is innocent, blaming lack of concrete evidence on their choice to acquit. Aside from the fact that Casey failed to report her daughter missing for 31 days, she seemed to be a habitual liar. She lied about being employed at Universal Studios and about Zanny Fernandez-Gonzalez being her daughter's nanny. On top of that, it was this "nanny" who Casey accused of kidnapping Caylee. You basically couldn't believe a word that came out of her mouth.

When the remains of the young girl's body were found, there were several pieces of duct tape on the face of the skull; this alluded to the fact that the child was likely suffocated before being disposed of in a wooded area. However, Casey claimed her daughter drowned in the family pool and that her father, George, a former police officer, tried to make it look like a homicide by taping the girl's mouth and dumping her in the woods … near the family's residence, no less. First of all, who would ever take the risk of covering up an accidental death by making it look like a homicide? I mean, I've heard of murderers doing the exact opposite, but her story makes absolutely no sense. If the drowning was determined to be accidental, Anthony would be charged with, at worst, negligence. Why would she want to make it look worse and call herself into question if she were, in fact, innocent?

And then there was the evidence of decomposition in Casey's car and the discovery of Internet searches of how to make and use chloroform, as well as the terms "neck breaking" and "death," on Casey's computer. In addition, the same type of laundry bag, duct tape and plastic bags found at the crime scene were also found in the house which Casey and Caylee lived in. Needless to say, when I learned that the jury had rendered a not guilty verdict last week, I was shocked and totally disappointed in our justice system. Now, Casey will be released from prison after serving time for providing false information to the police. All I can hope is that she never, ever decides to reproduce again.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

No Way Around Raising Debt Limit

As we wrap up the celebration of our nation's birthday, a black cloud, in the form of the national debt limit, still looms. While I can denounce raising the United States' debt ceiling until I'm blue in the face, it seems down right ominous. I, like the Republicans in Congress, would love to deny increasing the debt limit until some huge spending cuts are made. However, the fate of this country hangs in the balance. If the debt limit is not raised by Aug 2, the United States will begin defaulting on its colossal debt. Of course, in order to get everything approved before payments come due, the actual deadline for the increase is, in essence, only a couple weeks away.

So what happens if Congress decides against raising the country's debt limit? Well, for starters, the government will default on a $30 billion interest payment on the debt already owed. As anyone who has ever failed to pay the minimum payment for their credit card can attest, that means higher interest rates. If the United States is already paying $30 billion in interest payments, I'd hate to see what a higher rate would do. But, no matter what, I don't think the economy would ever be able to recover if the government defaulted on those loans.

Depending upon how he chooses to interpret the Fourteenth Amendment, President Barack Obama could go against the wishes of Congress and raise the debt limit anyway. Our forefathers very eloquently worded the Constitution to work for them in 1776, but, since that era, loopholes have been discovered. So, when the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted in 1868 and included the phrase, 'The validity of the public debt of the United States … shall not be questioned,' I highly doubt it was meant to give the president the authority to do as he so pleases when it comes to the debt limit. There has also been talk of Republicans agreeing to a mini deal if it were necessary to prevent a governmental shutdown. While it would be a short-term solution, it would allow the government to make the upcoming payments and give legislators time to come up with a long-term solution.

As I write this, more information has come out saying that negotiations are not far from being resolved. Of course, no deal can be complete without some cuts being made; unfortunately, the cuts in question are likely to come from student aid, farm subsidies and federal employee retirement plan. Though it would be nice to see legislators take cuts in their salary, it would likely be a cold day in hell before that would ever happen. For all I know, this could be a moot point and Congress may already be in the process of agreeing to some sort of deal by the time you read this. But, I guess if it was up to me, I'd take the mini deal, which would buy time for politicians in Washington to determine the best course of action on how to deal with the country's debt issues.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

A Lesson in Invincibility

Every time a new superhero movie comes out, children are overcome with the notion that they can do everything Superman, Spider-Man, Batman or The Green Lantern can do. As role models, they are far from ideal; no one can fly faster than a speeding bullet or leap tall buildings in a single bound. Kids were all caught up in having unique powers and fighting crime. Then, along came "Jackass" to ruin that superhero facade. A quirky MTV show in which everyday Joes put themselves through ridiculous tasks and pull outlandish pranks on one other in order to make people laugh and earn big bucks, "Jackass" gave kids something new to aspire to – idiocy.

Though every episode of the series, which eventually went on to make millions of dollars in theaters all over the world, was prefaced with distinct instructions that people not try the stunts at home, I think it's safe to say that was hardly a deterrent. Sad, but true, these gents became heroes in the eyes of many people from my generation. While horribly tragic in nature, I think the events that transpired early last week will leave a lasting impression on everyone who watched the cast of "Jackass" perform raunchy and often life-threatening stunts. And that message is trifold: no one is invincible and speeding, as well as getting behind the wheel drunk, can be lethal.

When I first heard the news that Ryan Dunn's life had been unexpectedly cut short at the age of 34, I was absolutely stunned. I mean, here's this stunt man who risks life and limb to earn his paycheck and it's a car accident that takes his life. It just did not seem possible. Having watched "Jackass" when it first debuted on MTV back in 2000, I continued following the hijinks of Dunn and company on Viva La Bam and Wildboyz, right on through to the box office blockbuster "Jackass 3D." I practically grew up with those guys. As such, when I heard the news of Dunn's death, it took a while to really sink in; like so many others, I never knew the guy personally, but it felt as though I had lost a friend.

And as the details of the accident began to come out, all I could do was shake my head. Dunn had his entire life ahead of him, a career most would kill for and he ruins it by drinking and driving. Not only that, but his recklessness also took the life of his friend, Zachary Hartwell, a newlywed who survived three tours of duty in Iraq. Though his is probably the most controversial passing since Elvis Presley, as some are inclined to believe it's all just an elaborate hoax and that Dunn is very much alive, I hope his death helps open the eyes of today's youth. Sure, parents and teachers can point out the dangers of drinking and driving, but seeing someone they look up to and idolize pay the ultimate price might actually help get the message across.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

GOP Prospects Look Promising

Though the 2012 election is well over a year away, the politicking is already in full swing. Seven candidates are vying for one spot on the Republican ticket to go head to head with President Barack Obama come November of next year. Considering the fact that John McCain and Sarah Palin were the last duo to grace the ballot on the Republican side of the presidential ballot, the most recent GOP debate has given me reason to believe that Obama may have his work cut out for him. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, Atlanta businessman Herman Cain, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and Texas Congressman Ron Paul all took part in last week's debate and I think a few of them could actually make good on the promise to make Obama a one-term president.

Of the seven, Romney and Bachmann stood out as viable opponents; of course, there's always the chance that people will find more confidence in businessman Cain over career politicians. Regardless of who ends up on the ballot, there's no way any of them could be considered a worse choice than leaving Obama in office for another four years. First of all, I don't think anyone has been impressed with the so-called change that Obama promised before he was elected to become the 44th president of the United States. With oil prices through the roof and the housing market in the toilet, I think it's safe to say that more change is in order. That is, unless, you're happy paying $4 a gallon for gas, watching the U. S. dollar rapidly decrease in value and don't have a problem with record unemployment rates.

When I took economics back in college, I was taught that a lot of the economy's ups and downs were a pattern that would occur no matter who was in office at the time. And, typically, the president in office at the time is blamed for a great deal of the hardships the country sustains. So, could all of the problems we're facing be chocked up to bad timing due to the fluctuating economy? Perhaps. But there is definitely room for improvement when the leader of our nation doesn't consider having 24 aides on staff for the sole purpose of providing support for the first lady wasteful spending. Keeping that many staffers on the payroll for someone who doesn't perform any official duties is absolutely ludicrous.

And, without a doubt, the repeal of Obamacare should be a high priority for Republicans; I can't imagine how putting the federal government in control of healthcare could accomplish anything positive. And resurrecting the floundering outlook for manufacturing jobs is something that needs attention, as well. Regardless of who ends up representing the GOP, the next presidential election will certainly be one for the history books – and, hopefully, one that brings about the right kind of change this country needs.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Migraines Possibly Genetic

Having suffered from migraines for the better part of a decade, I've always been curious as to why I am afflicted with them. Though the exact cause of migraines has long been a mystery, over the years, I have blamed it on my job, which has required that I sit in front of a computer monitor for hours at a time, as well as my love for loud music. There are a great deal of possible triggers that have been linked to migraines, namely stress, fatigue and hunger, but something as simple as bright light or exposure to loud noises, can also set off migraine attacks. Aside from the fact that migraines can last for days, the one thing that is truly unnerving about migraines is that popping three or four Tylenol doesn't have the least bit of an impact on the pain. Add to that the fact that the slightest sound can make the intensity of these headaches increase exponentially, and even the simple act of sleeping can be agonizing.

While sitting here writing this column, my head throbbing intensely just from staring at the computer screen (which is dimmed as far as it can be so as not to further anger the beast), I came across an interesting article regarding migraines. However, a recent study has shown that genetics could play a role in this debilitating condition, which is described as a brain disorder in which neurons, or brain cells, respond abnormally to stimuli. Well, how about that. After all these years, my dad's theory that I'm not right in the head is somewhat true. Regardless, migraines, which are three to four times more common in women, only affect about 20 percent of the population.

If only I had the same luck at winning the lottery as I have with medical anomalies. This new study, which was published in Nature Genetics, found variations in three genes that appeared more frequently in migraine sufferers. One of these genes was found to only be present in females who are afflicted with migraines. To think, after all these years of dealing with migraines, I have blamed my lifestyle choices when I should have been blaming my relatives.

Now, many of you are probably wondering why this is such a big deal to me. To think that, one week ago, I knew absolutely nothing about why I was suffering from migraines, this new information provides great optimism for not only me, but for millions of migraine sufferers. Though I don't necessarily think research into migraines is as important as, say, cancer research, this discovery is a step in the right direction. My hope is that this is only the first in a series of revelations that will help scientists gain a better understanding of migraines. As much as it would be wonderful to eliminate cancer once and for all, it would also be a huge relief to never have to deal with migraines again.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

How Lewd!

Seeing as how we live in a society that pretty much revolves around the Internet, smartphones and social media, I think it's safe to say that scandalous events are, sadly, becoming more and more common. Whether it be a professional athlete, movie star, politician or just your average citizen, our ever-growing dependence on technology has made it more and more difficult for individuals to maintain any sort of privacy. And that begs another question; why is what anyone does in the privacy of their own home any of our business?

That being said, I think the fact that so many public figures are being outed for their lapses of judgment has been inevitable – and even more so since social media has evolved to what it is today. Yes, public figures should be more cautious about how they are portrayed and try to be the best role models they can be, but I have serious qualms about the way in which their privacy is constantly invaded. I honestly think our society has become so wrapped up in what celebrities are doing that we have lost sight of what's truly important. Did the fact that Brett Favre sent lewd photos to a sideline reporter really affect how he played football? No more than the late Wilt Chamberlain's reputation as a womanizer affected his basketball skills, I'm sure.

But I digress. This week, Rep. Anthony Weiner, a democrat from New York, admitted that he sent a lewd photo to a female college student over Twitter and lied repeatedly to protect himself. While Weiner declared that what he did was a "hugely regrettable mistake," especially since he's a public figure, he has refused to resign. So, does this married politician not think what he did, as well as lying and admitting to inappropriate contact with six other women via social networking sites and over the phone, was inappropriate? Apparently not, as he has adamantly declared that he had done nothing wrong.

Though I'm sure he will continue to be the butt of many jokes in late-night talk show monologues, I can somewhat understand why he has chosen not to step down. When you look at the indiscretions of former president Bill Clinton and former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, who had extra-marital affairs while in office, what Weiner did is a somewhat trivial matter. To be honest, if every politician were to step down for their unsavory actions, it would be difficult to keep people in office. After all, these individuals are only human and, as humans, they are sure to have lapses in judgement just like anyone else. Regardless of the fact that they are held to a much higher standard, they, too, deserve second chances.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Freedom Isn't Free ... Someone Paid

Each Memorial Day, millions of Americans take time out of their holiday weekend to remember those who served this country and risked life and limb to give us the freedom we enjoy every single day. While it seems remiss that only one particular holiday in our calendar is devoted to the memory of those who have been lost, I know there are many people out there who think about their fallen loved ones on a daily basis. Though Memorial Day has grown to encompass the remembrance of, not only soldiers killed while serving in one of the branches of the U.S. military, but also loved ones lost throughout the year, I think it is important to remember where it all began. While the holiday means many things to many people, the fact is that we wouldn't be able to enjoy the freedom we have today if it weren't for the sacrifices made by so many selfless individuals.

As such, I thought it fitting that the theme for this year's Memorial Day weekend in Arcadia was "Freedom isn't free – someone paid." However, I look around at the veterans who walk in the parades and take part in military rites for several different events and find myself wondering where all of the Desert Storm and Iraq War veterans are, as well as those who have served in the war on terrorism. During Monday's ceremony at Cortland Cemetery outside Arcadia, the comment was made that a lot of the veterans in the American Legion and VFW posts are older; it makes me somewhat sad to think of what might happen to these organizations once the current generation passes on. It would certainly be a crying shame to see these tributes and traditions go by the wayside due to lack of participation.

I know there are those out there who are modest about their service to this country, but I really hope that, in time, they realize just how important it is to keep these rituals going. Not only that, but, I find it immensely important that the younger generations know and continue learning about the military, what it stands for and why they have these freedoms. No one should take what we have for granted, no matter how much time has passed since we gained freedom. And while, for the past 58 years, Arcadia has also commemorated the holiday weekend with a community-wide celebration, it seems only fitting that Broiler-Dairy Days now takes place at Memorial Park. In between watching softball, listening to music and taking in all of the events and activities, those who come to the park can stroll down Soldiers Walk and pay tribute to the men and women who have served this country and continue to do so.

And remember, just because Memorial Day has come and gone, you don't have to wait until next year to show your appreciation. There are veterans all over this area, so when you see one, be sure to tell him or her thank you. If not for them, there's no telling what kind of life we would be living today.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

Last week, I read some unnerving news regarding this country's ever increasing debt. The United States had hit its debt limit … a whopping $14.3 trillion ceiling. While not really all that surprising to me considering the way the government spends money, what really concerns me is the Obama administration's temporary immediate response: to halt payments to the retirement and pension funds of federal workers and borrow from those accounts. Maybe President Obama thought it would be OK to take this course of action, what with the impending rapture or Zombie Apocalypse or whatever supposedly happening on May 20. But, clearly, we are still here, which means the government is still borrowing from those funds.

I would be just fine with this method if it were the president or members of Congress and the House of Representatives who were directly affected. But, "federal workers" is pretty vague. My guess is it's your average everyday workers in post offices and DMV locations across the country who will be impacted. Since my mom is a postal clerk and has been with the United States Postal Service for nearly 30 years, it very much upsets me that our government is screwing with the funds that she is entitled to upon retirement. Sure, we're being told that the funds will be replenished if the debt ceiling is raised. But, what happens when we hit that ceiling again? There's no doubt in my mind it will happen since it has been increased 74 times since 1962 (10 increases occurring in just the last 10 years).

That being said, I think this development proves just how much trouble our economy is in. Instead of cutting spending the proper way – by doing away with unnecessary federal programs and trimming back military operations – the government is, in essence, doing itself a disservice. The long-term plan? Increase the debt limit by about $2 trillion. Are you kidding me? When is enough enough? Something needs to change and soon. Where we're at right now, I have doubts that this country will ever be able to crawl out of the hole it's in. But with talk about increasing how much money it can borrow, I just shake my head. I don't know about anyone else, but I would sure like to have a checking account that worked like that. Spend what you have, spend a little more, keep paying bills and buying things you can't afford and the bank will continue to lend you money to do so. That's definitely a dream come true … until you realize you have to pay it all back, with interest.

What really bothers me is that, if things continue the way they're going, no one is going to want to lend any money to the United States, which will put us in a real pickle. I don't want to see another Great Depression anymore than the next guy, but, if things don't change, the U.S. dollar will lose value and the country will be in a financial crisis. Thinking back to an e-mail message I received from a critic of one of my columns I wrote for the Arcadia News-Leader, I can't help but laugh. This lady made a point to say that the United States was the wealthiest country in the northern hemisphere. I guess, if wealth is measured in debt, I'm one of the richest people alive.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Technologically Speaking …

When it comes to education, especially in this day and age, I don't think there's a single student who doesn't use the Internet for one thing or another. Whether it's utilizing the web as a research tool or e-mailing teachers or classmates to ask questions about current assignments, I think it's safe to say that computers have become a necessary component in the learning process. As such, I think a great deal of the burden in preparing students for the future, which will undoubtedly include computers and the Internet, should fall on our public school systems. While I understand that the governor of our fair state has not been so kind to the budgets of our school districts as of late, I was happy to hear that the Arcadia School District will be implementing a new program that will provide every child the opportunity to have hands-on learning with computers.

While this new program will be geared toward the upperclassmen within the district and won't be fully implemented for a few years yet, it's certainly a far cry from the days when I was in high school. I may not be all that old, but I do remember saving assignments onto 8-inch floppy disks and getting typhoid along the Oregon Trail. I can't tell you how much it frustrated me to go hunting, kill 2,000 pounds of food and only be allowed carry 200 pounds of it. But, in all reality, it's quite crazy how fast this technological phenomenon has swept the country. When my parents were in school, they had to use typewriters – and not the ones that were electronic with automatic delete button. Oh no, back in those days, the delete or backspace keys as we know them were non-existent. If a wrong letter was typed, you would have to hit the backspace key, place a corrective tape strip in front of the letter to be corrected, hit the same letter key to cover up the boo-boo, remove the correcting strip, hit backspace again and then type the correct letter. Needless to say, it was almost easier to start over on a new piece of paper than to make a mistake.

It simply blows my mind that people nowadays have the capability to surf the Internet or send and receive e-mails on their phones. As sad as it may sound, I don't know how I would be able to survive a single day without my iPhone; it's practically been attached to my hand since I got it. Regardless, I can only imagine how hard this transition to computers, e-mail and the Internet has been on my parents' generation. Believe me, I've gotten more than one phone call from the parental units asking for help with the simple act of cutting and pasting in Microsoft Word. But that's neither here nor there.

The fact is, when my parents were in school, they took typing classes. When I was in school, I took keyboarding and did a significant amount of research for college term papers on the Internet. As technology continues to advance, it's only fair that schools continue to give students these same types of opportunities – albeit much more advanced – to get ahead in life.
Because every child may not have access to this type of technology at home, it should be the responsibility of our public school systems to make sure students have, at the very least, a basic understanding of computers and the Internet. After all, these children are the future. We need to make sure the are properly prepared to handle the challenges they will face when it comes time for them to enter the workforce.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Law Enforcement is a Thankless Job

Last year for the Arcadia News-Leader, I wrote a column expressing my sincere appreciation for law enforcement officials during National Police Week; while I don't particularly like to rehash topics I've already discussed, but seeing as how 66 officers across the country have died in the line of duty already this year, I think I'll make an exception. This year, May 15-21 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Week and, while everyone who has ever been ticketed or arrested already has a preconceived notion about law enforcement officers, I think it's important that we acknowledge their bravery, courage and dedication for upholding the laws of the land.

In Wisconsin, speeding in a 65 mph zone can garner you a $300 ticket. While that may break some people's bank, I'd say it's much cheaper than the alternative of getting in a car accident; vehicle insurance costs would skyrocket, buying a new car or fixing one up isn't cheap and if you need medical attention, believe me, that's nowhere near free. In the grand scheme of things, police officers are doing speeders a favor by handing out tickets. But, I digress. Police officers do so much more than hand out tickets. The most important of their duties is protecting citizens like you and me. In Arcadia, officers are out on Main Street every school day to ensure that children are able to cross the busy thoroughfare safely and I applaud them for that.

On March 20, the Fond du Lac police department lost one of its officers when he was responding to a home to investigate a sexual assault complaint. What some would consider a routine call turned deadly when the suspect went berserk and started firing his gun, thus proving that no call can ever really be called routine. The truth is, officers never know who they will be coming in contact with during their shift and whether or not they those individuals will be armed. Just last month in Tomah, officers performed a traffic stop, which eventually turned deadly when the driver exited his vehicle and opened fire. One officer was shot in the foot and was lucky to only lose his toe in the process.

Armed only with a gun, taser and shielded by a Kevlar vest, these officers put their lives on the line every time they sign on to begin their shifts. These brave men and women are far from immortal and I think, a lot of the time, their presence is taken for granted, especially since the inception of cell phones. People call the police for every little problem or scuffle they encounter. My dad, who served as a law enforcement officer in Chippewa County for 31 years, recently retired; I consider myself extremely lucky that I've never had to go through the pain or agony that the families of so many fallen officers have. Of all the stories he's told me over the years about his on-the-job encounters, I remember only one that ended with him receiving a thank you for performing his duties.

As such, I think, with the Hometown Heroes event this Thursday, as well as National Police Week next week, now would be a good time to show our appreciation for law enforcement officers and commend them for their efforts to keep our streets, neighborhoods and communities safe.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Bin Laden's Death Somewhat Shady

Within 30 minutes, the citizens of United States of America were told that the FBI's most wanted terrorist was not only tracked down and killed, but also buried at sea. If President Barack Obama was trying to shut up all the critics, cynics and conspiracy theorists after the whole birth certificate fiasco, this was definitely not the way to do it. Sure, I believe Osama bin Laden is dead. But I also still cling to a lesson that I've been taught all my life: you can never, ever trust the government. With a history of political scandals, controversy and coverups, something tells me that this whole Osama death debacle is not going to go unquestioned. So, let's begin the questioning, shall we?

First of all, I find it really hard to believe that the United States would do bin Laden any such favor as disposing of his body in the proper Muslim manner, especially after what he did to our country. In my eyes, this could merely be an excuse to prevent the public from viewing his remains. What's to say that Osama hasn't been dead for weeks and this late-night Sunday statement was just a facade created to make the public believe the death of Osama just took place a few hours prior? And how do we know that our troops killed him? Perhaps, he saw the attack coming and took his own life. No, a politician would never take credit for something like that – in case you didn't pick up on it, that was blatant sarcasm.

And a burial at sea just sounds a bit too fishy (pardon the pun) for me not to question. I know if I lost a family member during the terrorist attacks, I would want stone cold evidence that Osama was dead. Taking the government's word that his body was disposed of in the ocean would not be acceptable. After all, this cretin massacred nearly 3,000 Americans almost 10 years ago. Another issue of concern is how the release of the photos of Osama's dead body may lead to unrest by al Qaeda, thus increasing the threat level to our nation. Again, how convenient for the government to have such strong reasons not to release photo documentation. Regardless, it's been reported that the government will be releasing video of Osama's sea burial at some point; but, again, how will we know this footage was taken the day the announcement of Osama's death was made? And how will we know if it's bin Laden being buried at sea when it's Muslim custom that the body be placed in a white sheet?

And does anyone else find it a little too convenient that this wonderful, joyous news has come at just the right time to overshadow the release of President Obama's birth certificate? That, and I do believe it's about time that the presidential politicking for the 2012 election kicks off. What better way for Obama to campaign than to be able to say he was president during Osama's demise. All that rejoicing is sure to give that approval rating a boost. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a conspiracy theorist by any stretch of the imagination, but it's historical events like the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Watergate that lead me to believe that this news that has people all over the country celebrating the red, white and blue is simply too good to be true.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

What If Ashley Wasn't In Arcadia?

During Monday's special Chamber meeting, Todd Wanek, President and CEO of Ashley Furniture posed a very intriguing question – one that I'm sure not a lot of people in Arcadia would like, nor ever want, to ponder. That question: What if Ashley was located in Illinois? Well, first off, if Ashley's Midwestern manufacturing plant were located in Illinois, it wouldn't be here … obviously. Thus, by spinning his question around, a better, yet more dire, question evolves. What if Ashley wasn't in Arcadia? Definitely food for thought.

To be frank, the City of Arcadia, as well as Trempealeau County and the entire Coulee Region, is extremely fortunate to have a successful manufacturer like Ashley Furniture in its midst for several reasons. The most obvious is the benefit to the local economy. As was pointed out during the meeting, well over 1,000 Ashley employees reside in the 54612 zip code. These people spend their wages here and pay taxes here, strengthening the city's financial system. For years, Ashley has prided itself on creating a ripple effect – the theory that every dollar is capable of turning over seven times in the community in which it is spent. Now imagine if Ashley were to relocate elsewhere. Believe me, a ripple effect would still exist, only it would be felt in the exact opposite direction.

Without Ashley, less money would be spent locally, the city would have less money to put toward infrastructure, the school system would not be what it is today and local business owners would suffer losses in revenue and likely go bankrupt. In addition, the population of Arcadia would be significantly lower and the tax base would be far less than what it is now. So when a business like Ashley Furniture takes a $7 million hit due to flooding –with a good chance of the same thing happening in the future – one might wonder if it would be cheaper for the company to just uproot and relocate to an area where the flood risk is significantly lower or nonexistent. Not that Ashley Furniture is going to pack up and leave town anytime soon, but, I'm sure if a great opportunity to move the business out of a floodplain ever presented itself, it would be seriously considered. Thus, I think there's a very strong sense of urgency to address the city's flooding issues.

Businesses, residents and the city as a whole would benefit greatly if the levee was accredited and the people of Arcadia would no longer be required to have flood insurance. After all, less money spent on flood insurance means more money will circulate back into the local economy. Those in attendance at Monday's meeting received a copy of a news article published in that day's USA Today with the headline, "If you build it, will they come?" The article focused on a speculative industrial site in Van Wert, Ohio, "complete with a rail line, gas lines, land acquisition options and anything else a manufacturer would need." Reading those words, as well as the line that stated, "all that's missing is a manufacturer who wants to build a giant factory on 1,600 acres of farmland in northwest Ohio," it really got me thinking that, just because Ashley is here today, doesn't mean the company is obligated to stay here forever. When cities like Van Wert are doing everything in their power to attract business, I can't help but wonder why Arcadia isn't doing everything in its power to retain and protect its businesses.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Royal Wedding Nothing But a Circus

While the forthcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate, er, I'm sorry, Catherine Middleton has been called numerous things – elaborate, extravagant, highly-anticipated – I'm afraid I'm going to have to side with Jerry Seinfeld on this one. It is turning out to be more of a circus than a day of holy matrimony. Seeing as how I was not even alive when Prince Charles and Diana Spencer tied the knot, I can't say for sure how much of a spectacle was made of that royal wedding. However, judging by what I've seen so far, I suspect Prince William and Kate's wedding to be even further over the top. For crying out loud, the spectacle has its own website, where a countdown clock is ticking down the hours, minutes and seconds to the start of the ceremony; people are buying up merchandise and souvenirs – including bobble head dolls – branded with the couples' faces, names and date of the big event; and, yes, the royal wedding even has its own iPhone, iPad and Android app.

Canadian stamps are even being released and the London Mint has been minting coins to commemorate the engagement and nuptials. According to the official website of the royal wedding extravaganza, two choirs, one orchestra and two fanfare teams will perform music for the wedding. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, London Chamber Orchestra and Chapel Royal Choir and countless others have been preparing for this event for months. Sir Paul McCartney is even slated to perform at the royal wedding reception. Two wedding carriages – one a glass coach in case of adverse weather conditions – have been selected for the bride and groom to ride in following the wedding at Westminster Abbey. And two cakes will be awaiting the couple at the reception.

Truly a wedding fit for a (future) king and queen, I have to say that the one redeeming factor behind the pomp and circumstance of this entire event has got to be the generosity of the bride and groom. Turns out, in lieu of gifts, the couple is asking well-wishers to send money to several of their favorite charities. Seeing as how the royal family essentially has all the money in the world, it seems only right that the couple decline gifts. While I'm not one to get too worked up about these types of events, even on a non-celebrity scale, this particular wedding seems to be a bit much. Add to that the fact that it's been talked about on news stations to the point of overkill, I'm pretty much over it already.

I mean, the cover of every magazine lately seems to touch on some aspect of the royal wedding – Kate's dress, the flower selection, the cake, the guest list, the luxurious jewelry the bride will wear on her big day; you name it, the press has covered it … and then some. What I don't think I will ever be able to understand is why so many people, especially Englanders, get so wrapped up in an event like this. Last week, a man discovered a mango-flavored jelly bean with Kate's likeness on it. Not one to let an opportunity get away from him, the man has put the bean up for sale on eBay for a small fortune of 500 pounds (that's about $815, folks). Clearly, this wedding has reached the level of hysteria. With the nuptials being televised over TV and Internet, it is expected to be watched by about 2 billion people worldwide; I am more than happy to admit that I will not be one of them.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Recalls Are a Ridiculous Concept

I get that this is a democracy and all, but what it certainly is not is a department store. You can’t commit yourself to something and then, a month or two later, decide that it’s not what you want. Government should not be run that way, plain and simple. The way I see it, most of the people who voted took the time to familiarize themselves with the candidates before voting. None of the things that Gov. Scott Walker is doing was a secret; his entire campaign focused on getting this state out of debt. The elimination of collective bargaining rights was one of those measures that would be taken in order to do so. And I don’t think that it’s any secret that following the party lines is a tried and true practice used by both the Republicans and Democrats.

That being said, it should have been presumed that all of the Republicans who were elected to office would go along with Gov. Walker on these issues. For those not privy to the way government works and who cast their votes for Republican senators and representatives, sorry about your luck. So, if there’s someone out there who decided not to do their homework and merely voted for a candidate because they were the lesser of two evils, there should be no second chances or grace periods to change your mind. The way I see it, these people were elected to represent citizens and that’s exactly what they are doing. I know many liberals and state employees are irate over this issue, but there are likely just as many people out there that support this move. I, for one, don’t want to live in a state that’s in as much debt as we are. No matter what they do, politicians are not going to be able to please all of their constituents; that would only happen in a perfect world, which, from my perspective, at least, doesn’t seem to exist.

As many of you read in my column a couple weeks ago, I am 110 percent opposed to boycotting local businesses. Does that mean that all the liberals who started the push for a boycott be recalled? Absolutely not. If one wrong move is all it takes for people to lose faith in their elected officials, perhaps, the blame should not fall on the shoulders of the politicians. Constituents need to have a lot more pride and faith in their elected officials to do their jobs. I mean, who’s to say the other person will do a better job?

And then, you have to consider that having a recall election is not cheap. Someone has to pay for the polls to be open and staffed and printing ballots isn't free either. I honestly don't know which is worse … taking the chance on paying for a second election with no guarantee the candidate in question won't win again or just dealing with it for the rest of his or her term. Personally, I think, once elected, a full term should be guaranteed unless there’s grounds for impeachment, obviously. Standing up for what they – as well as a faction of those they represent – believe in is most certainly not something that should get a candidate thrown out of office. If you’re not satisfied with the job that’s being done, there seems to always be an election right around the corner. If I’ve learned anything from watching this health care reform bill going through appeals, it’s that nothing is set in stone. Just because collective bargaining rights are being revoked doesn’t mean they can never be reinstated.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Arcadia Hospital Will Be Missed

As many already know, the Franciscan Skemp hospital and emergency room in Arcadia closed last week. While I was fully aware of what the obvious impacts were, I failed to realize just how hard, not only the staff, but also community members would take this change. While I will admit that I never utilized the services of the hospital or emergency room, many lives have been positively impacted by the presence of the facility. Considering there are so many farms in this rural area, I think having an emergency care facility in the vicinity eased a lot of minds. Given that farming accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, it does concern me that there will no longer be a hospital in Arcadia.

Not only that, but the city is a manufacturing hub in this region, with people working shifts around the clock. If I were working in a plant where serious injury could occur, I would definitely feel better if there were a hospital nearby. Thankfully, the Arcadia Ambulance Service received a donation from the Franciscan Skemp Foundation that will allow them to add a second crew. That money will also go toward more training, which, while not a bona fide substitute for an emergency room, is certainly something makes me feel better about the current situation. The hospital closure also affected many families when their loved ones had to be relocated to different facilities. I know, if I had a grandparent or other relative who had to be hospitalized, I would want them as near as possible. To think that families will now have to travel to places like Eau Claire or La Crosse to visit with those individuals just doesn't seem right.

Then, of course, you have the emotional aspect of the hospital closure. As was mentioned during the closing ceremony last Thursday, the loss of the hospital was likened to a death in the community. In many ways, that's true. So many people have had to find other places of employment, if at all, leaving behind a cherished venue where they worked for years. The bonds that these people forged as a staff is similar to the attachments built with childhood friends and those with which you graduated high school. You spend so many hours a day with the same people that they become like family. Now, that family is divided and the staff is going their separate ways.

Seeing so many people wiping away tears and becoming emotional during last Thursday's ceremony was something I was really not anticipating. While I knew what kind of impact this change would have on the community as a whole, I never stopped to think about those individuals who thought of the hospital as their second home and their coworkers as family. For them, this change is more like turning the pages of a book and starting a new chapter. It is ironic, however, that those who have cared for the ill and helped them recuperate are now the ones who find themselves in need of healing. Hopefully, the saying is true and time really does heal all wounds.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Operation Not Our Problem

While the majority of the country was enthralled with the NCAA men's basketball tournament, something significant happened in our nation's history; President Barack Obama launched Operation Odyssey Dawn. Where that name came from, I will never know, but March 19 marked the start of the U. S. military operation in Libya as part of a coalition enforcing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. Though the United States has since passed the proverbial torch to the UN and now only serves a support role in the operation, I can't help but wonder why President Obama felt the need to enter this country into yet another battle that isn't even ours to fight. While there has been much criticism over the president's lack of consulting with Congress before deploying the Air Force, Marines and Navy, I feel that he failed to adequately inform the public of what his ultimate intentions were. It was like one minute, we were sitting idly by, letting things unfold, and the next, we were right in the thick of it.

I understand that, at times, the president can be put under pressure and has to act on instincts (take 9/11, for example), but the problems in Libya have been ongoing, meaning that this was likely not a surprise attack, but rather an anticipated next step as the situation in Libya worsened. I think it would have been nice to know that there was a distinct possibility that our nation was going to take a very active role in the fight against Moammar Gadhafi. All along, the Obama administration portrayed the United States' involvement as supportive. If naming the operation, having a U.S. commander in charge of said operation and providing the majority of the firepower is supportive, then the definition clearly needs to be changed.

Either way, I wholeheartedly disagree with the decision President Obama made to deploy troops, mostly because it's not our fight. I know that it's important for the United States, as a superpower and member of the United Nations, to make our presence known and uphold resolutions and beliefs of the Security Council, but I truly feel that we could have sat this one out. No, I am not opposed to war and I'm not opposed to helping out other countries in need, but there comes a point when you're overextended. For starters, close to 150,000 soldiers are still on active duty in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. A Wisconsin soldier, Spc. Justin Ross of Green Bay, was killed just this past weekend serving this country. Why do we need to send more military personnel to risk their lives for something that truly isn't our problem to begin with?

Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against the military. I have several close friends who serve or have served this country and both my parents enlisted when they were 18. I guess I just don't understand why the United States has to be involved, to some extent or another, in every conflict that arises. We're like that snoopy next door neighbor who always has her nose in everyone's business. I guess the point I'm trying to make in this ongoing diatribe is that, maybe, for once, it would serve the United States better to simply have a truly supportive role in events like these. Letting other nations take the first step to handle and overcome these obstacles is what makes them grow stronger and become more independent. Yes, we have relied on a lot of these particular countries to help us during the numerous wars that have taken place, but I just don't feel as though it's our place to intervene whenever something goes awry.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Don't Boycott Local Businesses

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Wisconsin unions encouraging their disciples, if you will, to boycott local businesses who do not come out and formally oppose Gov. Scott Walker and his plan to strip workers of their collective bargaining rights. How in the world is this ever going to help matters? First of all, let politics stay in the political realm as much as possible. I understand that businesses often give contributions to campaigns, but I see no reason to encourage people to stop frequenting Wisconsin businesses, especially at a time when money's tight and the state is trying to attract business. Imagine if large corporations with the potential to expand to Wisconsin get wind of this. If residents of Wisconsin are so eager to abandon some of the most prominent businesses in the state over politics, chances are they'll take their business elsewhere. It just doesn't paint the picture of a promising business environment. Granted, Wisconsin is in an utter state of disarray at the moment, but still.

Kwik Trip and M&I Bank were two institutions that have been threatened by unions that their businesses will be boycotted if they don't formally announce that they are not in favor of Gov. Walker's plan. That's only going to make things worse for the middle class, as most of the people employed by Kwik Trip, which is a family-owned company, fall into that category. Then, of course, you have the business contributions to each community. Kwik Trip has been known to support various charitable organizations and non-profits, as well as donate to other efforts, such as the flood that occurred in Arcadia last fall. If you boycott a business like Kwik Trip, you're basically saying that your community doesn't need their support. Au contraire!

What these unions are forgetting is that local businesses contribute campaign funds to both parties. If they are boycotted, there's nothing stopping them from refusing support the next time campaign season rolls around. But, in all honesty, does every single business have to pick sides on this issue? What's wrong with just being Switzerland? Is it going to make a difference if Kwik Trip says they're opposed to Gov. Walker's plan? More than likely, it will not. The way I see it, boycotting local businesses is about as effective as thinking that a nationwide boycott of filling up at gas stations for one day will impact fuel prices. And, most certainly, people are not going to inconvenience themselves by shutting down their bank accounts and finding a different institution that opposes Scott Walker's plan. If so, that's just plain sad.

As of late last week, both Kwik Trip and M&I Bank refused to fall victim to the peer pressure of these politics and did not take a position on the issue. I give them a great deal of credit for standing up to these intimidation tactics. If I were a business owner who provided campaign funding for both parties, I think it would be appropriate to maintain neutrality. There's really no need for local businesses to choose sides in this debacle. Why can't we just let the politicians do the job they were elected to do and leave all of these antics out of it for a change?

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Are We Prepared For A 9.0 Quake?

After witnessing the devastation of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan, I can't help but wonder what would happen if the United States faced a similar crisis on its Pacific coast. While this country has withstood its share of natural disasters, the mere fact that earthquakes can happen at any moment of any given day without any warning is a scary concept. What's worse is that we're not immune to the kind of tragedy that is unfolding on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.

For starters, California sits atop the San Andreas fault line and there are several sister fault lines in the San Francisco Bay area alone. That, in itself, makes me cognizant of just how plausible it would be for the United States to face similar devastation. The San Andreas fault has been the epicenter of a handful of serious earthquakes in the past, the largest of them being a 7.9-magnitude tremor in 1857. However, the population of California has grown extensively since then and a 9.0-magnitude quake, as was experienced in Japan, could seriously cripple the Golden State. With three of its major cities, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, along the coast, a 31-foot wall of water would devastate the region. Those three cities have a combined population of close to 6 million.

In addition, the United States has four of the nation's 104 licensed nuclear reactors located in southern California. The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, with two reactors, was built right on the shoreline in San Luis Obispo County, which makes it extremely vulnerable to tsunamis. The San Onofre power plant in southern San Diego County, which also sits on the Pacific coastline, is said to have been built to withstand a 7.0-magnitude earthquake. That's all well and good, but what if a larger quake shook the region?

And then there's the issue of infrastructure stability. In 1989, when San Francisco was hit by a 6.9-magnitude quake, bridges and highways collapsed. A portion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay replacement bridge is still under construction over 20 years later. And that tremor lasted roughly 15 seconds; the quake in Japan shook the nation for over two minutes. Tom Heaton, an engineering seismologist at Cal Tech, admitted that, compared to Japan, California is nowhere near as prepared for such a violent quake. If that's the case, if I lived in California, I would be seriously considering a move.

If you ask me, it seems that earthquakes have been getting more severe in strength. Consider the devastation that was caused by the 9.1-magnitude earthquake and tsunami near Indonesia in 2004 – over 200,000 people killed. Then, of course, there was the 8.8-magnitude tremblor that rocked Chile just over a year ago – over 500 people killed. While the earthquake in Haiti only registered as a 7 on the Richter scale, it caused severe damage due to the fact that the epicenter was near a very populated location – between 50,000 and 200,000 people killed.

That many major quakes in a seven-year span is quite rare and has been deemed a statistical anomaly by some. With the death toll in Japan still rising and Prime Minister Naoto Kan describing the ordeal as the nation's worst crisis since World War II, I can't even begin to fathom what would happen if we were faced with similar devastation. Let's hope we don't have to.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Preserve the Reserves

While I will admit that it’s a little bit too eerily ironic that, less than a week after my column berating NASCAR for wasting fuel, there’s speculation that President Barack Obama may tap the United States’ oil reserves, I am absolutely, positively, 110 percent opposed to that move. Whether or not it is being seriously considered, I don’t think it is the time to tap into the 727 million barrels of fuel that the U. S. government has stockpiled. Why? First of all, the Strategic Petroleum Reserves are there for emergencies. Though some Democrats are urging Obama to tap into and sell some of the petroleum in reserve, a letter written to the president states that doing so would “combat crippling price spikes in the short term.”

What about the long-term? Do we just use up those resources and merely hope that things get better? That doesn’t sound like a very solid solution, nor does it sound like a solution at all. Though the economy is still not in great shape and distress in the Middle East has sent oil prices soaring, I would find it immensely difficult to justify tapping into our supply. We’re not really in a state of emergency; the world is, as we know, a very unstable place to begin with. Besides, those fuel reserves, when accessed, would only be enough to supply the nation with gas for several months. Yes, that’s right, months. So why would we want to waste those reserves at the slightest flux in oil prices? Sure, paying $4 a gallon for gas, as is predicted, will be difficult for many, especially considering the economy is on the rebound from a recession. But, just because high gas prices may hinder the recovering economy, tapping our oil reserves likely would not make much difference at the pump.

When President George H. W. Bush sold over 10 million barrels from the reserves in 1990 after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, prices dropped at first, then rose as fighting in the Persian Gulf continued. Only after war was waged did oil prices drop. I don’t consider that a very good alternative when the U. S. government could simply let the tension in Libya run its course. Originally created in 1973 due to an Arab oil embargo, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has also been tapped in other instances – most recently in response to hurricanes Ike, Gustav and Katrina. Those were emergencies. What we’re experiencing now is far from what could be classified as an emergency. Though the crisis in Libya has wreaked a lot of havoc in the way of fuel supply, it is likely just a temporary setback – nothing significant enough to warrant using up or selling reserve oil … at least not yet.

If history’s taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. What’s to say there won’t be more turmoil yet to come in the Middle East for which we’ll need the reserves? And with the U. S. dollar consistently losing its value in comparison to other currencies, I think tapping the oil reserves now would be a severe detriment to this country. Clearly, there will be bigger fish to fry down the road, so the last thing we need is to eat up the oil we have for the mere benefit of saving a penny here or a nickel there.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Not A Fan of NASCAR

While many of you are wondering why a column about the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) isn't on one of the sports pages, I'm going to come right out and say it … I don't consider it a sport. Now that I have several of you riled up and forming your arguments as to why NASCAR is a sport, I will sum up my reasoning in two words: physicality and purpose. But, to satisfy all those who don't agree with me, I will meet you halfway. From this point on, I will refer to this racing phenomenon as a "sport" … and, yes, the quotes are intended to convey sarcasm, which, by the way, I am fluent in.

As you all know, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series began its 63rd season the Sunday after Valentine's Day with its renowned Daytona 500. When you think about the greatest sporting events that take place on a yearly basis – the Super Bowl, the World Series, March Madness, the Stanley Cup, the NBA Finals – all of them have something in common: pure athleticism. Though I have heard many a race car driver say that they have to be in good shape to drive their cars to victory lane, personally, I don't think the "sport" requires the same physicality as, say, guarding Clay Matthews from sacking the quarterback or keeping Kobe Bryant from making a layup. Simply put, NASCAR doesn't ideally fit the definition of a sport, which, according to Mr. Webster is "an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment."

While I'm sure it gets hot in those vehicles and the competitors sweat up a storm, I don't think going from the brake to the clutch to the gas is sport enough for me. I mean, if driving a car and weaving in and out of traffic for three hours is deemed "physical exertion," then anyone who has traveled the Interstate to Minneapolis or Chicago is an athlete. Though I will admit to enjoying the "sport" when I was a youngster, the luster began to fade when I grew up and started to realize that, in the grand scheme of things, those race car drivers were earning millions of dollars a year to waste one of our most precious resources. The amount of fuel that is wasted during one of these practices and races is outrageous, something like 8,000 gallons, which amounts to about 288,000 gallons a year. Sure, I understand that the "sport" is legendary, but back when Richard Petty was winning championships, our country had the means to support the weekly competitions. In those times, there was no concern about limited fuel resources.

Things have changed, however, and we now find ourselves on the fast-track (no pun intended) to using up this vital resource. Every weekend, 43 NASCAR drivers suit up, get into their cars and commence driving in circles for hours on end. And when you add in the 43 drivers who partake in the Nationwide Series races, which began accompanying the Sprint Cup Series in 1981, that's nearly 90 vehicles a week that use gas during practices and actual races. While the ultimate winner of these events typically gets out of his vehicle, climbs on the roof and celebrates the victory, I honestly feel that, with each drop of fuel consumed during the races, every American ends up a loser. If it weren't for the exorbitant amount of fuel that has been used up during these events for the past 63 years, we likely wouldn't be paying upwards of $3 a gallon for gas at the pumps.

Though I won't be so bold as to say that eliminating the "sport" would change anything, I just don't understand the attraction to watching a bunch of vehicles going around in circles for hours on end every Saturday and Sunday for nine months out of the year. Don't get me wrong, I like watching the road course races every now and then – mostly because they actually involve right turns – but I certainly think 36 races a year is far too many.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Hindsight Is 20-20

Watching Wisconsin become the next Egypt is something I'm sure no one ever anticipated, yet, turmoil has been building due to legislation that would eliminate workers rights to bargain collectively for wages, benefits and all that good stuff. Rewind about 50 years before Wisconsin decided to allow public employees to unionize. Around that time, private sector employees were given the green light to bargain collectively. Nowadays, you don't see nearly as much of that happening. The reason: budgetary constraints. You see, private sector employees relied on private entities to pay their wages. Once all those resources were tapped, many businesses either took their companies elsewhere or folded altogether.

With public employees, it's an entirely different scenario since it's the taxpayers who essentially pay their wages. While we could just pack up and move out of state if we're unhappy with the taxes being raised, the burden just grows for everyone else. But the state is broke, so it's very clear that something has to change. Five decades ago, the economy in Wisconsin was entirely different, fully capable of sustaining public unions. Since then, however, more and more public employees have been hired and the ability of these people to bargain collectively has garnered them some of the highest quality benefits packages around. Through the years, the cost to the government has increased significantly.

Therein lies the problem. Public employee unions in Wisconsin don't negotiate salaries based upon the budget of the state government, thus growing the state's debt, which inevitably becomes a bigger burden on the taxpayers. Because of the difficulty of sustaining the salaries of public workers, there's no doubt in my mind that collective bargaining is part of the reason the state has gone so far into the red. Regardless, I totally understand the public employees' perspective in this whole debacle. They don't want to give up their ability to bargain collectively because, once they concede even just a little bit, chances are the government will expect more concessions in the future.

What I don't quite comprehend is that, because collective bargaining has been in place for 50 years, public workers believe they are entitled to it and it has become their right to join unions and fight for their benefits, wages, pensions and all that. Not necessarily. The way I see it, the only things that we're entitled to as Americans are our basic rights that were granted to us by the United States Constitution. Everything else is pretty much fair game. Truthfully, the practice of collective bargaining would not even exist were it not for the governing body of the State of Wisconsin. So, in essence, the government giveth and the government can taketh away.

I know it sounds malicious to put it in those terms, but I honestly do feel bad for union workers. Essentially, they're getting screwed over due to poor decisions that were made by the government five decades ago; it really is unfortunate and unfair. Perhaps, had the Wisconsin government heeded the warning of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who declared that "government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into public service," none of this would be happening right now.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Super Waste of Money

When it comes to the Super Bowl, money is typically no object. You have people shelling out thousands of dollars for tickets, parking, memorabilia and just about anything else you can think of when making the trip to the biggest football game of the season. Then, of course, you have the fans at home who throw Super Bowl parties, throwing down uncharacteristically large amounts of money on food, alcohol and, for some, new wide-screen televisions. However, on game day, the most extravagant spending of all is revealed during the in-game breaks – commercials. While companies spend millions upon millions of dollars to get their product advertised during what has become the most anticipated commercial day in history, there are some ads that leave the masses disappointed.

Among the most talked about Super Bowl commercials this year were the Volkswagen "Force" ad with the kid dressed up as Darth Vader and the Bridgestone "Carma" commercial with the life-saving beaver. Personally, my favorite commercials this year were those that featured Doritos namely the "Pug Attack" ad when the guy is taunting the dog with a chip and eventually ends up on the business end of a glass door. Regardless, the people in this country have come to know and love Super Bowl Sunday for, not only the game, but also the entertainment value of the commercials and big-name performances. While I admittedly think this year was lacking in the performance department with the Black Eyed Peas, that wasn't even one of my biggest concerns.

Remember after Christina Aguilera butchered the National Anthem (sadly, she could have saved herself some embarrassment by just lip-syncing), there was a flyover of the stadium by four F-18 Hornets? While there are many people out there wondering why the fly over even took place since the roof of Cowboys Stadium was closed, the United States Armed Forces have been doing those flyovers for years, even at domed stadiums. It doesn't make a lot of sense in that regard, but, for me, the cost for our military to perform these ceremonial flights is what makes me question their necessity. That whole five-second flyover of the Dallas Cowboys' new stomping grounds reportedly cost the government $450,000. While no one in the stadium was actually able to see the jets, part of the intent of the flyover was to entertain the at-home audiences. Now, I don't know about everyone else, but I could have gone on with my life just as well had I not seen the jets soar across the sky before kickoff. And now that I know how much it cost, the entertainment value is lost on me.

After being called out on the cost, the military rebutted, saying that the Super Bowl flyovers are figured into the Navy's annual budget and deemed training exercises. Don't get me wrong, I understand the purpose of training exercises, but I have a hard time accepting the fact that the government spent nearly a half a million dollars on fuel, personnel and who knows what else to fly the jets to Arlington, Texas, from Virginia Beach, Va., to perform said training. I mean, just imagine the hundreds of different ways that money could have been used to better the nation and the economy. On second thought, don't. It might make you sick to your stomach.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Don't Alienate the Voting Public

Every year around Election Day, we hear so many commercials and paid advertisements insisting that our vote is important and that everyone should get to the polls and cast their ballot if they want to see change. So, why then, is the State of Wisconsin moving forward with legislation that will require all voters to present photo identification at the polls? While presenting a photo ID is necessary while carrying out various tasks, such as filling prescriptions, writing checks or boarding a flight, I don't understand why it should become a necessity when it comes to voting. If I were to venture a guess, I'd say the Wisconsin government will only further alienate the voting public by implementing this law.

Off the top of my head, I can think of three groups of people who will be negatively impacted by this legislation: the elderly, the poor and college students. Many elderly people who don't drive any longer have no need for a driver's license(my grandmother never had a driver's license and never drove a day in her life). With most of these individuals already living on a fixed income, it seems arrogant of the government to tell them they need to purchase a photo ID in order to vote, something they've done for decades without such requirements. Then, you have low-income families that are barely making it as it is. Most of them don't have vehicles because they cannot afford them and use public transportation to get from A to B. Their vote is just as important as anyone else's, yet, most will likely give up that right because they won't have proper identification to cast their votes. If I had a choice between purchasing a Wisconsin photo ID and putting food on my table, you'd better believe my family would come first.

Last, but certainly not least, you have the college student faction – kids who will someday become the leaders of this nation. These are the people we should be encouraging to vote, not discouraging them by making more regulations. In Wisconsin, students are considered residents of the state if they live on a UW campus for the majority of the year, which most do. I attended UW-River Falls and there were oodles of students attending the institution due to its excellent education program and its close proximity to their homes in Minnesota. However, with this new Wisconsin Voter Photo Identification Act, those students will not be able to cast their vote unless they acquire a Wisconsin ID. That's just ridiculous, if you ask me. Not only are these students paying more tuition due to reciprocity to get an education at a college of their choosing, but our government is going to require them to purchase an ID card if they wish to vote in Wisconsin? Something just doesn't add up. Perhaps, college IDs should be considered an acceptable form of identification at the polls.

If not, I think the state should issue these students – and the rest of the citizens who don't have proper identification – Wisconsin identification cards, free of charge, so they may vote. After all, it is our God-given right and people shouldn't have to pay the government in order to exercise that right. Granted, there has been talk of the state government providing the IDs at no cost, but, when you take into account the condition the economy is in, I'm not sure that would be entirely feasible. Another thing that frustrates me is the way in which this new bill will eliminate same-day voter registration. Are you kidding me? There are so many people out there who register on the day they cast ballots that it would be a travesty to do away with that convenience. Instead, everyone will have to remember to get all of their information to the state weeks in advance. With the busy schedules people have, it seems ludicrous to expect people to have to remember that, too.

Though the Photo Identification Act is, more or less, a way to cut down on voter fraud, I have a feeling it will cut down on the number of voters at the polls, instead. Sure, people should do their civic duty and make sure they have all their ducks in a row prior to Election Day, but it's becoming way too much of a hassle, if you ask me. Maybe, instead of adding more rules and regulations, the state should try to make it easier for the voting public to carry out its role in our democracy.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

What About The Children?

Learning about the struggles that the Independence School District is going through in terms of funding has made me realize how the decaying public education system is cheating the youth of this nation of their futures. In recognizing this, I have some serious concerns regarding the way in which our state government prioritizes funding for certain entities. When you think about it, kids going through the public school system across the state are, in essence, the future of Wisconsin. If they are not provided the proper education they rightfully deserve, chances are the state will suffer – likely in more ways than one.

First of all, the declining funding from the state level will, unfortunately, mean that school districts will need to be dissolved or consolidate with other districts. Teachers will lose jobs and will seek employment in other states. Due to larger student-teacher ratios, grades and test scores will suffer, meaning students will not get the education they need to prosper in the future and thus hampering their success in the college and in the work force. And when those individuals decide to start a family, I wouldn't be surprised if they would seek to have them schooled in a state in which their children can get a quality education. So, in reality, what the Independence School District is dealing with will, ultimately, be an obstacle that many other schools will encounter if the state continues to cut funding.

Believe me, if I were a parent, I would be calling my legislators constantly to gripe about how wrong these cuts are and how harmful they will be our children. While I am on board with Gov. Scott Walker's plan to bring the business climate in Wisconsin back up to par, it seems that other areas of need are being shoved on the backburner. What's even scarier is that one Wisconsin legislator, Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, has proposed eliminating funding for 4-year-old kindergarten. That's insane. When every year of a child's youth counts – particularly when it comes to learning – it's hard to fathom that people actually think cutting such programs would be beneficial on any level.

What I think really needs to happen is our representatives in government should help contribute to saving our schools. Maybe, instead of taking health insurance, perhaps, they might consider taking a stipend. Or maybe just plain, old, goodhearted charity would be appreciated. I'll bet if each of the elected officials and justices for the state of Wisconsin donated a portion of their salary to the education fund, it would be genuinely appreciated. When Gov. Walker served as the Milwaukee County Executive, he voluntarily reduced his salary to save money, which makes me wonder if he would be willing to consider doing the same thing in his new role. It certainly would give constituents some newfound respect for politicians – and government in general. At last check, the salary for Wisconsin's governor ranked 19th in the nation. Add to that the fact that our Chief Justice makes over $150,000 a year (and the six associate justices each make about $144,000 per year), it's no wonder state expenses are exceeding its revenues.

But, I digress; something needs to change; we can't just keep pretending that referendums that increase taxes for the general public will continue to solve this problem. A great deal of families are already struggling as it is. And cutting funding to schools is about the worst thing any state government could do. Here's hoping there is some semblance of light at the end of this dreary tunnel and that politicians in Madison will begin to see the error in their ways – hopefully, sooner, rather than later.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

No Sympathy for Murderers

With the start of the trial to determine the mental state of convicted murderer Shane Hawkins, who has already been found guilty of brutally stabbing 17-year-old Jason Grau to death while he slept before dumping his body along the Chippewa River, I find myself upset with our justice system. As far as I'm concerned, someone who confesses to murder should be dealt with in the same manner as any other cold-blooded killer. It shouldn't matter what that person's mental state was at the time of the incident. There are thousands of people out there who are mentally ill and you don't see all of them using it as an excuse to go out and murder innocent people.

As one woman testified on Monday, mental state should not excuse Shane from what he did to Jason. This particular individual stated that she also suffers from mental defects, yet she insisted that Hawkins be punished to the full extent of the law. I couldn't agree more. Anyone who commits that kind of senseless act obviously isn't right in the head to begin with, regardless of their past mental issues. Whether or not a murderer knew what he or she was doing was wrong at the time the offense should be a moot point. Someone is dead; ergo, someone should be punished.

Basically, what the jury is deciding in this particular case is if Hawkins should be sent to prison or a mental institution. Already having been found guilty of murder, I don't think mental defect should entitle criminals any sort of leniency in terms of punishment. While I am aware that there is a statute of limitations associated with determining a killer's competence to stand trial, a jury has already ruled that Hawkins was capable to do so. In fact, he took the stand Monday. But what really upsets me is the fact that the judge allowed Hawkins to ramble on during his testimony about things that seemed more ludicrous than a child's nightmares about monsters in the closet.

Thanks to live streaming, I was able to listen to some of Hawkins' testimony, but it got so bizarre, I felt as though I were listening to a sci-fi book on tape. For nearly an hour, he went on about time travel, committing murder on other planets and gods telling him to kill people. At one point, he even stated that he was the first baby born in heaven 1,200 eternities ago. After listening to that, it's safe to say that he is, in fact, a delusional sort … but, I don't think that's ever been the question. Hawkins said he is fully aware that he killed the teenager and apologized to Grau before stabbing him in the neck. So, in essence, he knows that he was in the wrong.

However, what I don't quite comprehend is why our court system allowed Hawkins to go on and on like this, essentially wasting taxpayer dollars to prove what most people already figured out when details of the murder first emerged … the man is certifiably insane. I can only imagine what kinds of things are going through the minds of the victim's family as they are listening to all of this. Regardless of what the jury decides, I think Hawkins should spend the rest of his life behind bars. He robbed a young man of his life and took a son, grandson and brother from his family. And, in all honesty, I don't think any amount of time in a mental institution will be able to rehabilitate this lost soul.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Coincidence Or Bad Omen?

Lately, there have been a great deal of odd mass animal deaths around the world, which has led to much speculation about the cause and whether or not it could be somehow associated to the 2012 phenomenon. Scientists have linked a number of the mass bird deaths to the unusually cold weather and/or upper level hail. And that makes sense. But, what has shocked me is that it's not just fish and birds that are dying off mysteriously.

Over the weekend, 200 cows in Wisconsin were found dead in a field. Though this particular event could have been linked to a virus, it's a little disturbing that all of these mass deaths are happening so close together and in a variety of different species. I mean, there have been reports of crabs, blackbirds, buffalo, seals, penguins, bats and all different kinds of fish found dead in masses all over the world. Granted, it could be a mere coincidence, I have found it greatly unsettling to just accept that.

While I'm not big on conspiracy theories and have not bought into the fact that Dec. 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world, I've found it difficult to simply believe that these mass death trends are "natural" and "normal." And that's when I started thinking back to the episode of "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" where the former governor of Minnesota went on a mission to learn more about the 2012 fiasco. Evidently, he found people who were building underground condos in order to survive the apocalypse. Not only that, but he discovered a so-called government bomb shelter that was being built so that prominent government officials would survive as well.

While I admit to rolling my eyes at some of the crazy things depicted in that particular episode, the fact that this is all happening now makes me wonder if the government has more involvement in the 2012 conspiracy theory than what they're leading the public to believe. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if extra attention is being paid to these animal deaths in order to instill fear in the population.

There is also reason to chalk the hype up to media coverage, as well. As scientists have speculated, this kind of thing happens all the time, but rarely garners this much attention. In all actuality, those who believe that the world will come to an end next year are likely the ones who are provoking all of the hype surrounding this so-called "Aflockalypse."
As such, I am still greatly resistant to jumping on the "End of the World" bandwagon. If it happens, so be it. And if these mass animal deaths are a sign of a forthcoming doomsday, there's really not a whole lot we can do to stop it. But, I will definitely be making plans for New Year's Eve 2012. However, if the Bears make it to and win the Super Bowl, that right there would be a sure sign that the apocalypse is near.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Constituent-Politician Relationships Forever Changed

When politicians run for office, win elections and start working to make change or progress in this great nation, one would assume that, like celebrities, they become more of a public figure. Perhaps, that is why presidents and governors don't stray too far from security while making appearances and holding speaking engagements. However, with the way politics has evolved, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are beginning to attract more attention as well. And I'm not just talking about "Sarah Palin's Alaska" here. Deemed the representatives for the people in the United States Congress, these politicians are, in a sense, the only real direct link citizens have to the White House. As such, they are put under a great deal of scrutiny by their constituents.

Saturday's shooting in Arizona, while tragic, has proved just how necessary it is that all politicians at the national level should have security with them at all times, especially when making public appearances. And this measure should be taken, not only for the representatives, but for all the supporters and innocent bystanders at these events. Granted, by doing so, a lot of changes would have to be made, the most obvious being public meet-and-greets, like Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" function, it may be the only way to ensure safety.

There's no doubt in my mind that, because of this incident, there will be a greater need for security at all political events, which can be both good and bad, depending on your viewpoint. My guess is that only a certain number of individuals will be able to meet with their Congressman or Congresswoman during public forums. In addition, those who attend such events will, more than likely, be subjected to security similar to that in airports – metal detectors, pat-downs and the like. However, seeing as how going to these events is not as imperative as airway transportation, I think that, if new security measures are implemented, the relationship between politicians and their constituents will change forever. It would, most definitely, take away from the one-on-one interaction citizens have had with their representatives. It would also, likely, mean people would be deterred from attending these events, in essence, lessening public involvement in government, which, as an American citizen, saddens me.

To think one bad apple will be responsible for ruining the political experience for so many others makes me cringe. As one individual commented during a breaking news broadcast Saturday, "there are a lot of nuts out there … And it's real easy for them to get their hands on guns capable of killing many people."
So sad, yet so true.

Side note: While I was greatly disheartened to learn about the shooting in Arizona, I was even more concerned that an event like this would shut down the law-making body of this country for at least a week. How do we know that's not what this assailant wanted? And, if so, we shouldn't let him win.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times

Social Networks Deteriorating Communication

For those of you who don't know me, I would love to reintroduce myself. However, it seems extremely conceited of me to blab on and on about myself. If you follow my columns regularly, you'll quickly learn who I am and what I stand for … let me just warn you, though, I'm a very opinionated, through and through Wisconsinite. Now, onto my topic - social networking and how it has, ironically, corrupted social interaction all over the world.

Do you remember when the only mail you received came via the United States Postal Service and, in order to find out what your friends were up to, you had to actually talk to them. Well, thanks to social networks, that's no longer the case. Though I will admit to having every sort of social networking account (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Foursquare, among others) known to man, I am hardly what could be deemed a huge fan of this new craze. Sure, it's fun to upload photos and send messages that arrive in fractions of seconds, as opposed to snail mail. But, as I have found, having a Facebook, MySpace or similar account has led to a breakdown of communication. Face-to-face conversations are becoming fewer and fewer, I, like many others, rarely talk on the phone with my close friends and I can honestly say I've been invited to a wedding via Facebook. Sure, I received a real invitation in the mail some time later, but a group invite served as the Save-The-Date for the event.

Another thing that frustrates me about this new trend is how some people go overboard, thinking that, since they can share information, they have the green light to tell their entire life stories in the form of status updates. Honestly, I don't care if someone is brushing their teeth before they change into their pajamas and curl up with their favorite book before bed. And I certainly don't need an hourly recap that contains every detail of what a person has done every single minute since their last update.

Blogging is another thing that has started to turn my stomach, especially since these so-called experts are blogging about anything and everything, virtually tarnishing the credibility of the journalism profession. Granted, these people are not professionals, they infuriate me because there are people out there who actually rely on blogs for news. Oddly enough, for the past three years, I have tried, semi-unsuccessfully, to maintain my own blog. I started it as I approached my college graduation, more so because I figured it would be an easy way to keep my friends in the loop during my two-year stint in Wyoming. Needless to say, I never anticipated Facebook to become the social network icon that it has.

But, to think that, when I was born, computers were ginormous machines used by large corporations to store data, it blows my mind at how they have basically become everyday necessities for people around the globe. I remember back in elementary school how massive the systems were and how things had to be saved on floppy disks. As I type this column on my laptop in the kitchen of my parent's house, I can't wait to see where technological advances will take us in 20 more years.

Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times