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
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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
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
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