I don’t know about y’all (sorry about that; I guess I still haven’t been able to shake off all the Wyoming), but July 5 cannot get here fast enough. In just a few days, those who walk into any restaurant, workplace or bar will be able to breathe a little easier, thanks to the new Smoke-Free Wisconsin Act that goes into effect Monday. Personally, I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Granted, I believe every individual has the right to do with their body what they will, whether that be covering it with tattoos, filling it with holes or ingesting substances like tar and nicotine. It’s a personal freedom to be able to make those kinds of decisions. But while the choice to smoke is up to the smoker, the state has every right to put a statute of limitations on it, especially when cigarette smoke is proven to be hazardous, not only to the smoker, but also to bystanders who inhale the smoke.
With so many other things in this world that cause cancer and put an end to the lives of many who are far too young to die, I can’t help but wonder why people are increasing their risk of contracting cancer on a voluntary basis. I, for one, went through a horrendous ordeal watching my grandfather slowly succumb to emphysema, which was the product of all his years as a chain smoker.
Believe me, I don’t have anything against people who smoke; they’re not bad people. Quite a few of my friends picked up the habit while we were in high school and, to this day, I still give them grief about it. As much as I would love them to just wake up tomorrow and quit, I realize that it’s easier said than done.
While I was at Country Fest over the weekend, I had numerous people ask me if I had a lighter. My comeback was usually, “No, I don’t smoke. It’s a disgusting habit.” About 95 percent of the time, the smoker was in complete agreement with me, acknowledging that they have either tried to quit at least once in the past or intend to do so when the smoking ban goes into effect. It’s just a very difficult habit to break and it really sucks for those who really want to quit, but simply can’t.
I also understand that some bar and tavern owners may be perplexed by the new smoke-free ordinance, but I really don’t think they should be overly concerned that their establishments will be negatively impacted. Contrary to popular belief, going smoke free will not ruin a business. If anything, the opposite happens.
When I waited tables at a brew pub back in Pinedale, Wyo., the business went through an ownership change. The pub, in turn, went from a smoking to a non-smoking establishment. In the beginning, there were quite a few regulars who didn’t particularly like the change, but eventually grew to accept it. In fact, business actually picked up because people who didn’t like the smoking aspect before started to frequent the place once it became a non-smoking establishment. Overall, I think there were maybe one or two people who refused to come back and chose to go elsewhere because of the no smoking policy.
Regardless, when you have an entire state making the switch, I have a hard time believing that all the people who smoke are going to boycott bars and taverns because they’re not allowed to light up. I mean, after all, this is Wisconsin ... we’re pretty much known for three things: the Green Bay Packers, exceptional cheese and our love of beer. Sure, it’s going to take a bit of time to get used to the idea, but, once that happens, I have a feeling it will lead to good things ... like a decrease in cigarette sales. For all those who have been toying with the idea of quitting, now is the perfect time to do it.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Let Us Be Armed
As I've said in the past, I'm not a fan of guns. I don't hunt and I'm fairly certain that I'd be the type of person who would forget to put the safety on and end up shooting myself in the foot. I don't own a gun ... for my own protection. But seeing as how the Second Amendment grants every American citizen the right to keep and bear arms, it concerns me that Wisconsin has not legalized concealed carry of firearms. But what concerns me more is that concealed carry needs to be legalized in the first place. Why should individual states get to define how these constitutional amendments are applied?
First of all, if someone wants to own a gun – for protection, recreation or what have you – they have every right to do so. As of now, Wisconsin legally allows open carry, which requires citizens to keep the firearm in plain sight, but concealed carry is, for some reason, illegal. Given that we have the right to keep and bear arms, the manner in which each individual chooses to express that right should be up to the individual.
And while I'm aware that there are people out there naive enough to believe that maintaining laws against concealed carry is the answer to our problems with violence, it's not so easy. I mean, let's be realistic. Just because our state government says it's illegal to carry concealed weapons, that doesn't mean people don't do it. It's that rebellious nature in all of us. It's illegal to drink before you turn 21, but I'm fairly certain a large majority of the population, myself included, chose to ignore that little piece of legislation a time or two. Like the old saying goes, laws were made to be broken.
So if that's not a good enough solution, then what? Are we going to ban private citizens from owning weapons altogether? While I'm sure that would never happen (hunters simply wouldn't allow it), you can rest assured that, even with the strictest gun laws in place, we wouldn't be safe ... at that point, the only people who'd be armed would be criminals. While I still think that anyone who owns a handgun should go through a certain amount of training with that weapon, it's up to us to make the push to get concealed carry legalized. Besides, the more we allow our state government to encroach on our rights, the fewer we will have.
Limiting our right to keep and bear arms would be like taking away our right to vote ... though with this electoral college crap, it's hard for me to say whether or not our votes even make a difference. But that's a whole other can of worms I'll open some other day. All I know is that we can't let politicians walk all over their constituents. After all, they're supposed to be representing us.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
First of all, if someone wants to own a gun – for protection, recreation or what have you – they have every right to do so. As of now, Wisconsin legally allows open carry, which requires citizens to keep the firearm in plain sight, but concealed carry is, for some reason, illegal. Given that we have the right to keep and bear arms, the manner in which each individual chooses to express that right should be up to the individual.
And while I'm aware that there are people out there naive enough to believe that maintaining laws against concealed carry is the answer to our problems with violence, it's not so easy. I mean, let's be realistic. Just because our state government says it's illegal to carry concealed weapons, that doesn't mean people don't do it. It's that rebellious nature in all of us. It's illegal to drink before you turn 21, but I'm fairly certain a large majority of the population, myself included, chose to ignore that little piece of legislation a time or two. Like the old saying goes, laws were made to be broken.
So if that's not a good enough solution, then what? Are we going to ban private citizens from owning weapons altogether? While I'm sure that would never happen (hunters simply wouldn't allow it), you can rest assured that, even with the strictest gun laws in place, we wouldn't be safe ... at that point, the only people who'd be armed would be criminals. While I still think that anyone who owns a handgun should go through a certain amount of training with that weapon, it's up to us to make the push to get concealed carry legalized. Besides, the more we allow our state government to encroach on our rights, the fewer we will have.
Limiting our right to keep and bear arms would be like taking away our right to vote ... though with this electoral college crap, it's hard for me to say whether or not our votes even make a difference. But that's a whole other can of worms I'll open some other day. All I know is that we can't let politicians walk all over their constituents. After all, they're supposed to be representing us.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cancer Touches Everyone
Because of its many forms and how common it has become, there is no doubt in my mind that everyone in the world knows at least one person who has been affected by cancer. It’s a terrible disease and, sadly, there is no cure ... at least, not yet.
Personally, I have not met a single person who hasn’t known someone – a relative, neighbor or friend – who has succumbed to, is battling or has overcome some form of cancer. My grandfather had skin cancer at one point and it is because of breast cancer that I was never able to meet my maternal grandmother. However, one of the saddest things about the disease is that it is not age discriminant. Infants, youth, teenagers, elderly ... they are all susceptible. And while, oftentimes, cancer tends to sneak up on people and take them by surprise, my personal story is a little different. I am in no way saying that I am worse off than anyone else who has had to deal directly or indirectly with cancer, but, like I said, everyone has a story. This is mine.
Imagine living your life knowing that, regardless of what you do, your chances of contracting cancer are about 80 percent. Welcome to my world. When I was 11, I developed a rash on my leg that was eerily similar to that caused by poison ivy. Considering I played Little League and was always running around in the backyard, it didn’t seem all that peculiar. My mom blotted some calamine lotion on it and I was good to go. Or so we thought. The next morning when I awoke, the rash had not only spread, but both my ankles were completely swollen. I could barely walk and, by the end of the day, my hands had swelled to the size of grapefruits, as well. From my perspective, it was unbelievably scary not knowing what was happening to me, so I can only imagine how my parents felt.
On my first visit to the doctor’s office, which would be the first of hundreds, my family physician was stumped by what was happening to me. I vividly remember him paging through textbooks and calling for consultations to try to figure out what it was I had. After being referred to a pediatrician in Marshfield, it was determined I had ulcerative colitis, a disease that affects about 50 out of every 100,000 people in the United States. Over the next few years, I became a human pincushion, in and out of clinics so often that the receptionists and phlebotomists knew me by name. Because of my age, UC seemed like the right diagnosis, but it wasn’t until a few years later that physicians determined I was afflicted with Crohn’s disease, which has very similar symptoms to UC, making it difficult for doctors to tell the difference. But, since there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, all I can do is hope that it stays in remission. Thus, I have been and will be on medication for the rest of my life.
If that weren’t enough, those who have Crohn’s for eight years or more are increasingly more prone to develop colon cancer – the longer you have it, the greater the chances. So, 16 years in, that risk is already becoming too great for my liking. All I can do now is wait ... wait for the cancer or hope I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t develop it. But, given my track record, luck is rarely on my side. I’m better off hoping a cure for cancer comes along. And that cannot be done without the generosity of people who donate to the American Cancer Society and partake in events like the run/walk. I’ve never lived in such a giving community like Arcadia and it warms my heart to know that there are so many people who care so much to give their time and hard-earned money to such a worthy cause. You all deserve huge pats on the back for all that you’re doing to make a difference.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Personally, I have not met a single person who hasn’t known someone – a relative, neighbor or friend – who has succumbed to, is battling or has overcome some form of cancer. My grandfather had skin cancer at one point and it is because of breast cancer that I was never able to meet my maternal grandmother. However, one of the saddest things about the disease is that it is not age discriminant. Infants, youth, teenagers, elderly ... they are all susceptible. And while, oftentimes, cancer tends to sneak up on people and take them by surprise, my personal story is a little different. I am in no way saying that I am worse off than anyone else who has had to deal directly or indirectly with cancer, but, like I said, everyone has a story. This is mine.
Imagine living your life knowing that, regardless of what you do, your chances of contracting cancer are about 80 percent. Welcome to my world. When I was 11, I developed a rash on my leg that was eerily similar to that caused by poison ivy. Considering I played Little League and was always running around in the backyard, it didn’t seem all that peculiar. My mom blotted some calamine lotion on it and I was good to go. Or so we thought. The next morning when I awoke, the rash had not only spread, but both my ankles were completely swollen. I could barely walk and, by the end of the day, my hands had swelled to the size of grapefruits, as well. From my perspective, it was unbelievably scary not knowing what was happening to me, so I can only imagine how my parents felt.
On my first visit to the doctor’s office, which would be the first of hundreds, my family physician was stumped by what was happening to me. I vividly remember him paging through textbooks and calling for consultations to try to figure out what it was I had. After being referred to a pediatrician in Marshfield, it was determined I had ulcerative colitis, a disease that affects about 50 out of every 100,000 people in the United States. Over the next few years, I became a human pincushion, in and out of clinics so often that the receptionists and phlebotomists knew me by name. Because of my age, UC seemed like the right diagnosis, but it wasn’t until a few years later that physicians determined I was afflicted with Crohn’s disease, which has very similar symptoms to UC, making it difficult for doctors to tell the difference. But, since there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, all I can do is hope that it stays in remission. Thus, I have been and will be on medication for the rest of my life.
If that weren’t enough, those who have Crohn’s for eight years or more are increasingly more prone to develop colon cancer – the longer you have it, the greater the chances. So, 16 years in, that risk is already becoming too great for my liking. All I can do now is wait ... wait for the cancer or hope I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t develop it. But, given my track record, luck is rarely on my side. I’m better off hoping a cure for cancer comes along. And that cannot be done without the generosity of people who donate to the American Cancer Society and partake in events like the run/walk. I’ve never lived in such a giving community like Arcadia and it warms my heart to know that there are so many people who care so much to give their time and hard-earned money to such a worthy cause. You all deserve huge pats on the back for all that you’re doing to make a difference.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Words of Advice For The Class of 2010
With graduation right around the corner, I would like to take the time to share some words of advice with the Class of 2010 ... I'd say words of wisdom, but the approach I took to secondary education could barely be described as wisdomous. Nine years ago, I was in the same position as many of the high school seniors, I'm sure. Donning my cap and gown, the question of 'what next?' echoed in my head all throughout the commencement ceremony. Sure, I had signed up to take online accounting courses via Chippewa Valley Technical College, but was that what I really wanted? Clearly, I'm not a CPA or in a field even remotely related to accounting. Throughout high school, I excelled in math and was really good with numbers ... but the same was true for English and writing.
Many of my instructors told me that I had an aptitude for writing, but, as I looked to the future, all I saw were dollar signs. Accounting was a much better paying career than anything that had to do with writing. But, as I got older – and wiser, if I do say so myself – I realized that no amount of money would make it worth doing something I hated. I have seen so many of people out there whine about how they hate their jobs that I knew I didn't want to end up like that. After a semester and a half of online classes, I was barely eking out a C average, most likely because I wasn't enjoying the coursework. So, when spring rolled around, I applied to UW-River Falls and was accepted.
At first, I declared myself a business major, but after dropping out half way through my first semester for medical reasons, I wanted to start over. Taking some much-needed time off, I was refreshed. With a clean slate, I went back with an undeclared major and took lots of elective courses until I found my niche. From there, it was smooth sailing; after working at the college newspaper, I was more sure than ever that I wanted to go into journalism. Funny thing is that back when I was in high school, everyone in my class had to meet with the guidance counselor and take tests to determine interest, as well as skill set, for particular careers.
When all was said and done, each of us had to write down what we wanted to be ... even if we weren't sure. Last summer, while I was cleaning my old room in my parent's house, I found that very piece of paper with the career I had intended for myself written upon it. Lo and behold, I did not write accountant; ironically, I had written the word journalist. Who would have guessed I knew, before I had even entered college, where I would end up in life? It's said that it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind (I sure take advantage of that), but I think it's everyone's prerogative to be able to change their path in life. After all, it's your life. You can't look to others to make you happy and you certainly shouldn't let others make up your mind for you.
As Stevie Wonder once said, "You can't base your life on other people's expectations." My parents were pretty disappointed when I decided not to follow through with accounting, but I think, when they see the smile on my face when I talk about my job now, they know it was the right choice for me. So, in essence, I think the whole point of this long diatribe about my experiences is not to be afraid to make mistakes; learn from them, grow. And while it may sound cliche, when choosing a career path, don't put your salary before your life's passion because money will never be able to buy you happiness.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Many of my instructors told me that I had an aptitude for writing, but, as I looked to the future, all I saw were dollar signs. Accounting was a much better paying career than anything that had to do with writing. But, as I got older – and wiser, if I do say so myself – I realized that no amount of money would make it worth doing something I hated. I have seen so many of people out there whine about how they hate their jobs that I knew I didn't want to end up like that. After a semester and a half of online classes, I was barely eking out a C average, most likely because I wasn't enjoying the coursework. So, when spring rolled around, I applied to UW-River Falls and was accepted.
At first, I declared myself a business major, but after dropping out half way through my first semester for medical reasons, I wanted to start over. Taking some much-needed time off, I was refreshed. With a clean slate, I went back with an undeclared major and took lots of elective courses until I found my niche. From there, it was smooth sailing; after working at the college newspaper, I was more sure than ever that I wanted to go into journalism. Funny thing is that back when I was in high school, everyone in my class had to meet with the guidance counselor and take tests to determine interest, as well as skill set, for particular careers.
When all was said and done, each of us had to write down what we wanted to be ... even if we weren't sure. Last summer, while I was cleaning my old room in my parent's house, I found that very piece of paper with the career I had intended for myself written upon it. Lo and behold, I did not write accountant; ironically, I had written the word journalist. Who would have guessed I knew, before I had even entered college, where I would end up in life? It's said that it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind (I sure take advantage of that), but I think it's everyone's prerogative to be able to change their path in life. After all, it's your life. You can't look to others to make you happy and you certainly shouldn't let others make up your mind for you.
As Stevie Wonder once said, "You can't base your life on other people's expectations." My parents were pretty disappointed when I decided not to follow through with accounting, but I think, when they see the smile on my face when I talk about my job now, they know it was the right choice for me. So, in essence, I think the whole point of this long diatribe about my experiences is not to be afraid to make mistakes; learn from them, grow. And while it may sound cliche, when choosing a career path, don't put your salary before your life's passion because money will never be able to buy you happiness.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Whatever Happened to "An Eye For An Eye"?
While I’ve never been one to consider myself an inhumane individual – I’m the type of person who swerves to avoid hitting squirrels ... not to mention I absolutely hate guns – I’ll be the first to admit that abolishing capital punishment is a heinous idea. Recently, there have been a slew of articles written in favor of abolishing the death penalty all across the country. Personally, I don’t see why Wisconsin, or any of the other 14 states (and Washington, D.C.) that have already abolished the death penalty, chose to do so. I once read somewhere that revenge is the primary motivation behind capital punishment and that true healing can only happen through forgiveness and repentance. As true as that may be for some, it still astounds me that taxpayers would rather keep murderers alive – and pay to do so – instead of ridding the world of them altogether. And in this faltering economy, there seems to be a peculiar upswing in murder rates.
In Chippewa County, alone, there have been three murders since late February. That’s an average of one a month, people. Speaking as a former resident of that county, that’s a staggering statistic. Clearly, criminals are not perturbed by the thought that life in prison is the worst punishment they will receive if convicted. Hell, for some, that may be a step up from how they’re living now. I mean, in prison, they’ll be served three meals a day and have free room and board without having to go out and earn a living or have any major responsibilities. Aside from living with the guilt – though some may not even feel that emotion – of taking a life, it’s a fairly easy way to get by ... and on taxpayer dollars, no less. I don’t know about you, but it really burns my toast that our hard-earned money is going toward housing these criminals. Whatever happened to the old “eye for an eye” philosophy?
According to Amnesty International, one of the primary anti-capital punishment organizations, “the death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights. It is the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state in the name of justice. It violates the right to life ... It is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.”
Surely our forefathers would look at us and laugh that we’re refusing to put people to death because it’s “cruel and unusual,” especially considering how said human being got to that point in the justice system in the first place. I, for one, think it’s cruel and unusual for a deranged man to stab a teenager to death while he sleeps. But given that Wisconsin doesn’t have the death penalty and he’s entered an insanity plea, I’m sure he’ll get off easy. And, while we’re on that subject, I don’t care much for the idea that murderers can plead insanity and be given the benefit of the doubt – and the possibility of a lesser sentence. Sure, that individual may have been acting in a fit of rage or in the heat of the moment, but does that make them any less of a threat to society? Not in my eyes. Is it just me or is our liberal justice system being a little too liberal in its treatment of cold-blooded murderers?
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
In Chippewa County, alone, there have been three murders since late February. That’s an average of one a month, people. Speaking as a former resident of that county, that’s a staggering statistic. Clearly, criminals are not perturbed by the thought that life in prison is the worst punishment they will receive if convicted. Hell, for some, that may be a step up from how they’re living now. I mean, in prison, they’ll be served three meals a day and have free room and board without having to go out and earn a living or have any major responsibilities. Aside from living with the guilt – though some may not even feel that emotion – of taking a life, it’s a fairly easy way to get by ... and on taxpayer dollars, no less. I don’t know about you, but it really burns my toast that our hard-earned money is going toward housing these criminals. Whatever happened to the old “eye for an eye” philosophy?
According to Amnesty International, one of the primary anti-capital punishment organizations, “the death penalty is the ultimate denial of human rights. It is the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state in the name of justice. It violates the right to life ... It is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.”
Surely our forefathers would look at us and laugh that we’re refusing to put people to death because it’s “cruel and unusual,” especially considering how said human being got to that point in the justice system in the first place. I, for one, think it’s cruel and unusual for a deranged man to stab a teenager to death while he sleeps. But given that Wisconsin doesn’t have the death penalty and he’s entered an insanity plea, I’m sure he’ll get off easy. And, while we’re on that subject, I don’t care much for the idea that murderers can plead insanity and be given the benefit of the doubt – and the possibility of a lesser sentence. Sure, that individual may have been acting in a fit of rage or in the heat of the moment, but does that make them any less of a threat to society? Not in my eyes. Is it just me or is our liberal justice system being a little too liberal in its treatment of cold-blooded murderers?
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Milking It For All It's Worth
So after the raw milk bill passed both houses of the Wisconsin legislature, one would have thought it’d be smooth sailing. All it needs is Gov. Jim Doyle’s signature and farmers across the state will be able to legally sell milk on their farms. Not so fast. While we should have seen this one coming, it disheartens me that cheesemakers, dairies and other “concerned” entities are making a last-ditch effort to push Gov. Doyle to veto the bill. First of all, the only concern these interest groups have is their own interest. God forbid farmers sell their own milk and the dairies don’t get as much milk per shipment. Clearly, the cheesemakers know what’s at stake if this is allowed this to happen. If farmers can sell their own milk, what’s keeping them from selling their own cheese as well?
But the reasonings posed by these entities is what’s most bothersome. They’re claiming that raw milk should not be legalized because of the possibility that it can contain bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, which is hazardous, and could potentially even be lethal, to people’s health. Why, you ask, does this rub me the wrong way? Well, from my perspective, there are two ways to look at this. Either we’re being called ignorant for not knowing what the risks are or, via erroneous concern for our health, we’re being used as pawns to prevent farmers from having the right to sell their own product outright. The mere fact that the sale of raw milk can be harmful to our health is being extremely overplayed. Before pasteurization became common practice, the sale of raw milk was totally acceptable. And if the government were to ban everything that posed a threat to our health, we’d have next to nothing.
That said, what right does the government have to tell us what we can and can’t put in our bodies in the first place? They’re OK with us consuming exorbitant amounts of alcohol, which can cause cirrhosis of the liver, and we can smoke like chimneys, so long as there are warning labels on the packaging explaining those risks. If I recall, the raw milk bill did state that farmers would have to label their product as hazardous, as well as comply with regulations set forth. So what’s the problem? Those opposed to the bill are just making a spectacle of this issue. After all, raw eggs and raw chicken can carry salmonella, but the government doesn’t feel it’s necessary to properly cook them for us before we eat them. And if we like our steaks cooked any way but well done, there’s a health concern there, too. But that’s not going to stop people from ordering their meat undercooked. For as little concern is expressed for those things, there sure is a lot of emphasis being put on health issues when it comes to the legalization of the sale of raw milk, which would only be temporary through 2011. Witnessing this reaction to something that’s not even guaranteed further raises my curiosity about hidden agendas spurring all of this opposition.
While I’m sure support for the bill is equal to or, perhaps, greater than the opposition, I understand Gov. Doyle’s dilemma. As an elected official, it is his duty to take all matters into consideration before signing it into law. But I sure don’t envy him in this battle. Whether he signs the bill or not, the temporary sale of raw milk would become legal this Thursday. However, if he decides to exercise his veto power, it’s back to the drawing board for farmers across the state. But they’ve done their part to help Wisconsin become the dairy giant that it is ... shouldn’t they at least be granted the opportunity to experiment with raw milk sales if they so choose?
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
But the reasonings posed by these entities is what’s most bothersome. They’re claiming that raw milk should not be legalized because of the possibility that it can contain bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, which is hazardous, and could potentially even be lethal, to people’s health. Why, you ask, does this rub me the wrong way? Well, from my perspective, there are two ways to look at this. Either we’re being called ignorant for not knowing what the risks are or, via erroneous concern for our health, we’re being used as pawns to prevent farmers from having the right to sell their own product outright. The mere fact that the sale of raw milk can be harmful to our health is being extremely overplayed. Before pasteurization became common practice, the sale of raw milk was totally acceptable. And if the government were to ban everything that posed a threat to our health, we’d have next to nothing.
That said, what right does the government have to tell us what we can and can’t put in our bodies in the first place? They’re OK with us consuming exorbitant amounts of alcohol, which can cause cirrhosis of the liver, and we can smoke like chimneys, so long as there are warning labels on the packaging explaining those risks. If I recall, the raw milk bill did state that farmers would have to label their product as hazardous, as well as comply with regulations set forth. So what’s the problem? Those opposed to the bill are just making a spectacle of this issue. After all, raw eggs and raw chicken can carry salmonella, but the government doesn’t feel it’s necessary to properly cook them for us before we eat them. And if we like our steaks cooked any way but well done, there’s a health concern there, too. But that’s not going to stop people from ordering their meat undercooked. For as little concern is expressed for those things, there sure is a lot of emphasis being put on health issues when it comes to the legalization of the sale of raw milk, which would only be temporary through 2011. Witnessing this reaction to something that’s not even guaranteed further raises my curiosity about hidden agendas spurring all of this opposition.
While I’m sure support for the bill is equal to or, perhaps, greater than the opposition, I understand Gov. Doyle’s dilemma. As an elected official, it is his duty to take all matters into consideration before signing it into law. But I sure don’t envy him in this battle. Whether he signs the bill or not, the temporary sale of raw milk would become legal this Thursday. However, if he decides to exercise his veto power, it’s back to the drawing board for farmers across the state. But they’ve done their part to help Wisconsin become the dairy giant that it is ... shouldn’t they at least be granted the opportunity to experiment with raw milk sales if they so choose?
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Long Overdue Thank You
No matter what profession you are in and how many countless hours you put in going above and beyond what your job description entails, I think everyone would be in agreement with me saying that law enforcement is the most thankless job known to man. Think about it. When you get a ticket, you don’t say “thank you” to the officer – who’s merely doing his job by ensuring your safety – as he hands over a citation. Instead, you get pissed off. And rightfully so. I mean, you’re the one who gets stuck with demerit points on your license, not to mention that the fine isn’t going to pay itself. And believe me, the stigma attached to law enforcement isn’t any different from the perspective of a police officer’s daughter.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been pulled over several times and cursed the wind ... no more so than when my own father, a patrol sergeant for the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, nailed me for speeding shortly after I started driving. Let me tell you, I got the most verbal of warnings anyone could possibly imagine. But as crime rates continue to rise, I can’t help but get a lump in my throat every time I watch the news and hear about a police officer who had been killed in the line of duty, left only to imagine what those families are going through. Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with that kind of grief. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have nightmares about getting that dreaded phone call ... someone on the other end telling me that I would never see my dad again. Because I know that any day, that nightmare could easily become a reality.
While I understand that not all people are armed criminals and most would never think of pulling a gun on an officer of the law, it only takes one. In an instant the lives of an entire family are changed forever. But the sad fact is that gun violence isn’t the only threat police officers face. That was made all the more evident on Jan. 4, 2008, when I learned that Jason Zunker, a Chippewa County Sheriff’s deputy, had been struck by a car while directing traffic. He died from his injuries the following day. It just so happened that I was home from Wyoming visiting at the time, and one very haunting “what if” question clouded my thoughts that evening: What if I hadn’t come home and my dad hadn’t taken vacation time? Chances are he could have been on duty that evening. Not to say that he would have responded to that very accident scene, but, without a doubt, it hit way too close to home. But that’s just a of the reality I’m forced to live with every day ... at least until my dad retires.
As much as people like to make them out to be the bad guys, I admire police officers for what they do. Every day they go on duty, there is a chance that they might not come home. They selflessly put their lives in danger for the sake of keeping the rest of society safe. The same is true for all emergency personnel who serve and protect, all the while risking their lives. So, seeing as how this is National Police Week (which fittingly coincided with the Fourth Annual Arcadia Area Hometown Heroes event on Tuesday), I would just like to express my gratitude and say thank you to law enforcement officers – and all emergency personnel – for everything that you do. Next time I get pulled over – and I know that day will come, likely sooner than I hope – I’ll be sure to thank the police officer. Ah, who am I kidding? The best I can do is promise I won’t swear ... it’s as good as a thank you.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been pulled over several times and cursed the wind ... no more so than when my own father, a patrol sergeant for the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, nailed me for speeding shortly after I started driving. Let me tell you, I got the most verbal of warnings anyone could possibly imagine. But as crime rates continue to rise, I can’t help but get a lump in my throat every time I watch the news and hear about a police officer who had been killed in the line of duty, left only to imagine what those families are going through. Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with that kind of grief. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have nightmares about getting that dreaded phone call ... someone on the other end telling me that I would never see my dad again. Because I know that any day, that nightmare could easily become a reality.
While I understand that not all people are armed criminals and most would never think of pulling a gun on an officer of the law, it only takes one. In an instant the lives of an entire family are changed forever. But the sad fact is that gun violence isn’t the only threat police officers face. That was made all the more evident on Jan. 4, 2008, when I learned that Jason Zunker, a Chippewa County Sheriff’s deputy, had been struck by a car while directing traffic. He died from his injuries the following day. It just so happened that I was home from Wyoming visiting at the time, and one very haunting “what if” question clouded my thoughts that evening: What if I hadn’t come home and my dad hadn’t taken vacation time? Chances are he could have been on duty that evening. Not to say that he would have responded to that very accident scene, but, without a doubt, it hit way too close to home. But that’s just a of the reality I’m forced to live with every day ... at least until my dad retires.
As much as people like to make them out to be the bad guys, I admire police officers for what they do. Every day they go on duty, there is a chance that they might not come home. They selflessly put their lives in danger for the sake of keeping the rest of society safe. The same is true for all emergency personnel who serve and protect, all the while risking their lives. So, seeing as how this is National Police Week (which fittingly coincided with the Fourth Annual Arcadia Area Hometown Heroes event on Tuesday), I would just like to express my gratitude and say thank you to law enforcement officers – and all emergency personnel – for everything that you do. Next time I get pulled over – and I know that day will come, likely sooner than I hope – I’ll be sure to thank the police officer. Ah, who am I kidding? The best I can do is promise I won’t swear ... it’s as good as a thank you.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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