Letters to the Editor

Dear editor, Many letters to the editor in the paper in recent years have been troubling and unsettling to me. I have always favored public opinion. It is the basis of our Representative Republic. But free speech has never been protected speech when attacks, innuendos and outright deception and falsehoods are used. Sadly it too often goes unchallenged and more and more “readers” see it as an avenue with which to build their soapbox for their political passions.  Such is the case of a letter writer who recently took up space in your paper by attacking Rush Limbaugh and the two local politicians for their outward support of the man following his death. Truth be told I found the irony that the only lies and hate being spread were her own words against the three men she attempted to demonize; and she further stated they didn’t respond to her “letter requesting why” they supported him. Perhaps they took the advice of Thomas Paine who said, “to debate with someone that has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” Dennis Olson Spring Green   Dear editor, This week is National Library Week. I have been wanting to write a letter for quite a while, and this week seemed like the perfect time for me to do so. I am fortunate enough to work at the Spring Green Community Library, and proud to say that I have done so for almost 23 years. I am what you would call the “Grandma” of the library staff, and what a privilege it is! I have worked under six directors during those years: Barbara Morford, Mary Jo Warnke, Carol Anderson, Kathleen Kosiec, Carrie Portz, and currently Lisa Thomas. Every one of them brought something unique to the library at just the right time, and yet they all shared the same goal…to maintain our library as a viable community resource now and into the future. I am grateful for the leadership and guidance that each one has provided, both to the library and to me. I have learned so much. A library’s focus is to meet the needs of those who use it, and it is ever-changing!   The main reason for my letter, though, is to say thank you to the faithful patrons and supporters of our library, including the local businesses without whom much of what we do would not be possible. The past year has been an especially challenging one for all of us. From the start of the pandemic, we have continually made changes as needed to best serve our patrons while remaining safe for everyone. While our doors remained closed to the public (which was so hard to do, but so necessary), we were able to offer virtual programs; Grab & Go kits for children; Take & Make kits for adults; puzzles; Story Walks along Jefferson Street (thanks to our local businesses); Librarian’s Choice (we choose items for you based on your interests); many online offerings; new library cards; free WiFi for all; curbside pickup and returns; computer use and printing by appointment; a friendly voice to talk to, and so much more. We have been more than happy to provide those services to you, and we truly appreciate your support.  During the past 12 months, we have received hundreds of positive comments. I, personally, have had many patrons thank me and tell me that they do not know what they would have done without our services to help them through the past year. It has brought me to tears more than once. We have received cards, phone calls, and notes from you, and we appreciate each and every one. It gives us assurance that what we are doing matters to you, because it also matters to us! You are the reason we have continued to look for ways to make our library the best it can be during a very scary and stressful time, and we can never thank you enough for those words of encouragement. Beginning today, April 7, we will once again be opening our library for browsing. While not every part of our building will be accessible, we are happy to once again allow patrons to roam all the library shelves and choose their own items for checkout. I know I will see lots of smiling faces, even if somewhat hidden behind a mask, and I can’t wait! Please continue to be patient and understanding, and let us know what we can do to help make your library experience even better. Libraries are for everyone! On April 20, the library in Spring Green will be 98 years old. It has gone through many changes since it first began, in 1923, as The Spring Green Public Library and Reading Room. I look forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the library in just two more years and I hope you do too. It is because of supportive patrons and this wonderful community, both then and now, that our library continues to be a free, safe, trusted, and vital space for all who enter.  In closing, I would just like to say that, since my earliest years, libraries have played a large role in my life. Spring Green Community Library is very near and dear to my heart, and each of our regular patrons becomes a part of my “library family”. I have made many new friends while working there also, and I look forward to seeing you back inside very soon. YOU ARE ALL THE BEST!  Fondly, Bridget Roberts Spring Green   Dear editor, Early last summer I was buying gas and doing a bit of shopping in a small family convenience store north of Plain, in Sauk County. I was pleased to see a mask wearing requirement posted, and felt safe and respected, the store aisles open and clean, the employee behind the plastic barrier masked, a clean and open bathroom that offered easy access and a convenient way to wash hands. On the local radio station, Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) was railing against Governor Tony Evers and his measure to mandate protocol to deal with the corona virus, repeating his never-ending mantra about Dane County and its institutions, (like our state government), that are out of touch with the needs and desires of Wisconsin citizens. Over 7,000 deaths in the state later, and more than a half million nationally, he continues, “I might get a vaccine, but I’m in no rush,” continually down playing our public health crisis and throwing up obstacles whenever he can to prevent Governor Evers from enacting policies that are only implemented to keep our citizens safe, all of us, the elderly, parents, kids, grandkids, everyone. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep a safe social distance, limit gathering in large groups. Governor Ever’s public health mandates are not political, they are an honest attempt to offer good governance to our people, the very job of elected public officials. The Dane County boogeyman which Senator Marklein and his colleagues love to refer to, also include, and please make no mistake about this: The University of Wisconsin, (and our universities throughout the state), The University of Wisconsin Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Merriter Hospital, its doctors, nurses, staff. These include the departments of cardiology, urology, pulmonary, neurology, mental health and any and all specialty services. In addition, all our local medical facilities and services have voiced support for mandated public health initiatives.  Fortunately for them, during this pandemic, Senator Marklein and Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) have apparently not had to visit a doctor or medical facility or taken a family member or loved one to a doctor’s appointment or the hospital, or they surely would have noticed all entry is prohibited without a mask, hands are cleaned with a disinfectant, temperatures are taken, contact questions are presented and one enters alone, without loved ones or other family members for support. Why? Only to help us, keep us and our loved ones safe, so we can arrive at the end of this pandemic, gather with our loved ones and friends, and prosper, and get our lives back. This incessant and continuous haranguing of Governor Ever’s initiatives for public health are discouraging and dangerous. Just beginning to turn a corner, examples: one visitor may now accompany a family member to a doctor’s appointment, vaccines spreading; and the republican legislature is at it again. Objecting to a mask mandate, implemented only to get past this pandemic, and chasing bogus and disproven voter fraud claims. Last April, former President Donald Trump called for filling the churches for Easter. Why? Certainly not to celebrate a figure who called for kindness and compassion, the polar opposite of MAGA and the me first republican agenda. Visit the sick, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, the last shall be first, any of this sound familiar to you? Michael Wunnicke Ithaca Township