All posts in the topic Fw: Letter to the editor 10-31-08 -- Ted Hazelton and Barack Obama (Short link)

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There are 2 posts — by 2 authors — in this topic.
Latest post made by Greg Olson at Nov 03 01:41 UTC

From: Dwayne Voegeli Date: Nov 02 19:12 UTC Short link

I think it's a good thing that Ted Hazelton shared his opinion in the letter
to the editor.

I may strongly disagree with what he said in the letter, but I'm glad he did
it.

I think everyone should share their opinions and ideas more, not less.

The problem is that our democracy is turning into a spectator sport.  The
presidential election is not about democracy, it's a big ad campaign.  It's
not too far removed from American Idol.

Voting is important but it's not nearly enough.  Filling in a dot once every
two years will not protect our democracy and our freedoms, not even close.

I wish more elected officials, would share their opinions and ideas.  How
else can you tell what they are thinking and what they believe in?

I've been surprised that more elected officials and government staff haven't
shared their thoughts on Winona Online Democracy over the years.

Yes, democratic discourse is a wee bit messy at times.  Yes, there is
misinformation and rumors at times.

But still, what better way to clarify facts, listen to people who don't
think like you, and come up with new ideas.

Democracy is messy.

If Ted Hazelton is listening out there, "good job!"  Do more of it.  I may
disagree with you but at least you have the courage to share your ideas in
public.  Keep on doing it.

Dwayne Voegeli

Nov. 2, 2008

=============


----- Original Message -----
From: "terri hyle" <tgir74@hotmail.com>
To: <norbert@hbci.com>; <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Winona] Letter to the editor 10-31-08


>
> I don't know if there is an absolute expectation that school board members
> not publicly advocate for political candidates or causes.
>
> Speaking for myself, my objection to Mr. Hazelton's letter is not who he
> supports but the manner in which he chose to smear the other candidate.
> Instead of advocating for Sen. McCain on the basis of his stance on
> issues, his experience, his character, etc., Mr. Hazelton chose to use a
> rather tortured parsing of Obama's name to prove that somehow, Sen. Obama
> is not to be trusted--on the basis of his name.  The one given to him by
> his parents.  It is both the level of ignorance (Hussein is a very common
> name in some parts of the world)  and the fear mongering that I find so
> very offensive and inappropriate. Such remarks are highly inflammatory and
> based on ignorance, and add nothing to the debate other than to fuel the
> flames of fear and ignorance.  I find it even more offensive when I
> realize that this individual is making decisions about the education of
> children and young people in Winona.
>
> Whether or not I agree or disagree with Mr. Hazelton's choice of
> presidetial candidate (In the interest of full disclosure, a quick drive
> by my house will tell you I do not) is not the point.  I would object as
> vehemently if he were using the same smear tactics employed by some
> against Sen. McCain as were employed back in 2000 when Sen. McCain
> previously sought his party's nomination.
>
> Terri Hyle
>
>> From: <email obscured>
>> To: <email obscured>
>> Subject: Re: [Winona] Letter to the editor 10-31-08
>> Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2008 07:04:27 -0600
>>
>> I realize that our school board elections are non-partisan, but does that
>> mean that there is an expectation that board members shouldn't publicly
>> advocate for their preferred candidates in elections that are? There's
>> nothing in the school board code of ethics about that.
>> Two board members that I know of have been active in the DFL, but I don't
>> recall any letters to editors by them, so maybe Mr. Hazelton has broken
>> some
>> sort of unspoken rule.
>>
>> On is it just that Hazelton has expressed a conservative viewpoint about
>> the
>> presidential campaign? (Per Saint Mary's professor Steven Schild's
>> observation on WOD's "Oligarchy of Opinion...")
>>
>>
>> John N. Finn
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob Sebo [mailto:bobsebo@hbci.com]
>> Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 6:06 PM
>> To: Chris Nelson; Winona online
>> Subject: Re: [Winona] Letter to the editor 10-31-08
>>
>> Ted Hazlelton's opinion letter in the Winona Daily News is very
>> troubling.
>> If for no other reason than we have seen Ted grow in his position in a
>> way
>> that this writer would never have expected.  It is disappointing.
>>
>> Bob Sebo
>> Winona
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> John Finn
>> Winona, Winona
>> Info about John Finn: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/johnfinn
>>
>> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4Vx0w5tPyVW45TXNUUqyGN
>> -----------------------------------------
>>   To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>>   To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>>   in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>>
>>   More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>>   http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>>
>>   E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
>> -----------------------------------------
>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> See how Windows Mobile brings your life togetherat home, work, or on the
> go.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093182mrt/direct/01/
> Terri Hyle
>
> Info about Terri Hyle:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/6u5omPGA5R2Fja8Z9PMw15
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/54SvhK5vVSzGM1hKark3IM
> -----------------------------------------
>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>
>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>
>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> -----------------------------------------
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>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
> Version: 7.5.549 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1762 - Release Date: 11/2/2008
> 9:51 AM
>
>

From: Greg Olson Date: Nov 03 01:41 UTC Short link

Dear residents of District 4,

I would like to introduce myself to those of you I haven't met.  I am Greg
Olson and I am running for County Commissioner to represent local county
government in the area in which you live.  I am honored that I have been
given the opportunity to appeal to you via this email.  First, please get
out and vote.  National, regional and local elections allow each of us a
voice for our future.  Take the time to get informed. Please support Greg
Olson as YOUR representative for County Commissioner District 4.

Please visit my website and ask questions.

Thank you,


Greg Olson
www.olson4winona.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Dwayne and Denine Voegeli [mailto:voegeli@hbci.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 1:03 PM
To: E Democracy
Subject: [Winona] Fw: Letter to the editor 10-31-08 -- Ted Hazelton and
Barack Obama

I think it's a good thing that Ted Hazelton shared his opinion in the letter

to the editor.

I may strongly disagree with what he said in the letter, but I'm glad he did

it.

I think everyone should share their opinions and ideas more, not less.

The problem is that our democracy is turning into a spectator sport.  The
presidential election is not about democracy, it's a big ad campaign.  It's
not too far removed from American Idol.

Voting is important but it's not nearly enough.  Filling in a dot once every

two years will not protect our democracy and our freedoms, not even close.

I wish more elected officials, would share their opinions and ideas.  How
else can you tell what they are thinking and what they believe in?

I've been surprised that more elected officials and government staff haven't

shared their thoughts on Winona Online Democracy over the years.

Yes, democratic discourse is a wee bit messy at times.  Yes, there is
misinformation and rumors at times.

But still, what better way to clarify facts, listen to people who don't
think like you, and come up with new ideas.

Democracy is messy.

If Ted Hazelton is listening out there, "good job!"  Do more of it.  I may
disagree with you but at least you have the courage to share your ideas in
public.  Keep on doing it.

Dwayne Voegeli

Nov. 2, 2008

=============


----- Original Message -----
From: "terri hyle" <tgir74@hotmail.com>
To: <norbert@hbci.com>; <winona@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Winona] Letter to the editor 10-31-08


>
> I don't know if there is an absolute expectation that school board members

> not publicly advocate for political candidates or causes.
>
> Speaking for myself, my objection to Mr. Hazelton's letter is not who he
> supports but the manner in which he chose to smear the other candidate.
> Instead of advocating for Sen. McCain on the basis of his stance on
> issues, his experience, his character, etc., Mr. Hazelton chose to use a
> rather tortured parsing of Obama's name to prove that somehow, Sen. Obama
> is not to be trusted--on the basis of his name.  The one given to him by
> his parents.  It is both the level of ignorance (Hussein is a very common
> name in some parts of the world)  and the fear mongering that I find so
> very offensive and inappropriate. Such remarks are highly inflammatory and

> based on ignorance, and add nothing to the debate other than to fuel the
> flames of fear and ignorance.  I find it even more offensive when I
> realize that this individual is making decisions about the education of
> children and young people in Winona.
>
> Whether or not I agree or disagree with Mr. Hazelton's choice of
> presidetial candidate (In the interest of full disclosure, a quick drive
> by my house will tell you I do not) is not the point.  I would object as
> vehemently if he were using the same smear tactics employed by some
> against Sen. McCain as were employed back in 2000 when Sen. McCain
> previously sought his party's nomination.
>
> Terri Hyle
>
>> From: <email obscured>
>> To: <email obscured>
>> Subject: Re: [Winona] Letter to the editor 10-31-08
>> Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2008 07:04:27 -0600
>>
>> I realize that our school board elections are non-partisan, but does that
>> mean that there is an expectation that board members shouldn't publicly
>> advocate for their preferred candidates in elections that are? There's
>> nothing in the school board code of ethics about that.
>> Two board members that I know of have been active in the DFL, but I don't
>> recall any letters to editors by them, so maybe Mr. Hazelton has broken
>> some
>> sort of unspoken rule.
>>
>> On is it just that Hazelton has expressed a conservative viewpoint about
>> the
>> presidential campaign? (Per Saint Mary's professor Steven Schild's
>> observation on WOD's "Oligarchy of Opinion...")
>>
>>
>> John N. Finn
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bob Sebo [mailto:bobsebo@hbci.com]
>> Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 6:06 PM
>> To: Chris Nelson; Winona online
>> Subject: Re: [Winona] Letter to the editor 10-31-08
>>
>> Ted Hazlelton's opinion letter in the Winona Daily News is very
>> troubling.
>> If for no other reason than we have seen Ted grow in his position in a
>> way
>> that this writer would never have expected.  It is disappointing.
>>
>> Bob Sebo
>> Winona
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> John Finn
>> Winona, Winona
>> Info about John Finn: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/johnfinn
>>
>> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
>> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4Vx0w5tPyVW45TXNUUqyGN
>> -----------------------------------------
>>   To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>>   To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>>   in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>>
>>   More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>>   http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>>
>>   E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
>> -----------------------------------------
>> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> See how Windows Mobile brings your life togetherat home, work, or on the
> go.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093182mrt/direct/01/
> Terri Hyle
>
> Info about Terri Hyle:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/6u5omPGA5R2Fja8Z9PMw15
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/54SvhK5vVSzGM1hKark3IM
> -----------------------------------------
>  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
>  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
>  in subject line and send to: <email obscured>
>
>  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
>  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona
>
>  E-Democracy.Org rules: http://e-democracy.org/rules
> -----------------------------------------
> Technical assistance thanks to our friends at http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
> Version: 7.5.549 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1762 - Release Date: 11/2/2008
> 9:51 AM
>
>


Dwayne Voegeli

Info about Dwayne Voegeli:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/7CWeKtktmsjyx5xBXKwruz

This topic's messages may be viewed at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3d6jF91xjafP5HVMglp2rw
-----------------------------------------
  To post, send your message to: <email obscured>
  To leave or for daily digest, type "unsubscribe" or "digest on,"
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  More info about Winona Online Democracy:
  http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/winona

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