LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chainsaw approach will cause local problems

Dear Editor,

In our village, I have never seen or heard of a chainsaw-wielding technocrat, who gleefully threatens government, then quickly makes massive changes to everything, everywhere, all at once. Around here, individuals or tree services use chainsaws to cut wood, not eviscerate government agencies and flaunt rules and regulations. Artists use chainsaws on wood and ice to create severe, brutalist sculptures, but this tool is never used alone for detailed projects. Therefore, I’m upset to see a chainsaw applied to our national government.

It takes time for changes at the national level to affect us here, but the crude chainsaw approach to national change, coupled with too-much-too-fast implementation, will cause more problems locally than it solves: Three examples: (1) Wholesale gutting of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), followed by an embarrassing reinstatement of expert, experienced workers, can create chaos and confusion for our local agriculture. (2) Abrupt termination of government-funded university research slows down or stops progress towards innovations for agriculture and other sectors. (3) Aggressive trade policies with neighboring Canada and talk of annexation cancel vacation travel plans to the United States.

Change is difficult. It’s better to work together locally to require a competent, national approach.

Terry Miller
Elk Rapids

Letter to the Editor Guide
[email protected]

•    Please limit length to 200 words per letter and two submissions per topic. Letters addressing national politics or political endorsements will no longer be accepted. 

•    Be kind. Letters containing personal attacks will be discarded. 

•    Letters are subject to editing for content and clarity, must be signed and include address and phone number for verification purposes – only your name and community in which you live will be printed. 

•    Deadline is Monday 12 p.m. to be considered for that week’s edition. 

As your only locally owned and operated local news source, we strive to be your local newspaper of choice and welcome your comments, suggestions. – Editor

Reminder to our readers that Letters to the Editor containing political endorsements will no longer be accepted. Instead, readers may pay for a political ad.