We have serious choices to make now that abortion isn't accessible

The Supreme Court approved recriminalization of abortion. We have three actions we can take. The first two are expensive — probably very expensive.

Help move the country forward, not backward

Herb Friske of Petoskey recently wrote that “unless we repent, our destruction is assured.” He then cites the items related to our destruction which included our government and other entities such as public libraries recognizing the legitimate rights of the gay community.

I do agree with Mr. Friske that our destruction is assured, but only if we continue to support and elect officials who would deny equal rights to all Americans as well as deny science and facts related to our inaction on climate change.

The time for all to act is now. Get informed about people running for office, make educated decisions on the ballot and move our country forward instead of backward. Candidates who voice similar opinions as Mr. Friske need to be soundly defeated. It can be done but only if the voters of northern Michigan  get informed and vote.  The future of our democracy demands it.

DePerno needs to give it up

Matthew DePerno's charge of political bias in Michigan's investigation of his unauthorized access of a Roscommon County voting machine is pure Trump: When they catch you in the cookie jar, deny, deflect, admit nothing.

DePerno should come clean. There are four kinds of Americans these days: those who saw through Trump's "stolen election" scam, those worked hard to defeat it — clearly DePerno is neither of those — those who fell for the scam, and those who actively tried to shake their fellow citizens' faith in democracy.

So which is DePerno, a dupe or a knowing perpetrator of the scam?

Lake Margrethe: The Smoking Gun

Plans to expand Camp Grayling have been discussed before. In 2014, there was a proposal to add up to 54,000 acres before local environmental groups, homeowners, and outdoor enthusiasts fought it. They won and the proposal was dropped. Now they want over 160,000 acres (three times more than before).

In the previous debate, garrison commander Colonel Erich Randall tried to calm fears raised by “Anglers of the Au Sable” and others. In a June 16, 2014, interview with the Petoskey News-Review, he boasted “our environmental record is stellar. We stand on this. He added Camp Grayling has continued to see the conservation of natural resources as a priority for much of its time of existence.”

"Randall cited Lake Margrethe, located within the facility, as proof of Camp Grayling's commitment to preservation of natural resources. Randall said Lake Margrethe remains one of the cleanest lakes in the country."

OK, let's take the colonel's advice and look at Lake Margrethe, which no one would call "one of the cleanest lakes in the country" anymore. In 2016, PFAS contamination was discovered. It is spreading, can't be cleaned up, and will pose increasing health risks for decades! The Michigan DHHS warned “to avoid surface water foam that could contain harmful chemicals”. What good is water if you can’t drink, bathe or swim in it?This was not the first chemical contamination of Camp Grayling. The PFAS was discovered in a monitoring well for another pollutant, trichloroethylene (TCE). Similar contaminations have occurred at other bases like Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda County, and Camp Lejeune, N.C.

I don't believe the military would lie or intentionally endanger people, wildlife or the environment. I do worry about the "next" DDT, Agent Orange, PFAS, TCE, etc. History has shown that "They do not know what they do not know." And that has proven to be dangerous, even deadly.

Electronic warfare is new and its effects and hazards are not fully understood. Let’s not find out here. Please let the DNR know how you feel with an email to DNR-Camp-Grayling@Michigan.gov.

What have the Democrats done for us lately?

Democrats save Michiganders money. The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, caps annual drug costs at $2,000, and insulin at $35/month for 2.1 million Michigan Medicare recipients. 

Over 900,000 Michiganders are diabetic, but thanks to Republicans, only those on Medicare receive the $35 monthly insulin price. About 568,000 Michiganders are U.S. military veterans. Thank you! 

And thanks to Democrats, veterans suffering debilitating diseases resulting from burn pit exposure will receive the care they need. Nearly 1 million Michiganders benefit from the Affordable Care Act. 

Thanks to Democrats, increased subsidies will be available to keep premiums affordable. There are 2.7 million cars in Michigan. Many car owners will transition to electric vehicles over the next 10 years, decreasing carbon emissions to help tackle the climate crisis, and receive sizable rebates. Michiganders will benefit from big subsidies for renewable energy investments like solar and wind, and heat pumps. The CHIPS Act will help Michigan auto makers produce more EVs and batteries, providing Michiganders good paying jobs. 

Finally, Michigan expects to receive $1 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The vote is yours. Use it wisely!