The New Harold Smith

Harold Smith (not his real name) was a gentleman (now deceased) who lived in the next small town west of here, and he wrote letters to the editor (of the newspaper in the bigger town) regularly. Every month or two, there would be a new letter to the editor from Harold. They were usually one sentence long, but quite pointed and pertinent. The other interesting thing about Harold was that he didn't look like a thoughtful person. People saw him around town (the big town) quite a bit; he went to most events where there was free food, including funerals of people he didn't know that well or maybe at all, and he looked like an old-time hobo - grizzled, stooped, and dressed in castoffs from Goodwill. But then there were these letters, so we learned not to judge a book by its cover.

I have an ambition to become the new Harold Smith - hopefully not in appearance, but in writing short but thoughtful letters to the editor. The paper doesn't print too many letters, so I've quit sending them every week and am sending them every month or so. Here are the ones I've sent so far:

Regarding the school levy proposal, which was defeated:

#1 -

To everyone who voted for the school levy:

Each year for the next ten years, when our property taxes come due, let's write a check to the school district for the amount the levy would have increased our taxes. That way at least they'll get some of the money.

If your taxes wouldn't have increased, just send them a check anyway.

Or volunteer in some way to make up the difference. Or help a child learn something outside the school.

Supporting education is still worthwhile even if "everyone" isn't doing it!

#2 -

To everyone who voted against the school levy:

If you wanted to support education, but couldn't afford the tax increase, then let's all put in a few extra hours in lieu of the money. Tutor a child. Volunteer in a classroom. Start an extra-curricular activity for free. Teach a child something other than academics - life, home or financial skills; arts, athletics or agriculture; mechanics, woodworking or animal care.

Supporting education doesn't have to cost money, and it doesn't have to happen in the school.

#3 -

Dear Editor:

Before the elections, in an interview, I heard a candidate repeatedly say "People want…" and fill in the blank with any number of good things that people undoubtedly do want. But I have a big problem with the idea that if people want something, they should be able to go into a little booth on November 2, check a box on a piece of paper, and get it.

Regarding the usual stories at Thanksgiving about how mean turkey farmers are to their birds, including a misleading video taken by the Humane Society at our local turkey hatchery and shown on Minnesota TV news:

#4 - Dear Editor:

Regarding the silly furor over "inhumane" turkey farming: All animal farmers have one goal - healthy, happy and heavy animals. Their profits depend on reaching that goal, so every practice is geared to reducing stress and increasing productivity. Film editors can cut and paste to achieve their desired results, so don't believe everything you see.

As you can see, my letters are longer than one sentence, but they're still pretty short! Unlike this blog entry...