June 26, 2009 04:17 pm
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Thumbs up
To organizers of the Operation Boots On camp that helps children of soldiers have fun with other kids in the same boat and helps them express feelings associated with having a parent in the military.
The camp held for the first time this year was organized by the U.S. Army with help from groups including 4-H and the Minnesota National Guard’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. Children can participate in activities that give them a sense of some of the things their military parents use like global positioning systems. They sample the military Meals Ready to Eat dishes made in bags with portable heaters.
There is even a “shooting range” with marshmallows blown out of plastic pipes. The camp also just provides a lot of routine summer camp activities as well like camping, hiking and boating. They can hear real soldiers tell their stories in their own words, and just talk with other kids who may be having the same feelings as they are with parents in the military.
Operation Boots On is just another solid way to help children of soldiers understand military operations and the military life, be educated about it and have a chance to express their feelings. It should be a win-win for the kids, their parents and the community at large.
Fine not tied to reality
Thumbs down
To the ridiculous verdict in the song-sharing case in which a Minnesota woman has been fined $1.92 million for sharing 24 songs over the Internet.
The songs would have gone for 99 cents on iTunes, coming to a grand total of about $24.
The recording industry, of course, wants to stop people from giving their products away for free. And that makes sense, but the punishment should fit the crime. The jury had a range of $750 to $30,000 to choose as a fine per copyright infringement. It decided on $80,000 per song.
This is the second time Jammie Thomas-Rasset of Brainerd has been tried on this matter. The case will be appealed, and it really has to be with such an outrageous outcome. (Other people threatened with copyright infringement typically have settled the cases for $3,000 to $5,000.)
But the amount of money spent on the case would provide a lot of music libraries and schools with loads of material if the industry wanted to do some good.
Good idea, but will it work?
Thumbs up
To the plan, originated by two Democrats from Minneapolis, to introduce instruction to drivers that should help them squeeze a little extra mileage out of every gallon of gas.
Rep. Frank Hornstein and Sen. Scott Dibble brought Ford Motor Co. instructors to the Capitol this week for a teaching session, and they say they’re considering legislation to require conservation instruction in the state’s drivers’ education programs.
It’s not really hard to conserve, and every driver can be successful at it provided they show interest. Problem is, it is very difficult to inspire drivers, young or old, to change their habits.
Still, at one time it seemed impossible to suggest homeowners would care enough to separate their trash for recycling projects. Every conservation effort begins with education, and when the effort reaches a saturation point, the effort itself becomes practically a way of life.
Free Press Editorial Board
Thanks to all who serve in armed forces
Thumbs up
I am a proud Army and National Guard grandma.
On June 20, your front-page article “Walking the Walk” was very well done.
I am the very proud grandma of Anton Brown. Our country has many young men and women who choose to stand up and serve our country. Protecting us so we may continue to live in freedom.
To all who have served or are serving in the armed forces of the U.S.A., I say “Thank you, I’m proud of you and God keep you safe.”
I also have another grandson, Jay, serving in the Army National Guard.
Mary Linde
Janesville
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