What did legislators really accomplish?

June 14, Flag Day, marks our wedding anniversary. For years, my daughter remembered our anniversary because the curbs of our city neighborhood were lined with flags every few feet.

This year, my city-dwelling daughter forgot. Those little plastic flags no longer fly on city curbs. This simple, heart-lifting act of American patriotism seems to have vanished. Is this indicative of the new American attitude?

A letter by Dave Butcher in the Journal/Echo said Minnesota is back on track with the tax and spend that Gov. Dayton and the DFL passed at the Legislature. Back on track to what, may I ask?

You would think state government spending has starved, tax collections have been going down and the health exchange legislation was some cost-saving idea.

Our public schools keep getting dumber.

Glenn Reynolds, the Instapundit, frequently runs articles that make dramatic points on companion issues: the higher education bubble and K-12 education bubble.

With respect to the higher ed bubble, he highlights the complete and utter stupidity of goings on in the university system like stupid class offerings, free speech codes, outrageous actions by professors and administrators, etc.

Several weeks ago the Echo carried as a front page article the story of Rep. Rick Nolan’s visit to the Pequot Lakes High School students. The theme of his visit was respect, honesty and integrity.

What timely topics in today’s world where it seems so many are out for what they can get and at whatever price.

I applaud the congressman for taking the time to spend with these young folks to encourage them to be good citizens, especially at a time when poor judgement and self serving interests seem to be the theme of the day.