“Off the Square” on right track
I fail to understand the reasoning behind the letter writer criticizing “Off the Square” (Feedback, “Poor Taste,” 10/29/2015). The cartoon’s criticism of the prevalence of ease of access of guns is apt, and if it’s a silly presentation, it’s a good way to give perspective about a horrifying and depressing topic.
Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services 2014 report on suicides in Wisconsin summarized that “Firearms were the most frequently utilized means of suicide in Wisconsin. Males used firearms more often than females who died by suicide. Suicide attempts using firearms were more likely to result in death than those in which other means were utilized.” Uhhhh...duh.
Please don’t take the letter writer’s advice. Amazing cartoon. Never cut it.
Kevin P. Boyle (via email)
Offensive ad
The Silk Exotic Madison ad is exceedingly disgusting. Do not use again. Offensive.
Jacqueline Sullivan (via email)
Choose love
Yvette Ferris’ “Unexpected Lessons” (10/29/2015) captured in a very few words the rewards of love and the fact that we have choice even in the most difficult circumstances. The essay encapsulates the joy she derived from caring for her father as he declined with Alzheimer’s. Daily life imposes many compromises on the time we spend with those we love, even in the best of times. The essay was inspiring not only to those of us who have watched loved ones descend through this horrible disease; it also quietly asks us to question our daily decisions, and ensure that we put what is most important to us in the forefront.
Marv Wickens (via email)
Student voting hurdles
Regarding “Poll Position” (10/29/2015), I agree that UW-Madison should do more to help students get an ID that can be used for voting. Having evening hours and more than one location where the special voter ID card can be obtained could be a start. However, the real villain in this situation is the Legislature. Their requirement that there must be a two-year expiration on college student IDs for the purpose of voting makes no sense. They also require that students must show proof of enrollment to use their student ID as voter ID, thereby proving that they are enrolled in school at the time of the election. If this were the case whether the ID was issued for two years or for five years, why the two-year limitation?
In addition to the hassle for students in obtaining the necessary identification, poll workers will need to check both the ID and the proof of enrollment document, likely adding to long lines and waits at student wards.
Shirley Haidinger (via email)