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Struggling with the meaning of semantics

Letters

To the editor: I have recently become enraptured with the idea of semantics and meaning and have ended up wondering if we can communicate anything accurately. Recently, I purchased the book titled “Semantics, Pragmatics, Philosophy-a journey through meaning” that delves into the idea of meaning in language. I must admit that I have been left totally intellectually incapacitated with the feeling that language presents more of a barrier to truth than a gateway to understanding. When I hear modern politicians babble on about some stupid topic they want to stand for, I wonder if they ...

Observing National Friends of the Library Week

Columns

By October 19-25 is National Friends of Libraries Week. It is a chance for libraries throughout the United States to recognize the contributions of their Friends of Libraries groups to their communities. New Ulm Public Library is grateful to have an active group of library Friends who support our collections, programming, newsletters, and more through their efforts and donations of both materials and funding. The Friends of the New Ulm Public Library is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) community organization that believes in the importance of the library and its services for people of ...

Don’t take democracy for granted

Letters

To the editor: Don’t take democracy for granted The “No Kings” rally was inspiring. To see hundreds of people peacefully gathered on a lovely fall day. To see passing cars supporting the demonstration with a honk, wave or thumbs up. Our nations citizens are blessed with the freedom to gather, to speak, and to hold values and opinions. Those taking peaceful action are the true patriots of our time. Although I worry about the state of our government as I watch the executive branch attempt to consolidate power and minimize the power of the Legislative and judicial branches, I ...

‘A miracle in the desert’

Letters

To the editor: I am so grateful that President Trump is our president.  His many successes in less than 10 months fill me with pride and optimism for the future. His latest accomplishment of brokering peace in Gaza and the Middle East has been labeled historic and remarkable by leaders from around the world.  Many prominent Democrats are also praising Trump for ending the war in Gaza and his other diplomatic initiatives for world peace.   Trump has shown the entire world how important strong American leadership, coupled with military readiness, is to world peace.  President ...

When giving becomes too much

Columns

Dear Annie: I am struggling with what feels like a small thing, but it weighs on me. I have several great-nieces and great-nephews, and over the years I’ve tried to remember birthdays with cards, little gifts or even just a phone call. Lately, though, I feel overwhelmed. Between the number of children, the cost of presents and my own busy life, I can’t keep up the way I used to. This year, two of them have birthdays coming up, and I find myself dreading it rather than looking forward to celebrating them. Part of me wonders if I should stop sending gifts altogether and just ...

Looking back at spooky times

Columns

It’s a scary time of year. That peculiar holiday called Halloween is upon us, the only occasion wherein we encourage our children to take candy from strangers — after the kiddos issue a vague threat to the homeowner. Trick-or-treating is a grand tradition that dates back centuries. I know this because I participated in trick-or-treating when I was a youngster. There were no commercially produced Halloween costumes back then. At least there weren’t for my seven siblings and me. Kitting out that many kids would have meant that my parents would have lost money in the ...