Tag: Wisconsin

On
John Huebscher

Judges on board deserve our thanks

Eye on the Capitol by John Huebscher

It is difficult to think of a scandal as a good thing. But the scandal triggered by violations of election and lobby laws 10 years ago, that led to reforming state regulation of both activities, had a positive effect.

One such reform merged the State Elections Board and the State Ethics Board into a new Government Accountability Board (GAB) with different membership. This has proven to be a very good thing.

Most members of the former Elections Board were designees of partisan leadership in the legislature. Board members did their best, but they had limited powers and were often expected to represent the interests of partisan leaders who appointed them.

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On
Tom Nelson

Shaking the hand that feeds you

The warmer than usual early spring weather has unleashed a flurry of activity and interest in gardening projects (urban and rural), farmers’ markets, and local farm produce available from our area farmers.

The Rural Life Office of Catholic Charities receives calls from those seeking local, fresh produce grower information so, in this section of the Catholic Herald, we will provide some basics for understanding different models of Wisconsin farming production and the communities they serve.

Conventional farming

Wisconsin has a long and esteemed position in providing for our nation’s food system. Our dairy herds are of all sizes and produce dairy products for direct sale through grocery businesses as well as providing the major ingredients for world renowned, artisan-crafted cheeses throughout our state.

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On
Laura Karlen

Amendment would protect all pre-born babies

To the editor:

I just read the article on efforts to provide constitutional protections for pre-born children in Wisconsin.

Catholics who argue that a Wisconsin Personhood Amendment is “wrong  for Wisconsin” might look to the Catechism for guidance. Taken from an excerpt of Donum Vitae (authored by Cardinal Ratzinger before he  became Pope Benedict XVI), Catechism 2270 states, “From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having  the rights of a person among which is the inviolable right of every  innocent being to life.”

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On
Mary C. Uhler

Abstinence education: Why it’s more important than ever

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

In Wisconsin, we’ve been hearing a lot in the media these days about sex education. Our state Legislature is debating a bill which would overturn a law passed two years ago called the Healthy Youth Act.

That law required public schools that offer sex education to teach about proper use of contraceptives, among other things. The proposed new law, called the “Strong Communities . . . Healthy Kids Act,” would emphasize abstinence as the only reliable way to prevent pregnancy and disease.

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On
Peggy Hamill

On medical decision-making

Each fall, as we observe October, Respect Life Month, we are reminded of our obligation to combat the relentless attacks on all innocent human life.

Guest Column logo

Our experience throughout this past spring and summer indicates that in addition to the tragic killing of our preborn brothers and sisters, assaults on vulnerable elderly, sick, and disabled people are definitely on the rise, especially here in Wisconsin.

Providing advice, advocacy

Pro-Life Wisconsin is being enlisted to provide more and more materials, speakers, advice, and direct advocacy regarding end-of-life and medical decisions.

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On
Chris Lee

Sister Marie Mark Yerkey, OP, dies

SINSINAWA — Sr. Marie Mark Yerkey, OP, died July 20, 2011, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa July 25, 2011, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.

Sr. Marie Mark made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1945, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1948. She taught elementary school for 14 years, high school for 30 years, and adult education literacy classes for five years. Sister Marie Mark ministered at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Wis., in the business office, the transportation department and the mail room. She served in Illinois, New York, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

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On
John Huebscher

Is conceal carry proposal necessary?

Eye on the Capitol by John Huebscher

The right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and by the Wisconsin Constitution.

But that right, like many others, is not absolute and may be regulated to a certain extent. One such regulation is our state’s current ban on carrying concealed weapons.

Proposal up for consideration

Wisconsin is nearly alone in that regard. For some time this fact has fueled a desire to join other states in permitting citizens to carry a concealed weapon (CCW). Such legislation has passed twice in recent years only to be vetoed by Governor Doyle.

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