 To the Editor: I am heartbroken for this country as I watched a true hero, Volodymyr Zelensky, endure beratement and dismissal at the hands of two bullies. Zelensky, a leader and ally to the United States, has demonstrated immense courage, even expressing his willingness to step down from his presidency if it means securing peace for his nation. Yet, he was met with hostility and disrespect by individuals more focused on power and self-interest than on global security and democratic values. The press conference was a disgrace, an embarrassment to the United States. Our leadership is not strengthened by deception, manipulation, or bullying—it is weakened, leaving us vulnerable to those eager to exploit a fragile ego and self-serving ambitions. This is not about politics; this is about character. We teach our children not to lie, bully, or humiliate others, yet that is exactly what our president embodies and promotes. While members of the GOP continue to prioritize their careers over the integrity of this nation, President Zelensky sat with dignity, enduring humiliation and abuse for the sake of his country. His honor stood in stark contrast to the disgraceful display of our leadership—a new low in our nation’s history. Michelle Petz Newaygo, MI
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 Photo by Maureen Madrid-Wilson N3: On Monday, February 24, 2 staffers from U.S. Representative John Moolenaar came to the Newaygo Library to meet with local citizens. To the Editor: Picture, if you will, a gathering of people. As you are waiting to go in and be seated, you are thinking to yourself, “I don’t think I have much in common with these people”. This is a gathering for Representative John Moolinaar who represents the 2nd Congressional District in Michigan. As I look around, I see mostly “mature” folks, but there are a few younger ones. I realize that most people are working at this time of day, so it is to be expected. The two sacrificial lambs, I mean staffers, sent in his place, welcome us in. We put our information on the sign in sheet ( the cynical part of me thinks “great, now they will have us on the hit list”). A few pleasantries are exchanged… I don’t think anyone really knows what to expect. The staffers tell us we will go around the room and make our comments. Steve Hulst is the first one to get to dive in. He has a comment about immigration policies. He has paperwork and a very well thought out presentation that he asks the lambs to deliver to Representative Moolenaar. I was next in line. I started out by saying I have emailed the Congressman several times and I get the basic form letter back; questioning whether he actually reads it himself or is it done by one of the lucky staffers? Do they respond or is it an AI response? I tell them I was going to mail an actual letter, and ask if they will hand deliver it. I ask if I can read the letter out loud. The letter is short, basically telling Representative Moolenaar he works for the people of Michigan and he swore an oath to defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and DOMESTIC and that he NEEDED TO DO HIS JOB. I was very surprised when the group actually applauded my letter. Then as we went one by one and everyone had their moment to state their opinion, feelings, comments and concerns a really COOL thing happened…WE WERE ALL IN AGREEMENT! Approximately 30 people from Fremont, White Cloud, Cedar Springs, Morley, Newaygo, Grant were ONE VOICE. We don’t like what is happening in DC and we want our “Civil Servant” to know it and take that knowledge back to DC. So as divided as we are as a country, there is a glimmer of hope that we can come together- unfortunately, the common enemy seems to be our president and his unelected, non-citizen, chainsaw wielding, right hand man. Raise your voice! Speak out! Be involved! Our voices matter! Maureen Madrid-Wilson Newaygo  Rep Joseph Fox taking in a Grant School Board meeting August 2023 Since Near North Now began publication in 2016 we have on occasion reached out to our State Reps for their input on issues as well as posted their viewpoints on the same. Jon Bumstead and Scott VanSingel were always pretty responsive to our requests which makes it all the more puzzling that despite our efforts we hear nothing but crickets when we attempt to contact current Rep Joseph Fox. Feb 17 Good morning. Would you care to comment on the decision by House Republicans to not take up the bill aimed at increasing transparency by opening lawmakers and the governor to public records requests? Rep Fox —-------------------- Feb 12 Good morning Joseph Any comment or viewpoint on House vote to withhold funds for cities and universities who do not cooperate with ICE? Rep Fox —----------------------- Feb 6 Can you share with your constituents your views of the GOP plans to withhold earmark funding for cities and counties if their law enforcement agencies don’t enforce or uphold federal immigration law? Rep Fox —------------------- Jan 14 Hello Joseph Possible to get a few words from you regarding the tipped worker legislation and efforts to resolve it? Rep Fox —------------------------- And these are just the most recent. Ok. Perhaps our efforts haven’t reached him in his email. Maybe he doesn’t have time as he said during his first election when we posed questions to he and his Democratic opponent: “Sorry, I will not be able to respond to these questions. I have some other commitments that take priority at this time” This was after having re-sent the questions and his asking for another day or two on a couple of occasions. It might be his reluctance to comment on any ‘hot button’ issues, preferring to fill his social media with the statements created by GOPHouse.Org Or it could be he saw the sign saying ‘NNN Everything Woke’ that once was part of the stream of electronic mumbo jumbo gracing a local eatery for far too long and wishes to not associate with anything that could be construed as ‘Woke’. Whatever might be his resistance toward answering us, it is regrettable he has chosen to disregard our attempts, even after we sent this: Hello Rep Fox As a local media outlet reaching up to 10,000+ readers we're curious as to why you are choosing to ignore our requests for your input on issues that affect our readers (and your constituents). If you find this too cumbersome let us know and we will pass along to them your reluctance toward replying. Ignoring us just seems a bit rude. And once again... Rep Fox ----------------- We have decided to go forward and assume Rep Fox is being selective as to his media outlets. And also hold out hope that the next person who represents the people of our county will be willing to, at the very least, communicate with us. Ken DeLaat, Publisher Alexis Mercer, Editor  By Ken DeLaat While fully aware of the quickfire reactions on social media, particularly regarding any of the current hot button items that draw the usual suspects like flies on dung, it still saddens me how little it takes to bring out the verbal talons. Case in point. It seems a group who obviously possess no knowledge when it comes to being aware of the kind of person Kelly Wawsczyk is, have posted a few comments about her having been employed by the Right Place during the initiative to open the battery plant in BR. Some of these arrived on a post sharing a Near North Now story on Ms. Wawszyck being hired as Director of the Fremont Chamber. Commenting on a person whose character is beyond reproach makes the posters and their sycophantic lot look more than a bit imprudent to those of us who know Kelly. They reveal a personal level of gullibility significant enough to entice a climb aboard any bandwagon that comes along with little regard for the truth. Easily deceived would be a kind description of these folks. Oh, and to the women who commented that Kelly’s looks must have gotten her the job? While actually kind of complimentary to Ms. W.’s appearance, it also begs a ‘Whoa, girls’. I’m getting a strong whiff of jealousy from your pathetic attempts at insulting someone who you apparently must feel outshines you in many, many ways. Particularly, it seems, when it comes to being photogenic. Seriously ladies, go get some help for that.  Departing NC Parks Director Nick Smith with son John  Lori Atwood a Moon Dance fixture for 20 years  Iris Herrera in pre-Voice days belting out the anthem for the Lion faithful  The Wawsczyk group on stage with Flip Orley at the Dogwood Center- Photo by Marianne Boerigter Who's going, who has stayed, whose star is rising and who knows a good time
By Ken DeLaat We understand County Parks Director Nick Smith will be leaving his position soon to share his skills with another county. Newaygo County parks have been transformed during his tenure here, and they have become highly desirable destinations for campers from across the Midwest and beyond. And then, of course,there is The Dragon Trail, a multi-year project that came to fruition this past August. Not only has the trail drawn an incredible amount of users to its unique design and location, it has already received accolades from national publications. If you know a mountain biker just bring up the Dragon and watch their eyes light up. Kudos to Nick for his contributions to the NC tourist industry and particularly the emphasis he placed on increasing accessibility at our parks and good luck to him in his new position. This past week the Moon Dance Cafe held an open house for Lori Atwood who for 20 years has been serving up smiles, kindness, and a caring attitude along with the MD offerings. If you have ever had the opportunity to have Lori as your server, you know. She exudes a warmth that makes you feel glad you came in. Being one who is somewhat challenged when it comes to organizational skills I admire the trait in others and there is a quiet efficiency in how Lori performs her job. Nicely done Lori. And a shout out to MD owner Cathy Martins who goes the extra mile to show her appreciation for her staff. We’re scheduled to interview Iris Herrera this week following her success on the Voice. What has become apparent is how many people and places Iris touched before her recent rise to fame. Congrats on social media have come in from the high school teams she competed with, her involvement in the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, weddings she sang at as well as events where she performed and organizations she helped with. We interviewed Ms. Herrera 3 years ago after hearing her blast out the National Anthem in her Newaygo Varsity Basketball uniform before playing in the game. Once she began, I recall how the entire gym seemed to turn their heads to see who that powerful voice was coming out of. And now she’s turning heads on national television. Our friend Kelly Wawsczyk recently took over as Director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce and this past weekend organized a group of friends and pulled off a double Chamber member social media splash. The group combined a pre- show meal at the Harrington Inn’s Lounge before aseeing Flip Orley at the Dogwood Center. A fun time while serving to promote Chamber folks. It will be interesting to see the positive impact Kelly’s enthusiasm will have on the FACC.  Readers cites concerns about Elon Musk and his access to goverment operations
To the Editor: The recent objection to comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler is somewhat paradoxical, given that these claims originate from the same faction that perpetuated the "rigged election" narrative and instigated the insurrection at the Capitol. The parallels between Hitler and Trump are not without foundation, as both leaders have engaged in the marginalization of immigrants and scapegoating of minority communities for economic and social issues. Both leaders exploited national pride and nostalgia, with Hitler advocating for a "pure" Aryan race and Trump promoting the concept of "making America great again" while denouncing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as detrimental to American greatness. Moreover, both leaders undermined the integrity of the media and sought to delegitimize any opposition or dissent. America presently confronts an even more insidious menace from those who have profited from the Trump administration. Elon Musk has gained unparalleled access to government operations, effectively circumventing Congress by leveraging his young technocrats to dictate the viability of government programs. Musk's infiltration of the Treasury Department's database has granted him access to sensitive information, including social security numbers and federal payment systems. His intent to reduce "wasteful spending" threatens essential programs such as Medicare, Social Security, and VA benefits. Elon Musk's actions can be construed as a coup due to their erosion of democratic processes and concentration of power in the hands of an unelected individual. His circumvention of democratic institutions has provided him significant control over government programs without adhering to standard legislative or electoral protocols, thereby destabilizing the checks and balances integral to power distribution. Musk's companies have amassed billions in government contracts while he actively seeks to shape policy and programs, leading to a potentially authoritarian consolidation of power. Furthermore, his lack of transparency and oversight raises concerns about accountability, while his targeting of vulnerable populations undermines democratic ideals of equality and social justice. Although Musk's actions do not involve the military force or violence characteristic of traditional coups, they nevertheless pose a significant threat to democratic principles and institutions. Now is the time to focus our attention on ensuring that our nation remains a democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people, rather than a playground for the rich and powerful. Michelle Petz Newaygo, MI |
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