The invisible lawmakers; the process of dealing with healthcare, Wall Street reform

Want to know what’s causing a lot of people in Washington to work long hours right now? Here’s a hint: it’s not immigration reform or gun control or, for that matter, any other legislation coming down the pike. Instead, it’s a pair of three-year-old laws.

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Editorial - Government trampled on First Amendment in seizing phone records

The Associated Press Media Editors Association condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of the Justice Department in seizing phone records of The Associated Press.

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Column - Mr. President, don't let bloodhounds salivate

This is my open letter to President Barack Obama: Dear Mr. President, Why are you playing right into the hands of your enemies?

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Letter - Honor every day the service people and veterans

There are three days set aside each year to especially honor the men and women who wear and have worn the uniforms of their country: Navy, Marine, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Machine.

Letter - These taxes don't just affect the rich

The Legislature is in the process of finalizing the details of a $2 billion tax increase that will leave Minnesota with one of the highest income tax rates in the country.

Letter - Rally for homeowner hit by tornado

Being insured with American Family for 20 years, they reluctantly paid about one-fifth of that amount.

Letter - Economics teaches you have to pay for it

In the March 22 issue of the Echo Press was a letter from Republican Representative Mary Franson and she stated that an increase of the minimum wage will hurt the working class instead of helping them.

It's Our Turn: Driving on the road to nowhere

It’s 9 p.m. and getting dark. The road we’ve been following through the desert is getting narrower and rougher, and our shiny, red convertible is getting all dusty. We haven’t seen a sign, house or another road in hours.

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Editorial - Attitudes toward mental illnesses need to change

Millions of Americans are dealing with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder and other illnesses. It’s difficult enough to cope with those problems, seek treatment and try to get on the road to recovery, but other factors make it even harder.

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Observations from the archives, 1988: More than 400 trees planted

1963, 50 years ago: Douglas County 4-H Talent Contest winners were named at the Central Junior High School in Alexandria.

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Letter - How can state legislators vote themselves a pay raise?

My research shows that only six states have a minimum wage below the federal minimum wage of $7.25, and Minnesota is one of those six states.

Letter - Entire state needs better transportation

Our regional transportation system has several needs and it’s time to support transportation improvements in our community, especially those that will improve the lives of all of us here in the Douglas County area and across Greater Minnesota.

Letter - Bigamy and slavery are both condoned in Bible

Protestant Fundamentalists and Conservative Catholics are always loud in their proclamation that they love the sinner but hate the sin! But now that same sex marriage is about to become lawful in Minnesota, they will lose another segment of our secular society to condemn passionately with religious protest and heavy church funding.

Letter - A new low at Navy SEAL memorial service

This administration, led by a Muslim president, has hit a new low.

Letter - Reasons for voting yes to same-sex marriage

As you may know, the Minnesota House of Representatives took up a bill to allow same-sex civil marriage this past week. The bill doesn’t force any church to perform marriages that go against their religious beliefs.