Thumbs down to major candidates
Thumbs down to major party presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama for backing out of a proposed candidates debate forum on veterans issues at Ft. Hood, Texas. The debate would have included Independent candidate Ralph Nader, and reflects the likelihood that the two major parties will agree to block minority party candidates from future debates even if polls show there is six percent or more voter support. The process needs to be open to force the major parties to speak to more issues.Mixed thumbs to test scores

Thumbs up to anglers
Thumbs up to those that participated in the North American Sturgeon Championship Saturday. The tournament brought out 250 people, more than in previous years. The afternoon provided participants with several hours of fun with friends and family while enjoying the sport of fishing.

Thumbs up to organizers
Thumbs up to a group of people attempting to establish the Swedish Immigrant Trail in Minnesota that recognizes a piece of the state’s history. It follows a railroad bed abandoned in the late 1940s that was used as a route by Swedish immigrants. The hiking and biking trail is one-third finished with several segments open for use in Chisago County.

Thumbs up to Ranier
Thumbs up to Ranier for the fantastic fireworks display on the evening of their centennial festival. They were beautiful and well executed. The glistening waters of Sand Bay on such a balmy night never looked so enchanting as on this special occasion.

Thumbs up to dogs, owners
Thumbs up to the many fun-loving dog owners who playfully decorated their animals and in the spirit of the day, presented them in the parade for all to enjoy a lighter view of life during Ranier’s celebration. And, thumbs up to the dogs, who behaved well under extraordinary circumstances.

Thumbs up to church
Thumbs up to Littlefork Lutheran Church for offering an interesting parade and poignant bell tower dedication as well as great food and a historical review at their well-attended centennial celebration.

It’s a draw
It’s neither thumbs up or thumbs down for the first look at science knowledge testing of Minnesota children in fifth and eight grades. Will the Minnesota Department of Education take a long term, qualitative approach to improving knowledge? Let us hope they do not adapt a No Child Left Behind approach to rote memorization of facts to better prepare students for tests but not necessarily higher learning

Thumbs up to VNP
Thumbs up to Voyageurs National Park and its staff for bringing the North Canoes to be a part of the Ranier centennial celebration.

Thumbs up to North Star Hospice
Thumbs up to participants and organizers of the monarch butterfly release that benefitted North Star Hospice. The release gives people a wonderful way to let go of the people they have lost.