Oil City News publishes letters, cartoons and opinions as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Oil City News or its employees. Letters to the editor can be submitted by following the link at our opinion section.
Wyoming citizens have input on judges
Dear Casper,
In the April 25 news, Ross Schriftman says that Wyoming judges are picked by lawyers without public input, then installed by the governor.
That’s only part of the process. The panel of people who pick the candidates consist of lawyers, people of the community and others. The three candidates are properly vetted and their names submitted to the governor, who picks the person he feels best suited to the job.
After a year in office that judge — whether in local, district, state and possibly federal court — is placed on the ballot of the general election for the people of Wyoming to decide whether they retain their seat on the bench, which is not the process used for federal level judges, including the Supreme Court.
Once again, Mr. Schriftman is skewing facts to represent his personal agenda regarding politics. The fact remains that Wyoming citizens are chosen for the nominating panel — from all sectors — and Wyoming citizens ratify whether that judge is serving the general public properly through the ballot box, regardless of personal political beliefs, despite what the so-called “Freedom Caucus” and Mr. Schriftman would have you believe.
Joseph L. Rogers
Casper
Stable coin: Government spending, overreach beyond its proper role
Dear Casper,
Wyoming’s creation of a state-backed Stable coin — backed by over $91 million — represents government spending and overreach beyond its proper role.
Government’s responsibilities are to protect liberty and property, build infrastructure, and fund public education — not to enter financial markets as a competitor while also regulating them. By launching its own digital currency, the state risks distorting competition and crowding out private innovation — using public funds to do so.
If a government-backed Stable coin were truly necessary, the private sector would already be providing it without taxpayer support. Instead, this initiative shifts financial risk onto the public while allowing the state to expand its role in markets it was never meant to occupy.
A state-backed digital currency also raises concerns about financial surveillance, censorship and control. When government expands beyond its proper role, so does its influence over individual choices.
If we value limited government and responsible spending, we should reject this overreach and leave financial innovation to the private sector.
Yours in Liberty,
Neil Jeske
Casper
Dear Casper,
On Saturday, May 9, letter carriers across the country will once again take part in the nation’s largest one-day food drive — the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive. Right here in our community, we’re inviting every resident to take part in this simple but powerful effort to help neighbors facing food insecurity.
Participating is easy. Just place a bag of non-perishable food items by your mailbox before your regular mail delivery on May 9. Your letter carrier will collect the donations as they deliver the mail, and every item collected stays right here in our community — supporting local food banks and families in need.
We are especially in need of:
- Canned vegetables, fruits, and soups
- Canned meats such as tuna or chicken
- Peanut butter and other protein-rich foods
- Pasta, rice, and boxed meals
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Shelf-stable milk and juice
- Hygiene items such as soap and toothpaste
Please avoid glass containers and expired items.
Food insecurity affects more families than many realize, and this drive is a direct way to make a difference. With just a small donation, you can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
Stamp out hunger as the nation’s largest one day food drive. This is neighbors helping neighbors! Many people do not know where their next meal will come from.
The time is crucial because food banks are running low. From donations for holidays, kids are getting out of school. The elderly are always choosing between medicines and food. Food insecurity has increased exponentially.
Join us on May 9. Set out a bag, lend a hand, and help us Stamp Out Hunger.
Rene Eberhardt
Casper
