Winona Daily News

Letters to the editor for Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Immigrants pay their way and extra

By Doug Nopar | Winona

The Arcadia mayor’s recently proposed attempts to rid his community of undocumented immigrant workers are, at best, completely misguided. Study after study has shown that undocumented workers pay far more in taxes than they receive in public services. They pay sales tax when they shop. They pay state and federal payroll taxes with each paycheck.

And even though many will never claim social security benefits, undocumented workers pay social security taxes with each paycheck as well. In fact, with 11 million undocumented workers in the current U.S. economy, what kind of state would our Social Security system be in without their crucial contributions?

A different view of direct sales

By Christine Schmidt-LaDuke | Cochrane, Wis.

Regarding Tania Schmidt’s column on direct sales, here is the flip side of the coin.

I have been with a direct sales company for 10 years. This experience provides a nice income, confidence and friendships.

Unfortunately it sounds like Mrs. Schmidt has had a bad experience. To only make $18.41 would be frustrating, but I can say that my over $10,000 a year is very rewarding. You get out of the business what you put into it.

For hosting a show, there is no requirement to spend $80 for food and drink per the column’s example or to have brownies and punch. Food isn’t the star of the show, the host is. It is an opportunity to socialize with friends while shopping for quality product from the comfort of your couch. Host programs are profitable. Free is free. If a host chooses to take advantage of other discounts available to him/ her, that is their choice. The last party I hosted, I spent $100 but received over $500 in product. Would your local department store do that?

Why should you buy from a direct sales company? Where else can you pull out a potato and practice slicing before you buy the “thing-a-ma-bob,” or hang a picture on your wall to see if it matches your carpet, or try on 20 pieces of jewelry to get your friends’ opinion before you spend the money? The personal customer service you get from your consultant is priceless. I can’t remember the last time I bought an appliance from a store and they called to see if I was enjoying it and if I had any questions on how to use it.

Direct sales has provided a lot for me, as a customer, host and a consultant. I encourage everyone to give it a try!

Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

By Rose Cyert | Winona

Aug. 26 is the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, when women achieved the hard-fought right to vote. Since 1971, America has observed this date as Women’s Equality Day. While women gained suffrage all those years ago, equity is still an issue today.

Women’s Equality Day is a time for all of us to remember that women weren’t “given” the vote; they fought fiercely for that right. And women’s votes are a vital tool they can use to shape the policy issues that affect them every day.

I join with the American Association of University Women to use this opportunity to not only celebrate this critical moment in history, but to call on women to use and value this hard-won right.

JOBS