Waterloo and Cedar Falls speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Sep. 11, 2026
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Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Courier.
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I saw the term "Alphabet City" applied to Lincoln. I believe this is because we use most of the letters from A to Z to name our streets going south to north.
I'd like to propose that we start changing the streets named by the alphabet into streets named after somebody that we would like to honor. It doesn't have to be done fast and we could take our time picking out good names.
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I sure wish Governor Pillen was as good at lowering taxes as he is at directing gameday traffic.
Sue Harrold, Lincoln
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Last week, Nebraska saw its first State Fair debate since 2018, between Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn. After watching, I think the choice is clear.
Pete Ricketts has eight years leading Nebraska. He navigated floods, wildfires and a pandemic, and still left the state with a budget surplus while cutting taxes for Nebraska families. You don't have to agree with him on everything, but his record speaks for itself.
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Been following the stories on data centers seeking to build in several places in Nebraska. Seems like this is something that needs a lot of thought before a community signs on the dotted line.
Concerns that seem to come up a lot are the stresses placed on power and water resources. Not much question that these centers use a lot of both.
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Never could I have predicted that I’d be pining for the good old days of Teddy Roosevelt, the manliest of manly-men presidents, who said “speak softly and carry a big stick” about foreign policy strategy (thanks for the reminder, LJS, "Today in History," Sept. 2).
From Iran to Israel, Canada to Korea, Europe to Ukraine, the blowhards running this country straight into the ground apparently prefer a different strategy: “Speak bigly, and carry a soft … stick.” How embarrassing, that whole lot. Time to throw them out of office.
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When Pillen took office as governor three years ago, there was a surplus of money in our state account. There was also a surplus of money in all other funded accounts. The first year in office, he and the Republican Legislature wiped that surplus out. How did they do that? He convinced the Legislature to grant tax relief to the wealthy and tax relief to big corporations. He then got the Legislature to pass a bill to provide tax dollars for his kids to go to private schools (Catholic).
That first year cost taxpayers over $10 million until the voters stopped it after the first year. This didn't stop Pillen. After nine trips to see President Trump, he now has the federal government paying for private schools. He has now for the last two years cost the state to have millions of dollars in deficit. To get the state to balance the budget, he has raided state funds, laid off people, added taxes to several grocery items.
- Updated
Many years ago, President Richard Nixon warned us that a single political generation, such as the one currently ensconced in Washington right now, could wreck the entire American experiment. We just weren’t listening.
That warning came during a visit to Lincoln in January 1971 when Nixon spoke at the UNL Coliseum to congratulate the football team and make a major address on the generational divide.
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Susan Frazier says government is not a business (Journal Star letter, Aug. 7, 2026).
In reality, government is a huge out-of-control business.
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Chris Backemeyer came out to visit with the Butler County Democrats several times this year. Butler County has historically voted Republican, across all seats, but Chris has hope, persistence and goals to accomplish. Each visit, he gave us his attention and answered our questions.
Along with affordable healthcare, humane immigration regulation that includes secure borders, and working through the gridlock in Washington, Chris wants to address the out-of-control national debt.
- Updated
Nebraska’s Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver helps older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities.
The Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts’ recent report (Journal Star, Aug. 25) identifies serious concerns involving billing, documentation, eligibility and provider practices. These problems deserve attention. But providers who follow the rules should not pay the price for those who do not.
- Updated
President Trump (Mr. “Art of the Deal”) has yet to realize that he can be read like a cheap novel. His negotiating style is all bluster.
The Iranians have figured that out. Our allies all but ignore him. And our trading partners simply push back (Canada) or cozy up to him while waiting for him to TACO (Trump always chickens out).
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I support Chris Backemeyer for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District because he understands the challenges facing families, farmers and rural communities.
Chris is focused on making health care affordable and accessible, lowering the everyday costs of gas and groceries, and supporting agriculture and rural Nebraska. He also recognizes the importance of reining in our national debt and addressing Washington’s gridlock and dysfunction with practical, bipartisan leadership.
- Updated
A consortium of eight local environmental groups held a forum last week for Lincoln and Lancaster County candidates running for the Nebraska Legislature. Of the 11 candidates invited, six participated: Caitlin Knutson (District 2), George Dungan (District 26), Patty Pansing Brooks (District 28), Janet Bock (District 30), Shay Smith (District 32) and Danielle Conrad (District 46). Thanks to them for their time and effort to prepare for and attend the forum.
The candidates shared thoughtful views about environmental stewardship and how it would affect their work in the Legislature. They talked about how they would address specific issues facing Nebraskans today, such as changes in our weather, data centers, nitrates in water, use of Nebraska Environmental Trust funds, tree canopy, native prairies and goals to reduce carbon pollution. Audience members did not ask questions during the forum but had ample opportunity to talk with the candidates in the reception that followed.
- Updated
Does the U.S. learn from history, and do we no longer believe in fairness and ethics? It is understood now that the imperialism of our European ancestors was wrong.
For a long period of time, Great Britain and Spain and other European countries used force to overwhelm less powerful countries and then exploited the people and natural resources of the countries overtaken. This was wrong, and I thought most people today realize this was wrong. How is what is happening now in Venezuela any different?
- Updated
Why preserve Tree Hill? Because it would be an act of great wisdom and foresight, for generations past and future. Venerating Powhatan Village and 13,000 years of Indigenous and American history would safeguard sacred land that is the heart of the region we call home.
What could that look like? Let Tree Hill be preserved in a true collaboration led by native tribes and community and conservation representatives. Dreaming big? Absolutely. How else can Richmond rise?
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I will not be voting for any incumbents in this November's election. What have our present and often career politicians done for you and your family?
Let me make a partial list of what they have NOT done.
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On Aug. 27, The Times-Dispatch published an article regarding the decision of Chesterfield to place a moratorium on data centers. I applaud the county’s decisions but think that other counties, cities and towns in the area need to step up activities to contain hyperscale datacenters (facilities over 10,000 square feet and 100-megawatt capacity).
State and local governments issue laws governing smaller data centers while the federal government sets rules for hyperscale+ data centers. The federal government has chosen not to partner with local governments to protect voter interests. It has instead focused on easing access of investors to data center investments, thereby overriding protection of local property and residents.
- Updated
Two Republican legislators from the valley previously requested a special session to consider NextEra Energy's interest in acquiring Dominion Energy. Now, 14 Democrats have joined in by registering their similar concerns.
And they are correct to do so.
- Updated
Gun control is one of the most controversial social issues in the United States. The supporters of gun control think that reasonable laws can reduce gun violence, prevent slip-ups and make a safer environment/community.
The major problem people are having with these guns are the gun-related deaths and injuries. These weapons are used in things such as homicides, suicides, mass shootings and also accidental shootings. These things could be avoided by doing stronger background checks and restricting firearms from people who pose serious danger to others or themselves. This could prevent weapons from being in the wrong hands.
More like this...
I saw the term "Alphabet City" applied to Lincoln. I believe this is because we use most of the letters from A to Z to name our streets going south to north.
I'd like to propose that we start changing the streets named by the alphabet into streets named after somebody that we would like to honor. It doesn't have to be done fast and we could take our time picking out good names.
Last week, Nebraska saw its first State Fair debate since 2018, between Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn. After watching, I think the choice is clear.
Pete Ricketts has eight years leading Nebraska. He navigated floods, wildfires and a pandemic, and still left the state with a budget surplus while cutting taxes for Nebraska families. You don't have to agree with him on everything, but his record speaks for itself.
Been following the stories on data centers seeking to build in several places in Nebraska. Seems like this is something that needs a lot of thought before a community signs on the dotted line.
Concerns that seem to come up a lot are the stresses placed on power and water resources. Not much question that these centers use a lot of both.
Never could I have predicted that I’d be pining for the good old days of Teddy Roosevelt, the manliest of manly-men presidents, who said “speak softly and carry a big stick” about foreign policy strategy (thanks for the reminder, LJS, "Today in History," Sept. 2).
From Iran to Israel, Canada to Korea, Europe to Ukraine, the blowhards running this country straight into the ground apparently prefer a different strategy: “Speak bigly, and carry a soft … stick.” How embarrassing, that whole lot. Time to throw them out of office.
When Pillen took office as governor three years ago, there was a surplus of money in our state account. There was also a surplus of money in all other funded accounts. The first year in office, he and the Republican Legislature wiped that surplus out. How did they do that? He convinced the Legislature to grant tax relief to the wealthy and tax relief to big corporations. He then got the Legislature to pass a bill to provide tax dollars for his kids to go to private schools (Catholic).
That first year cost taxpayers over $10 million until the voters stopped it after the first year. This didn't stop Pillen. After nine trips to see President Trump, he now has the federal government paying for private schools. He has now for the last two years cost the state to have millions of dollars in deficit. To get the state to balance the budget, he has raided state funds, laid off people, added taxes to several grocery items.
Many years ago, President Richard Nixon warned us that a single political generation, such as the one currently ensconced in Washington right now, could wreck the entire American experiment. We just weren’t listening.
That warning came during a visit to Lincoln in January 1971 when Nixon spoke at the UNL Coliseum to congratulate the football team and make a major address on the generational divide.
Susan Frazier says government is not a business (Journal Star letter, Aug. 7, 2026).
In reality, government is a huge out-of-control business.
Chris Backemeyer came out to visit with the Butler County Democrats several times this year. Butler County has historically voted Republican, across all seats, but Chris has hope, persistence and goals to accomplish. Each visit, he gave us his attention and answered our questions.
Along with affordable healthcare, humane immigration regulation that includes secure borders, and working through the gridlock in Washington, Chris wants to address the out-of-control national debt.
Nebraska’s Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver helps older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities.
The Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts’ recent report (Journal Star, Aug. 25) identifies serious concerns involving billing, documentation, eligibility and provider practices. These problems deserve attention. But providers who follow the rules should not pay the price for those who do not.
President Trump (Mr. “Art of the Deal”) has yet to realize that he can be read like a cheap novel. His negotiating style is all bluster.
The Iranians have figured that out. Our allies all but ignore him. And our trading partners simply push back (Canada) or cozy up to him while waiting for him to TACO (Trump always chickens out).
I support Chris Backemeyer for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District because he understands the challenges facing families, farmers and rural communities.
Chris is focused on making health care affordable and accessible, lowering the everyday costs of gas and groceries, and supporting agriculture and rural Nebraska. He also recognizes the importance of reining in our national debt and addressing Washington’s gridlock and dysfunction with practical, bipartisan leadership.
A consortium of eight local environmental groups held a forum last week for Lincoln and Lancaster County candidates running for the Nebraska Legislature. Of the 11 candidates invited, six participated: Caitlin Knutson (District 2), George Dungan (District 26), Patty Pansing Brooks (District 28), Janet Bock (District 30), Shay Smith (District 32) and Danielle Conrad (District 46). Thanks to them for their time and effort to prepare for and attend the forum.
The candidates shared thoughtful views about environmental stewardship and how it would affect their work in the Legislature. They talked about how they would address specific issues facing Nebraskans today, such as changes in our weather, data centers, nitrates in water, use of Nebraska Environmental Trust funds, tree canopy, native prairies and goals to reduce carbon pollution. Audience members did not ask questions during the forum but had ample opportunity to talk with the candidates in the reception that followed.
Does the U.S. learn from history, and do we no longer believe in fairness and ethics? It is understood now that the imperialism of our European ancestors was wrong.
For a long period of time, Great Britain and Spain and other European countries used force to overwhelm less powerful countries and then exploited the people and natural resources of the countries overtaken. This was wrong, and I thought most people today realize this was wrong. How is what is happening now in Venezuela any different?
Why preserve Tree Hill? Because it would be an act of great wisdom and foresight, for generations past and future. Venerating Powhatan Village and 13,000 years of Indigenous and American history would safeguard sacred land that is the heart of the region we call home.
What could that look like? Let Tree Hill be preserved in a true collaboration led by native tribes and community and conservation representatives. Dreaming big? Absolutely. How else can Richmond rise?
I will not be voting for any incumbents in this November's election. What have our present and often career politicians done for you and your family?
Let me make a partial list of what they have NOT done.
On Aug. 27, The Times-Dispatch published an article regarding the decision of Chesterfield to place a moratorium on data centers. I applaud the county’s decisions but think that other counties, cities and towns in the area need to step up activities to contain hyperscale datacenters (facilities over 10,000 square feet and 100-megawatt capacity).
State and local governments issue laws governing smaller data centers while the federal government sets rules for hyperscale+ data centers. The federal government has chosen not to partner with local governments to protect voter interests. It has instead focused on easing access of investors to data center investments, thereby overriding protection of local property and residents.
Two Republican legislators from the valley previously requested a special session to consider NextEra Energy's interest in acquiring Dominion Energy. Now, 14 Democrats have joined in by registering their similar concerns.
And they are correct to do so.
Gun control is one of the most controversial social issues in the United States. The supporters of gun control think that reasonable laws can reduce gun violence, prevent slip-ups and make a safer environment/community.
The major problem people are having with these guns are the gun-related deaths and injuries. These weapons are used in things such as homicides, suicides, mass shootings and also accidental shootings. These things could be avoided by doing stronger background checks and restricting firearms from people who pose serious danger to others or themselves. This could prevent weapons from being in the wrong hands.
More like this...
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