Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
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Another idea that perhaps Thomas Bodensteiner (Journal Star letter to the editor, 11/6) didn't consider when he wrote that LPS middle school children are being schooled in socialism in the classroom, is perhaps the real answer and reason for their voting (of mainly Democratic candidates) is discussion taking place in their own homes.
To say that teachers alone are indoctrinating their pupils is ridiculous, especially at the age of middle schoolers. I would hope that in any civics class, regardless of any age, they are presented with different ideas and opportunities for discussion, for all candidates that are on the ballot.
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Coach Rhule called Dana Holgorsen "one of the best offensive minds of our generation" and fired him five days later. During that five-day span, did Coach Holgorsen lose his prowess, or did Coach Rhule have an epiphany?
Fred C Lupher, Lincoln
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Today I am embarrassed to be a Nebraskan. I am appalled that, while Americans all over the nation voted for positive change by choosing worthy Democratic leaders, the majority of Nebraskans bent the knee to Trump and his sycophants and stuck their misinformed and misguided heads in the sand.
It is embarrassing that Nebraska continues to drink the Kool-Aid and elect Republicans who have proven their unworthiness for office while other states have woken up and smelled the coffee. That says a lot about Nebraska — and it’s not “The Good Life” but rather “The Backward, Uninformed Life.” For the first time, I am ashamed to say I am from Nebraska.
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Nebraskans, I have renewed hope in democracy when I see deep-red Kansas, Texas and other states stand up and effect change in their state and in D.C. My response to Mr. Pillen’s “victory speech” when he talks about “the people of Nebraska”: remember that 49.2% of us wanted you gone.
Michelle Baxter Sarafian, Lincoln
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Iowa got it. Kansas got it. Texas got it. Even Georgia got it. What's up with Nebraska?
Mary Frederick, Lincoln
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This is written as a response to a recent letter from Thomas Bodensteiner of David City that appeared on the Nov. 6 Opinion Page titled "Lincoln students' votes raise questions." The writer was concerned that in the student mock election in Lincoln K-12 schools the top three statewide positions were all won by Democrats. The reasoning was that classroom teachers in Lincoln are obviously indoctrinating their students.
With a little bit of research, we can find the election results of the voters in Lancaster County: Walz won by 18%, Osborn by 20% and Backemeyer by 14%. So, it seems that maybe these students were listening to their parents and other adult voters as they were deciding how to vote. Or perhaps the teachers have taught these students to read and listen critically, and the students came to these choices based on doing their own research.
- Updated
Pete Ricketts' recent remarks show a shocking ignorance of why support for Democrats grew nationwide and in much of Nebraska.
He said Democrats want to get rid of the President, the Senate and the Supreme Court; defund the border police and open the border; defund police and close prisons; and defund the military and close military bases.
- Updated
An open letter to Congressman Mile Flood:
Nebraska can help to show the way back to effective bipartisan government. I ask our congressman, Mike Flood, to take this immigration proposal back to his Republican colleagues in January.
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Kudos and many thanks to Todd Wiltgen for extending office hours for early voting ahead of the Tuesday general election. A true and strong move for our democracy. Thanks to Commissioner Wiltgen and the dedicated staff at the Election Commission office. You all have other obligations, activities, families besides your employment. So many thanks and kudos for being willing to put in extra hours for our election so everyone has opportunities to vote.
Joan Stahly-Rouse, Lincoln
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Votes are cast. Now, know that Nebraska "candidates" spent $67.1 million on midterm election strategy, including PAC spending as well. $67.1 million dollars. One of the main topics of the election was the economy. I received hundreds of flyers, watched political ads ad nauseam but not once did I ever change or even question my political choices. All politicians fabricate the truth to suit their own agenda. So how far could $67.1 million do to help the economy of our city? I sure would like to know.
Lisa Flider, Lincoln
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Elections are over. So now the property tax relief will probably start next July. We’ll have sales tax on haircuts, manicures, doctor visits, dentist visits, veterinarian services, plumber services, car repairs, farm equipment repairs, feminine products, and on labor when you need your shingles replaced after a hail storm, and more. Remember, you voted for this. Oh, and Nebraska will be installing tolls on bridges into Iowa and Missouri to collect on everyone crossing the border for online sports betting and marijuana. Remember, you voted for it.
Paul Morrison, Lincoln
- Updated
Lincoln is fortunate to have community-based programs supporting those with mental health issues.
Lincoln currently has four assisted living facilities, four day service programs, and three transitional living programs. They help maintain mental health stability by assisting with medication and managing medical appointments, providing housing, food, transportation and meaningful daily activities and socialization. Many of these programs are at capacity and have a waiting list. There are not enough programs to meet current needs. Federal and state funding has been underfunded for years. Programs are in jeopardy of closing due to continued and current cuts to Medicaid and Medicare at the federal and state levels. Many will not have a place to live. Their mental health will quickly destabilize. This will put burden on our community with more people becoming homeless, having food insecurity, needing hospitalization, and filling our already overcrowded jails (because there is nowhere else to go). Not because they chose to have a serious mental health illness, but because our federal government, with the Big Beautiful Bill, and our governor of Nebraska simply do not care. I care! Many people care and believe people with mental health issues and disabilities need to be treated with dignity and receive the aid they need to live in our communities. It’s time to raise our voices in defense of the Medicaid and Medicare Act, which was intended for those experiencing disabilities, no matter the cause: intellectual, mental, physical or aged. Call and write your local and national senators.
- Updated
He asked them to vote like he was on the ballot. They did.
For the past 10 years the Republican Party has given up its identity and any semblance of decency to please the whims of a megalomaniac.
- Updated
Though Donald Trump was not on the Nov. 3 election ballot, he implored the electorate to vote as if he were.
Appears we did.
More like this...
Another idea that perhaps Thomas Bodensteiner (Journal Star letter to the editor, 11/6) didn't consider when he wrote that LPS middle school children are being schooled in socialism in the classroom, is perhaps the real answer and reason for their voting (of mainly Democratic candidates) is discussion taking place in their own homes.
To say that teachers alone are indoctrinating their pupils is ridiculous, especially at the age of middle schoolers. I would hope that in any civics class, regardless of any age, they are presented with different ideas and opportunities for discussion, for all candidates that are on the ballot.
Coach Rhule called Dana Holgorsen "one of the best offensive minds of our generation" and fired him five days later. During that five-day span, did Coach Holgorsen lose his prowess, or did Coach Rhule have an epiphany?
Fred C Lupher, Lincoln
Today I am embarrassed to be a Nebraskan. I am appalled that, while Americans all over the nation voted for positive change by choosing worthy Democratic leaders, the majority of Nebraskans bent the knee to Trump and his sycophants and stuck their misinformed and misguided heads in the sand.
It is embarrassing that Nebraska continues to drink the Kool-Aid and elect Republicans who have proven their unworthiness for office while other states have woken up and smelled the coffee. That says a lot about Nebraska — and it’s not “The Good Life” but rather “The Backward, Uninformed Life.” For the first time, I am ashamed to say I am from Nebraska.
Nebraskans, I have renewed hope in democracy when I see deep-red Kansas, Texas and other states stand up and effect change in their state and in D.C. My response to Mr. Pillen’s “victory speech” when he talks about “the people of Nebraska”: remember that 49.2% of us wanted you gone.
Michelle Baxter Sarafian, Lincoln
This is written as a response to a recent letter from Thomas Bodensteiner of David City that appeared on the Nov. 6 Opinion Page titled "Lincoln students' votes raise questions." The writer was concerned that in the student mock election in Lincoln K-12 schools the top three statewide positions were all won by Democrats. The reasoning was that classroom teachers in Lincoln are obviously indoctrinating their students.
With a little bit of research, we can find the election results of the voters in Lancaster County: Walz won by 18%, Osborn by 20% and Backemeyer by 14%. So, it seems that maybe these students were listening to their parents and other adult voters as they were deciding how to vote. Or perhaps the teachers have taught these students to read and listen critically, and the students came to these choices based on doing their own research.
Pete Ricketts' recent remarks show a shocking ignorance of why support for Democrats grew nationwide and in much of Nebraska.
He said Democrats want to get rid of the President, the Senate and the Supreme Court; defund the border police and open the border; defund police and close prisons; and defund the military and close military bases.
An open letter to Congressman Mile Flood:
Nebraska can help to show the way back to effective bipartisan government. I ask our congressman, Mike Flood, to take this immigration proposal back to his Republican colleagues in January.
Kudos and many thanks to Todd Wiltgen for extending office hours for early voting ahead of the Tuesday general election. A true and strong move for our democracy. Thanks to Commissioner Wiltgen and the dedicated staff at the Election Commission office. You all have other obligations, activities, families besides your employment. So many thanks and kudos for being willing to put in extra hours for our election so everyone has opportunities to vote.
Joan Stahly-Rouse, Lincoln
Votes are cast. Now, know that Nebraska "candidates" spent $67.1 million on midterm election strategy, including PAC spending as well. $67.1 million dollars. One of the main topics of the election was the economy. I received hundreds of flyers, watched political ads ad nauseam but not once did I ever change or even question my political choices. All politicians fabricate the truth to suit their own agenda. So how far could $67.1 million do to help the economy of our city? I sure would like to know.
Lisa Flider, Lincoln
Elections are over. So now the property tax relief will probably start next July. We’ll have sales tax on haircuts, manicures, doctor visits, dentist visits, veterinarian services, plumber services, car repairs, farm equipment repairs, feminine products, and on labor when you need your shingles replaced after a hail storm, and more. Remember, you voted for this. Oh, and Nebraska will be installing tolls on bridges into Iowa and Missouri to collect on everyone crossing the border for online sports betting and marijuana. Remember, you voted for it.
Paul Morrison, Lincoln
Lincoln is fortunate to have community-based programs supporting those with mental health issues.
Lincoln currently has four assisted living facilities, four day service programs, and three transitional living programs. They help maintain mental health stability by assisting with medication and managing medical appointments, providing housing, food, transportation and meaningful daily activities and socialization. Many of these programs are at capacity and have a waiting list. There are not enough programs to meet current needs. Federal and state funding has been underfunded for years. Programs are in jeopardy of closing due to continued and current cuts to Medicaid and Medicare at the federal and state levels. Many will not have a place to live. Their mental health will quickly destabilize. This will put burden on our community with more people becoming homeless, having food insecurity, needing hospitalization, and filling our already overcrowded jails (because there is nowhere else to go). Not because they chose to have a serious mental health illness, but because our federal government, with the Big Beautiful Bill, and our governor of Nebraska simply do not care. I care! Many people care and believe people with mental health issues and disabilities need to be treated with dignity and receive the aid they need to live in our communities. It’s time to raise our voices in defense of the Medicaid and Medicare Act, which was intended for those experiencing disabilities, no matter the cause: intellectual, mental, physical or aged. Call and write your local and national senators.
He asked them to vote like he was on the ballot. They did.
For the past 10 years the Republican Party has given up its identity and any semblance of decency to please the whims of a megalomaniac.
