Waterloo and Cedar Falls speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of May. 15, 2026
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Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Courier.
- Updated
Donald Trump’s cartoonish notion that his cognitive test results qualify him to be president is, well, daffy. A more appropriate measure is the plain-spoken "Duck Test." You remember, if it looks, swims and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck.
So ...
- Updated
If you hire a hairdresser to fix your car and an auto mechanic to do your hair, you're going to have a car that doesn't run and a very bad hairdo.
There is a solution to opening the Strait of Hormuz — it requires impeaching Trump and rehiring our military and diplomatic experts.
- Updated
What a contrast. The statement by Ted Turner on his refusing the tax exemption available to his nonprofit land in Nebraska: "I believe that local property taxes provide essential support for services on which our ranches and communities depend" and "the institute will continue to pay its share of taxes."
And our own governor constantly complaining about the property taxes he pays on his vast holdings.
- Updated
Trump wants us to build and pay for a huge, gaudy archway in his honor at the entrance to Arlington, a solemn, quiet, simple, beautiful, respectful, prayerful place to honor our fallen soldiers, not a draft-dodging, war-mongering disaster in chief.
Mary Frederick, Lincoln
- Updated
For five years, I have contacted the two U.S. senators and one House member who represent me through many respectful phone calls, emails and letters. I hoped they would be able to articulate their thoughts about how they are voting to serve Nebraskans.
Most of my efforts were not on bills or laws, but on their stance on basic components of public service. My questions included how they felt about their oath of office, democracy, our Constitution, the rule of law, branches of government and accountability to the people of our state.
- Updated
AAA magazine and many major cites confirm the most effective street and highway driving confirm that zipper merging is the most effective in keeping traffic moving smoothly.
Stay in both lanes until right before the merge and alternate into the existing lane.
- Updated
With warmth and humor, King Charles spoke to Congress in an extraordinary speech that wove together the shared history of the United States and the United Kingdom. In a mere 27 minutes, his elegant words drove home several points that received spontaneous applause from both sides of the chamber.
Remarkably, senators and congressmen, Republicans and Democrats alike, acknowledged momentous issues facing the United States and the world, about which they have been silent for a year and a half.
- Updated
While Jim Pillen is Nebraska's governor and has also anointed himself as spokesperson for all Nebraskans and their morals — he does not speak for me. I have lived in Nebraska longer than Pillen and take issue with his bias and evident dislike of those he does not understand or approve of. Such groups would include those who want medical cannabis, those who are LGBTQ+ or those who might have different political beliefs than Pillen. For these people, Pillen is not Nebraska Nice and doesn't even credit these individuals with the right to their own opinion but instead attempts to paintbrush away all viewpoints different from his own by saying this sort of attitude is "woke" and has no place in Nebraska. We live here, we work here and we retire here. We may not think as you do but, governor, we are Nebraskans too.
Sue Harrold, Lincoln
- Updated
My uncle served in the Korean War and paid the ultimate sacrifice of being killed in September of 1952. He left behind a wife and 8-month-old daughter. I can’t imagine why the 300 young men that gave their lives are not deserving of a medal for their families. These 300 were Nebraska citizens. The cost of these medals can’t be the issue. I’m very happy for the Korean veterans that are still with us but the ones that served deserve to be remembered.
Vicky Smith, Lincoln
- Updated
At just 25 years old, I was diagnosed with renal failure caused by systemic lupus and immediately began dialysis. I was pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy and fighting for my life. The last thing I should have had to worry about was losing my health insurance.
But I was terrified. My private insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield was the only thing standing between my family and financial ruin. My husband and I even discussed divorcing on paper just to protect him from bankruptcy. No one facing a life-threatening diagnosis should ever have to consider something like that.
- Updated
The article "Nickel next? Not so fast" (May 3) makes no sense (pun intended).
Eliminating pennies and eventually nickels from circulation due to rising consumer prices is an idea worthy of considered discussion. However, eliminating them because they cost more to produce than their value is not. According to the article, one nickel costs 13.78 cents to make. A given nickel is made once, but used many times, remaining in circulation for about 20 years. Each of these uses costs zero cents.
- Updated
Democratic leaders' responses to the Supreme Court of Virginia's decision throwing out the redistricting referendum generally start with, "I respect the Court, but." However, if the procedure for the referendum was unconstitutional, as the majority ruled, a court worthy of respect would have stopped the referendum vote from happening in the first place. Instead, this court allowed the referendum to proceed and, when the conservative majority didn't like the results, threw the vote out, overturning the will of the majority of Virginia voters. This is not the proper role of a court in a democracy and does not deserve the respect of any Virginian.
Deborah Tussey
- Updated
As a practicing community oncologist in Winchester, I support efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable. My patients face crushing health care costs daily, and I see firsthand how financial stress compounds cancer diagnoses. I appreciate the General Assembly's intent to address affordability. But good intentions alone do not make good policy — especially in cancer care, where lawmakers must avoid creating new barriers.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger recognized this risk, proposing amendments to SB 271 and HB 483. Her changes thoughtfully addressed concerns from physicians and community oncology practices statewide. With those amendments rejected, the bills return to her unchanged.
- Updated
Donald Trump has once again weaponized the FBI to attack his political opponents. The timing of the raid on state Senator Louise Lucas is deeply inappropriate. Virginia Democrats must stand up for our democracy and rule of law. Abigail Spanberger's response to the president's most recent attack on our legal system is cowardly — she must come out strongly to defend Virginia Democrats against Trump's "Red Scare" tactics, pardoning his allies and using the full might of the federal government to attack Democrats and former Republicans.
Raleigh Matteo
- Updated
I am a Goochland County District 5 resident and I wanted to share the official correspondence I sent to the Board of Supervisors regarding their use of taxpayer funds for the Valley Link project.
To the Goochland County Board of Supervisors,
- Updated
I saw that President Trump has reinstituted the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. Speaking as career educator, I don’t know that this is a bad idea if it’s handled the right way.
My experience with the test before it was phased out was that about two weeks before students took the test in the spring, their physical education teachers put them through a crash conditioning regimen. I doubt this approach did much to meaningfully increase student fitness or promote any lifelong commitment to exercise. I think this is why the test was discontinued.
- Updated
News headlines continue to highlight the mounting pressures facing rural hospitals nationwide and in Virginia, including VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) in South Hill and VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. While those challenges are real, they cannot be examined in a vacuum.
At CMH and Tappahannock Hospital, success is driven by innovation at the rural level, not as an exception, but as a core competency. That innovation expands access to care, strengthens the healthcare workforce and positions rural hospitals to thrive alongside urban partners.
- Updated
Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.”
Sometimes, the only individuals standing between citizens and fraudulent government operations are investigative reporters whose job is to shine a light on government affairs, warts and all.
- Updated
Virginia Democrats have made statements that the recent Virginia Supreme Court decision overrides the will of the voters. Yet they had no issues with the governor's approval to override the voters' choice in a presidential election by directing Virginia's electors to support the national popular vote winner. The party of hypocrisy.
Kenneth Oriole
I must comment on the guest column by Raina Genaw, "Cedar Falls electricity isn't as clean it seems" in the 2 May issue of The Courier. My only connection to Cedar Falls Utility is as a customer, but I do have experience with the environmental impacts of electrical power plants and facilities.
First, Genaw seems to confuse owning coal-fired plants with the providing electricity to customers. She states the energy provided by CFU is 61% from renewable sources. What CFU provides its customers makes the number of coal-fired plants it has part ownership in rather irrelevant.
Raina Genaw said Cedar Falls electricity isn't as clean it seems (guest column, May 2). Or is it not as clean as she would like it? Providing consistent, stable energy at a favorable rate while balancing environmental concerns is not an easy process. Over the years I've enjoyed having reliable electricity for my home and family. Since they went to underground cables I can't remember my last power outage. And the pricing is below other providers. Genaw asks for transparency yet doesn't relate what we might have to give up to get electricity as clean as she would like it. Stability? Consistency? Cost? Balancing the multiple energy options to develop the best blend for the business or homeowner is a process that Cedar Falls Utilities has developed over the years. While overweighting a specific source to satisfy a special interest would be bad policy. Thanks CFU for keeping my lights on!
Dave Deaver, Cedar Falls
Today was the first time in a very long time to say I am proud to live in America. I watched four men bust their butts laying cement. They did a great job.
Not a bunch of “suits” who decide what is law or correct. Overpaid for nothing!
Have you noticed? Often, those on the political left assume the mantle of moral superiority, and superiority in their knowledge of scientific advances as well. Both are self-serving and use fraudulent claims. But that doesn't stop liberals from pretending they are our intellectual and philosophical betters. No matter how much factual evidence they are shown that disproves an argument, they continue to spout the same nonsense. Then they accuse those who don't agree with them of being behind the times or anti-science. Their alleged scientific proof is often filled with holes or is nonexistent, even as the liberal news media promise their unsubstantiated theories. Disagreement is met with angry and sometimes violent rebukes from those who specialize in outrage instead of honest debate. Thankful for less nonsense and insanity in the Trump administration.
Dave Smith, Waterloo
The 55 m.p.h. speed limit is default because over past years Republican lawmakers have neutered speed laws to make them of no effect. They got rid of speed cameras, and won't allow law enforcement to use effective equipment to catch dangerous drivers. The old stagnant excuse "everyone drives faster than posted limits" has always been used as a crowbar to pry up speed limits. 60 m.p.h. will be default within a short time. Lawmakers get their election funding and votes from places that think time, profits, schedule, and convenience are more important than the lives that get snuffed by more speed. Lawmakers don't get any election funding or votes from the victims that get killed from it. There needs to be a citizens organization of people who care about their own lives, to sue the state/legislative system to block their disregard for lives, based upon our constitutional right to life and safety. If any readers or law firm have enough gumption to start us such an effort, please call or write me at 20832 Y Ave., Sumner, 50674. I do not look at email. Organizations sue to block every other kind of legislation.
Herman Lenz, Sumner
There are Americans alive today that have no idea what the Gestapo and Waffen SS were in Nazi Germany. The Waffen SS worked in the commission of the Holocaust and the Gestapo suppressed opposition to the Nazi Party.
After viewing the tactics of ICE in Minneapolis and Chicago I would like to know why this current administration is yet working our government. This cruel and disgusting behavior was encouraged by this president and his yes people. They currently hold the power and the blame. It is past time to clean house America. Let us move forward.
We are 60 days into Trump’s stupid, unprovoked war. People should ask what has been accomplished other than doing the dirty work for the Zionist Israeli dictator Netanyahu. So far the war has cost $30 billion, gas prices are the highest in four years and the Strait of Hormuz is still shut.
Good work Trump. Didn’t he tell us he would end the Ukraine war in 24 hours, all prices would go down immediately and we would have no more wars in the Middle East? These lies are just as big as “I won the 2020 election” and “I never met that woman.” Finally people are getting it. Trump’s poll numbers are in the toilet, and a month ago a nationwide “No Kings” rally was the biggest demonstration in over 50 years.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has analyzed a broad range of data on greenhouse gas emissions and the effects on U.S. climate that had been gathered by the scientific community. In their report on this analysis, the academies stated that the evidence for future harm to human health and welfare from human-caused greenhouse gases is beyond scientific dispute.
According to the report, the total greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are increasing. This is a result of emissions from human activities. This increase in greenhouse gas emissions is the primary driver of a long-term warming trend that has led to measured changes including increases in hot weather extremes and extreme single-day precipitation events, declines in cold extremes, and increases in wildfire severity.
Have you had enough? Have there been enough distractions to keep you from focusing on the Epstein files? Trump is a genius at picking headlines to distract. He states he is exonerated from the Epstein files. Epstein had a separate fund to compensate victims. Over 150 women were paid more than $120 million. The number of women who chose not to endure the process of demanding compensation was estimated to be close to another 900. Trump went to war with Iran, urged on by Netanyahu and finding another distraction. There is no doubt he was involved with at least one woman during his friendship with Epstein. When there is indisputable evidence of abuse of a minor, his supporters will disappear. Grassley, Ernst, Hinson, and the other hangers-on might drop their support. Or will they? Why does the media continue to report diligently on Trump’s distractions and ignore these women? The media finds it easier to discuss Trump’s lies as opposed to exposing the weak link. Trump distracts. The media takes the hook. Trump’s base holds on. Trump’s buddies, the people with real money cash in. The women take the back seat. Trump keeps laughing in our face.
Gregory Hoekstra, Waterloo
The MAGA U.S. senators have just proved to me that the so called White House Correspondents Dinner shooting was fake! They are proposing a bill that would use $1 billion in taxpayer money to fund Trump's gaudy, unwanted ballroom because of the so-called "secret" presidential bunker. News flash: It's not a secret! We all know Trump doesn't know the meaning of the word secret. The bunker isn't needed. There has been a presidential bunker since at least the Cold War, if not WWII. He doesn't like it because its not all new and shiny! Trump said the ballroom was going to be funded completely by private donations and no taxpayer money. Plus the cost keeps going up. First it was $300 million, then $400 million, and now apparently $1 billion. I couldn't have seen that coming. Oh wait, I could.
Richard Blandin, Waterloo
I continue to be amazed by the confusion surrounding what public comments means during City Council meetings. The First Amendment does protect freedom of speech, but it does not give any individual the right to make accusations or derogatory comments toward council members or the mayor during a council meeting in violation of decorum and council procedures.
As a disabled veteran who served in the Colorado Army National Guard as an infantryman and deployed during the Global War on Terror, I am appalled by individuals who cite their military service as justification to flout the rules that govern our council meetings. Military service is honorable, but it is not a pass to disregard the standards of civil discourse.
Republicans sit in Des Moines and wonder why people leave Iowa. They just need to look at legislation passing to the governor. State overreach is becoming ridiculous; restriction of local IDs, controlling high school curriculum, limiting screen time and foot stomping about flag lowering for pro-assault rifle sexist racists. Add in the dumb ideas of passing out horse dewormer and requiring supermajority to pass tax hikes for the rich. They eliminate police officer bias training while insuring no diversity programs in the state and take food assistance away from refugees. Make Iowa white again? Still not as bad as what we are seeing federally. Everything I told you MAGA morons about this administration is true. Every campaign promise a lie. Trump wipes his behind with the Constitution, most recently changing what he calls war. Your pedophile protector now wants a $1 billion for his free $100 million ballroom while you pay higher gas prices, more expensive utilities, groceries. Airlines are going broke midflight. Now we have our new pandemic on the horizon. CDC is gutted. Kennedy is useless. Oz is not a credible doctor. Passengers from the hantavirus-infected ship in five U.S. states. Déjà vu over again.
Shawn Frederiksen, Cedar Falls
I am writing to express concern over the University of Northern Iowa's request to the Board of Regents to raze the former Alumni House. In recent years, we've seen a troubling pattern of historic campus buildings being allowed to deteriorate to the point where demolition becomes the only option. The 2024 demolition of the historic West Gymnasium is a clear example.
I recognize that all three of Iowa's public universities face growing deferred maintenance challenges. Still, the university first sought permission to the raze Alumni House in 2021, and for more than four years both it and the Honors Cottage have sat empty. These beautiful homes, each over a century old, have served many purposes.
You are going to the polls this November for the midterm elections. Keep in mind a few things:
- The tear down of the East Wing of the White House without any permits or permission from the owners (you and me) of the East Wing. And now, you are going to donate a $1 billion to this ballroom. My opinion: I don’t want my tax money going toward it.
- Trump started a $25 billion to $72 billion war with Iran without the permission from Congress, with no clear objectives, no address to the American people to let them know what is going on. And the Republicans in the Senate and House did nothing. These elected officials had no guts! How much does it cost to fill your car/tractor with gas/diesel?
- Also, the FBI and Department of Justice are arresting and trying to indict political rivals of Trump, i.e. Jim Comey. And the DOJ asks the Supreme Court to intervene in Trump’s lost appeal of his defamation case. The DOJ is supposed to be the people's lawyer, not Trump's personnel lawyer.
CFU electricity
Raina Genaw said Cedar Falls electricity isn't as clean it seems (guest column, May 2). Or is it not as clean as she would like it? Providing consistent, stable energy at a favorable rate while balancing environmental concerns is not an easy process. Over the years I've enjoyed having reliable electricity for my home and family. Since they went to underground cables I can't remember my last power outage. And the pricing is below other providers. Genaw asks for transparency yet doesn't relate what we might have to give up to get electricity as clean as she would like it. Stability? Consistency? Cost? Balancing the multiple energy options to develop the best blend for the business or homeowner is a process that Cedar Falls Utilities has developed over the years. While overweighting a specific source to satisfy a special interest would be bad policy. Thanks CFU for keeping my lights on!
More like this...
Donald Trump’s cartoonish notion that his cognitive test results qualify him to be president is, well, daffy. A more appropriate measure is the plain-spoken "Duck Test." You remember, if it looks, swims and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck.
So ...
If you hire a hairdresser to fix your car and an auto mechanic to do your hair, you're going to have a car that doesn't run and a very bad hairdo.
There is a solution to opening the Strait of Hormuz — it requires impeaching Trump and rehiring our military and diplomatic experts.
What a contrast. The statement by Ted Turner on his refusing the tax exemption available to his nonprofit land in Nebraska: "I believe that local property taxes provide essential support for services on which our ranches and communities depend" and "the institute will continue to pay its share of taxes."
And our own governor constantly complaining about the property taxes he pays on his vast holdings.
Trump wants us to build and pay for a huge, gaudy archway in his honor at the entrance to Arlington, a solemn, quiet, simple, beautiful, respectful, prayerful place to honor our fallen soldiers, not a draft-dodging, war-mongering disaster in chief.
Mary Frederick, Lincoln
For five years, I have contacted the two U.S. senators and one House member who represent me through many respectful phone calls, emails and letters. I hoped they would be able to articulate their thoughts about how they are voting to serve Nebraskans.
Most of my efforts were not on bills or laws, but on their stance on basic components of public service. My questions included how they felt about their oath of office, democracy, our Constitution, the rule of law, branches of government and accountability to the people of our state.
AAA magazine and many major cites confirm the most effective street and highway driving confirm that zipper merging is the most effective in keeping traffic moving smoothly.
Stay in both lanes until right before the merge and alternate into the existing lane.
With warmth and humor, King Charles spoke to Congress in an extraordinary speech that wove together the shared history of the United States and the United Kingdom. In a mere 27 minutes, his elegant words drove home several points that received spontaneous applause from both sides of the chamber.
Remarkably, senators and congressmen, Republicans and Democrats alike, acknowledged momentous issues facing the United States and the world, about which they have been silent for a year and a half.
While Jim Pillen is Nebraska's governor and has also anointed himself as spokesperson for all Nebraskans and their morals — he does not speak for me. I have lived in Nebraska longer than Pillen and take issue with his bias and evident dislike of those he does not understand or approve of. Such groups would include those who want medical cannabis, those who are LGBTQ+ or those who might have different political beliefs than Pillen. For these people, Pillen is not Nebraska Nice and doesn't even credit these individuals with the right to their own opinion but instead attempts to paintbrush away all viewpoints different from his own by saying this sort of attitude is "woke" and has no place in Nebraska. We live here, we work here and we retire here. We may not think as you do but, governor, we are Nebraskans too.
Sue Harrold, Lincoln
My uncle served in the Korean War and paid the ultimate sacrifice of being killed in September of 1952. He left behind a wife and 8-month-old daughter. I can’t imagine why the 300 young men that gave their lives are not deserving of a medal for their families. These 300 were Nebraska citizens. The cost of these medals can’t be the issue. I’m very happy for the Korean veterans that are still with us but the ones that served deserve to be remembered.
Vicky Smith, Lincoln
At just 25 years old, I was diagnosed with renal failure caused by systemic lupus and immediately began dialysis. I was pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy and fighting for my life. The last thing I should have had to worry about was losing my health insurance.
But I was terrified. My private insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield was the only thing standing between my family and financial ruin. My husband and I even discussed divorcing on paper just to protect him from bankruptcy. No one facing a life-threatening diagnosis should ever have to consider something like that.
The article "Nickel next? Not so fast" (May 3) makes no sense (pun intended).
Eliminating pennies and eventually nickels from circulation due to rising consumer prices is an idea worthy of considered discussion. However, eliminating them because they cost more to produce than their value is not. According to the article, one nickel costs 13.78 cents to make. A given nickel is made once, but used many times, remaining in circulation for about 20 years. Each of these uses costs zero cents.
Democratic leaders' responses to the Supreme Court of Virginia's decision throwing out the redistricting referendum generally start with, "I respect the Court, but." However, if the procedure for the referendum was unconstitutional, as the majority ruled, a court worthy of respect would have stopped the referendum vote from happening in the first place. Instead, this court allowed the referendum to proceed and, when the conservative majority didn't like the results, threw the vote out, overturning the will of the majority of Virginia voters. This is not the proper role of a court in a democracy and does not deserve the respect of any Virginian.
Deborah Tussey
As a practicing community oncologist in Winchester, I support efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable. My patients face crushing health care costs daily, and I see firsthand how financial stress compounds cancer diagnoses. I appreciate the General Assembly's intent to address affordability. But good intentions alone do not make good policy — especially in cancer care, where lawmakers must avoid creating new barriers.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger recognized this risk, proposing amendments to SB 271 and HB 483. Her changes thoughtfully addressed concerns from physicians and community oncology practices statewide. With those amendments rejected, the bills return to her unchanged.
Donald Trump has once again weaponized the FBI to attack his political opponents. The timing of the raid on state Senator Louise Lucas is deeply inappropriate. Virginia Democrats must stand up for our democracy and rule of law. Abigail Spanberger's response to the president's most recent attack on our legal system is cowardly — she must come out strongly to defend Virginia Democrats against Trump's "Red Scare" tactics, pardoning his allies and using the full might of the federal government to attack Democrats and former Republicans.
Raleigh Matteo
I am a Goochland County District 5 resident and I wanted to share the official correspondence I sent to the Board of Supervisors regarding their use of taxpayer funds for the Valley Link project.
To the Goochland County Board of Supervisors,
I saw that President Trump has reinstituted the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. Speaking as career educator, I don’t know that this is a bad idea if it’s handled the right way.
My experience with the test before it was phased out was that about two weeks before students took the test in the spring, their physical education teachers put them through a crash conditioning regimen. I doubt this approach did much to meaningfully increase student fitness or promote any lifelong commitment to exercise. I think this is why the test was discontinued.
News headlines continue to highlight the mounting pressures facing rural hospitals nationwide and in Virginia, including VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) in South Hill and VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. While those challenges are real, they cannot be examined in a vacuum.
At CMH and Tappahannock Hospital, success is driven by innovation at the rural level, not as an exception, but as a core competency. That innovation expands access to care, strengthens the healthcare workforce and positions rural hospitals to thrive alongside urban partners.
Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.”
Sometimes, the only individuals standing between citizens and fraudulent government operations are investigative reporters whose job is to shine a light on government affairs, warts and all.
Virginia Democrats have made statements that the recent Virginia Supreme Court decision overrides the will of the voters. Yet they had no issues with the governor's approval to override the voters' choice in a presidential election by directing Virginia's electors to support the national popular vote winner. The party of hypocrisy.
Kenneth Oriole
I must comment on the guest column by Raina Genaw, "Cedar Falls electricity isn't as clean it seems" in the 2 May issue of The Courier. My only connection to Cedar Falls Utility is as a customer, but I do have experience with the environmental impacts of electrical power plants and facilities.
First, Genaw seems to confuse owning coal-fired plants with the providing electricity to customers. She states the energy provided by CFU is 61% from renewable sources. What CFU provides its customers makes the number of coal-fired plants it has part ownership in rather irrelevant.
Raina Genaw said Cedar Falls electricity isn't as clean it seems (guest column, May 2). Or is it not as clean as she would like it? Providing consistent, stable energy at a favorable rate while balancing environmental concerns is not an easy process. Over the years I've enjoyed having reliable electricity for my home and family. Since they went to underground cables I can't remember my last power outage. And the pricing is below other providers. Genaw asks for transparency yet doesn't relate what we might have to give up to get electricity as clean as she would like it. Stability? Consistency? Cost? Balancing the multiple energy options to develop the best blend for the business or homeowner is a process that Cedar Falls Utilities has developed over the years. While overweighting a specific source to satisfy a special interest would be bad policy. Thanks CFU for keeping my lights on!
Dave Deaver, Cedar Falls
Today was the first time in a very long time to say I am proud to live in America. I watched four men bust their butts laying cement. They did a great job.
Not a bunch of “suits” who decide what is law or correct. Overpaid for nothing!
Have you noticed? Often, those on the political left assume the mantle of moral superiority, and superiority in their knowledge of scientific advances as well. Both are self-serving and use fraudulent claims. But that doesn't stop liberals from pretending they are our intellectual and philosophical betters. No matter how much factual evidence they are shown that disproves an argument, they continue to spout the same nonsense. Then they accuse those who don't agree with them of being behind the times or anti-science. Their alleged scientific proof is often filled with holes or is nonexistent, even as the liberal news media promise their unsubstantiated theories. Disagreement is met with angry and sometimes violent rebukes from those who specialize in outrage instead of honest debate. Thankful for less nonsense and insanity in the Trump administration.
Dave Smith, Waterloo
The 55 m.p.h. speed limit is default because over past years Republican lawmakers have neutered speed laws to make them of no effect. They got rid of speed cameras, and won't allow law enforcement to use effective equipment to catch dangerous drivers. The old stagnant excuse "everyone drives faster than posted limits" has always been used as a crowbar to pry up speed limits. 60 m.p.h. will be default within a short time. Lawmakers get their election funding and votes from places that think time, profits, schedule, and convenience are more important than the lives that get snuffed by more speed. Lawmakers don't get any election funding or votes from the victims that get killed from it. There needs to be a citizens organization of people who care about their own lives, to sue the state/legislative system to block their disregard for lives, based upon our constitutional right to life and safety. If any readers or law firm have enough gumption to start us such an effort, please call or write me at 20832 Y Ave., Sumner, 50674. I do not look at email. Organizations sue to block every other kind of legislation.
Herman Lenz, Sumner
There are Americans alive today that have no idea what the Gestapo and Waffen SS were in Nazi Germany. The Waffen SS worked in the commission of the Holocaust and the Gestapo suppressed opposition to the Nazi Party.
After viewing the tactics of ICE in Minneapolis and Chicago I would like to know why this current administration is yet working our government. This cruel and disgusting behavior was encouraged by this president and his yes people. They currently hold the power and the blame. It is past time to clean house America. Let us move forward.
We are 60 days into Trump’s stupid, unprovoked war. People should ask what has been accomplished other than doing the dirty work for the Zionist Israeli dictator Netanyahu. So far the war has cost $30 billion, gas prices are the highest in four years and the Strait of Hormuz is still shut.
Good work Trump. Didn’t he tell us he would end the Ukraine war in 24 hours, all prices would go down immediately and we would have no more wars in the Middle East? These lies are just as big as “I won the 2020 election” and “I never met that woman.” Finally people are getting it. Trump’s poll numbers are in the toilet, and a month ago a nationwide “No Kings” rally was the biggest demonstration in over 50 years.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has analyzed a broad range of data on greenhouse gas emissions and the effects on U.S. climate that had been gathered by the scientific community. In their report on this analysis, the academies stated that the evidence for future harm to human health and welfare from human-caused greenhouse gases is beyond scientific dispute.
According to the report, the total greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are increasing. This is a result of emissions from human activities. This increase in greenhouse gas emissions is the primary driver of a long-term warming trend that has led to measured changes including increases in hot weather extremes and extreme single-day precipitation events, declines in cold extremes, and increases in wildfire severity.
Have you had enough? Have there been enough distractions to keep you from focusing on the Epstein files? Trump is a genius at picking headlines to distract. He states he is exonerated from the Epstein files. Epstein had a separate fund to compensate victims. Over 150 women were paid more than $120 million. The number of women who chose not to endure the process of demanding compensation was estimated to be close to another 900. Trump went to war with Iran, urged on by Netanyahu and finding another distraction. There is no doubt he was involved with at least one woman during his friendship with Epstein. When there is indisputable evidence of abuse of a minor, his supporters will disappear. Grassley, Ernst, Hinson, and the other hangers-on might drop their support. Or will they? Why does the media continue to report diligently on Trump’s distractions and ignore these women? The media finds it easier to discuss Trump’s lies as opposed to exposing the weak link. Trump distracts. The media takes the hook. Trump’s base holds on. Trump’s buddies, the people with real money cash in. The women take the back seat. Trump keeps laughing in our face.
Gregory Hoekstra, Waterloo
The MAGA U.S. senators have just proved to me that the so called White House Correspondents Dinner shooting was fake! They are proposing a bill that would use $1 billion in taxpayer money to fund Trump's gaudy, unwanted ballroom because of the so-called "secret" presidential bunker. News flash: It's not a secret! We all know Trump doesn't know the meaning of the word secret. The bunker isn't needed. There has been a presidential bunker since at least the Cold War, if not WWII. He doesn't like it because its not all new and shiny! Trump said the ballroom was going to be funded completely by private donations and no taxpayer money. Plus the cost keeps going up. First it was $300 million, then $400 million, and now apparently $1 billion. I couldn't have seen that coming. Oh wait, I could.
Richard Blandin, Waterloo
I continue to be amazed by the confusion surrounding what public comments means during City Council meetings. The First Amendment does protect freedom of speech, but it does not give any individual the right to make accusations or derogatory comments toward council members or the mayor during a council meeting in violation of decorum and council procedures.
As a disabled veteran who served in the Colorado Army National Guard as an infantryman and deployed during the Global War on Terror, I am appalled by individuals who cite their military service as justification to flout the rules that govern our council meetings. Military service is honorable, but it is not a pass to disregard the standards of civil discourse.
Republicans sit in Des Moines and wonder why people leave Iowa. They just need to look at legislation passing to the governor. State overreach is becoming ridiculous; restriction of local IDs, controlling high school curriculum, limiting screen time and foot stomping about flag lowering for pro-assault rifle sexist racists. Add in the dumb ideas of passing out horse dewormer and requiring supermajority to pass tax hikes for the rich. They eliminate police officer bias training while insuring no diversity programs in the state and take food assistance away from refugees. Make Iowa white again? Still not as bad as what we are seeing federally. Everything I told you MAGA morons about this administration is true. Every campaign promise a lie. Trump wipes his behind with the Constitution, most recently changing what he calls war. Your pedophile protector now wants a $1 billion for his free $100 million ballroom while you pay higher gas prices, more expensive utilities, groceries. Airlines are going broke midflight. Now we have our new pandemic on the horizon. CDC is gutted. Kennedy is useless. Oz is not a credible doctor. Passengers from the hantavirus-infected ship in five U.S. states. Déjà vu over again.
Shawn Frederiksen, Cedar Falls
I am writing to express concern over the University of Northern Iowa's request to the Board of Regents to raze the former Alumni House. In recent years, we've seen a troubling pattern of historic campus buildings being allowed to deteriorate to the point where demolition becomes the only option. The 2024 demolition of the historic West Gymnasium is a clear example.
I recognize that all three of Iowa's public universities face growing deferred maintenance challenges. Still, the university first sought permission to the raze Alumni House in 2021, and for more than four years both it and the Honors Cottage have sat empty. These beautiful homes, each over a century old, have served many purposes.
You are going to the polls this November for the midterm elections. Keep in mind a few things:
- The tear down of the East Wing of the White House without any permits or permission from the owners (you and me) of the East Wing. And now, you are going to donate a $1 billion to this ballroom. My opinion: I don’t want my tax money going toward it.
- Trump started a $25 billion to $72 billion war with Iran without the permission from Congress, with no clear objectives, no address to the American people to let them know what is going on. And the Republicans in the Senate and House did nothing. These elected officials had no guts! How much does it cost to fill your car/tractor with gas/diesel?
- Also, the FBI and Department of Justice are arresting and trying to indict political rivals of Trump, i.e. Jim Comey. And the DOJ asks the Supreme Court to intervene in Trump’s lost appeal of his defamation case. The DOJ is supposed to be the people's lawyer, not Trump's personnel lawyer.
CFU electricity
Raina Genaw said Cedar Falls electricity isn't as clean it seems (guest column, May 2). Or is it not as clean as she would like it? Providing consistent, stable energy at a favorable rate while balancing environmental concerns is not an easy process. Over the years I've enjoyed having reliable electricity for my home and family. Since they went to underground cables I can't remember my last power outage. And the pricing is below other providers. Genaw asks for transparency yet doesn't relate what we might have to give up to get electricity as clean as she would like it. Stability? Consistency? Cost? Balancing the multiple energy options to develop the best blend for the business or homeowner is a process that Cedar Falls Utilities has developed over the years. While overweighting a specific source to satisfy a special interest would be bad policy. Thanks CFU for keeping my lights on!
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