Southeast Nebraska speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Sep. 18, 2026
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
- Updated
On Sept. 10 at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump asked his supporters to raise their right hands and repeat the following pledge:
"I pledge to the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can't even breathe, that I will go out with my family, my friends. I'll do it anyway. I don't care if I'm registered or not, I'm going to try and cheat like hell like they do." He finished by telling the crowd, "You know what happens if you don't vote? You go to hell."
- Updated
This letter is a public request that Reps. Bacon, Smith, and Flood and Sens. Fischer and Ricketts declare their confidence in our state’s voting system before the midterm elections. Unproven accusations of election fraud weaken our democracy, and Nebraskans know better.
Nebraska has one of the safest, most reliable, efficient, and secure election systems in the country, as certified by our Secretary of State. Reps. Bacon, Smith and Flood and Sens. Fischer and Ricketts: Let Nebraskans know immediately if you have concerns about our state’s voting process (and if you do, what you are doing to address those concerns). Now is the time to reassure your constituents that you have confidence in our process and that you will work to quickly and efficiently implement the will of Nebraska voters after the election, regardless of the election results.
- Updated
In George Washington’s 1796 farewell address, he issued a strong warning against political parties. He viewed them as a threat to national unity, public liberty and stability of government.
In discussing the dangers of partisanship: 1) Washington warned that parties become “potent engines” used by unprincipled leaders to steal power and overtake the government. 2) He noted that parties create bitter rivalries and animosity. 3) He cautioned that political discord portrays weakness, opening the door to foreign interference. 4) Washington warned that intense partisan divisions and political factions would lead to jealousy, conflict, revenge and the eventual rise of absolute power.
- Updated
I am writing in response to Roger L. Harris’s letter to the editor on Sept. 11. Mr. Harris has been misinformed.
According to the Tax Rate Review Committee Report dated July 22, 2026, Nebraska’s two cash reserves are currently over $850 million.
- Updated
Each Nebraska football game, a veteran is honored at the Memorial Stadium POW/MIA Chair. When this tradition started, most honorees were World War II veterans. This seemed fitting, because they were America’s oldest veterans. Time was running out. With their generation’s passing, our oldest veterans are now those who served in Vietnam. However, Vietnam vets rarely receive this honor. Of the 14 veterans honored during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, only one was a Vietnam veteran. The rest served more recently.
The Vietnam War was controversial — not a “feel good, we won” war like World War II or the first Gulf War. However, Vietnam veterans served their country honorably, under the most difficult and thankless conditions ever asked of America’s military. When they returned home, they were not celebrated. Some anti-war extremists spat on them and called them “baby killers.” Those who supported the war put “We Support Our Troops” stickers on their cars but otherwise ignored Vietnam vets. “Thank you for your service” was not a thing until after the first Gulf War.
- Updated
Some major actions of President Trump so far, as the chief executive of this office under oath to sign laws compatible with our Constitution:
* Jan. 6. insurrection.
- Updated
Pillen’s fiscal record under microscope
When (Gov. Jim) 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.
- Updated
If you live in or own a business in Lancaster County, there is an important public hearing you should attend.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., Lancaster County will hold a joint public hearing at the County-City Building, 555 S. 10th Street in Lincoln, regarding proposed increases in property tax requests from the City of Lincoln, Lincoln Public Schools, Norris Public Schools, and Waverly Public Schools.
- Updated
One of the rationales the president and his administration use for attacking Iran is that it’s a country where people chant “Death to America.”
So, we go in, kill school children, bomb weddings and we think what? That the Iranians will start chanting “We love America"? Not likely.
- Updated
Trump ran on three major promises:
1. Lower prices.
- Updated
Imagine little Donnie Trump, the 3-year-old toddler who lives next door. Donnie is smart. He can even spell his name.
We sometimes smile at his antics, such as naming the big rain puddle in the front yard “Lake Donnie.”
- Updated
I am endorsing Chris Backemeyer to be my Congressional representative.
As a dad, I can relate to Chris. He is the father of three kids. I believe it's not what you do now, but what you leave behind for their future.
- Updated
Democracy works best when citizens can see, understand and participate in decisions that affect their communities. Open meetings, accessible public records, meaningful civic engagement and transparency are the foundation of accountable government.
Transparency encourages participation. Residents are more likely to attend meetings, share their perspectives and remain engaged when agendas are clearly posted, records are accessible and meetings are easy to attend. Virtual meeting options can further expand participation for people with disabilities, caregivers and those facing transportation or work-related barriers.
- Updated
I am quite tired of the Republican-run, Trump-driven chaos in America. The party has given him uncontested control of our country. He has gone around Congress and the Senate on way too many issues.
If the Republican Party lets him bypass our governing bodies on the weaponization fund, you and your party are done. Think that one over.
- Updated
The government has two ways of collecting funds to provide services to the people: Number one: Taxes. Number 2: selling bonds (debt). The more taxes are cut the more services have to be cut or more debt (bonds) has to be sold.
Let’s take a look at how we fare currently: On Jan. 20, 2025, our national debt was $39.95 trillion. Since then we have created an additional $3.75 trillion of debt. A very large amount of that increase was for tax cuts for the wealthy and an increase in the military budget and the war in Iran.
- Updated
Who do you think won the debate? The person you want to win the election? Can we agree that the most distinctive and memorable part was Ricketts calling Osborn “Democrat Dan” dozens of times?
Osborn openly disagrees with Democrats even on transgender issues and immigration policy. You do not need to be a Democrat to agree with them that Congress is supposed to check the president’s abuses.
- Updated
Nebraska needs to realize beef has become a luxury commodity for many people. First, chicken and pork are more affordable than beef. Part of this has to do with policies Nebraska and other states and cities have adopted. Nebraska does virtually no vertical farming, which could shelter livestock crops from droughts and winter shortfalls, preventing steep rises in feed costs.
To add, Nebraska’s annual increase in the minimum wage impacts the costs of the fast-food industry and grocery stores where beef is sold. Culture pushing “meatless Mondays" adds another element, causing people to rethink their eating habits on beef. In addition, the Lone Star tick is expanding, biting people and making them allergic to beef for the rest of their lives, yet no effort has been made to contain it.
- Updated
Political ads are flooding the airwaves. To be a well-informed voter, it’s essential to study the issues and positions of the candidates. Sometimes a political ad will spell out what a candidate proposes, while other ads exhibit a negative tone.
An ad that comes to mind is Gov. Pillen’s ad attacking “Liberal Lynne Walz” for her vote on LB1107, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, back during the 2020 special session. It claims that this bill resulted in millions in benefits to AI data centers. The governor must have changed his mind about data centers recently, as he supported them before July of this year.
- Updated
Be kind, brave, honest, creative, humble, admired, passionate, compassionate, courteous, friendly, gracious, grateful, hard working, tolerant, fun, funny, appreciative, smart, wise, inspirational, good, generous, giving, forgiving, complex, simple, warm, loving, beautiful, courageous, authentic, resilient, reverent, strong, and remember your ancestors and their sacrifices. We all can't be Dolly Parton, but we can try. Let's make Sept. 25 Dolly Parton day.
Scott T. Marshall, Lincoln
- Updated
In recent communications, Rep. Adrian Smith speaks about "protecting the future." Yet the economic reality facing Nebraskans tells a very different story. Instead of standing up for our state’s working families and agricultural producers, our leadership offers quiet approval while Washington focuses on superficial distractions — renaming geographic landmarks, rebranding infrastructure, and issuing unfulfilled promises. "Few weeks war," and "will end Ukraine war in a day." Nebraskans are paying the price.
Undermining Nebraska ranchers: The administration's decision to waive tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported foreign beef directly undercuts local cattle producers, penalizing the families who raise the highest quality beef in the world.
- Updated
University of Nebraska President Jeff Gold scheduled his State of the University Speech for Thursday, Sept. 3, but then Gov. Jim Pillen decided to hold a press conference at the same time.
Why would Pillen do this when his press conference, addressing some changes he wanted in the state's ballot initiative process, could have been held at any time? It wasn't that important.
More like this...
On Sept. 10 at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump asked his supporters to raise their right hands and repeat the following pledge:
"I pledge to the greatest president in the history of the United States that loves us so much he can't even breathe, that I will go out with my family, my friends. I'll do it anyway. I don't care if I'm registered or not, I'm going to try and cheat like hell like they do." He finished by telling the crowd, "You know what happens if you don't vote? You go to hell."
This letter is a public request that Reps. Bacon, Smith, and Flood and Sens. Fischer and Ricketts declare their confidence in our state’s voting system before the midterm elections. Unproven accusations of election fraud weaken our democracy, and Nebraskans know better.
Nebraska has one of the safest, most reliable, efficient, and secure election systems in the country, as certified by our Secretary of State. Reps. Bacon, Smith and Flood and Sens. Fischer and Ricketts: Let Nebraskans know immediately if you have concerns about our state’s voting process (and if you do, what you are doing to address those concerns). Now is the time to reassure your constituents that you have confidence in our process and that you will work to quickly and efficiently implement the will of Nebraska voters after the election, regardless of the election results.
In George Washington’s 1796 farewell address, he issued a strong warning against political parties. He viewed them as a threat to national unity, public liberty and stability of government.
In discussing the dangers of partisanship: 1) Washington warned that parties become “potent engines” used by unprincipled leaders to steal power and overtake the government. 2) He noted that parties create bitter rivalries and animosity. 3) He cautioned that political discord portrays weakness, opening the door to foreign interference. 4) Washington warned that intense partisan divisions and political factions would lead to jealousy, conflict, revenge and the eventual rise of absolute power.
I am writing in response to Roger L. Harris’s letter to the editor on Sept. 11. Mr. Harris has been misinformed.
According to the Tax Rate Review Committee Report dated July 22, 2026, Nebraska’s two cash reserves are currently over $850 million.
Each Nebraska football game, a veteran is honored at the Memorial Stadium POW/MIA Chair. When this tradition started, most honorees were World War II veterans. This seemed fitting, because they were America’s oldest veterans. Time was running out. With their generation’s passing, our oldest veterans are now those who served in Vietnam. However, Vietnam vets rarely receive this honor. Of the 14 veterans honored during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, only one was a Vietnam veteran. The rest served more recently.
The Vietnam War was controversial — not a “feel good, we won” war like World War II or the first Gulf War. However, Vietnam veterans served their country honorably, under the most difficult and thankless conditions ever asked of America’s military. When they returned home, they were not celebrated. Some anti-war extremists spat on them and called them “baby killers.” Those who supported the war put “We Support Our Troops” stickers on their cars but otherwise ignored Vietnam vets. “Thank you for your service” was not a thing until after the first Gulf War.
Some major actions of President Trump so far, as the chief executive of this office under oath to sign laws compatible with our Constitution:
* Jan. 6. insurrection.
Pillen’s fiscal record under microscope
When (Gov. Jim) 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.
If you live in or own a business in Lancaster County, there is an important public hearing you should attend.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., Lancaster County will hold a joint public hearing at the County-City Building, 555 S. 10th Street in Lincoln, regarding proposed increases in property tax requests from the City of Lincoln, Lincoln Public Schools, Norris Public Schools, and Waverly Public Schools.
One of the rationales the president and his administration use for attacking Iran is that it’s a country where people chant “Death to America.”
So, we go in, kill school children, bomb weddings and we think what? That the Iranians will start chanting “We love America"? Not likely.
Trump ran on three major promises:
1. Lower prices.
Imagine little Donnie Trump, the 3-year-old toddler who lives next door. Donnie is smart. He can even spell his name.
We sometimes smile at his antics, such as naming the big rain puddle in the front yard “Lake Donnie.”
I am endorsing Chris Backemeyer to be my Congressional representative.
As a dad, I can relate to Chris. He is the father of three kids. I believe it's not what you do now, but what you leave behind for their future.
Democracy works best when citizens can see, understand and participate in decisions that affect their communities. Open meetings, accessible public records, meaningful civic engagement and transparency are the foundation of accountable government.
Transparency encourages participation. Residents are more likely to attend meetings, share their perspectives and remain engaged when agendas are clearly posted, records are accessible and meetings are easy to attend. Virtual meeting options can further expand participation for people with disabilities, caregivers and those facing transportation or work-related barriers.
I am quite tired of the Republican-run, Trump-driven chaos in America. The party has given him uncontested control of our country. He has gone around Congress and the Senate on way too many issues.
If the Republican Party lets him bypass our governing bodies on the weaponization fund, you and your party are done. Think that one over.
The government has two ways of collecting funds to provide services to the people: Number one: Taxes. Number 2: selling bonds (debt). The more taxes are cut the more services have to be cut or more debt (bonds) has to be sold.
Let’s take a look at how we fare currently: On Jan. 20, 2025, our national debt was $39.95 trillion. Since then we have created an additional $3.75 trillion of debt. A very large amount of that increase was for tax cuts for the wealthy and an increase in the military budget and the war in Iran.
Who do you think won the debate? The person you want to win the election? Can we agree that the most distinctive and memorable part was Ricketts calling Osborn “Democrat Dan” dozens of times?
Osborn openly disagrees with Democrats even on transgender issues and immigration policy. You do not need to be a Democrat to agree with them that Congress is supposed to check the president’s abuses.
Nebraska needs to realize beef has become a luxury commodity for many people. First, chicken and pork are more affordable than beef. Part of this has to do with policies Nebraska and other states and cities have adopted. Nebraska does virtually no vertical farming, which could shelter livestock crops from droughts and winter shortfalls, preventing steep rises in feed costs.
To add, Nebraska’s annual increase in the minimum wage impacts the costs of the fast-food industry and grocery stores where beef is sold. Culture pushing “meatless Mondays" adds another element, causing people to rethink their eating habits on beef. In addition, the Lone Star tick is expanding, biting people and making them allergic to beef for the rest of their lives, yet no effort has been made to contain it.
Political ads are flooding the airwaves. To be a well-informed voter, it’s essential to study the issues and positions of the candidates. Sometimes a political ad will spell out what a candidate proposes, while other ads exhibit a negative tone.
An ad that comes to mind is Gov. Pillen’s ad attacking “Liberal Lynne Walz” for her vote on LB1107, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, back during the 2020 special session. It claims that this bill resulted in millions in benefits to AI data centers. The governor must have changed his mind about data centers recently, as he supported them before July of this year.
Be kind, brave, honest, creative, humble, admired, passionate, compassionate, courteous, friendly, gracious, grateful, hard working, tolerant, fun, funny, appreciative, smart, wise, inspirational, good, generous, giving, forgiving, complex, simple, warm, loving, beautiful, courageous, authentic, resilient, reverent, strong, and remember your ancestors and their sacrifices. We all can't be Dolly Parton, but we can try. Let's make Sept. 25 Dolly Parton day.
Scott T. Marshall, Lincoln
In recent communications, Rep. Adrian Smith speaks about "protecting the future." Yet the economic reality facing Nebraskans tells a very different story. Instead of standing up for our state’s working families and agricultural producers, our leadership offers quiet approval while Washington focuses on superficial distractions — renaming geographic landmarks, rebranding infrastructure, and issuing unfulfilled promises. "Few weeks war," and "will end Ukraine war in a day." Nebraskans are paying the price.
Undermining Nebraska ranchers: The administration's decision to waive tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported foreign beef directly undercuts local cattle producers, penalizing the families who raise the highest quality beef in the world.
University of Nebraska President Jeff Gold scheduled his State of the University Speech for Thursday, Sept. 3, but then Gov. Jim Pillen decided to hold a press conference at the same time.
Why would Pillen do this when his press conference, addressing some changes he wanted in the state's ballot initiative process, could have been held at any time? It wasn't that important.
More like this...
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