Southeast Nebraska speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Mar. 6, 2026
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
- Updated
I am asking Gov. Pillen to rethink trying to install Turning Point in schools. There is a reason for separating church and state. I am a Christian but I question how you choose which Christian program is put in a school. There are many different Christian mission statements and Gov. Pillen is not an authority on which should be put in our public schools. I don't see how anyone could pick the "right" Christian program for everyone. Please keep this separation of church and state. There are many Christian school options for those who choose to send their children to their choice of a Christian school.
Rebecca Foster, Lincoln
- Updated
I thought the president got the upper hand in the State of the Union. He brought us to a dramatic moment when he challenged the Democrats to stand if they believed, “The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants.” I was nervous when the Democrats kept their seats and the president made disparaging comments about that. Why confirm for MAGA that their opponents are anti-American?
Because we must not confirm his dangerous assumption, that the foremost duty of the government is to protect us. The question was about protecting citizens or illegal immigrants. Once you choose, you are buying into the idea that the government’s highest purpose is to protect us. No! Read the Constitution. The preamble describes our purpose in six phrases starting with, “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility ...". Then comes, “provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty ... ”. Justice (for all, not only citizens) comes before common defense. Clearly it means defending the nation as a whole, not the army occupying our cities as England had done to us. “Protecting” us is a way to justify controlling us.
- Updated
As Congress considers new legislation on children’s online safety, lawmakers face a clear choice about where responsibility should fall. Protecting children online requires more than broad government mandates that undercut parents’ ability to decide what is best for their children. It instead requires policies that respect parents’ role in raising their children and keeping them safe.
The App Store Accountability Act (ASAA) is one of those broad government mandates. The ASAA shifts responsibility away from the developers who design digital products and towards a one-size-fits-all government fiat over app stores that do not control how individual services function. This structure limits parental choice, burdens families with unnecessary compliance, and does little to improve real-world safety outcomes. It would further require the collection of troves of children’s data, potentially exposing children to bad actors online who will undoubtedly target the data.
- Updated
The current occupant of the White House, who was only speaking to his base in his State of the Union address, with enthusiastic applause from congressional members of the party in power (all three branches of federal government), stated that "with modest additional contributions, (Trump Accounts) could grow to $100,000 or more by the time children turn 18." Another sound bite, with neither context nor explanation.
Using an online calculator, to realize the premise of that statement, the definition of "modest" would have to be, for one example, on the order of monthly contributions from a family into a Trump Account of about $157, assuming an interest rate of 10% (not guaranteed) compounded monthly over 18 years.
- Updated
Sen. Pete Ricketts said in a statement that "from day one, President Trump has worked to level the playing field on trade and stand up for American farmers, ranchers, and workers."
First District Rep. Mike Flood: "I trust that President Trump and Congress will use every lawful tool available to keep growing our economy and ensure American goods compete on a level playing field abroad."
- Updated
Corruption. It exists at the local, state and federal levels. It exists among Republicans and Democrats. Yet, there are some presidents who were or are more corrupt than others. Donald Trump is as corrupt as they get. Look at what all has taken place since he became president again. A good start and emphasis of this is the Department of Justice. The DOJ should be completely separate and not in the control of the president. Have other presidents controlled the DOJ? Yes. But look at the most recent events. Where is the justice for the "unjustified" killings of the two citizens in Minneapolis? After 34 years in law enforcement, I am telling you had those shootings taken place in a city, county or state, not only would the shooter(s) have been immediately suspended, they would have been charged and most likely convicted of homicide. Neither of those shootings were justified! But what has happened to that investigation? We are not hearing anything about it. And Pam Bondi? Her words at the Epstein hearings speak volumes of her and the DOJ's continued efforts to conceal the truth as to Trump and others involvement. It's sickening! Read the files that have been released! Look at what has been redacted. Pam Bondi's deflection by bringing up the Dow? Her stating "Trump derangement syndrome'? Words to deflect and show her allegiance to Trump. Look at what is occurring to those involved overseas. But under our current DOJ? Crickets. The Trump regime needs to end.
Randy Clark, Lincoln
- Updated
I call SOS after actions of our Secretary of State (SOS). Yes, SOS is international shorthand for extreme distress. Bob Evnen has compromised the privacy and security rights of all citizens of the state by turning over our voter registration information. He said he wasn't worried because Nebraska's "maintenance practices are complete and proper." I don't question Nebraska's record-keeping. I question the judgment of an SOS who releases records in a digital age with DOB, driver's license numbers and, most egregious, the last four digits of my SSN. Does anyone remember the horrendous attacks by the young DOGE mischief makers resulting in so much harm to faithful Nebraska public servants? Examine the timeline — why were these records rushed to the Department of Justice with the concurrence of our AG? Nebraska has excellent privacy and sunshine laws. They keep us safe, secure and willing to show up to vote. The U.S. has privacy and security laws that are also being abused. This is a matter of extreme distress.
Janet Poley, Lincoln
- Updated
The last year has been nothing short of a struggle for me. I have had to find a new place to live while fighting to make ends meet. I have fought my share of medical challenges and am unable to work due to my health.
The State of the Union address left me feeling frustrated and unheard as vital programs like Medicaid are facing crushing cuts that could affect millions of people just like me. Rep. Mike Flood voted to allow these cuts to happen and is doing nothing to help fix problems tied to affordability.
- Updated
The Iowa Legislature on Feb. 18 unanimously passed HR105, urging Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act to restore full retirement disability pay for 54,000 combat-injured veterans. The Iowa legislature and Nebraska’s unicameral both happen to be 67% GOP. Yet a few like Nebraska’s Reps. Adrian Smith and Mike Flood refuse to support the Star Act because of cost.
In 2004, a GOP House, Senate and White House, passed original disabled military concurrent receipt (H.R. 1588) for 450,000–500,000 military retirees at $30 billion to $35 billion. In 2022, the PACT ACT was passed for 3.5-4.5 million veterans and survivors at $400 billion to $600 billion. Today’s Star Act for 54,000 combat-injured veterans costs less than $1 billion.
- Updated
"No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law."
That is not some statute hidden deep within the federal code. That is not an unwritten legal maxim that we strive to abide by. That is a clear, direct statement in the Constitution that the federal government cannot spend money unless it has been appropriated by law.
More like this...
I am asking Gov. Pillen to rethink trying to install Turning Point in schools. There is a reason for separating church and state. I am a Christian but I question how you choose which Christian program is put in a school. There are many different Christian mission statements and Gov. Pillen is not an authority on which should be put in our public schools. I don't see how anyone could pick the "right" Christian program for everyone. Please keep this separation of church and state. There are many Christian school options for those who choose to send their children to their choice of a Christian school.
Rebecca Foster, Lincoln
I thought the president got the upper hand in the State of the Union. He brought us to a dramatic moment when he challenged the Democrats to stand if they believed, “The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants.” I was nervous when the Democrats kept their seats and the president made disparaging comments about that. Why confirm for MAGA that their opponents are anti-American?
Because we must not confirm his dangerous assumption, that the foremost duty of the government is to protect us. The question was about protecting citizens or illegal immigrants. Once you choose, you are buying into the idea that the government’s highest purpose is to protect us. No! Read the Constitution. The preamble describes our purpose in six phrases starting with, “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility ...". Then comes, “provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty ... ”. Justice (for all, not only citizens) comes before common defense. Clearly it means defending the nation as a whole, not the army occupying our cities as England had done to us. “Protecting” us is a way to justify controlling us.
As Congress considers new legislation on children’s online safety, lawmakers face a clear choice about where responsibility should fall. Protecting children online requires more than broad government mandates that undercut parents’ ability to decide what is best for their children. It instead requires policies that respect parents’ role in raising their children and keeping them safe.
The App Store Accountability Act (ASAA) is one of those broad government mandates. The ASAA shifts responsibility away from the developers who design digital products and towards a one-size-fits-all government fiat over app stores that do not control how individual services function. This structure limits parental choice, burdens families with unnecessary compliance, and does little to improve real-world safety outcomes. It would further require the collection of troves of children’s data, potentially exposing children to bad actors online who will undoubtedly target the data.
The current occupant of the White House, who was only speaking to his base in his State of the Union address, with enthusiastic applause from congressional members of the party in power (all three branches of federal government), stated that "with modest additional contributions, (Trump Accounts) could grow to $100,000 or more by the time children turn 18." Another sound bite, with neither context nor explanation.
Using an online calculator, to realize the premise of that statement, the definition of "modest" would have to be, for one example, on the order of monthly contributions from a family into a Trump Account of about $157, assuming an interest rate of 10% (not guaranteed) compounded monthly over 18 years.
Sen. Pete Ricketts said in a statement that "from day one, President Trump has worked to level the playing field on trade and stand up for American farmers, ranchers, and workers."
First District Rep. Mike Flood: "I trust that President Trump and Congress will use every lawful tool available to keep growing our economy and ensure American goods compete on a level playing field abroad."
Corruption. It exists at the local, state and federal levels. It exists among Republicans and Democrats. Yet, there are some presidents who were or are more corrupt than others. Donald Trump is as corrupt as they get. Look at what all has taken place since he became president again. A good start and emphasis of this is the Department of Justice. The DOJ should be completely separate and not in the control of the president. Have other presidents controlled the DOJ? Yes. But look at the most recent events. Where is the justice for the "unjustified" killings of the two citizens in Minneapolis? After 34 years in law enforcement, I am telling you had those shootings taken place in a city, county or state, not only would the shooter(s) have been immediately suspended, they would have been charged and most likely convicted of homicide. Neither of those shootings were justified! But what has happened to that investigation? We are not hearing anything about it. And Pam Bondi? Her words at the Epstein hearings speak volumes of her and the DOJ's continued efforts to conceal the truth as to Trump and others involvement. It's sickening! Read the files that have been released! Look at what has been redacted. Pam Bondi's deflection by bringing up the Dow? Her stating "Trump derangement syndrome'? Words to deflect and show her allegiance to Trump. Look at what is occurring to those involved overseas. But under our current DOJ? Crickets. The Trump regime needs to end.
Randy Clark, Lincoln
I call SOS after actions of our Secretary of State (SOS). Yes, SOS is international shorthand for extreme distress. Bob Evnen has compromised the privacy and security rights of all citizens of the state by turning over our voter registration information. He said he wasn't worried because Nebraska's "maintenance practices are complete and proper." I don't question Nebraska's record-keeping. I question the judgment of an SOS who releases records in a digital age with DOB, driver's license numbers and, most egregious, the last four digits of my SSN. Does anyone remember the horrendous attacks by the young DOGE mischief makers resulting in so much harm to faithful Nebraska public servants? Examine the timeline — why were these records rushed to the Department of Justice with the concurrence of our AG? Nebraska has excellent privacy and sunshine laws. They keep us safe, secure and willing to show up to vote. The U.S. has privacy and security laws that are also being abused. This is a matter of extreme distress.
Janet Poley, Lincoln
The last year has been nothing short of a struggle for me. I have had to find a new place to live while fighting to make ends meet. I have fought my share of medical challenges and am unable to work due to my health.
The State of the Union address left me feeling frustrated and unheard as vital programs like Medicaid are facing crushing cuts that could affect millions of people just like me. Rep. Mike Flood voted to allow these cuts to happen and is doing nothing to help fix problems tied to affordability.
The Iowa Legislature on Feb. 18 unanimously passed HR105, urging Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act to restore full retirement disability pay for 54,000 combat-injured veterans. The Iowa legislature and Nebraska’s unicameral both happen to be 67% GOP. Yet a few like Nebraska’s Reps. Adrian Smith and Mike Flood refuse to support the Star Act because of cost.
In 2004, a GOP House, Senate and White House, passed original disabled military concurrent receipt (H.R. 1588) for 450,000–500,000 military retirees at $30 billion to $35 billion. In 2022, the PACT ACT was passed for 3.5-4.5 million veterans and survivors at $400 billion to $600 billion. Today’s Star Act for 54,000 combat-injured veterans costs less than $1 billion.
"No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law."
That is not some statute hidden deep within the federal code. That is not an unwritten legal maxim that we strive to abide by. That is a clear, direct statement in the Constitution that the federal government cannot spend money unless it has been appropriated by law.
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