Defend free speech
Have you heard it said "Freedom of speech for me, but not for thee?"
It is strange indeed that in this century we would have to actually defend freedom of speech, a right that has been hard won even to the point of bloodshed. If the Enlightenment taught us anything, it is that freedom of speech came about through a willingness of those who held opposing viewpoints to engage in argument, discussion, and heated debate. What have we seen? The radical left has changed its position from championing free speech to banning it and allowing only "oppressed" groups to speak. The argument is that minorities, such as those in the LGBTQ communities, have been discriminated against, and therefore, to level the playing field, we must curb the social power of the dominant group that for so long has used free speech to uphold their position of power. Racism and sexism must be attacked vigorously. The one way to do that is to deny certain groups the right to speak. They only have the right to remain silent.
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Thank you Trump administration for well-adjusted thinking. We appreciate your efforts to see "Righteousness exalted"-- Proverbs 14:34.
Dave Smith, Waterloo
Climate techologies
Our climate keeps heating up. One possible way out is to find new technologies that reduce the emission of carbon dioxide that is driving climate change.
The first one was reported in an article in the Iowa Stater magazine about research to stop the venting of carbon dioxide from abandoned oil and gas wells. They would be plugged by injecting a newly developed bio-oil made from leftover harvest and forest waste products into them. By using plant-based materials, it would trap this carbon far underground. It could have the additional benefit of generating a new revenue stream for farmers.
The other emerging technology involves data centers. What if they used no electricity or water, and were not visible? Several countries, including China, and a couple of U.S. companies are evaluating fully automated underwater or floating data centers. These computing facilities would be powered by waves, ocean or river currents, or seawater energy, and cooled by the surrounding water.
These carbon-reducing technologies need support from our government. Let’s get busy.
David Voigts, Jesup
An honest man
Had enough hate, crime, poor leaders? Then it is time to find honest, hardworking people that will lead. I know it is hard, that is one of the reasons Diogenes carried a lit lamp during the day when looking for an honest man, there were not many. We can find one or two. Keep looking. We have found them in the past and can do so now. Vote.
Bob Black, Waterloo
Tired of house tours
I am so tired of the yearly Grout Historic District house tours! This is not the real Waterloo. Why don't the people spend time going to houses that are meant to be torn down, or just areas of the "great city" that need help with siding, sidewalks, you name it?
But no, as usual the only people (snobs) who get any attention are the rich. God bless people with money. You make me sick! Enjoy your big bucks while the rest of the city suffers. Have a great life!
I bet you all voted for Trump.
Cris Brunko, Waterloo
