Funny signs not needed
The April 2 story about the Nebraska Department of Transportation seeking ideas for “funny highway signs” was disappointing. Instead of the agency using taxpayer dollars for extraneous purposes, they should focus on providing proper notifications such as road closures, road condition, hazards ahead, warnings, etc. Since a highway sign’s primary purpose should be for safety, I will respectfully suggest my idea: “NDOT is winner of distracted driving award for signs.”
Rod Krogh, Lincoln
Comprehensive support
Many Nebraskans experience some form of intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetimes. In the aftermath of these traumatic experiences, survivors require comprehensive support to heal. Paid sick leave is not merely a perk but a crucial lifeline for survivors and their support networks.
Survivors face multifaceted challenges, from medical appointments to legal proceedings, therapy sessions to safety planning. These demands can be overwhelming, exacerbating the trauma and impeding recovery. Paid time off, including sick leave, provides survivors with the necessary flexibility to prioritize their well-being without the added burden of financial strain.
The impact of sexual and domestic violence extends beyond the individual survivor. Family and friends play pivotal roles in providing support and care, but they, too, require time to navigate the complexities of the situation and process their own emotions.
Measures that afford paid time off for survivors and their support networks not only contribute to the healing of survivors but also serve as a testament to the collective responsibility to end sexual and domestic violence. In prioritizing the well-being of survivors and their communities, we not only cultivate resilience but also pave the way for a more compassionate society. In support of survivors in our state, we support the ballot initiative to provide paid sick leave to all Nebraskans.
Christon MacTaggart, Lincoln
Jesus loves strippers
Of course Jesus loves strippers. That’s why He died for them. While He would never exploit them for His own personal benefit, He also loves even those who do.
Walt Hamilton, Omaha
Warning from Revelation
Recently, Donald Trump endorsed the “God Bless The USA Bible,” a Bible that contains lyrics to the popular song God Bless The U.S.A., and political documents. If the Bible is Donald Trump’s favorite book as he claims, then he would know important scripture verses, instructions, commands, and laws. In Revelation 22:18 NKJV, it says, “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.”
Adding documents to God’s word is blasphemy, something any true believer should know. Also, endorsing a Bible is unnecessary because the creator of the universe doesn’t need an endorsement. God is all-powerful and the one who’s in control, not Donald Trump or any other person.
I am a registered nonpartisan voter. I have declared my right to vote this way because I’ve had it with both sides. But honestly, any true Christian should be leery of this Bible, and be on their guard, because this man will say and do anything to get re-elected. Think twice before you vote, and if it means going across party lines, by all means do so.
Sarah Hayes, Lincoln
Let the states decide?
The name of our country is the United States of America, not individual states.
Our first constitution (Articles of Confederation) gave power to the individual states. States printed their own money, imposed tariffs, had their own military and made treaties with foreign powers. It was an abject failure. Leaving it to the states resulted in slavery, segregation and Jim Crow laws. States sought to impose their laws on other states, as with Dred Scott.
Today states sue the federal government to impose their anti-abortion laws and migrant policies on other states. One state imposes laws from 1864. Meanwhile, they refuse to abide by federal rulings on their illegal gerrymandering and election laws to maintain one-party rule. We have a Constitution that works for all of us, the United States of America.
Jeff Johnston, Elmwood, Neb.
Stop aid to Israel
Thanks for printing Ayman Sharif’s letter, “End the violence.” I affirm and support what he wrote. I think it’s time for serious, thoughtful diplomacy, untainted by posturing and lies. It’s time to recognize Palestine as a legitimate world state and voting member of the world’s organizations. It’s time to hold Israel accountable for its lies, violence, and repugnant acts. The U.S. government must stop sending arms and money to Israel.
Sara Pahl-Ramirez, Omaha
The real problem
Living in an SID, I’m wondering if our concerns and complaints get the attention and resolution as the fine citizens of Omaha? Here is the reason for the question.
The Omaha Police Department firing range sitting just off Honeysuckle Drive at about 195th Street has become a real problem for the homeowners in the immediate area. And it seems there is little information or resolution coming out of Omaha City Hall to address the issue.
The facility in question is not only outdated and dangerous for the many newer homes and families in the area — and the noise ordinance laws must not apply in an SID. There doesn’t appear to be any action on our concerns.
Please, address these concerns of the Elk Ridge neighborhood. Safety should be a priority of all Nebraska. This area is growing and the city should be growing with it. Move the firing range to a new location, please.
Mark Nekonchuk, Omaha
Nebraska’s electoral votes
I’m a “sown and grown” Nebraskan for life and remain dedicated to our state. I have always felt (for the most part) that Nebraskans are fair-minded and typically well-informed individuals and voters.
The ability to have a split Electoral College vote serves Nebraskans fairly and honestly. It would be best for our entire country to adopt this procedure, as it would bring the popular vote and electoral vote closer — instead of the large disparity that exists currently between the two systems.
Clearly the GOP is worried that in this upcoming election that Democrats might once again gain one electoral vote (we could only hope for more) for a Democrat, as opposed to the normal GOP lock on all of Nebraska’s electoral votes.
I always have felt that our state’s motto should be “Be part of the equation,” as opposed to “We don’t coast” or “It’s not for everyone.” However, maybe we should adopt a new motto of “Nebraska: The Spoiler State” — and we could also share this motto with Maine.
Please don’t mess with a good thing that keeps us unique as well as fairly represented in all corners of Nebraska.
W. H. Ferer, Omaha
Not a bandwagon state
Nebraska is not a bandwagon state. We take pride in making our own decisions. For more than thirty years, Nebraska has split its electoral votes by congressional district because we believe every Nebraskan’s voice should be heard.
Charlie Kirk and his Turning Point Action political group came to Omaha this month to tell us that we are wrong. Mr. Kirk thinks our red state is not red enough. He and his friends want us to change our electoral format to winner-take-all. Why? Because they are afraid. They need all red states marching in lockstep to ensure victory in November.
But Nebraska doesn’t sweep votes under the rug. That’s not who we are. Holding free and fair elections means a great deal to us. That is why we make sure Nebraska elections are safe, secure, and certified. Our elections are a beacon for others to follow; our Secretary of State, Bob Evnen, recently testified before the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee about the exceptional quality of our election process.
I am not a resident of the 2nd Congressional District nor am I a Democrat, but I am deeply concerned about what I see happening. If my fellow Nebraskans believe silencing those who disagree with them is the path to certain victory, that is a road I cannot go down and one I hope Nebraska does not choose. Winning at any cost is not a Nebraska value.
Nancy Northcutt, Bellevue
20-minute city
I would be thrilled for Omaha to spend a fraction of the $440 million earmarked for the “Stothert trolley folly” on simply synchronizing the city’s traffic lights so we could return to being the “20-minute city” from days of yore.
But why benefit the 200,000 who drive every day, when we can spend a half-billion dollars on a few thousand UNMC and Mutual of Omaha employees who will ride a streetcar a short distance from their car to their work doorstep.
Our great-grandchildren will visit a renamed “Stothert-Durham Museum” to see the antiquated tram that cost their city its A+ bond rating.
Steve Douglas, Omaha