Opinion

 Editor: The government payment to hurricane survivors of $750 a one time direct payment may take up to ten days– individuals must sign up with FEMA online or in person.  Where are the FEMA people? AWOL!  Note: there is no WiFi or cell service available in many areas due to the storm.  Although Elon Musk bid to put in his service, the bid was rejected.

Dear Editor,A month from now we will know – maybe – the final results of the 2024 election.  So, let’s take one last look at what the Democrat Party is bringing to the table.  First, there’s the “Vacuous Pant Suit”.  Since her installation – without a single vote by any Democrat in the United States, I might add - she’s fully lived up to her “Vacuous” description.

To the Editor: I know there are some who would rather spread lies and misinformation than actually do the research. I also know that since this came from FEMA that plenty of others will proclaim it is all false because it comes from our government but none-the-less here is the truth.Rosemary SchwartzFEMAHurricane Helene: Rumor ResponseHelp keep yourself, your family and your community safe after Hurricane Helene by being aware of rumors and scams and sharing official information from trusted sources.

Dear Editor, $750 for hurricane victims.  $2200 a month for illegals.  The hurricane victims paid by direct deposit will take 10 days.  They need help now.  Medicine, food, water, shelter [and means to care for the dead].  Illegals have all that each month.  Is there something wrong here - this stinks!?  FEMA AWOL short of funds - did they spend it on the illegals???  MSM ask the questions!  America needs answers.

To the Editor:As I begin my 38th year of teaching, I reflect on many years when change was painful, exciting, or long overdue. At Center Point-Urbana School we have done what many smaller schools with a low tax base have had to do for years, make something out of very little. Our resourcefulness has been admirable! However, even though all departments are in need, the fine arts department has received very little when it comes to facility upgrades and improvements in the past 35 years.

Editor:All of the critics are missing the point. I am not a globalist, At one time I flirted with that propaganda, but there are limits as to what the working class needs to buy and what they don't. Manufactured items tend to be superior with U.S. companies, but not always. I have a lot of tools manufactured by Japanese companies. I find they are quite good, I also have a lot of tools and machines built by Delta, Milwaukee, and DeWalt.

Dear Editor, John Deere has làid off hundreds of employees in Waterloo and perhaps in Moline. The company is moving some manufacturing to Mexico. Trump will impose tariffs, and that's exactly what a President should do.  America first. Protect union workers.John Stiegelmeyer

Dear Editor, It is without question that the Democrat Party has taken out a “Contract” on Donald Trump.  They want him dead.  Period.Their reasons are repeated over and over and over . . .“He’s Hitler!!!”“He’s a threat to Democracy!!”“He’s an existential threat!!!” . . . I guess to the very existence of the planet??“He’s a tyrant, he’ll be a Dictator!”“He won’t let us kill our unborn children anymore!!!”“He’s a racist!” Golly, they had me at “Hitler”.

The city council met on Thursday evening. As part of the meeting was the Citizen’s Input segment. It's a grab bag of thoughts that come before the council in this department. Thursday night was no exception. The community once in a while will get all riled up about the former Iowa Braille and Sight Savings School property. Some aren't happy with it being broken up and voice their opinions on the topic.

September 11, is not a day that anyone forgets. Toby Keith summed up all of my feelings in his song, "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."He sang, "American Girls and American Guys, We'll always stand up and saluteWe'll always recognize, When we see Old Glory FlyingThere's a lot of men dead, So we can sleep in peace at nightWhen we lay down our headMy daddy served in the army, Where he lost his right eyeBut he flew a flag out in our yard, 'Til the day that he diedHe wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me, To grow up and live happyIn the land of the freeNow this nation that I love, Has fallen under attackA mighty sucker punch came flyin' in, From somewhere in the backSoon as we could see it clearly, Through our big black eyeMan, we lit up your world, Like the 4th of JulyHey, Uncle Sam Put your name at the top of his listAnd the Statue of Liberty, Started shakin' her fistAnd the eagle will fly, And there's gonna be hellWhen you hear Mother Freedom Start ringin' her bellAnd it'll feel like the whole wide world is raining down on youOh, brought to you Courtesy of the Red, White and BlueOh, justice will be served, And the battle will rageThis big dog will fight, When you rattle his cageAnd you'll be sorry that you messed with The U.