Letters to the Editor

President oversteps powers

Written by Neil A. Davis, Gothenburg Thursday, 17 May 2012 14:15

Joe Knoedler (02-22-12) asks “What is wrong with giving people...the ability to attain higher education and giving people who were born here legally the path to citizenship?” Congress (taxpayers) began subsidizing student loan interest in 2007. The rates were temporary and now Congress is fighting over how to pay for the increase as they revert back (double). No one warned students this was going to happen. Thanks Uncle Sam! People born here legally don’t need a path to citizenship. It is guaranteed them by the 14th amendment.

Knoedler believes I have “...taken our president out of context.” and wonders what my motives are, because I stated that Obama in reference to the economy said, “If Congress won’t get it done I will.” Trouble is, that’s not the quote I used. “And where Congress is not willing to act, we’re going to go ahead and do it ourselves”. He got two words out of 17 (by luck it seems).

An advanced Google search of his exact quote, produces nine links to his own letter on The Times website and nine on a Yahoo message board. Most likely Obama never said it. The same search of my exact quote produces over 10,000 results. The first one is a realclearpolitics page where you can view a video of Obama speaking the quote (in context).

The bottom line (my motive) is, the president has no authority to act without Congress in most matters. But he is doing it anyway (acts of a dictator). The powers of the executive branch are set forth in Article. II. Section. 2. & Section. 3. of the Constitution. Frankly, these powers are rather limited. The president is commander in chief of the armed forces. He can grant pardons. He can make treaties and appoint ambassadors, judges and other officials, but only with the advice and consent of the Senate. He can fill vacancies, but only during the recess of the Senate. He has the power of the veto and signs bills (passed by Congress) into law.

Where does he get the power to impose a moratorium against U.S. deep water drilling in the gulf of Mexico? I don’t know. Neither does the federal judge who has ordered him to cease. While ignoring the federal court order, he extended multi-billion dollar loans to Brazil and Mexico so they can get the oil.

He is attempting to delay a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline until after the election (every decision hinges on his re-election). Opponents of the pipeline say the oil would be exported anyway. How does that help us? Supply and demand still controls the price. More oil…lower prices. Shouldn’t we be able to negotiate contracts on oil produced here (belonging to us) that insure conditions favorable to our needs (traditionally low gas prices) before other buyers are considered? I think we should be selling as much oil to China as possible (at world market prices). It would be one way to pay off our debt.

Hospital election concerns

Written by Jackie Anderson, Gothenburg Thursday, 10 May 2012 14:23

I have great concerns about the upcoming election for the hospital board. Three of the six candidates on the roster for election are either doctors or hospital employees. I consider this a significant ethical concern for our hospital.

This hospital board will be hiring a new administrator whose responsibility it will be to direct the day-to-day operations of the hospital. Among these responsibilities is resolving issues among staff members and protecting the interests of the hospital in any legal issues. How could an administrator maintain impartiality when the people he could be censoring are part of the board that has the power to fire him? A clear conflict of interest is at issue!

Please note that this is in no way an attempt to impugn the reputations of any medical professionals in our community. I have great respect for the medical staff in our community having been involved in recruiting Dr. Matzke and selecting local doctors for our personal medical care needs. We are very fortunate to have a skilled set of professionals and a progressive facility in our community. My goal is to have this continue into the next generations.

I would like to propose an alternative write-in choice for the upcoming vote, my husband Gregg Anderson. He is experienced as a board member, having served as a school board secretary/treasurer for several years at New Hope School, the rural school our children attended, and also as a former council member for Zion Lutheran Church. He has been a location manager at All Points Cooperative for the past seven years and a parent and lifetime community member.

I am fully aware that a write-in candidate has a very slim chance of election so I would also like to propose that this practice be investigated. I am told that this is not a breach of the by-laws of the hospital; however, I would encourage the district patrons to speak with board members to change the by-laws to reflect a policy that does not allow persons with a financial interest in hospital issues to be elected to the board.

In closing, discuss this matter with your friends and neighbors and reflect on the issues at hand prior to voting. I would urge you to write in Gregg Anderson for the hospital board.

Liberal use of language

Written by Jack Ostergard, Gothenburg Friday, 04 May 2012 13:44

It appears to me the Republican senatorial candidates from Nebraska are using the word conservatism liberally.

FFA greenhouse is a winner

Written by Deborah Montgomery Maxwell Thursday, 03 May 2012 14:13

I recently had the pleasure of being invited to visit the FFA greenhouse project in Gothenburg managed by Kaylee Beyea, a junior at Gothenburg High School.

I had heard about all the time and effort Kaylee and the landscaping class had put into this project and how important it was to them. I have always been a huge fan of the FFA program and the values it teaches the students. I decided to go on the opening morning.

I really think I was just expecting to go and see the greenhouse, buy a few plants,and help support the hard work of the students. Much to my surprise I walked into one of the most wonderful greenhouses I have ever been to. The plants are amazing; the greenhouse is very well organized.

The FFA students were very polite and extremely helpful. I did not leave until I had completely filled my car with plants. The prices were also very pleasant. I hope that people continue to support this project. If you have not been out to see the greenhouse yet, you should take the time to go out and take a look. I will continue to go back for more plants until Kaylee is sold out.

Mr Scherer and Gothenburg High School should be very proud of these students. They have represented you well. I look forward to many more years of purchasing my plants from this greenhouse.

Learn about Lions activities

Written by Barry McDiarmid, club secretary Thursday, 26 April 2012 14:21

Gothenburg Lions Club was founded in 1942, and has served the Gothenburg community throughout each year since.

Have you ever wondered who puts out the flags on holidays and special occasions? The Lions do. Have you been to the Christmas matinee at the Sun Theatre recently? The Lions sponsor that

Did you know that the Lions take out Meals on Wheels regularly, set up the Bloodmobile equipment for blood donor days, pick up trash with the Adopt a Highway initiative, provide for vision and hearing screenings at the Gothenburg Public Schools and offer scholarships to Gothenburg High School Seniors?

Members of the community can learn about these and the many other activities the Lions are involved with at an ice cream social that is being held in Ehmen Park next Monday from 7 p.m. Come along and enjoy the treat that the Lions are offering, and if you want to know how you can get involved in serving your community through your local Lions organization, members will be on hand to encourage you.