I don’t understand why our senators and congressmen, Democrat or Republican, bother to take an oath of office — which I believe talks about upholding the laws of this country and protecting our nation.

It should read, “I, (whoever), plan to uphold my party’s interest and the special interest groups that control my party and make it financially possible to spend millions of dollars, to get a $150,000-a-year job.”

Randy Friendt, Lincoln

Bus riders already adapt

It is apparent to me that Herb Welter (letter, May 23) does not depend on the bus for daily transportation. Welter emphasized the money and fuel that the city bus system “wastes” by providing this necessary service to Lincoln residents.

As one who uses the city bus system regularly, I was offended that Welter wants bus users to “adapt” to less frequently scheduled trips. For those who ride the bus to work, should employers “adapt” to riders being more than an hour early or late for appointments? 

People who ride the bus already adapt, Mr. Welter. We adapt by scheduling our days around bus routes, carrying umbrellas in case we are caught in the rain while waiting at our stop, and learning to haul groceries several blocks to pare down our bus trips to as few as possible. And we are thankful for the service the bus provides, in spite of the inconvenience.

I know several Lincolnites who own cars but ride the bus for economic or environmental consciousness. I have a friend who is a faithful substitute for Lincoln Public Schools who gets up early to catch her bus to take her the various schools she subs for. The bus is the only means of transportation many people with disabilities or underprivileged residents have.

Smaller buses or fewer trips will only discourage people from taking the bus, which is environmentally and economically friendly and a great asset to a successful community.  A city should not be “run like a business”; a business exists to make a profit, while a city provides community for its residents. The bus system is a city service and should continue to improve upon its already dependable and certainly necessary services.

Welter should depend solely on the bus system for one week.  While he’s waiting at his stop, he should consider his comparison of bus riders to gnats — and then be thankful for the “sledge hammer” about to pick him up and carry him across town.

Katie Carlson, Lincoln

Don’t badmouth soldiers

Quoting Sen. Ernie Chambers, America is a country without honor, the military discriminates against minorities and soldiers in Iraq are dying in vain and raping women. In response to this comment, I would like to invite Chambers, and anyone else who has the same view, to move. 

I am tired of hearing people badmouth the soldiers in the military. Whether you agree with our occupation in Iraq or not, the soldiers are not the ones who made the decisions to go there. Our senators and government administration voted put them there. We voted to put those people in power. The people who serve in our military give up many things in order to provide security and safety and to maintain rights for those who live here. 

Our soldiers spend months and years away from family, missing birthdays, anniversaries and births of children — not because they want to but because they believe that they are doing something that will benefit the greater good. Our soldiers miss first steps, first words and first smiles from their children. 

They come home to their children wanting to be parents, but instead are strangers to them. They do this not because the pay or benefits are great but because they believe in what they are doing.

If you do not believe in the war, then by all means, vote to change our administration, but please do not speak disrespectfully of our soldiers who give up so much for our country.

Mary Riedl, Cheney

Article missed the point

The June 2 Journal Star coverage of Nebraska Call To Action’s effort to encourage Bishop Bruskewitz to participate in the annual clergy sex abuse audit missed the point. This was not just another standoff between progressive and conservative Catholics; this was an opportunity to educate readers about the risks associated with Bishop Bruskewitz’s refusal to take minimal steps to protect children. 

I have spoken with several survivors of clergy sex abuse, and their stories are eerily similar. They describe reporting the abuse to their bishop only to have their bishop respond, “Trust me, I have it under control.” But time and again, abusers remained in their ministries and continued to abuse Catholic and non-Catholic children.

If Bishop Bruskewitz’s claim that there is no abuse in the Lincoln diocese is true, what could be lost by joining all of his brother bishops in the audit process? 

This is not a conservative vs. progressive issue. This is an issue of civic responsibility.

Patty Hawk, Crete

Fortenberry impresses

I have been thoroughly impressed with the outstanding leadership our 1st District congressman, Jeff Fortenberry, is displaying in Washington, D.C.

 Recently, Congressman Fortenberry used his summer recess as an opportunity to go to the Middle East and Africa pledging democracy assistance.

In only his second term, Fortenberry already has shown an astute understanding of the issues by sponsoring meaningful legislation critical to improving America’s middle class; worked with members of the opposing party in order to assist with advancing bipartisan measures; and possesses a remarkable talent for simplifying some of the more complicated nuances of a bill when addressing constituents at town hall meetings.

Right now, our country is faced with many challenges that sometimes seem to go unnoticed by Washington politicians. In times like these, it is such a relief to know that Congressman Fortenberry is on our side, working to find solutions to our difficult problems while providing exceptional leadership.

George Olmer, Lincoln