Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: Letters
First look at ‘Happy Face,’ TV series about killer who confessed in letters to The Oregonian
The streaming service Paramount Plus has released the first trailer for “Happy Face,” the TV series inspired by events surrounding a notorious true-crime case with a connection to Oregon. “Happy Face” is inspired by the experiences of Melissa G. Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was Keith Jesperson, the serial killer who became known as “Happy Face,” or the “Happy Face Killer.”
Longtime Oregonians may recall that Jesperson’s nickname came about because of the smiley face signatures included in anonymous letters Jesperson wrote to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and to The Oregonian, in which Jesperson confessed to killing several victims, including women from Oregon. In 1994, The Oregonian printed a five-part series about the “Happy Face Killer,” and the confessions.
Jesperson is serving a life sentence at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
Annaleigh Ashford stars as Moore in the “Happy Face” TV series, and Dennis Quaid plays Jesperson. The series, which filmed on location in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, premieres with two episodes March 20 on Paramount Plus.
According to the Paramount Plus announcement, “Happy Face” tells the story of what happens when, after decades of not being in contact, Jesperson, who is now incarcerated, “finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity.”
The series is inspired by the “Happy Face” podcast, and the book, “Shattered Silence,” by Moore and M. Bridget Cook. The series executive producers include Robert and Michelle King (“The Good Wife”).
The “Happy Face” cast also includes James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey. Following the two-episode premiere on Paramount Plus on March 20, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays. The season finale will stream on May 1.
Introducing ‘Happy Face’: A TV Series Based on the Killer Who Confessed in Letters to The OregonianGet ready to dive into the twisted mind of a killer in the upcoming TV series, ‘Happy Face.’ Based on the true story of a man who confessed to his crimes in chilling letters sent to The Oregonian newspaper, this show is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Follow along as the investigative team at The Oregonian delves into the mind of a serial killer who signs his letters with a happy face, leaving a trail of terror in his wake. As they piece together the clues and unravel the killer’s dark motivations, they will come face to face with the true horror of his crimes.
With a talented cast and a gripping storyline, ‘Happy Face’ promises to be a thrilling and suspenseful ride. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for your first look at this chilling new series.
Tags:
- Happy Face TV series
- Killer confession letters
- The Oregonian
- True crime TV series
- Murder confession
- Investigation drama
- Serial killer TV show
- Dark and twisted series
- Crime documentary adaptation
- Happy Face series review
#Happy #Face #series #killer #confessed #letters #Oregonian
Iron on Patch Los Angeles Baseball America Flag & Gold Border – LA Letters July 4th Edition – 2.5″ x 3.75″ – Pack of 2
Price: $11.99
(as of Jan 31,2025 15:00:24 UTC – Details)
This is a set of Independence Day Edition of 2 LA Letter Logo patches with Star & Strips & Gold border.
Each patch size measure approx. 2.5″ x 3.75″
Made of top quality embroidery. Easy to iron or sew on to your favorite jersey, baseball cap, shirt, jacket, backpack or just about anything else.
This durable and well-made iron on patches will make anything you apply it to look RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME!How to use the iron patch
Step 1: Turn the iron on to the strongest to warm the iron with steam or a spray a bit water
Step 2: Place your patch in the desired position and place a pressing cloth (such as a handkerchief, sheet or pillowcase fabric) over top.
Step 3: Press the iron straight down for 1 – 2 min with as much constant pressure as possible.
Step 4: Turn the garment inside-out and repeat steps 2 & 3.
Step 5: Allow the patch to cool down.
Pack of 2 – each size approx. 2.5″ x 3.75″
Iron on or Sew on Patches
Made of top quality embroidery
Easy to iron or sew on to your favorite jersey, baseball cap, shirt, jacket, backpack or just about anything else.
LA letter logo patch with Stars & Strips and Gold border designs
Are you a baseball fan living in Los Angeles? Show off your love for America and the LA baseball team with this limited edition Iron on Patch! Featuring the iconic American flag and gold border with the LA letters, this patch is the perfect accessory for celebrating July 4th in style.Each patch measures 2.5″ x 3.75″ and comes in a pack of 2, so you can share one with a fellow fan or keep both for yourself. Whether you’re attending a game at Dodger Stadium or just want to add some LA flair to your outfit, these patches are a must-have for any baseball enthusiast.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive July 4th edition Iron on Patch – order yours today! #LAPride #BaseballAmerica #July4thEdition
#Iron #Patch #Los #Angeles #Baseball #America #Flag #Gold #Border #Letters #July #4th #Edition #Pack,lakers 44 patchCoogam Wooden Alphabet Puzzle – ABC Letters Sorting Board Blocks Montessori Matching Game Jigsaw Educational Early Learning Toy Gift for Preschool Year Old Kids
Price: $17.99
(as of Jan 31,2025 04:22:00 UTC – Details)
About us
Cute Letters, Decent Puzzle: 26 pieces wood ABC upper case blocks board, with bright colors and sweet illustrations of familiar objects, provide a terrific way to learn ABCs. Comes in gift box, size: 12.2x12x1inch, weigh 24.2oz.
High-Quality Kit: All pieces are well-made that are thick enough that easily stand up. They can stand upright on a table, smooth and well painted, lightweight and sturdy. And the slots for the pieces are deep enough for them to slide in;
Children’s Favorite Gift: Play with these to help identify letters or just organizing them as a puzzle. Easy to manipulate, a joy to hear your young kids sounding forth his learning up to Z!
Excellent Learning Board: This is a great teaching tool for toddlers. The pieces are easy for small hands to pick up and place in the spots they go in. Enjoy playing with the ABC letters while helping Children to learn them better.Customers say
Customers find the puzzle a good learning tool for toddlers. They appreciate the well-made construction, clear lettering, and visual aids like pictures under the letters. Many consider it a nice product and value for money. However, some customers dislike the paint peeling and have differing opinions on the letter size.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Looking for the perfect educational toy for your preschooler? Look no further than the Coogam Wooden Alphabet Puzzle! This ABC letters sorting board is not only fun, but it also helps kids learn their letters and develop important cognitive skills.This Montessori matching game is designed to engage young minds and promote early learning. The colorful wooden blocks are easy for little hands to grasp and manipulate, making it a great tool for improving fine motor skills.
Whether your child is just starting to recognize letters or is already practicing spelling words, this jigsaw puzzle will provide hours of educational entertainment. It’s a great gift for any preschooler who loves to learn and play!
Get your Coogam Wooden Alphabet Puzzle today and watch your child’s imagination soar as they match letters, spell words, and explore the exciting world of language and literacy.
#Coogam #Wooden #Alphabet #Puzzle #ABC #Letters #Sorting #Board #Blocks #Montessori #Matching #Game #Jigsaw #Educational #Early #Learning #Toy #Gift #Preschool #Year #Kids,kids and childrenTrace Letters, Ages 3 – 5
Trace Letters, Ages 3 – 5
Price : 6.29
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for your little ones? Look no further!Introducing Trace Letters, Ages 3-5! This activity book is perfect for helping young children practice their letter tracing skills while also improving their handwriting and letter recognition.
With simple and engaging exercises, this book is designed to keep kids entertained while they learn. Whether your child is just starting to learn their ABCs or is looking to improve their writing skills, Trace Letters, Ages 3-5 is the perfect tool to help them succeed.
So why wait? Grab a copy of Trace Letters, Ages 3-5 today and watch as your child’s confidence and skills grow with each letter they trace!
#Trace #Letters #Ages,ages 3+Medicare Change Backed by 20,000 People in New Letters
A coalition of around 20,000 advocates and twelve major health care groups has called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand Medicare and Medicaid to include FDA-approved anti-obesity medications.
The letters are being led by the Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease (HECCD) and they say the change would potentially benefit up to 7.5 million Americans enrolled in these federal programs who are living with obesity, per the press release.
Why It Matters
The proposed expansion comes at a critical time when an estimated 42 percent of American adults are living with obesity—a number projected to rise to over 50 percent in the coming decade.
Dr. Elena Rios, co-chair of the HECCD and president of the National Hispanic Health Foundation, noted that this rule change would address the disproportionate impact of obesity on older Americans in underserved areas, providing them with necessary treatments that have been long denied.
“Expanding Medicare & Medicaid coverage policies to include anti-obesity medications will have a profound impact on improving the health of millions of Americans—especially older Americans living in rural and underserved communities who experience disproportionately higher rates of obesity, and who are too often left behind by our health care system[…],” Rios said in a statement.
Medicare Health Insurance card in file folder.
Bill Oxford/Getty Images
What To Know
Advocacy for this change has garnered bipartisan support, suggesting a strong collective will to address a health crisis that drains $173 billion annually from the U.S. health care system, according to the grassroots advocates’ public comment letter.
The national advocacy organizations’ letter argues that the current policy exacerbates health disparities, particularly among communities of color and rural populations where obesity rates are notably higher—”six times higher than those in urban and suburban areas.”
Advocates stress that the inclusion of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) is not just about treating obesity, but preventing the costly diseases it can lead to, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Organizations behind this movement include a wide range of stakeholders like the Alliance for Patient Access, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Obesity Care Advocacy Network. These groups emphasize that the rule change would align Medicare and Medicaid policies with the clinical standards needed to combat obesity effectively.
Expanding Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications could raise a few concerns, from a potential strain on health care budgets and overly medicalized obesity treatment, overshadowing lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise. There are also overarching doubts about the long-term efficacy and safety of these medications.
The letters mark the closure of the public comment period for the proposed rule.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Eleanor Yusupov, obesity medicine physician and assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, told Newsweek: “High cost of anti-obesity treatments and lack of insurance coverage remain major barriers for patients who need these medications. It is an issue of equity in healthcare that we face every day. Too often our most disadvantaged patients are not able to obtain highly effective anti-obesity medications. Policy change will improve access to medications that are now recommended by evidence-based guidelines to prevent diabetes, improve heart health, and improve quality of life for many patients.”
Dr. Elena Rios, co-chair of the Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease and president of the National Hispanic Health Foundation, said in a statement: “… Obesity has been designated a chronic disease for well over a decade. If enacted, this rule will ensure that Medicare and Medicaid will finally begin to treat it as such[…].”
“By finalizing this rule, the Trump Administration has a legacy-building opportunity to do what no other administration has been able to: Reverse the course of a worsening obesity epidemic and decades of deteriorating public health, and improving the health outcomes for millions of Americans who have long been overlooked by our health care system.”
Grassroots advocates in a letter: “By finalizing this policy, CMS has an era-defining opportunity to potentially reverse decades of deteriorating public health and rising obesity rates experienced by millions of Americans—in communities both rural and urban, big and small. This policy will usher in a new era of American public health while also cementing a commitment to ensuring that all Americans have access to evidence-based care and the opportunity to live longer and healthier lives.”
What Happens Next
With the public comment period now closed, the decision rests with CMS to finalize the rule.
If enacted, this regulation would reinforce the treatment of obesity as a chronic disease under federal health programs and expand the range of treatments covered—potentially leading to significant health policy reforms and improved health outcomes for millions of Americans.
In a recent development, over 20,000 people have come together to support a change to Medicare that they believe will benefit millions of Americans. The proposed change, outlined in a series of letters sent to lawmakers, aims to improve access to healthcare services and reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries.The letters, signed by a diverse group of individuals including seniors, healthcare advocates, and policymakers, highlight the need for Medicare to cover a broader range of services, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Currently, these services are not covered under traditional Medicare, leading many beneficiaries to pay out-of-pocket for essential healthcare needs.
The supporters of this change argue that expanding Medicare coverage will not only improve the health and well-being of millions of Americans but also help to reduce overall healthcare costs in the long run. By addressing preventive care needs and early intervention, Medicare can help individuals avoid costly and unnecessary medical treatments down the line.
As lawmakers consider potential changes to Medicare, the voices of these 20,000 individuals serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all. It is clear that there is a strong demand for reform within the Medicare system, and it is up to policymakers to listen to the concerns and needs of their constituents.
In the coming months, it will be crucial for lawmakers to take action on these proposed changes and work towards a Medicare system that truly meets the needs of all Americans. With the support of 20,000 individuals behind them, advocates are hopeful that real progress can be made towards a more inclusive and comprehensive Medicare program.
Tags:
Medicare change, healthcare reform, public support, advocacy, healthcare policy, Medicare coverage, healthcare legislation, grassroots movement, Medicare advocacy, healthcare advocacy, Medicare reform, public opinion, Medicare support, healthcare support, Medicare letter campaign, healthcare activism.
#Medicare #Change #Backed #People #LettersTrace Letters Of The Alphabet and Sight Words (On The Go): Preschool Practice Handwriting Workbook: Pre K, Kindergarten and Kids Ages 3-5 Reading And Writing
Price: $5.99
(as of Jan 22,2025 09:53:50 UTC – Details)
Publisher : Modern Kid Press (March 2, 2018)
Language : English
Paperback : 86 pages
ISBN-10 : 1948209101
ISBN-13 : 978-1948209106
Reading age : 2 – 5 years, from customers
Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches
Looking for a fun and convenient way to help your preschooler practice their handwriting skills on the go? Look no further than the “Trace Letters Of The Alphabet and Sight Words: Preschool Practice Handwriting Workbook”! This workbook is perfect for Pre K, Kindergarten, and kids ages 3-5 who are learning to read and write.With this workbook, your child can practice tracing both uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet, as well as common sight words that are essential for early reading and writing skills. The workbook is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go – whether it’s on a road trip, to the doctor’s office, or just out and about running errands.
Each page is filled with engaging and colorful activities that will keep your child entertained while they practice their handwriting. Plus, the workbook includes helpful tips and guidance for parents to support their child’s learning at home.
Help your little one build confidence in their handwriting skills with the “Trace Letters Of The Alphabet and Sight Words” workbook. It’s the perfect tool for on-the-go learning and practice!
#Trace #Letters #Alphabet #Sight #Words #Preschool #Practice #Handwriting #Workbook #Pre #Kindergarten #Kids #Ages #Reading #Writing,ages 3+Carson Dellosa Trace With Me: Letter Tracing for Kids Ages 3-5, ABC Letter Tracing & Handwriting Practice Workbook for Kids PreK and Up, Trace Letters Alphabet Handwriting Practice for Preschool
Price: $5.57
(as of Jan 21,2025 23:43:00 UTC – Details)
From the brand
Bulletin Board Sets
Borders
Bulletin Board Letters
Cutouts
Classroom Posters
Teacher Planners
Flash Cards
Name Plates
Workbooks
Pocket Charts & Accessories
For over 40 years, we have made it our mission to create educational solutions that inspire learning moments at school, from home, and everywhere in between. From backpacks and back seats to teacher desks and learning centers, Carson Dellosa proudly produces a wide variety of educational products from best-selling and award-winning brands to help meet children wherever they are needed.
Publisher : Thinking Kids (April 9, 2018)
Language : English
Paperback : 128 pages
ISBN-10 : 1483845893
ISBN-13 : 978-1483845890
Reading age : 2 – 5 years, from customers
Grade level : Preschool – 2
Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
Dimensions : 7.3 x 0.26 x 10.6 inchesCustomers say
Customers find this book a great way to teach handwriting lessons. It provides several lines of practice for each letter, and children enjoy tracing the paths and shapes. The colorful pictures and appealing designs make it fun for kids. They find the instructions easy to follow along with, and the book keeps it simple. Customers appreciate the quality for the price, and mention it’s a great buy.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Looking for a fun and educational way to help your little ones learn how to write their letters? Look no further than the Carson Dellosa Trace With Me: Letter Tracing for Kids Ages 3-5 workbook!This workbook is perfect for kids ages 3-5 who are just starting to learn how to write their letters. With easy-to-follow tracing activities and plenty of space for practice, this workbook is sure to help your child develop their handwriting skills in no time.
From A to Z, this workbook covers all the letters of the alphabet and provides plenty of opportunities for kids to practice tracing and writing each letter. Whether your child is in preschool or just starting kindergarten, this workbook is a great way to help them build their confidence and improve their handwriting.
So if you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to help your child learn how to write their letters, be sure to check out the Carson Dellosa Trace With Me: Letter Tracing for Kids Ages 3-5 workbook today!
#Carson #Dellosa #Trace #Letter #Tracing #Kids #Ages #ABC #Letter #Tracing #Handwriting #Practice #Workbook #Kids #PreK #Trace #Letters #Alphabet #Handwriting #Practice #Preschool,ages 3+Toddler Coloring Book: My First Numbers, Letters, Shapes, Colors and Animals.: For kids ages 1-3
Price: $5.99
(as of Jan 21,2025 12:46:25 UTC – Details)
From the Publisher
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
6,725
4.8 out of 5 stars
2,180
4.8 out of 5 stars
733
4.8 out of 5 stars
2,929
4.7 out of 5 stars
195
4.8 out of 5 stars
845
Price
$5.95$5.95 $5.95$5.95 $6.99$6.99 $5.99$5.99 $5.99$5.99 $5.99$5.99
For kids from 1 year
✓
✓
✓
For kids from 2 year
✓
For kids from 3 year
✓
For kids from 4 year
✓
✓
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Add to Cart
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
679
4.9 out of 5 stars
157
4.7 out of 5 stars
98
4.7 out of 5 stars
176
4.6 out of 5 stars
51
Price
$5.99$5.99 $5.99$5.99 $5.99$5.99 $5.99$5.99 $5.99$5.99
For kids from 4 year
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
ASIN : B0D69Q2LHL
Publisher : Independently published (June 5, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 102 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8327594746
Reading age : 1 – 2 years, from customers
Item Weight : 10.2 ounces
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.23 x 11 inches
Introducing “Toddler Coloring Book: My First Numbers, Letters, Shapes, Colors, and Animals”!Designed specifically for kids ages 1-3, this coloring book is perfect for introducing your little one to the basics. With simple and clear images, this book covers numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and animals in a fun and engaging way.
Each page features a large, easy-to-color image along with the corresponding word, making it easy for your child to learn as they color. This book is not only educational, but also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Get your hands on “Toddler Coloring Book: My First Numbers, Letters, Shapes, Colors, and Animals” and watch as your child learns and grows through the power of coloring!
#Toddler #Coloring #Book #Numbers #Letters #Shapes #Colors #Animals #kids #ages,ages 3+Letters to the Editor for the week of Jan. 19
Your letters to the editor for Jan. 19, 2025:
Ignore what Donald Trump says and focus on what he does
Thinking back over the last couple of weeks looking ahead to the inauguration, the contrasts could not be starker and more dramatic: 1) the transfer of power after the 2020 national election and the 2024 election AND 2) the contrast between a president being laid to rest (Jimmy Carter) and one about to be sworn in (Donald Trump). Remember the shameful events of Jan 6, 2020, and compare it to the same period in 2024. Even trying to investigate what happened and who was accountable in 2020 was and continues to be controversial; yet both President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to demonstrate an overarching commitment to democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.
And then there’s the contrast between Carter and Trump.
Surely there were highs and lows in Carter’s presidency. The Iranian hostage crisis was a low point, but no one can argue the significance of the peace accords negotiated by Carter between Israel and Egypt. That was as unthinkable then as a two-state solution between Palestinians and Israel is now. And no one can argue the standard he set as a true humanitarian and public servant after his presidency. If there’s a comparable, it might be Herbert Hoover, but none is greater.
And then there’s Trump. Surely, he is the next president but there is no moral high ground that he or his apologists can claim in terms of his agenda, or the rhetoric used to advance it. OK, so you like his policies of taxes, deregulation, and immigration. He is still a narcissistic megalomaniac, infatuated with power — particularly his own. He is/was still a criminally indicted defendant in four different jurisdictions. OK, so you call it all conspiratorial witch hunts. There was a time when such a candidate would never have emerged as a presidential aspirant. There was a time when civil political discourse and discernment would never have suggested that the end justifies the means. But that’s been the norm with Trump’s MAGA minions. Consider everything you have had to look past, ignore, deny or hold your nose about concerning what Trump has done or said in the past. I don’t need to name them here.
Back to the comparison with Carter. Trump has already been ranting on social media about the nation’s flags flying at half-staff during his inauguration. He claims “Democrats are giddy” about it. What’s really at issue is it detracts from him being the center of attention. I continue to pray for our country and all its leaders, but here is the approach I’m taking going forward with President Trump (and I learned it from my MAGA friends): ignore what he says and focus on what he does, especially with the recent bombastic nonsense and name-calling related to Canada, Newfoundland, the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico and the California wildfires.
— Bill Kubat, Sioux Falls
Vaccines save lives — RFK Jr.’s leadership could endanger them
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), an immensely important role ensuring the health and safety of all Americans. This nomination raises serious concerns among public health advocates, health care professionals, scientists and experts, and countless parents like us.
Childhood vaccination rates are dropping in South Dakota and nationwide thanks to a surge in vaccine misinformation. Even small decreases in vaccination rates can have devastating consequences for communities, especially for babies, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Mr. Kennedy is responsible for spreading this misinformation, repeatedly questioning vaccine safety despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing that vaccines are one of the safest and most effective public health tools. His nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense, promotes baseless fears, undermining long-established science and revealing an unjustifiably aggressive stance against childhood vaccinations. His claims are in direct opposition to the facts: Rigorous testing and monitoring show that vaccines save millions of lives every year, reduce hospitalizations, and prevent life-long consequences from diseases like measles and polio.
If confirmed, Mr. Kennedy could weaken essential vaccine programs that provide access for uninsured and underinsured populations, reversing decades of progress in disease prevention. His rejection of vaccine science raises concerns about his ability to lead during public health emergencies, and his influence could limit life-saving vaccine innovation and national readiness for future crises. His leadership could fuel disinformation, erode confidence in proven interventions, and endanger public health.
The vast majority of Americans continue to immunize ourselves and our children, and we value the right to live, work, play, and learn in communities free from vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s time for the quiet majority to speak up. Grassroots vaccine advocacy is growing, led by parents, health care providers, community leaders, and lawmakers who champion vaccination. Together, we are growing a national pro-vaccine movement.
We urge the administration to reconsider this nomination. As our nation continues to recover from the human and economic costs of pandemic disease, and as we experience the return of measles, chicken pox, and whooping cough, HHS needs leadership rooted in science, evidence-based policy, and public health integrity. American lives are at stake.
— Allison Alvine, MD, director of the South Dakota Families for Vaccines, parent to 4 children, one who is immunocompromised, and Angie Wehrkamp, parent to 2 children, one who lost her life at the age of 2 1/2 to influenza
The tragic history of the US and Panama Canal
Dusty Johnson, South Dakota’s sole representative in the U.S. Congress, has stated he is sponsoring a bill to authorize Donald Trump to buy the Panama Canal “if he can get a good deal” (Argus Leader, 11 January 2025). Maybe Dusty needs a refresher course about the history behind the U.S. and its relationship to that body of water. I write “refresher course” because I know Dusty learned the tragic details of the U.S. manipulation of the canal zone when he was a student at USD.
In 1903, Panama was a province of the sovereign state of Colombia. Failed efforts to construct a trans-isthmian canal had left machinery and a partially dug channel waiting for completion. President Teddy Roosevelt authorized a low bid to buy the rights to the equipment and finish construction, which the Colombian Senate refused.
In response, Roosevelt sent a naval squadron armed with thousands of dollars in gold to bribe Colombian military leaders in Panama to declare independence. The coup took two days. The U.S. extended diplomatic recognition to the new “nation” of Panama and secured the rights to build the canal.
This was not a “one-off” U.S. coup. Look to our history in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Chile, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, and elsewhere in Latin America and you may understand why so many of our neighbors mistrust us.
Dusty would serve us, his constituents, and our allies, the Panamanians, better if he sponsored legislation to help jointly fund the modernization of the canal as it faces a water crisis from climate change.
— Steven J. Bucklin, Ph. D., Professor Emeritus, Sioux Falls
The worst president since Nixon?
I was listening to a local media commentator talking about a recent Gallup poll published in a news story in Newsweek that indicates Joe Biden will go down as the worst president since Richard Nixon. Let’s take a minute to discuss this in just a little more detail.
Richard Nixon resigned the presidency at the behest of members of his own party back in 1973 because he covered up White House knowledge of a second-rate burglary on the campaign headquarters of George McGovern, a man he was to defeat soundly in the presidential election of 1972. The burglary took place on June 17, 1972. At the time of the break-in there was no chance that McGovern could prevail at the polls in November. Nothing about the burglary caused Nixon to receive more votes than he eventually did, nor did it cause any of the voters for McGovern to refrain from supporting their candidate.
Nixon went on the win in one of the biggest landslides in presidential election history. McGovern carried the commonwealth of Massachusetts and was awarded all the electoral votes. He also carried the District of Columbia. He didn’t even win South Dakota, a state that had elected him to the Senate for three terms after having served in the U.S. House of Representatives from South Dakota for two terms. The final electoral tally was 520 for Nixon and 17 for McGovern.
When the break-in was discovered, the ensuing investigation suggested Nixon and the White House may have had knowledge of it. When asked, Nixon denied knowledge of it. As did members of his White House staff. It cost him his job.
Nixon got us out of a war in Vietnam that had lingered for over 10 years and cost us 50,000 fatalities on a battlefield halfway around the globe for a cause that had little or nothing to do with American interests.
Nixon didn’t weaponize his DOJ to go after Lyndon Johnson, his predecessor, or McGovern. He didn’t peddle influence for hundreds of millions of dollars to a third rate country in eastern Europe or to our nation’s No. 1 economic and strategic enemy, nor did he cover up any mental or physical decline at the cost of world status. He was the president who opened the door for trade with China, which at the time seemed a good idea but has not panned out that well. Both our allies and enemies respected him. He did not open the southern border to allow the invasion of our sovereign (at least it was while Nixon was in charge) republic. He started the gradual withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam and brokered peace talks with Hanoi. He did not pardon his child to prevent uncovering his involvement in a money laundering scandal which provided access to his position.
What Richard Nixon did could be deemed a game of tiddlywinks compared to the scandals of Joe Biden. Nixon did not curtail freedom by fear mongering during the throes of a pandemic. Richard Nixon’s performance certainly was disgraceful, although not quite as disgraceful as the media would like to make one believe today. I am certain he doesn’t even deserve to be considered a “good” president. But compared to Biden he could qualify for Mt. Rushmore.
— Randy Amundson, Sioux Falls
It is time to empower parents to protect kids against online dangers
Raising kids in today’s digital world is very different than it was when I was raising my children. As a mother and grandmother, I want to do what I can to help keep my grandchildren safe online. The rise in digital dependence brings with it a scary reality — our children need protection from inappropriate content and the potential risks to their safety.
The best way to protect our children is by strengthening parental rights and giving parents accessible resources to address the growing threat to kids online.
Sen. Mike Lee’s bill, the App Store Accountability Act, addresses the need to prioritize safety in the digital age. The new piece of legislation would require app stores to introduce parental authorization tools for children downloading apps. According to the Washington Examiner, “the legislation would require app stores such as Apple’s App Store and Google Play to verify the ages of users who are purchasing apps on their platforms.” In a world where harmful information is just clicks away, this extra guardrail would allow parents to take control over what children are exposed to online.
Unfortunately, the well-intentioned work of passing legislation to protect children has opened the door for Washington politicians to sneak in new regulations that would take power away from parents and give it to Washington bureaucrats to decide what is and is not safe for teens.
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is one of these bills. Originally intended to protect children, this bill has ballooned into something much more sinister. Instead of empowering parents and giving them the tools to protect their children, it gives the power to regulate speech online to unelected employees at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
These well-intentioned bills have also spiraled into liberal efforts to limit conservative speech. Giving the FTC the power to regulate speech would grant them the ability to censor voices and violate our First Amendment rights. The protection of children should not be used as a tool to take away our most important freedoms.
We should be advocating for the passage of legislation like the App Store Accountability Act. By putting the onus on app stores to empower parents, we avoid two major pitfalls that routinely stall these types of bills, like KOSA, from passing.
First, the App Store Accountability Act doesn’t violate our freedom of speech. Instead, it allows parents, not the government, to decide what is deemed safe and unsafe language and content. KOSA, on the other hand, gives this regulatory power to bureaucrats in Washington with no real regard for our kids here in South Dakota. It concerns me that speech unpopular with people in Washington would be unjustly repressed if KOSA were to pass in Congress.
Second, Sen. Lee’s bill empowers parents instead of the federal government. The measure would put parents in the driver’s seat and give them control over what their kid is able to view. I, not the government, knows how to best raise my children and grandchildren. Every time the government overreaches its power, politicians in D.C. take away the freedom of parents and grandparents like me to protect the ones I care about most.
As said in the Washington Examiner, “protecting children online isn’t solely the responsibility of governments or corporations — it requires collaboration from parents, educators, and society as a whole… As technology evolves, so must our strategies to ensure it serves as a tool for growth, not harm.” Any bill put forward in Congress must respect the agency of parents.
Sen. Lee’s bill empowers parents to do what they know is best for their children and serves as an alternative to the politically biased and overreaching legislation currently on the docket. I ask U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson to support this bill to enhance child safety in this digital age.
— Laurie Hummel, Richland
Dear Editor,I am writing to express my concern about the recent increase in crime in our community. It seems like every week we hear about another robbery or assault, and it is truly disheartening. I urge our local law enforcement to step up their efforts to keep our streets safe and crack down on these criminals. Our community deserves better.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Resident—
Dear Editor,
I am writing to commend the efforts of our local volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help those in need during these challenging times. Whether it’s delivering meals to the elderly, organizing food drives, or providing support to families facing financial hardship, these individuals are true heroes. Their selflessness and dedication inspire us all to do better and give back to our community.
Thank you,
Grateful Citizen—
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my frustration with the lack of action on climate change by our government leaders. The recent wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are clear signs that we need to take immediate and drastic action to protect our planet. It is time for our elected officials to prioritize environmental policies and invest in renewable energy sources. The future of our planet depends on it.
Sincerely,
Concerned Environmentalist
Tags:
Letters to the Editor, Jan. 19, editorial feedback, community opinions, reader responses, newspaper correspondence, public input, local news feedback
#Letters #Editor #week #JanLetters to the Editor – Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter, flags, LA fires, college football
Fare thee well, Joe
Dear President Biden: Over the past four years, I may not have always agreed with your policies, but I have viewed you as mostly a prudent and honest leader. You put our country over yourself time after time. You treated our allies with respect and diplomacy, and railed against those who threatened our democracy.
The White House was graced with your honor and dignity, and that will sorely be missed. Maybe you won’t go down in history as the greatest president we ever had, and rightly so. But you, although in the midst of constant divisiveness, kept an even keel and led our country ever forward.
Fare thee well, Joe, and Godspeed!
Richard Street, Carrollton
Nice speech, poor legacy
Someone wrote President Joe Biden a decent farewell speech. It wasn’t what I thought it would be. The part about securing a truce in Gaza was nice. His administration did work hard on it. But, I still believe the biggest factor was the election of Donald Trump.
There’s little argument that Biden was the worst president in history. As a fellow old man, I feel bad about the decline of his health, both physical and mental, but he is living in a dream world. He keeps repeating his claim of having the best economy in decades.
When he was elected, gasoline where I live hovered at $2. His immediate attack on the energy industry caused it to stay around $3. Then, everyday needs such as groceries and household goods surged by leaps and bounds.
And what anti-gun bill passed that he said was saving lives? Just watch the news or read the paper. Violent crime is still a problem. Our southern border has been a fiasco. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a total disaster.
These are just a few of the reasons he will be remembered as the worst president in modern times. We still need to pray for our country and better times.
Jimmie George, Farmersville
Flipping a quote
To paraphrase a famous saying by President John F. Kennedy: Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what you can do for me, Donald Trump.
T.P. O’Mahoney, Dallas
Carter’s Bibles were free
In 2005, the annual Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity home construction was in Detroit, and I participated. Nearly all the homes in an inner-city slum had been torn down, and we were building new homes.
On the last day, Jimmy Carter came down the street in a golf cart for the group photos at each home. He was running late, and I could see he had stopped at one of the original remaining homes and was handing out one of his books to the resident sitting on their front porch. I was irritated because our house was far from complete, and we were just standing around waiting for him. Later I learned Carter was handing out a Bible, not one of his books.
Carter is not the only president to distribute Bibles. Another president, the one who once said “I don’t need anybody’s money. It’s nice. I don’t need anybody’s money. I’m using my own money,” sells his Bibles for $59.99.
Paul Schultz, Fairview
Half-staff flag is displayed
The governor of Texas has ordered flags flown at full staff today, citing a federal statute that states: “The flag should be displayed on all days, especially… inauguration day . . .” (4 USC Ch. 1: THE FLAG, Section 6(d), Time and Occasions for Display).
But that is only part of the U.S. Code. Later, Section 7(m), position and manner of display, requires “The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President”
Displayed at half-staff is still displayed. Section 6 does not require flags be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day, it simply says displayed. And “shall” carries a little more force than “should.”
Please keep politics out of our respect for a former president.
Tom Boehmer, Richardson
Thanks for raising flag
Thank you to Gov. Greg Abbott for deciding to display the United States flag at full-staff for the presidential inauguration. The Dallas Morning News continues to spew divisiveness and letters disrespecting Abbott, President Donald Trump and patriotic Americans celebrating the inauguration.
I will be proudly, respectfully and patriotically flying my American flag at full-staff.
Donald Jones, Wylie
Too soon for fire blame
No matter what the tragedy — plane crashes, floods, tornadoes and most recently the Los Angeles fires — these are the questions typically asked: What could have been done differently? Who’s to blame? Were budget cuts a factor? And my least favorite question of all, “Knowing what you know now, (insert question here)?” As has been said, a maze is always easier to solve if you start at the end and work backward.
Certainly, in some instances (e.g., the police response in Uvalde), bungling and lack of leadership is a significant factor. But, for the LA fires, questions to local leaders regarding water pressure, LA Fire Department budget cuts, etc. are totally inappropriate.
Anyone who saw the apocalyptic wind-driven fires can easily see that the number of firefighters and water pressure issues were not factors in dealing with the primary issue — hurricane-force winds. This tragic fire is no place to play the blame game.
Rick Williams, Garland
Tweaks for college playoffs
The new college football playoff format is fantastic for sports lovers. Only two improvements are needed. The two quarterfinal games should be played on a Saturday instead of a Thursday and Friday for more viewership.
The second change is to play the two games during the day, instead of at 6:30 at night, when some fans are tired and sleepy.
So please tell me, do the great Dallas Morning News readers agree or disagree?
John Bell, Richardson
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com
Dear Editor,I am writing to express my support for Joe Biden as our next President of the United States. As a long-time public servant, Biden has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the American people and bringing about positive change in our country. I believe that his experience, leadership, and dedication to uniting our nation make him the best candidate for the job.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Dear Editor,
I wanted to take a moment to commend former President Jimmy Carter for his recent efforts to promote peace and humanitarianism around the world. Despite his advanced age, Carter continues to be a shining example of selflessness and compassion. I admire his dedication to making the world a better place for all people.
Thank you,
[Your Name]Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern about the recent controversy surrounding the display of flags in our community. As a symbol of our nation’s values and freedoms, flags should be respected and displayed with pride. I urge all residents to come together and show respect for our flag, regardless of their political beliefs.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Dear Editor,
The devastating fires in Los Angeles have had a profound impact on our community. My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy, and I commend the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to combat the flames. Let us come together as a community to support those in need and rebuild our city stronger than ever.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]Dear Editor,
As college football season kicks off, I am reminded of the joy and camaraderie that this sport brings to fans across the country. Whether cheering for our favorite teams or enjoying tailgates with friends, college football has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories. Let’s all enjoy the season and support our teams with pride.
Go [Your Team]!
[Your Name]
Tags:
- Joe Biden
- Jimmy Carter
- Flags
- LA fires
- College football
- Letters to the Editor
- Political leaders
- National disasters
- Sports news
- Current events
#Letters #Editor #Joe #Biden #Jimmy #Carter #flags #fires #college #football
