Hopkins: Still time to see high-energy ‘Newsies’

To the Editor:

Many taking in the play “Newsies” at the Elgin Opera House might say that Director Terry Hale had outdone himself again. It’s hard to say since “Newsies” has a different style and songs that might be unfamiliar. But the play has to rank at the top for high energy and quality of cast, making this one of the most enjoyable plays I have seen. 

Certainly, credit has to be given to Abigail Hale for her spectacular choreography inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1889 set in New York. The background drops were actually used around the time of dedication of the Elgin Opera House on July 4, 1912.

Playing the lead of Jack Kelly is Liam Bloodgood, whose entire family has shown many theatrical talents throughout the years, and I think his are strong enough to perform at a professional level. 

Teaming up with Brixtin Walker, the two immediately captured the audience with their beautiful rich voices. Madison Ribich has performed in several plays, and I think this is one of her best roles yet. Caitlin Marshal’s strong portrayal of Medda Larkin brings out the colorful life of Medda’s theater scene with the backdrop found during Opera House restoration.

The high energy reminds me how old I am getting, and the beautiful voices and outstanding dance scenes remind me I’m getting a little creaky. But the enjoyment is there for any age. If you haven’t seen the play, there still might be a chance to get a seat with “Newsies” running through Oct. 5. 

Gerald Hopkins

Summerville

Dick: Left attempting a coup in America

To the Editor:

In 2013, Edward Snowden documented proof that Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, YouTube and other major tech companies were providing the Obama administration (DOJ, FBI, NSA) personal information on American citizens.

These tech companies are considered part of the private sector, however, and Obama-era operatives are now employed and operate in these tech companies working to manipulate public opinion. 

For instance Google controls more than 90% of all online searches worldwide. On July 17, Dr. Robert Epstein testified at a Senate Judiciary hearing that “Google algorithms are having a dramatic impact on the thinking, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, purchases and voting preferences of 2.5 billion people, right now.”

Google and tech companies use algorithms, manipulative search engine techniques, to promote their globalist, leftist, anti-American agenda and suppress and undermine American conservative, biblical and constitutional values.

This is part of a coup against the Constitution and sovereignty of the American Republic and the American people orchestrated by traitors that own and control the American press, media, Democratic Party, and some in the Republican Party, and are insidiously planted within all branches of the American government. 

This coup has attempted, from the get-go, to overthrow a duly-elected president. The latest evidence of this coup and proof these Democrats could care less about America or Americans is the coming fake press and media orchestrated congressional impeachment mockery.

This is the reason the Democrat, Socialist/Communist left needs to abrogate the Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially the Second Amendment. There is one reason why citizens living under Socialist/Communist/Islamic governments have no freedom or liberty. They live under the despotic controls of governments that have confiscated their ability to arm and defend themselves. 

The globalist Socialist/Communist-controlled Democratic Party in America must confiscate the arms of the American people to complete their attempted coup. They could care less about victims of mass shootings and do nothing to heal the root causes of these tragedies in order to promote their anti-American agenda.

Do not be deceived, America. Stand without compromise for God and country. Every American has a duty to stand unwaveringly for duly-elected President Donald Trump, who stands for our Constitution and godly heritage. In like manner, every American has a responsibility to stand against every enemy, within or without, of our constitutional republic and way of life.

Stuart Dick

Irrigon