Is the United States an exceptional country that has played a uniquely good role in history? Or is it a typical country, perhaps even a uniquely bad one considering the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow? On this, the Left and Right do not agree.

West Burlington’s Jerrilynn Price drives to the basket past Danville’s Madonna Stuflick Friday night in Danville. Danville defeated West Burlington, 45-42.

West Burlington’s Gaby Price sends the ball to the basket against Danville Friday night in Danville. Danville defeated West Burlington, 45-42.

West Burlington’s Amber DesJardins shoots a three against Danville Friday night in Danville. Danville defeated West Burlington, 45-42.

West Burlington’s Rooks Derosear delivers the ball to the net against New London Tuesday night in New London. West Burlington defeated New London, 60-56.

New London’s Jayden Flowers takes the ball to the hoop against West Burlington Tuesday night in New London. West Burlington defeated New London, 60-56.

West Burlington’s Tate Snodgrass (25) hits a jumper against New London Tuesday night in New London. West Burlington defeated New London, 60-56.
How do you want to improve America? By focusing on improving and refining yourself? Or by transforming society? The answer to that question will reveal whether you’re on the Left or the Right.
Obituaries this week
Arnold William “Bill” Fuhrer, 84, Burlington died Sunday, December 13, 2015
Joe Wade Lewis, 54, Burlington, died at Wednesday, December 9, 2015
George A. Newman, 92, Burlington, died Sunday, December 13, 2015
Doris Virginia Westerbeck, 92, Burlington, died Sunday, December 13, 2015
James Craig Glasgow, Sr., 88, West Burlington, died Sunday, December 13, 2015
Jack Eldon Wynn, 88, rural West Burlington died Monday, December 14, 2015
Leona Coletta Miskovic, 77, Burlington died Tuesday, December 15, 2015
James Rush, 57, Keokuk, died Monday, December 14, 2015
Hazel Marie Lord, 104, Burlington, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Floyd “Bud” Radestock, 96, Burlington, died Sunday, December 13, 2015
Gary “Benny” Benjamin Nelson, 72, Burlington, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Robert Dean “Bob” Crawford, 61, Burlington, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Terry Lee Loving, 64, Wayland, formerly Aledo, Illinois died Monday, December 14, 2015
Dustin Blair Ruggles, 40, Burlington died Thursday, December 17, 2015
River Rose Paull, 3 months, Burlington, died Thursday, December 17, 2015
Lorenzo P. Diego, 91, West Branch, died Thursday, December 17, 2015
Anita Genelle Kohl, 80, Burlington, died Saturday, December 19, 2015
How big should the government be? And what is its proper role in the daily lives of Americans? The Left and Right have opposite answers.

West Burlington’s Rooks DeRosear delivers another two to the basket against Van Buren Friday night in West Burlington. DeRosear scored 27-points on the night. West Burlington defeated Van Buren, 66-63.

West Burlington’s Jayden Zurita shoots a three against Van Buren Friday night in West Burlington. Zurita scored 20-points for the Falcons. West Burlington defeated Van Buren, 66-63.

West Burlington’s Colten Hohenthaner puts up a jump shot against Van Buren Friday night in West Burlington. West Burlington defeated Van Buren, 66-63.

West Burlington fans take time for a selfie during the game Friday night in West Burlington.