Now
Fair
79°
High
86°
Low
65°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Letters
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Letters, 7/27: Cease-fire is only answer

Comments 35 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

Thursday, Jul 27, 2006 - 12:12:26 am CDT

Do the president and Congress never learn?

Look what the invasion of Iraq has brought the Middle East. Broken infrastructure, a power vacuum that has fulfilled George Bush’s “prophecy” of al-Qaida in Iraq (wasn’t there prior to the invasion) and the real possibility of prolonging American troops being stationed and dying in Iraq indefinitely. It has also increased the Iranian Shiite power in the area.

Now Israel, with the complete backing of the president, is trying to eradicate Hezbollah from southern Lebanon. You’d think the Israelis would at least learn from our mistake.

We should back nothing but an immediate cease-fire in the Israeli-Lebanon military conflict.

Tim Oehlerking, Lincoln

Destabilizing Palestinians

Thank you for your coverage of the Middle East. Never has your provision of accurate and complete news and information been so important.

Our government’s support of Israel’s killing and destruction in Lebanon, its constant finger pointing at Iran and Syria, and the pro-Israel, pro-war resolutions in the House and Senate supported by both Democrats and Republicans all make it clear that we are about to start yet another war.

This is what the administration seems to have wanted all along, of course. Instead of intervening diplomatically, financially and physically to stop the fighting and to promote economic and social development in Palestine, the U.S. administration has worked to destabilize the democratically elected Palestinian government.

It has now succeeded in enticing the weak Israeli government to overreact to extremist actions effectively provoked by the U.S.’s aggressive actions in Iraq and its constant threatening rhetoric toward Iran, Syria and other alleged evil enemies. Meanwhile, the U.S. obstructs any and all progress toward true peace by obstructing international cooperation and consensus.

Now Newt Gingrich and the right-wing propaganda machine claim we are already in World War III, so we might as well pick sides and get on with the fighting.

Isn’t it clear to Americans that the warmongers in the Bush administration are using the crisis they themselves created to line up support for a war against Iran and Islam that no one really wants?

Your continued coverage of the Middle East will hopefully lead more Americans to ask why war and aggression are all that is left of our foreign policy.

Hendrik Van den Berg, Lincoln

Why not endorse both?

It was shocking news to see that Nebraska Right to Life endorsed Ben Nelson over Pete Ricketts … as Pete Ricketts has a total pro-life stance. Why not endorse both of them?

Nebraska Republicans have been faithfully pro-life, whereas the Democrats are usually pro-choice.

I have lost faith in Nebraska Right to Life.

Bernice Fahlberg, Lincoln

Thanks to Fortenberry

It seems like people only write about politicians when they have something negative to say. Let me be an exception by saying thank you to Congressman Jeff Fortenberry for his work to strengthen small business opportunities. 

Last year, Fortenberry was able to bring the House Small Business Committee to Lincoln for a field hearing on health-care costs. More than 200 people, mostly interested small-business owners, had the chance to engage members of Congress on this crucial matter.

Later in the year, Congressman Fortenberry introduced legislation to help make it easier for small businesses to control health care costs. He also sponsored legislation to make it easier for small businesses to access capital. 

I think we are fortunate to have a young, professional leader in Congress who has shown a commitment to the heart of Nebraska’s economy, small business.

Lisa Marks, Lincoln


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Letters > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
page wrote on July 27, 2006 1:02 am:
" Bernice cannot be serious. Why would anybody let an endorsement by any organization make up their minds for them? God forbid you would actually have to think about the character of the candidates and the issues beyond abortion. This one-issue straight-ticket voting has to stop. I'll bet Bozo the Clown would carry a significant portion of the voting public in this state with an R behind his name. Bernice makes me lose faith in the ability of some voters to make thoughtful decisions. "

 Poltics wrote on July 27, 2006 1:18 am:
" Pete Rickets looked good at first. He appeared to have new ideas, and I was seriously considering him. Then, he came out with that "Reagan Republican ads" and all that negative advertisement. Total and complete turn off. I will not vote for people that engage in this type of behavior. In addition, we don't need anymore Trickle Down Reagan republicans in office. That never worked, wealth never trickles down. The poor will get poorer, and the wealthy get wealthier. We do need to send some clear messages to congress. They need to fix some of the fiasco's, that they have created in the last 6 years. The Medicare prescription plan is a joke, the current deffict is a tax-payers nightmare. Just to name two Fiasco's that our Congress needs to focus on. "

 c.h. wrote on July 27, 2006 6:13 am:
" I agree with Tim. The country of israel, as it is now, shouldn't even BE there. It was created for the Jewish people who, understandably, wanted a 'homeland' To do this, land was taken away from peoples and cultures who had made their home there for centuries. This made them angry. I feel for any disenfranchised group of people, but for world powers to band together to steal land from other groups of people to create their own country was so incredibly arrogant, it staggers the imagination. We continue to pay for this mistake! It is time to let Israel sink or swim on their own. If we stop meddling in the natural order of the area, things will shake down to a government that the people who actually LIVE there can operate within. Israel is the pebble-in-the-shoe of the entire middle east. A cease-fire here is a step in the right direction! "

 ed wrote on July 27, 2006 6:58 am:
" Bernice get your thinking cap on. What has Pete Ricketts done other than talk and throw money around. What voting records would make the Nebraska Right to Life folks put their surport behind him and not Nelson? Ben Melson has voted pro life issues and has a record to stand on, Ricketts has only money. He has nothing to stand on other than money. Bernice wake up, get away from Fox news and look around at the world then vote in Novenber. "

 Mark wrote on July 27, 2006 7:07 am:
" Tim, Your ignorance of the middle east situation is troubling. If anyone subscribes to your line of thinking, evil would take over this world in a heartbeat. No one in their right mind could ever justify what Hezbollah is and has done. Israel has every right and the moral high ground to do what is needed. Thank God America stands behind Isreal, and I fully support our President and the Israeli's in this seemingly endless fight against extreme muslim idioligy. Running home and buring our heads in the sand is exactly what they want. Tim, if you and others who think this war should stop now, please jump on an plane and go over there and convence the bad guys to lay down their arms, please. "

 Go Fortenberry! wrote on July 27, 2006 7:11 am:
" I agree. Fortenberry has done well in his first 2 yrs and I don't see why we need to vote him out. He's helped advance funding for UNL and Antelope Valley. His opponent was elected to a statewide office by the people of Nebraska, and she then resigned that office. How could we trust her? "

 Gary B wrote on July 27, 2006 7:55 am:
" I sit utterly dumbfounded at the the first two letters...and can only think of Edmund Burke's quote, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing." But then again, when you don't believe in anything that is good, then why would you care about evil? "

 Miracle wrote on July 27, 2006 8:01 am:
" Even Nebraska Right to Life can't save Pete Ricketts. Pete Ricketts biggest enemy? Pete Ricketts! This guy couldn't have more going for him in this election (money, being a Republican in Nebraska, and a public will to vote Republican) and he can't keep his mouth shut or ridiculous tv commercials silent long enough to win an election. No one can feel sorry for this guy when he loses. "

 Betty wrote on July 27, 2006 8:12 am:
" Lisa Marks comments would have been nice if the article were written by someone from the general public and not a former campaign worker of his. Someone must be trying to position themselve for a bigger campaign role this next election cycle. "

 D.S.B. wrote on July 27, 2006 8:21 am:
" The land that is now the country of Israel, was stolen from other countries who had been there for hundreds of years, and it was'nt even stolen by the Jewish people themselves. Other countries did that dirty work FOR them! I have no problem with the Jewish people, or their faith, but Israel, as a counry, was built on a massive crime of human injustice, and so, can't ever claim any 'moral high ground'. Israel's very existence is immoral. "

 Joe wrote on July 27, 2006 8:25 am:
" Fortenberry ignored the reality that healthcare prices and costs are not derived or associated with small business. Small businesses are a consumer of the healthcare system. Fortenberry may have provided a forum, but if you went to the hearings you should recall it was a canned and closed presentation...seemingly rehearsed and without options for the general public to participate freely. Nebraska can and must have representation based on the people, not special interests. "

 Josh2 wrote on July 27, 2006 8:29 am:
" I am sorry, but just on the basis of his TV ads I would not vote for Ricketts. What a joke. "

 Sarah wrote on July 27, 2006 8:38 am:
" For those saying that Israel doesn't have the right to exist and that it was land stolen from other people. I assume you live in America? Was America not "stolen" from Native Americans who lived on this land for centuries? So are you saying America's very existence is immoral? Perhaps the folks who have written bashing Israel should do the moral thing and move themselves from America back to whatever homeland your ancestors came from. Put your money where your mouth is. That said, I fully support the right of Israel to defend itself against the terrorists states of Syria and Iran. I find it unbelievable that any American would back the terrorists in this fight. Shame on you. "

 M wrote on July 27, 2006 8:41 am:
" While it is true that Democrats are usually pro-choice, Ben Nelson is not really considered a Democrat in the eyes of many. He perhaps is even more Republican than Ricketts. Or at least his voting record would suggest. "

 Chip wrote on July 27, 2006 10:15 am:
" Yeah, I'm one of those one-issue, straight ticket Republican voters who is STRONGLY pro-life, but Ricketts is totally turning me off. Coupled with the fact that Ben Nelson is clearly a unifying force in Washington (his common sense, middle ground voting is very attractive) I think the choice is clear in the next election: Nelson gets my vote. "

 JJ wrote on July 27, 2006 10:44 am:
" Here's one for the future....John Edwards for president Ben Nelson as VP. Then Ben Nelson as president. Maybe? Just a thought. "

 TH wrote on July 27, 2006 11:16 am:
" Go Fortenberry, Maxine Resigned because Nelson asked her to so she could be Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. She did not resign because she couldn't handle it, or to turn her back on us. She did it because Nelson tought she would be even better at this other post. And she was good at it, now we are 43 of 50 in economic development, with her we were much higher. "

 Thank you Joe wrote on July 27, 2006 11:45 am:
" I want to thank Joe who a few posts down cleared the smoke about Jeff Fortenberry. He doesn't have and independent thought in his head which he has proven by voting along party lines 95% of the time. Sure he might attempt to look like a representative with the small-business forum he provided, but as Joe pointed out, it was nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors approach to make it look like he was a concerned leader. In his two years he has concentrated on pleasing people like Tom Delay much more so than he has concentrated on the needs of the people of the first district. I wish that Beureter would come back. But since that probably won't happen, I will vote for anybody except the rubber-stamping Fortenberry. He is nothing more than a pawn in Washington, as opposed to a leader for us. "

 ET wrote on July 27, 2006 12:31 pm:
" Voting is a privilege that has been granted to all citizens. However, there is a responsibility to vote using your judgement, common sense, and ability to reason. Just because a particular organization endorses one candidate over another, still basically means nothing when you go to vote. Bernice's letter is very troubling to me - voting is simply based on partisan lines and the typical sophistry done on both sides to pander to voters. It gives me heartburn to think that people vote this way. When an organization endorses a candidate, they endorse the one they feel is Better. Quit being so partisan and resentful to Democrats. They do stupid things too, but the partisan politics is both shameful and nonsensical. Sometimes I think the Republican and Democrat parties exist simply to make voting easier for people that just don't want to have to sift through the issues themselves. "

 Moul is a Liberal wrote on July 27, 2006 12:55 pm:
" and that is the truth. Why did Ben get rid of her at Lt Gov? Because she is way out of the mainstream and is a pro-abortion leftist. And might I say it sounds like a bunch of Democrat politicos blogging on here for her support. By the way, Congressional Quarterly says Fortenberry votes with his party 90% of the time, not 95%. So yes, he is more Independent than you wish. Would I rather have a 90% Republican or a Nancy Pelosi/Hillary Clinton-type voting for us in DC? I'm voting for Fortenberry. "

 John wrote on July 27, 2006 1:13 pm:
" I would echo "thank you Joe's" comments. At a recent Nebraska Breakfast in DC all members of the congressional delegation made time to come down other than Fortenberry. He was too busy talking to party leadership about party agenda items (as announced by Lee Terry) to attend the breakfast and meet those people he represents. He's too much of a party lap dog to earn my respect or my vote. "

 beerorkid wrote on July 27, 2006 1:36 pm:
" Bernice you might want to read the article again. Tension marked Nelson endorsement. it is pretty clear why. When will people realize it is the person not the party who should get your vote? Why do people fall for the "traditional Nebraska/family/American values" meaningless campaign slogans? I laugh every time I hear that load of crap. Lobbyists control most of congress and state legislatures. Stop by your capitol sometime when the legislature is in session, look in the rotunda, it is packed with lobbyists. Complete disclosure of all campaign contributions is needed, instead congress passes another toothless lobby reform bill. That is sad. Ricketts seems like a business man, heck a good one at that, but not like a guy who will do the will of the people, but rather the will of donators who put him in that position. Makes me sick to my stomach when people vote for a party, not a person. "

 Bryan wrote on July 27, 2006 2:29 pm:
" I'm always amazed to see how simple and uncomplicated the right-wingers see the world. It's black or white, good guys or bad guys. Have you simpletons every considered why the "terrorists" hate Israel or the U.S.? "They hate our freedom!" Bunk! To them, WE are the terrorists! WE have stolen or invaded their land! Yeah, I'll grant you that some (Bin Laden) are probably psychopaths, but most are just defending their home land against the most dangerous government in the world.... OURS! Imagine that your family has lived in the same house for six generations. Then, suddenly, the Canadian government tells you that you must move out tomorrow and relocate to Oklahoma. The bulldozers will arrive tomorrow. Would you kindly just pack up and leave, or would you arm yourself and give up your house over your dead body? Think about it. Don't get me wrong, I love American, our Constitution and the freedom we enjoy (what's left of it). I can't stand to see this war-mongering administration and their pre-emptive strategy continue to push us toward WWIII. "

 Allen T. wrote on July 27, 2006 3:58 pm:
" "I'm always amazed to see how convoluted and obtuse the left-wingers see the world. It's always grey, always relative…there are no good guys or bad guys. Have you contrarians ever considered why the "terrorists" blow up children and women, attack civilian targets and insist on the destruction of Israel and the U.S.? "They hate our freedom!" THEY are the terrorists! WE have been attacked on our on land! All of these terrorist (Bin Laden included) are probably psychopaths, but most are just simply evil. Imagine that your family has lived as Christians for six generations. Then, suddenly, the Hez’Bollah movement threatens to kill you for being a Christian. The backhoes will arrive tomorrow to dig your graves. Would you kindly just pack up and leave, or would you arm yourself and give up your religion over your dead body? Think about it. I love American, our Constitution and the freedom we enjoy. I can't stand to see these war-mongering terrorists continue to push us toward WWIII. "

 db wrote on July 27, 2006 4:32 pm:
" Contrary to some opinions here, Fortenberry did not fund the Antelope project. That was funded and started before he was even elected. He didn't even sponsor the bill that gave money to UNL. He just voted for it. Maxine Moul is a leader I can trust. The only thing the Lieutenant Governor does is heads the legislature. Other than that it is a do-nothing job. Maxine Moul left that position to a position that was more in line with her abilities and was a step up for her and better for the state. She will get this republican's vote. I am tired of rubber stamps in congress. We need leaders that will serve Nebraska and not a political party. No one wins when you follow party lines blindly like Fortenberry. "

 You've got to be kidding wrote on July 27, 2006 6:22 pm:
" People need to shut up about the middle east and do some research. Jews were in israel first before it was israel, they were taken as slaves, and persecuted by muslims, just the same as Christians did during the crusades, they fled their homeland and scattered all over europe, only to be persecuted by Hitler, thus the UN gave them their home back. It goes back millenia, and it's not going to end in our lifetime. Hamas is now the governing body of Palestine.....they are terrorists, and now every suicide bomber they send into Israel is just one more reason to remove them from power. Israel is only trying to push Hezbollah back from its borders because Lebanon's Govt won't do it. UN has passed resolutions demanding Lebanon do so, and they haven't. What would you do If Canadians and Mexicans started launching rockets into your neighborhood? "

 Fortenberry 87%, Nelson 76% wrote on July 27, 2006 6:29 pm:
" voting w/ the President per Congressional Quarterly. Umm, exactly who is the rubber stamp here?? Hagel is at 89%, Lee Terry at 85%, Osborne at 76%. "

 Kenneth H. Zike wrote on July 27, 2006 6:58 pm:
" I bet Tim has never served one day in the U.S. Military, he has no idea as to what is really at stake in the middle east. . The left wingers are wringing their hands and have it wrong as usual. The facts, The Hezbala have been killing innocent jewish people for years. They have routinely sent religious nuts over the line in to Jewish towns to blow themselves up in areas where children and unarmed jewish people are going about their business.. Iran gives the families of the nuts a karge bonus. Not a word of out rage from the left. The Hezbala attacked and killed eight jewish soldiers . The attack was made on Jewish soil not Hezbala turf. They took two jewish prisoners. For years the Hezbala have demonstrated they excel at ambusing and killing innocent unarmed jewish citizens. Now, armed jewish soldiers are kicking the hell out of the Hezebala. The on going pay back and reaction is long long over due.. War means killing, the jews have every right to take the action they are taking. If I were in charge, I would drop the big one on Iran, they are responsible for the current Chinese fire drill in the middle east. They have sponsored the religious nuts all over the middle east. 'No big loss'. Someone is going to have to do it sooner or later. Get on with it. The left wing can sit on their hands for awhile. "

 Mark wrote on July 27, 2006 9:36 pm:
" Very well said Alan T "

 Question? wrote on July 27, 2006 10:21 pm:
" Umm..Fortenberry 87%, exactly what point are you trying to make? Are you trying to say that with an 87% party-lines voting record Jeff Fortenberry has an independent mind? 87%! That is almost 9 out of 10 times that he was a pathetic yes-man. As far as the other Congressman you point out, at least I hear of things they try and do for us back in Nebraska. With Fortenberry, in 2 years, I have heard nothing. I wonder if he has even spoke on the floor of the House yet?...doubt it. "

 TH wrote on July 27, 2006 10:30 pm:
" I saw Fortenberry on the floor speaking. But only once and that was to keep Terri Schiavo in her vegetative state. "

 Tim wrote on July 28, 2006 6:59 am:
" Israel has a right to defend itself. War is never grand or glorious, but sometimes it is necessary. "

 Frosh wrote on July 28, 2006 9:22 am:
" Freshman senators RARELY get to speak on the floor. Fortenberry has SEVERAL times. It takes time in Congress to build coalitions and make yourself known. Fortenberry has done a superb job representing his consitituents. He is a man of integrity and good will. I will vote for him this November. I voted against him last time around. "

 JohhnyD wrote on July 28, 2006 10:13 am:
" Fort does have integrity. He will stand up for his beliefs and his beliefs alone, i.e. Terri Schiavo. So I guess he is consistent, even if he is totally out of touch. The SupportFort group has no shame. "

 peb wrote on July 28, 2006 10:41 am:
" To Frosh: Fortenberry is not a senator. "

Ads by Yahoo!

More Stories In Letters