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Letters, 9/29: Tired of state's spending

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Friday, Sep 29, 2006 - 08:44:57 am CDT

I just cannot afford any more taxes! That’s why I am voting yes on Initiative 423.

It is about time our state started living within its means. I am weary of the politicians wasting our tax dollars and sending us the bill. We need to stop giving them carte blanche.

I urge Nebraskan taxpayers to join me in stopping the overspending by voting yes on 423.

Janet K. Anderson, Lincoln

Hard-liners on border

Regarding your Sept. 20 editorial (“Immigration: Failure looms once again”), there are a couple of things I am confused about.

To try and clarify things in my mind, I am going to break our congressmen down into two groups.

Group one: Secure the border, allow the illegal people who are here to stay or to leave and come back. Give citizenship to these people who have broken our laws for years.

Group two: Secure the borders first and then decide what to do with the illegal people who are here.

OK. I know this is a little bit oversimplified but it is the way I understand it. So those in group two are the hard-liners because they want to get something started that both groups agree needs to be done. And those in group one are not the hard-liners because they want all or nothing.

Wait — that just sounds wrong. Maybe it is the other way around; those in group one are the hard-liners because they will not negotiate about what some people see as an amnesty giveaway — again, all or nothing.

Wow; I am confused. I guess in my mind it makes more sense to at least get started closing the border, but then I guess that makes me a hardhead — excuse me, a hard-liner.

You know, it could be that the so-called hard-liners just do not want to give away citizenship to people who apparently have no respect for our laws. Amazing — I believe that is the first statement I have completely understood.

Jim Harnly, Seward

Deny the left its power

The United Nations General Assembly sneered at President Bush when he called for democratic change in the Middle East. They applauded enthusiastically when Iranian President Ahmadinejad claimed the U.S. committed atrocities and violated international law. And they laughed when Venezuelan President Chavez called our president “the devil.”

America’s left is mainly responsible for this disrespect. They attack our president and our war efforts for political gain. The world follows their example through attacks that are reminiscent to a campaign ad for the Democrat Party.

Nebraskans must deny America’s left political power. We need to elect a senator from a party that agrees with “Nebraska values.” A senator who will join a majority in Congress to advance our “values,” Pete Ricketts.

Tom McLaughlin, Lincoln

The definition of fascism

I’ve had it up to my keister with that prevaricating rube, George W. Bush.

His responses to exposing his litany of lies have been even more unconscionable deceptions using ad hominem phrases like “Islamo-fascism,” which are intended only to heighten fear and suppress rational discussion.

According to Webster, fascism is “marked by a strong, centralized government, usually headed by a dictator, and often (with) a policy of belligerent nationalism.” Does that sound like al-Qaida or any of the other “terrorist” organizations you’ve heard about? Sounds more like George W. Bush’s administration to me.

It’s time to pluck this marcescent presidency from the vine. Let’s get on with it.

Larry McClung, Lincoln

Current ads serve no one

At the moment, two wealthy men — Pete Ricketts and Ben Nelson — are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on television advertising in which the majority of the voting public is not interested. The information offered has no great impact on, nor will it positively influence, voter opinion.

In the current ads, these two men sound and appear no better than the stereotypical politician full of empty promises and negative assertions about their opponents. Consequently, most people either mute their televisions or change the channel when one of these meaningless, repetitious ads comes on.

Why not, then, do something to affect voter opinion in a positive way and demonstrate a real concern for holding public office? Donating the remainder of their campaign funds to a humanitarian cause of their choosing would do more to impress the voters than the continuation of these shallow, self-promoting ads.

They could also donate the money used for those glossy handouts and mailings (which go directly into the trash), and just imagine what kind of contribution they could make by diverting the funds from yard signs and billboards to that same cause.

Their current method of campaigning serves to benefit no one but the television stations and other media outlets and to antagonize the Nebraska voters who have been subjected to it since May. What we, the voters, are really interested in is in hearing them debate the issues with each other in a courteous, informative fashion.

 Elaine Lamski, Hastings

Workload in Congress

In her recent letter (Sept. 18), Beverly Irwin implies that the members of the Congress work only 72 days a year for an exorbitant salary. 

First, the salary is low for people of their education, stature and achievement. Second, Congress is probably in session about that number of days a year, but that does not come close to constituting their working year. The standard work year for salaried employees is considered to be about 50 weeks a year at 40 hours a week.  This works out to be about 2,000 hours a year. 

I believe that the vast majority of the members of Congress work significantly in excess of this number of hours — probably approaching or exceeding 3,000 hours a year. This includes nights, weekends and even vacations. Studying, thinking, meeting, negotiating, campaigning and all of the other things these people do are work.

Whether you agree with them or not, these are not lazy people taking advantage of your largess. Choose something else for which to vilify them.

David Cochran, Denton


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Roger wrote on September 29, 2006 12:44 am:
" I am not sure on this 423 and wish someone would explain it more in detail. "
Rick wrote on September 29, 2006 12:46 am:
" In Tom McLaughlin letter he states “Nebraska values.” Could someone please tell me where I can find a list of these so called values, so I can see if I measure up to them. Then while you are at it, maybe you could also tell me who set these values "
Oh Tom! wrote on September 29, 2006 1:07 am:
" Thank you for the laugh. I am sorry to report that the Democratic Party is not the ones responsible for our overseas problems. It happens to be the responsiblity of President George "The Devil" Bush. He has worsened our National Security along with his team (Rumsfeld, Cheney and Condi). As for this coming November elections, I pray every night that I wake up on November 8th and find that Nancy Pelosi is Speaker of the House and that Harry Reid is Senate MAJORITY LEADER. I know my prayers will be answered. It is time to send the disrespectful Republican Party back where they belong. In the minority. This will be a happy day, Tom. Maybe not for you and your "Ricketts" fans, but we liberals will be smiling and toasting the new leadership. First order of business? Get Our Troops Home! Second order of business? Impeach President George W. Bush. When Clinton Lied, Nobody Died, When Bush Lied 3000 and counting Died. Can't deny the facts Tom. "
P. Robert wrote on September 29, 2006 1:39 am:
" Thats President Bush to you Larry......even Al Qaida is better than the US??? I am sure the families of the 3,000 dead Americans they killed on 9/11 will agree with you. You have to be a little bit realistic if you want anyone to take you seriously. I still don't understand why you would continue to live in such a Fascist state. I am sure Al Qaida will invite you in with open arms. If you need help packing let me know. "
really? wrote on September 29, 2006 3:07 am:
" tom, i was wondering if the "democratic values" that the US is trying to spead in the middle east to have better access to oil consists of invading nations with false pretenses, not having an objective and lying to the American people. But i guess we have to listen to the "decider". Interestingly enough its a very small stretch to get from decider to dictator. "
Sam B wrote on September 29, 2006 6:27 am:
" Tom McLaughlin, like every other Bush apologist and neocon, has overlooked the real reason that Geore W. Bush is disrespected, sneered at, and called "the devil", and that reason is the Bush administration's arrogant, swaggering, "go it alone" attitude, its sneering contempt for the United Nations and the Geneva convention, and total disregard of the rule of international law. The political did nothing to foster this disrespect; George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld did it all by themselves with the help of like minded cronies. McLaughlin goes on at length about "Nebraska values", but I don't believe they include sending young men and women to die for the hubris of their commander in chief, of condoning the use of torture and secret prisons, or of eroding our constitutional rights. Pete Ricketts has shown himself to be nothing more than a rubber stamp for the Bush administration and its failed policies. We must deny America's right any more political power. Look where it's gotten us. "
BAH wrote on September 29, 2006 6:57 am:
" If you vote yes on admendment 423, you'll soon be screaming A LOUD NO!!! Ask the people in Colorado! If you don't like how money is being spent, then get involved with your legislatures. Nebraska does not need an wealthy businessman from New York and outside interests changing our constitution. I can't believe people have such blinders on! "
Hank wrote on September 29, 2006 7:09 am:
" Jim Harnly seems to have made up his mind: build a really high fence and then all the other immigration issues will somehow get solved later. First of all, a fence will not stop illegal immigration; it will only cost a lot of money and kill many more people who seek other ways into our country. Note also that we with the high fence we will effectively take down the Statue of Liberty (but I suppose that doesn't matter because it was given to us by the French). As for addressing the more imporant parts of the immigration issue later, we all know that nothing will be done. Our wonderful lobbyist-driven administration and Congress will prefer to continue with the current system that keeps labor costs low and exploits illegal workers. To keep these illegal workers and the Americans who compete with them in the labor market in line, we will continue arbitrary deportations, break up families, and just generally make immigrants feel like servants rather than employees. The House of representatives cuts right to the chase by passing a bill that just calls them criminals. That will really keep them quiet and working with their heads held low! No, Mr. Harnly, we need to address the whole issue of immigration now. We need to deal humanely with the 10-12 million undocumented immigrants, and we need to settle on how to process more immigrants legally. People will always break laws when those laws clash with human nature and economic incentives. We need sensible laws that recognize the huge benefits our country has derived, and always will derive, from immigration. Immigration is not a problem (unless you are one of the bigots who cannot sleep just knowing there are foreigners living nearby). Building a fence will have about as little effect as our war on drugs has had on drug usage for exactly the same reasons: people will continue to employ immigrants, all our friends are involved, and the empoyers continue to enjoy the skewed market power that illegality gives them. "
MM wrote on September 29, 2006 7:32 am:
" I vote for 423. When you stop taking medication and cut back on food, and sit in you house and can't do or go anywhere, something has to give. Life becomes worthless. "
Scott wrote on September 29, 2006 7:35 am:
" Janet, if you think that your taxes are high now, just wait until 423 comes along. Good luck. "
mo wrote on September 29, 2006 7:38 am:
" It's really sad that people like Larry McClung live here. Whether you agree with George Bush's politics or not (I don't) to say he's worse then a terrorist or to call him a fascist is simply blind Democratic hatred. It's almost hard to believe that there are people living in Lincoln who feel this way. "
Steve wrote on September 29, 2006 7:41 am:
" Mr McLaughlin - have you considered that perhaps the opinions of those in the Democratic Party are similar to those around the world - that President Bush needs to be held accountable for his actions? When you say 'they attack our President and our war...' I can't help what you mean by the phrase 'our' - I voted for someone else and, although I support the troops, do not support the rationale for going to war. Thus, although it is 'our' war, I take offense to you calling it that. And finally - it isn't one party attacking another for political gain. It is both parties. That has been done forever and will continue to be done. "
Poor Pete wrote on September 29, 2006 7:59 am:
" Im sure Tom loves his little world which he lives and that real nebraska values reside in the comfort that Pete Ricketts will restore his values. Bush and his crime family is tearing this country apart. Your values won't mean a thing. While you sit here and support them turning your Nebraska values into a fascist state. Read the definition and stated by Larry. Although Chavez may have picked a different approach. Things are begining to smell more and more of sulfer. Stay scared America! "
State Workload wrote on September 29, 2006 8:08 am:
" I agree David (last letter) - thank you for coming to the rescue of public servants who are wrongly villified and work extremely hard. Public service is often a thankless job that costs people their own personal money to serve (that they earn on their "other" job), and I know a state senator that barely has time for family between working in the "off-season" at the Capitol and full time on their other job. Yet the people in our state turned down an increase from poverty-level wages for them ($12K per year) to go up to around $20K, which still qualifies them for public assistance programs if they have children. Just so we can all gripe more about what they do not do for us (see first letter). We have received what we deserve in Nebraska on the state level, so just move to another state where they pay decent salaries with benefits to their legislators - you get what you pay for. "
Alice wrote on September 29, 2006 8:13 am:
" The only way a politician can be paid what he or she is worth is to reduce the minimum wage to zero. The idea that thinking is actually considered to be work is an indication of just how dumbed-down our society has become. What a scary thought. "
Jan wrote on September 29, 2006 8:17 am:
" Tom, I counter that the American right is the reason we are hated by the rest of the world and people who think like you do are the reason your grand children will not have freedom. "
BW wrote on September 29, 2006 8:24 am:
" Tom, I know you think it's the left's fault that the world hates us... but have you considered for aminute that the illegal, unilateral war in Iraq may have had something to do with it? "
Sean wrote on September 29, 2006 8:48 am:
" Tom McLaughlin's comments are on one hand very flattering to "the left" but, on the other, very insulting to the rest of the world. While it would be wonderful to think that the minority group in the United States has the power to influence THE ENTIRE WORLD, its just not feasible. The more rational idea is that the rest of the world (as characterized in the comments of two extremists) is comprised of intelligent, sentient beings that have made up their own minds on the issues. There was not loud vocal dissonance from within decrying the attrocities of Hussein, Franco, Chavez, Pol Pot, etc. yet the rest of the world was able to view what was going on and determine that it was not right. The same is happening here. Other countries of the world are displeased with the course the US has taken and are voicing their displeasure. This would happen with or without the vocal minority Tom despises. "
TWW wrote on September 29, 2006 8:52 am:
" The problem with the high taxes is NOT at the State level. Property taxes are determined by the LOCAL government. If you truly want lower taxes, look at the local politicians and school districts who are Wasting money. "
Webster wrote on September 29, 2006 9:00 am:
" Larry - congratulations on placing as many high brained words into your letter as possible.............next time have some better content. "
E Jr wrote on September 29, 2006 9:04 am:
" Am I the only person whose taxes have gone down in the last 10 years? The income tax rates have gone significantly and other taxes haven't risen that much. Has anyone's taxes gone up more than the rate of inflation? All I see are budget cuts and government services being reduced or eliminated. An income tax increase would be a good idea about now. "
Joe wrote on September 29, 2006 9:12 am:
" Right on, Larry. Despite what some of our more ignorant and partisan commenters on this board have said, your letter had excellent content. And don't worry...you go right ahead calling the idiot in the Oval Office "Bush". He doesn't deserve to be called "President" and shouldn't have the job anyway. "
Josh wrote on September 29, 2006 9:18 am:
" Wow - I have a Master's degree, average 50 hours a week at one job year-round and cannot afford health insurance without working a second job. I also have to study have meetings and the like. I don't make as much as Congress. However, there are two additional items that Md. Cochran failed to mention: all the perks that those in Congress get (healthcare, gyms memberships, travel, an amazing retirement program) and the fact that Congress finds itself worthy of big pay raises every 2-3 years while refusing to raise the minimum wage for us "commom folks". I think those in Congress make way too much for as little as they accomplish. "
Richard wrote on September 29, 2006 9:21 am:
" I plan on voting for Ben Nelson in November. I also support G.W. Bush in what he is doing and I think History will show that Bush did the right thing. My only regret in voting for Nelson is the fact that he is a Democrat but in order for the Democratic Party to return to sanity we need to support Democrats who have shown that they do not toe the party line. Ricketts may be a good man and might make a fine Senator. If he runs on the GOP ticket in 2008 he will probably get my vote at that time but this time around I think Ben Nelson is the better choice. "
Dave wrote on September 29, 2006 9:36 am:
" Let's be clear about this: Initiative 423 does NOT mean lower taxes. It just means that local governments will have to raise taxes to make up for lost state revenues. Initiative 423 means higher property taxes and sales taxes for everyone. "
Jackson wrote on September 29, 2006 9:37 am:
" Tom, let me make sure I have down all of those conservative "Nebraska Values" that you want to see enacted. 1. No homosexuals allowed. 2. Don't care if a girl's uncle rapes her, she still having his baby, and don't expect us to chip in to raise it either. 3. We have to pray at football games and at school each day as a group. The prayer must be a christian prayer as no other religion matters. 4. Women are welcome to work in Lincoln as long as they are not the business owner or CEO, and still cook for their husbands everynight. 5. Education is a good thing, unless a democrat is the professor. 6. All judges immediately become liberal activists even though the majority of judges in the state are politically conservative. 7. State patrol members can also be in the Klan, if minorities don't like it, they don't have to drive through the state. 8. Anyone who disagrees with a republican president is un-American and really should go live in Iran. Did I get all that right, Tom? "
willyjsimmons wrote on September 29, 2006 9:39 am:
" Ben Nelson, supports war crimes. Chuck Hagel, supports war crimes. Jeff Fortenberry, supports war crimes. Lee Terry, supports war crimes. Tom Osborne, supports war crimes. Bills H.R. 6166 and S. 3930 prevents victims of torture from seeking claims under the Geneva Conventions. The victory of our WWII Vets has been erased in the course of two days. "
WRONG DIRECTION wrote on September 29, 2006 9:41 am:
" Mr. McLaughlin, do you even know your left from your right? The "left" had nothing to do with the disrespect you feel was shown by the U.N. General Assembly. It is the "right" who misrepresented the facts leading to the current U.S. invasion of Iraq in the first place. It is the "right" really winning over the hearts and minds of those in the Middle East through their approval of abuse and mistreatment of detainees and total disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention. And through a total lack of leadership and planning, the "right" has transformed the brave men and women of our military in Iraq from liberators to an occupying force. You see, Mr. McLaughlin, respect is not demanded, it's earned; and the "right" has done nothing to earn respect. Instead of voting for another puppet of the "right" like Pete Ricketts, the facts clearly show it's time for the voters wake up and realize that "right" has been the wrong direction and we need to start heading back towards the "left." "
Chris wrote on September 29, 2006 9:49 am:
" Larry McClung should be aware that "that prevaricating rube, George W. Bush" is an ad hominem attack. "
Criminal wrote on September 29, 2006 9:52 am:
" Under the War Crimes Act, violations of the Geneva Conventions are felonies, in some cases punishable by death. When the Supreme Court ruled that the Geneva Convention applied to al Qaeda and Taliban detainees, President Bush and his boys are suddenly in big trouble. They are pardoning themselves. As they did yesterday. Becareful naysayers you may end up in a detention camp somewhere and no one will know. "
Sean1 wrote on September 29, 2006 10:16 am:
" Hey David: If congressional salaries and pay raises are not something to be ashamed of why were they voted to be automatic? And, if called to be voted on the vote is done in secret? It used to be that you could'nt get most of them (respresentatives and senators) to show up for a debate or a vote. Most of them were out on "junkets" or enjoying other privileges. That pretty muched stopped when they installed cameras and starting broadcasting sessions on Cspan. Man, there was a lot of moaning and foot shuffling when that lttle change was approved! Most of those going into politics do so for one reason. They're too lazy to commit armed robbery. "
Henry Wilson wrote on September 29, 2006 10:19 am:
" Many comment today on this board are exactly why our country seems heading in a direction that would make our founding fathers roll over in their graves. Many of you have very strong opinions. Why not put your last name behind it and submit it? Well? Oh, I get it. Its far easier to get your digs in while hiding behind a plain name or made up one than it is to put your own real names behind your comments. Common people. If you can say something without anyone knowing who you are, then I guess your comments should hold no weight or have no merit, despite what has been written. How does anyone know if the comments were written by a complete idiot or not? Based on a number of them today, my guess is some are probably way out there in left field. Many, many, many people before you have already got their digs in at the President or the right, and no one is saying anything new that hasn't been repeated a 100 times already. Thanks everyone, I had my laugh of the day at many of you. "
Brandon wrote on September 29, 2006 10:20 am:
" Does Tom mean 'democratic change' like when the Palestinian's voted last year and elected Hamas? Oh, wait, that's right, they weren't the ones we wanted so we cut off all funding. So, that's how 'democracy' works in the Middle East. The kind of attack on the 'left' for not supporting the President or his policies is not wrong. Many people out there disagree with the man, his policies and his tactics. What exactly are we supposed to do? Not say anything? So, if I have Tom's point right, during a conflict (the current situation is not a war) we are not supposed to say anything that could be considered to undermine the President's position. Is that correct? If so, where were you when Clinton bombed Afghanistan? How about Somalia? You see, you can't have it both ways. So, what say we all stop attacking each other? Can we do that and take a step back and see what is best for the country? Let's ignore our political differences for a moment and try to see things as they are. "
BW wrote on September 29, 2006 10:28 am:
" To Chris: Calling Bush "prevaricating" isn't an ad hominem attack. It's the truth. Pretty much anyone can tell you Bush prevaricates quite regularly, as do ALL politicians. "
To Alice, et. al. wrote on September 29, 2006 10:30 am:
" Most of our state legislators' time is not spent in just "thinking" - it is spent trying to deal with people like you who have unreasonable expectations, and will not engage themselves in our state government. How many debates have you watched on TV or the Web, or how many bills affecting your life have you become involved with or even followed? From your comments, I think I already know. This information is all free to you by mail through I believe the Clerk's Office. Trying to keep up with 20,000 differing opinions and expectations (if they are a Senator that really tries hard for us) is no easy task. The "good" ones get frustrated and end up not staying because of the impacts of low pay, time constraints due to working regular jobs, family pressures with one spouse left with most of the responsibility for their children, and a much better work environment (for the ones we really need to have in our Legislature) in the business sector. Get involved rather than just gripe - Nebraska is the only state where we can have such an impact in our state government proceedings. "
JJ wrote on September 29, 2006 11:12 am:
" What would have happened if nothing was done after 9/11? Ok, the war in Iraq is not going very well. Was it a bad idea? Now it would seem so. At the time were we as a counrty on the war path seeking revenge? Yes. It may have been a knee jerk reaction, but 70% of Americans were for the war. I really have a hard time believing that this administration was that effective in selling the WMD's as the sole reason for war. Besides, if we as the general public are that gullible we diserve to be lead by fools. Americans wanted revenge. If it would have taken longer or the government would have been more careful in it's intel., people would have complained that the administration wasn't doing anything about 9/11. That situation was lose/lose. Now we see it and experience it everyday. Bottom line, terrorism is winning, no matter who is in office. Not because we all want different things, but because politics is creating tension at all levels of government, be it taxes or foreign policy. Let the Bush haters hate, let the right wingers preach. We need to get our crap together as citizens to make this country strong again. "
Kuang wrote on September 29, 2006 11:23 am:
" There are plenty of educated Asians who could help facilitate the USA government and efficienct and effective administration of services. Too many Americans want the easy life and Asians are becoming skilled at making your systems work. The political system in the USA may be corrupt, but that is who you voted for. "
Chris wrote on September 29, 2006 12:18 pm:
" To BW calling Bush a "rube", which you conveniently left out is an ad hominem attack. "
Needed to be said wrote on September 29, 2006 12:33 pm:
" Well put Willy J Simmons. And, your point over in the newspaper's editorial section that the paper's choice to editorialize on copy machines today rather than yesterday's defining legislation that will surely enter history textbooks along with other painful moments in the nation's history like the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, the Espionage Act of 1917, the Sedition Act of 1918, and Executive Order 9066 in 1942 (Japanese Internment) -- times when our nation was put to the test and failed to live up to its own ideals that it supposedly held so sacred. A sad day. A symbolic day. A momentous day. And, a day that should be noted by all Americans, for later generations will surely look at it as being one of our worst moments and wonder and debate, just as they have with the previous acts above, how we could possibly sink so low. Just as with the previous misguided acts, our pitful excuses of today will ring false in their ears, and they will rightfully look to our moment of extreme weakness with contempt. "
Lance Rector wrote on September 29, 2006 12:51 pm:
" You want me to put my name on it? Here you go. Now I can get more anonymous cowards calling my house to threaten me. You want me to say something new? How about: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson It is time and past time for Americans to wake up to the corporatist, fascist agenda of our leaders. How many people have to die before you get it? How many of your rights are you willing to sacrifice to keep your guns? How many have to be illegally detained and tortured so the bigots can keep their comfortable illusions? Yes, I am angry. I have been betrayed by my "leaders". America has been betrayed. The time has come to put a stop to it. "
Brandon wrote on September 29, 2006 1:01 pm:
" An 'ad hominem' attack is an attack on a person's character to attack their policy. Not an attack on the policy itself. The United States attacked Iraq. George W. Bush is a rube. Therefore it was wrong to attack Iraq. Mr. McClung did not exactly make an ad hominem attack because he did not state first what was the issue. However, it was a personal attack in an effort to disparage and discredit the individual. However, just because an accusation is true does not limit the ad hominem effect of the comment. Nothing has been done to help Darfur. George W. Bush is white. Therefore the United States government is racist. This is an example of something that is factually true that is an ad hominem attack. So, fallacy is not the deciding factor. The question is whether or not it is an argument for or against the policy in question or whether it is using the person as the argument against (or for) the policy in question. "
Brandon wrote on September 29, 2006 1:24 pm:
" Speaking of Jefferson: "Of liberty I would say that, in the whole plenitude of its extent, it is unobstructed action according to our will. But rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual." --Thomas Jefferson to Isaac H. Tiffany, 1819. "
Brett wrote on September 29, 2006 2:05 pm:
" This goes to primarily Ricketts & then Nelson. Just saw your jib-jab style attack ad on Nelson about his Greenbelt status on his property that he got a tax cut on. Don't like politics much, but I've been searching for a job for some time now & to get any of them I've applied for I have to "sell" myself. I don't just attack the other candidates & say how they're all worse than me. Pete, you just haven't convinced me to oust someone who's worked for Nebraska for DECADES. Why is it I "should" vote for you? "
db wrote on September 29, 2006 3:25 pm:
" JJ: Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11 and Bush as said so so why do you try and link the two in your post? What connection does Iraq have with 9-11 anyway? The country and the world was behind Bush including me in the invasion of Afghanistan to go after Bin Laden the real person behind 9-11 attack. There were no Al Queda or terrorist training camps in Iraq before we invaded that country and now it is a breeding ground for terrorists. If you want to reunite the country, the right needs to quit polarizing the country in order to stay in power and offer concrete solutions to the problems of the world. You can be tough on terrorist without having to destroy the US Constitution like the Bush is doing. We do not need to give up our rights. "
Chris wrote on September 29, 2006 3:43 pm:
" Brandon you are splitting hairs. It may be your opinion that George W. Bush is a rube, but it does not change the fact that it is an attack on the man, hence an ad hominem attack. You simply need to find a better way to critique Bush's policy rather than just calling him names, it undermines the credibility of your argument. And throwing out carnards about U.S. racism and Darfur is hardly fair. The Bush administration has consistently pressed for action on Darfur. Far more than the Clinton administration ever did when it came to the genocide in Riwanda, which it largely ignored until it was too late. Also racism involves specifically invoking the concept of race. Yes U.S. foreign policy not putting greater emphasis on issues of ethnic hatred in Africa could be described as ethnocentric, but not necessarily racist. Your remarks illustrate my problem with the left's rather unintellectual critique of the Bush administration. Lets stop calling names and use our noggins okay. "
JC wrote on September 29, 2006 4:10 pm:
" To Alice, et. al quote: "Get involved rather than just gripe - Nebraska is the only state where we can have such an impact in our state government proceedings." Please explain what you mean by this. I have done most of the things you've mentioned and been quite vocal regarding various pieces of state legislation. Response from the State Senators involved: "Don't bother us, son, we're busy." The leadership of the organization that supported my position on a particular bill met with the State Senator pusing the measure. Result: The Senator and his aide were extremely arrogant and condescending to the visitors, who were basically told "we're going to do what we want to do, so you might as well get used to it" and were ushered out of the Senator's office. I realize all State Senators are not the same, I'm just relating my experience. But it's a little naive to suggest that it's easier to impact legislation in Nebraska that in any other state. "
Taxes too high now?? wrote on September 29, 2006 6:34 pm:
" If you think your taxes are too high now I have news for you. They will get higher. How do you expect the United States of America to pay for the War? Its projected now to be 549 BILLION. I spelled that out because people are having trouble hearing this. When it was reported in the paper a few days ago only 5 or 6 people made a Blog comment about it! People in this country need to Wake up, at 549 BILLION dollars it will take YEARS of higher taxes. This will also make states have to raise there own taxes. Services for which the states have been getting funds from the Federal level will most likely be severely cutback. To cover critical services, they will raise fees, taxes, charge more at the front. If your not currently on a budget, you better make one, Hard times are coming. "
KN wrote on September 30, 2006 2:59 pm:
" If Federal taxes go up, you will see the Homeless rate and bankruptcy go thru the roof. If Nebraska taxes go up any more, this state is in real trouble, not that it isn't already. And the retireds might just as well march to the chopping block. Lincoln will look like a ghost town. As for me, I've had more than I can handle now, so I'm on my way to where I came from with have the taxes of Nebraskas. No taxes on Social Security for retireds, everybody gets over $25,000 homestead exemption on property and they are planning a way to get rid of property tax altogether. "
TL wrote on September 30, 2006 3:14 pm:
" I totally agree with "JC". Nebraskans are basically an arrogant, condescending people, why do you think the state is in the mess and back woods and goes nowhere. I heard my parents talk about that all my growing up days. Having moved back (unfortunately) from another state Nebraskans are a different people. Thank heavens I never had to see and listen for years to all this wrangling and bullheadness, but know I'm back, at least for a bit, and it is sickening. I'm glad I got to spend my better life with people that were good ole down home type folks that worked hard to keep everybodies lives happy, instead of threating them with higher and higher and higher taxes and the clickishness that causes Lincoln not to grow. The first day I moved in I was told how to live my life in Lincoln. Basically they were telling me to do it or get out. Never had that in the state I came from!! "

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