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Letters, 10/11: Welcome racing track

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Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - 12:19:48 am CDT

I’m a former Husker Blackshirt ’85-’89 and avid drag racer. I have huge concerns about the way the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission and the county commissioners are playing games with our tax dollars dreaming up different ways to keep Greg and Missy Sanford from building a state-of-the-art motor-sports track in Lancaster County.

I spend $15,000 a year drag racing at tracks in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Iowa, and I’m just a little spender in the whole drag racing scene.

Does Lancaster County not want to benefit by the huge revenue that this track will bring in? It’s just disgusting how the Lancaster County Board members preach about bringing in economic growth to Lincoln and Lancaster County, and all I see is them running it off.

Let’s do something about this! Before they raise our taxes again or somehow make us foot the bill as usual.

See you all there at the County-City Building! This is the last public hearing on this matter, so let’s be heard.

Kent Wells, Lincoln

Cartoon’s left-wing view

I find it reprehensible that the Journal Star would choose to run an editorial cartoon Oct. 3 blatantly implying that Republican leadership in the House of Representatives was aware of and chose to ignore the sexual e-mails and text messages of Rep. Mark Foley.

There has been little or no evidence of that thus far, and the only talk I’ve heard of such an allegation comes from the far left wing of Democrats in the House.

Andy Ringsmuth, Lincoln

Torture vote outrages

Political parties be damned! Both senators from our state voted for the torture bill. They have no shame. They cannot blame this on George Bush; it was his idea, yes, but if we had a few men and women of courage in the Senate this bill would not have passed.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so angry, with the exception of the 9/11 attacks. I refuse to stop voicing my anger about both Sens. Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson supporting this horrible bill. 

I’ve often wondered what Americans here in Nebraska hold dear. I hold the following dear: liberty, freedom, peace, equal rights (inalienable means for everyone, not just Americans), the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the United States, the ability to speak (even to the police) without fear and respect for others.

Bush and his whole administration, by their own actions, have shown themselves to be unworthy of respect. Which leads me to question, how in the world did two senators from Nebraska decide to support such a horrible bill?

I am but one person here in Nebraska and may not reach many, but I vow I will not shut up about this matter. As the mother of one son in the military, I cannot fathom why Bush cannot see how this torture bill will only hurt our men and women who serve in the military. I also cannot understand how two men who serve this state are so blind to the problems with this bill.

Rhonda Pennell, Lincoln

How to get blight status?

I have a dilemma. My house was built in 1972. We had to build it as cheaply as possible so we would have a chance of paying for it in our lifetime.

Consequently we were led to a concrete block basement rather than poured and to cheap plywood siding with a thin layer of cedar with a pattern called “abraded.”

Now the basement is falling in, the siding is falling off and the roof is leaking.

Can someone tell me how I go about getting it declared “blighted,” so I can get tax increment financing so I can build a livable house?

Cecil R. Morris, Roca

 


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I agree ! wrote on October 11, 2006 12:40 am:
" Bravo Rhonda, I also agree with you. I think the current administration and both of our Senators should be ashamed of themselves. Blind people in Congress is why we are in our current mess. 549 Billion projected Debt, this fiasco of a bill condoning torture, and then they want to add another 700 million to the mix to build a wall. Where I would like to know is this money coming from? Our Great great grandchildren? Or perhaps someone has a money mill?. I'm sure our Forefathers are rotating in there graves over this congress and administrations actions! "

Nate wrote on October 11, 2006 12:44 am:
" Andy: Stop listening soley to the nonsensical talking heads on Faux News (who 'accidentally' labeled Foley as a Democrat once) and you'll find there's plenty of evidence showing there was indeed a cover up by the GOP! "

Meh wrote on October 11, 2006 1:33 am:
" I agree with Rhonda's well-stated sentiments. It's amazing how Sunday patriots will work themselves into a lather over flag-burning, but don't bat an eye when the ideas it represents are toasted. "

Samuel wrote on October 11, 2006 1:42 am:
" Oh, Rhonda. You are a naive liberal that actually believes that the Constitution means something. How can you expect us to maintain liberty, freedom, peace, and equal rights unless we are willing to entrust these rights to the most powerful government in the world for a very short spell while we are engaged in war with shopkeepers, farmers, and clerics who can truly take away these rights away forever. We must all make sacrifices, and in this war our sacrifice is not tin nor rubber nor flour nor oil. Our Congress has asked us to sacrifice our integrity. If we fail to do so, the terrorists have already won. And don't forget to fly and enjoy America's great destination spots, or the terrorists have already won. "

the truth wrote on October 11, 2006 2:14 am:
" Ms. Pennel, i couldnt agree with you more! the fact that the US Senate has O.K.'D the torture of prisinors disgusts me! How low do we have to sink to get people to act? Do the citizens of this country really want to torture and kill people without due process of law? I suppose that we really DONT belive in liberty and justice for all. "

Laura wrote on October 11, 2006 6:32 am:
" I guess I am confussed, what earthly difference Mr. Wells football history has to do with Drag Racing ... apparently he believes that still earns him "extra credit" or he continues to live in the past .... That was 21 years ago Mr. Wells and I am confident you received enough special considerations since then. Amazing these "boys" never earn their own way and continue on the coattails of our Huskers. "

Lisa wrote on October 11, 2006 7:24 am:
" Mr. Wells: perhaps you could work with the Sanfords to choose a better spot for a drag racing venue. There are several industrialized areas (W "O") where neighbors aren't impacted as drastically as sticking a track in residential/rural areas. "

far left wing? wrote on October 11, 2006 7:32 am:
" Given that 64 percent of Americans asked in a recent ABC News poll were of the opinion that Republican leadership tried to cover up the Foley scandal, and 79 percent of those asked (including 61 percent of Republicans) in a CBS News poll believed the Republicans were more concerned with politics than the well-being of teenage pages, an awful lot of Americans must suddenly be camping out in the "far left wing" of the Democratic Party (and are repugnant to boot!) if Andy Ringsmuth's take is to be believed. Of course, given the current state of the Democratic Party that wouldn't be too far left in traditional terms. "

NO wrote on October 11, 2006 7:35 am:
" I guess you want us to become Nazi Germany. Hitler took rights away from the Germans in the 1930's. That is how he was able to do what he did. I, for one will not let that happen here. Despite what you san, once we sacrifice freedoms and our rights, the terrorist win. If we keep our freedoms and rights, we win. If you want to surrender your freedoms and rights, please move to another country where you won't have to worry about freedoms and let big brother monitor your every move. "

RL wrote on October 11, 2006 7:46 am:
" Whoopidy doo day... Kent Wells (who ever that is) played football for Nebraska! I guess that makes his opinion way more important then everybody elses? "

nate_104 wrote on October 11, 2006 7:50 am:
" Pro Motorplex aka Dragstrip. If in deed the council does there job. In a democratic society the majority votes win. I think the pro dragstrip will have that covered! "

What? wrote on October 11, 2006 7:51 am:
" We still have a Constitution? . . . Wonderfully put Rhonda Pennell, with passion and indignation appropriate for the topic. Future generations will remember us as one of the most disappointing and pathetic generations in the nation's history for the way we've allowed the once proud ideals of this nation to be so thoroughly trampled so rapidly upon feeling ourselves threatened. Any nation can wax poetic about its ideals, but a great nation upholds its ideals that are central to what it stands for even when it might seem inconvenient to do so. That we have failed to live up to our ideals of our Constitution, and our international human rights agreement in the Geneva Conventions, makes us guilty of the types of sins we've long denounced out enemies for. Sad and tragic days for those who love the dream that this nation stands for. "

I Agree wrote on October 11, 2006 8:05 am:
" What does drag racing and being an ex-Husker have in common. Nothing. "

Jim B wrote on October 11, 2006 8:12 am:
" Oh please Mr. Ringsmuth, there is PLENTY of evidence Republicans tried to cover up the Foley sex scandal. Check out Keith Olbermann's program "Countdown" on MSNBC sometime. He laid out all the messy proof on Tuesday night's show. Now Speaker Hastert says anyone on his staff involved in cover-up should be fired. I certainly hope that includes the Speaker himself. It's so obvious the Republican Party has been pandering to "moral values" right-wingers like yourself, while being much more accepting of issues like homosexuality than they lead on in public. The Republicans want your November vote, then will continue to ignore your views all the way until the next election. At least most Democrats are straight-forward on moral issues. You may not agree with them, but unlike Republicans, at least you know where they stand. "

Jan wrote on October 11, 2006 8:18 am:
" Maybe he said that to let you know he is from Nebraska or at least spent time here. That he's thinking about this state as a whole and not the few who don't want to hear noise or imagine who knows what without any facts. Let's just stop all development. Poor Andy. If he agrees with a story it is repeated as fact and if doesn't then it's just liberal media. Must be nice to live in that world.

All of Washington should be ashamed. "

jerry wrote on October 11, 2006 8:31 am:
" Kent Wells: Who cares if you were a husker. What are you doing to make a living in the city now? Does your status make you more representative of the community than someone who used to mow grass? I am for a drag strip also but havent used my status as a "trumpet player" to influence people. "

Bill wrote on October 11, 2006 8:34 am:
" Watch out Laura that dog may bite you back. There are some very expensive investments, buildings, funding on the names of former Huskers.... T.O. Oh BOB himself may rise up and get you for going there!!! "

Brush with Greatness wrote on October 11, 2006 8:36 am:
" Ooh! An old football player will be at the meeting? Maybe we can start The Wave! "

Gary B wrote on October 11, 2006 9:22 am:
" I find the animosity towards Mr. Wells and Mr. Ringsmuth on this comment board sickening. If you want to attack the message they bring, then do it. If all you're going to do is engage in ad hominem attacks, then keep them to yourselves. They do nothing but lower the level of conversation. Two year olds could write some of this stuff. "

Britt Hume wrote on October 11, 2006 9:28 am:
" Apparently everyone to the left of Karl Rove is a Liberal kook, huh Andy. Its a cartoon for Chrissakes. Much to your chagrin, a political cartoon can go both ways. If you werent totally polarized, you wouldnt have to laugh when the cartoon is against say, Clinton, but whine when the cartoon goes the other way. Grow up buddy! "

Alan wrote on October 11, 2006 9:32 am:
" Ha ha ha you are all attacking Kent because he mentioned he was a former Husker. So what? Who cares if that is how he wants to introduce himself. He played on the field it's something he did "earn". I guess all of you that are doctors and Lawyers (who paid to see him play) don't need to say when you introduce yourself "Hi I am Dr. so and so" or "I am attorney John Smith". And to Laura (these "boys" never earn their own way and continue on the coattails of our Huskers.")Our Huskers? I guess I don't get that. He is a Husker and always will be. Maybe Johnny Rogers needs to go away as well and that real estate agent Steve Taylor. Got news for you THEY played the game you didn't THEY are the Huskers and THEY can use what THEY "earned" out on that field how THEY seam fit. So before you say THEY haven't "earned" anything I say you take on a life of a college athlete one day and see if that changes your opinion. Customer service representative Alan "

Patriot wrote on October 11, 2006 9:34 am:
" Rhonda, you are not alone. There are many of us who are thoroughly disgusted with the absence of courage the Representatives and Senators from our state have displayed as they have submitted to the will of George W. Bush and rubber-stamped our Constitution out of existence. For the life of me, I cannot understand how behaving as badly as Saddam somehow makes us better than him, and why on earth Americans are being punished for the crimes committed by Middle Eastern terrorists is beyond me. The future of our nation is at stake in the upcoming elections. If we re-elect the same pack of scoundrels that have worked so hard to destroy our rights and freedoms then we will deserve the repressive regime we inherit. I wish that every one of us would recall the lessons we were taught in school about the sacrifices our ancestors paid to guarantee our liberties. I have to wonder why the deaths of 3000 people on 9-11 have been given so much more importance than the hundreds of thousands who gave their lives, over our nations history, to defend our rights. I am a veteran and I still recall the oath I took upon entering the service. I swore to defend America against all enemies "both foreign AND domestic." Would that all of us take that oath to heart. "

JT wrote on October 11, 2006 9:34 am:
" I'm a former high school baseball player 93-97. I agree with Rhonda. Terrible votes by our senators. I encourage everyone to let them know about it. "

Lori wrote on October 11, 2006 9:37 am:
" What a display of maturity... deriding someone for one line of background and totally ignoring the basis of the letter. Get a grip or get some counseling. "

Vietnam combat vet wrote on October 11, 2006 9:49 am:
" the subject of torture has plagued me for years. I know of one case where torture resulted in saving the lives of 373 American soldiers. Information was extracted from a North Vietnamase Regular that saved an American manned out post from annilation by over 3,500 NVR and Viet Cong. Instead, over 1,000 of the enemy died and only a few Americans and some wounded. If you ask their familes i am sure they are thankful for the torturing of that enemy soldier. If you ask the families of the dead enemy's i am sure you would hear them support "no torture". War isn't pretty, never has been, never will be, except in the movies. The question is do we sacrifice our men and women to spare a soldier of a enemy force that has no other desire then to kill our men and women, an enemy force that in most wars has always been far more evil then we could every be. In Iraq and Afganistan we fight an enemy that is so evil they behead their opponents and kill women and children as a component of their stratagy not as in the case where we do inflict casualilties on innocents, but not by purpose or design. Is it right, morally i am sure it isn't, is it needed to save the lives of our loved ones in war. I think so. If an enemy was tortured before 9-11 and 3,000 lives were saved, would you have been for it, or against it? It's easy to critisize when you are out of the line of fire, but when you're in the trenches, in the sights of your enemy, getting shot at day after day, listening to the bullets whiz by your head, watch your buddys brains splatter your body or their guts lie at your feet, we see the reality that you can only imagine. Not torturing our enemy won't gain us any favors or make them stop torturing our men and women. As every body of ours recovered has shown signs of mutilation, beheadings and torture. This is just another side to the story. "

Drake wrote on October 11, 2006 9:54 am:
" Gee, Kent Wells, I am a licensed pilot so listen to what I have to say about traffic engineering. I'd say I spend $1000 a year in fuel prices, so I know more than your average Joe about traffic isuues. "

jj wrote on October 11, 2006 10:00 am:
" I hear there is a bunch of blighted land in West Lincoln that would be perfect for a drag strip. Its right next to the trains that everyone likes to compare them to. The neighbors wouldn't even notice. The Sanfords could even get TIF to make it that much more affordable. "

Gasp! wrote on October 11, 2006 10:01 am:
" Andy Ringsmuth finds something reprehensible? NO WAY! "

Sandhiller wrote on October 11, 2006 10:05 am:
" Since when are playing loud music and depriving sleep considered torture? If you read the bill closely, you will notice that the only methods used on these terrorists are those designed to make them "uncomfortable". Read the legislation before you judge. "

Jim wrote on October 11, 2006 10:14 am:
" Thanks for introducing yourself and the sport Kent. Don't take the bitter smaps from the petty people to heart. The fact is that the location along Highway 77 is a great site. This site affects the smallest number of people nearby, and brings the benefits to the entire county. I believe your point is that racers spend a lot of their hard earned money to race all over the country. Here is a private individual who is investing their own money to built a nice race track. They will hold events that will bring in lots of people from out of state. Racers will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaraunts. Local racers buy more auto parts, don't they? They must buy trucks to tow those trailers don't they? That sounds like an activity that generates lodging and sales tax. Has anyone who opposes this track ever tried to create something that will generate so much business for other people in their community. I credit Mr. Sanford and his family. He is taking a lot of grief over this. I thank him for working to bring these benefits to our community. I only hope the ignorance and intolerance of a few petty people don't get away with manipulating the system in their efforts to block this race track. Good luck with the Drag Strip. "

Patriot wrote on October 11, 2006 10:30 am:
" What has become of our American ideals? Didn't we, as a nation, once strive to be better than the others? Didn't we at least attempt to set an example for the rest of the world to follow? Now we have tumbled one of the pillars of justice - habeas corpus; we have joined those despicable nations that practice torture; we have more of our own citizens imprisoned than any other nation; we spy on one another; and we wage illegal wars. How will History judge us? Not well if we continue on our current path. "

Scooter wrote on October 11, 2006 10:32 am:
" It's really interesting that many of the voices who oppose the track because it would be placed near them have no problem with it if it were placed near someone else (on West O). I believe they have an exaggerated understanding of what the impact of the track would be on their location and surely have to understand that the Hwy 77 corridor is going to be developed in any event. Those in opposition need to take a good look at the proposal for the facility, it's greenspaces, it's distance from the highway and placement within the plot that the Sanfords own and consider how it may actually benefit them and their fellow residents. I'm doubtful anyone would be swayed to change their opinion, but you should understand exactly what you are arguing against. Keep in mind that four lanes of new pavement of Hwy 77 all the way to Wahoo wasn't created merely for commuting. Were you also against the improvements to Hwy 77 when they occurred in the recent past? I'd bet not..... "

yoshiki wrote on October 11, 2006 10:45 am:
" Andy, even though you and I are good friends, I have to question where you get your news from :( . "

Ryan wrote on October 11, 2006 12:15 pm:
" Sandhiller, read it again. The president has the power with this bill to not only decide who among anyone in the world he can dole these punishments to, but the only punishments barred by this bill are rape and murder. And those can be changed at the will of the president as well, withthe exception of murder. But, just in case someone does die, there is a provision to keep this administration from being tried on war crimes. Kinda makes you wonder why there would be a need for a provision like that. Hmm... "

vitomax wrote on October 11, 2006 12:17 pm:
" Patriot, history will judge us merely as a comma. "

something different wrote on October 11, 2006 1:16 pm:
" I'm tired of the city/county fighting everthing except Walgreens, Target and Douglas Theaters. Drag strip in the right location a great idea. Lincoln should try to facilitate instead of alienate. Maybe Seng could set up a city owned race fuel station and charge a tax per run. Lets get inventive Lincoln! "

JC wrote on October 11, 2006 1:33 pm:
" I think the drag strip should run right through downtown on "O" Steet. There needs to be something down there moving forward at a decent rate of speed. "

Mack wrote on October 11, 2006 2:16 pm:
" It never ceases to amaze me that liberal Democrats and MSM lapdogs get all wrapped around the axle when they perceive a "cover-up" by the Republicans but for some reason are quiet when members of their party engage in bad behavior and have the wagons circled around them. Just look at the examples that have happened during the last year, some would include Patrick Kennedy, Cindy McKinney, and William Jefferson. Where was the liberal Democrat outrage at their bad behavior? There is none because it is expected from them. "

Sam B wrote on October 11, 2006 2:24 pm:
" It never ceases to amaze me how ultraconservatives get all wrapped around the axle and start pointing the finger of blame at Democrats and their alleged past misdeeds every time the Republicans are caught in a scandal. Where is the Republicans' outrage at their own bad behavior? There is none because they're too busy trying to deflect criticism by changing the subject of discussion. "

M wrote on October 11, 2006 3:09 pm:
" Perhaps Andy missed that it was an "editorial" cartoon? No. Wait. He clearly states that it was the editorial cartoon. Hmmm... Perhaps he just dosn't know the meaning? Just for you Andy, editorial cartoon: A cartoon giving opinions or perspectives. That means... they can say what they want. If you don't like it, TURN THE PAGE!! "

wrestler wrote on October 11, 2006 3:19 pm:
" Former two time Iowa Highschool State Wrestling Tournament Qualifier '93-'94. I have no problem with a drag strip... in fact ANY kind of new entertainment would be good in this town. And while they're at it, have them send the cement trucks over to make 27th St completely four lanes. "

Fed up wrote on October 11, 2006 3:49 pm:
" "Come on, back off these people. Let them build their track, bring more money to our fine city and let us be the down home welcoming town we are. I love this place and will raise my children here because of it. But you people are really just being nasty about it and there is no reason for it. If you have a opinion on the track fine, let us hear it but leave the nasty comments at the door and be an adult about it. "

dfb wrote on October 11, 2006 4:19 pm:
" The left was outraged at the behavior of the Kennedy, McKinney and Jefferson. How can you compare any of their behavior to be the same as Foley? Maybe you think soliciting 16 yr olds to be no worse than drunk driving, but I think that type of solicitation to some of the worst behavior in the world. You must be high on hillbilly heroin or something if you think that. Quit trying to justify republican bad behavior by bringing up prior bad acts by someone else. Maybe we should say murder is ok because Cain wasn't tried and convicted. "

Mack wrote on October 11, 2006 4:22 pm:
" Hmm, that's strange because everyone that I have heard have thrown Rep. Foley under the bus for his deviant behavior. I haven't heard Republicans defending Foley's actions, only outrage. "

Garry wrote on October 11, 2006 4:47 pm:
" I do not see what all the Dems are worked up about with Foley. First off,we all learned in the Clinton years that "Everyone lies about sex" and it is actully good to lie. Plus we found out that oral sex is not really sex at all. Next you I do not see Rep. running out to defend Foley like all of Clinton's talking heads did every day. At least Foley was graceful enought to quit. Someday you Democrats might actully stand for something other than double standards. "

Really? wrote on October 11, 2006 4:51 pm:
" You really think the examples of Patrick Kennedy, Cynthia McKinney, and Bill Clinton are on the same egregious level as systematically trying to cover up predatory behavior to maintain power? Clinton was with a 22-year old consenting woman, and he was impeached! Further, unlike Foley, party leadership did not know about anything and keep it secret, putting teenagers at danger to protect its political power. Patrick Kennedy, whatever he was under the influence of, owned up to it and got treatment. You're equating his actions with the systematized cover-up of the GOP to protect their own power? Cynthia McKinney inexplicably lost it and scuffled with a police officer and apologized for her stupidity. In your mind that's the equivalent of leadership knowing for years that a sexual predator was preying on teenagers yet did nothing for fear of losing a House seat and its hold on political power? Grow up. "

As the 1978 pinewood derby champion, wrote on October 11, 2006 6:38 pm:
" As the 1978 pinewood derby champion, I feel I need to add my $.02 to this. They problem with drag strip nonsense is the noise and other side effects (drunk/reckless drivers) that will bring to the area. There is no way a small strip of grass will keep the noise, drunks, and litter from making it a living hell on the people in the area… "

Sam B wrote on October 11, 2006 7:02 pm:
" Hmm, that is indeed strange. We haven't heard any Republicans defending Foley's actions. They're too busy defending the actions of those who knew about Foley's actions and did nothing about it and seeking cover from the political fallout. Apparently part of that strategy is to dredge up stuff from several years ago to take the focus off their own ineptitude and failure to act. Yeah, Clinton, Patrick Kennedy, and McKinney's actions are so much more serious than Foley's...NOT! "

John near Lincoln wrote on October 11, 2006 7:11 pm:
" If you've driven towards Lincoln on West O street you would completely understand why it is suited to a new development like the race track. Why do developers have to be so arrogant - "my way or the highway"? Why fight with neighbors who have every right to their "peace" of the good life - they were there first. And yes, in the country - noise, dust, dirt travels a long distance! (sound test or no sound test) The area on West O is industrialized, blighted - needs a good kick in the pants with an economic boost. There is access to the interstate. It makes good sense. The current proposed location makes no sense. "

Some one else wrote on October 11, 2006 7:57 pm:
" Build it and they will come...don't most capital cities in the US have motorsports facilities? Why don't we? Let's catch up with the rest of the country...here's another vote for the drag strip. "

Kate wrote on October 11, 2006 8:05 pm:
" Bring on the drag strip! You Bet Ya! As a mother and someone that has lived in the Davey area for over 25 years, a property owner, and someone that loves cars.......I say bring it on! It's the best thing that could happen when you have kids that LOVE CARS!!!!! It doesn't matter if it is to show them, brag about them or race them! Atleast it would be a safe and controlled environment for them to race their cars or to be with other car loving people. Having lived in this area, I am aware that there are people that use Agnew Road and Davey Road to "TEST" their cars and other locations through out the county, why not give them a safe place to do it? What is this county so afraid of.....making a little money.....come on! Why is it that if it's Memorial Stadium, it's ok to add thousands of seats........did anyone think about the noise factor then???? NO, only generated revenue, that was the main factor! What about the State Fair, that has noise also, has it stopped tractor pulls, or car racing....no, so what is the difference? I know you don't want it in your back yard....well, these are both inside the city limits! This would be outside the city, so I say bring it on....I would be happy to see it from me front yard.....knowing my kids are at a structured, safe and controlled drag strip! "

lee wrote on October 11, 2006 9:56 pm:
" Kate...you have spoken for alot of people. Way to go!!!Nothing wrong with a drag strip at all. It is always the people who never have been to a racetrack before that do the complaining. Eagle raceway used to be a cornfield, now it is a successful business that has brought jobs for the rural kids in the summer, brought family entertainment, & most of all friendly competition. The races can be heard 15 miles to the east,south,north & west. Eagle does not complain about it as it has generated business for 2 convience stores, a resturant & a small mom & pop diner. So all of you who are complaining need to go to a racetrack of any kind. You are missing the thrill of it all. And if you don't want a beer, they sell more pop & food than anything else at their concession stands. So get over it!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Zk wrote on October 11, 2006 10:01 pm:
" I think West O would be a wonderful place for a race track. However, the city does a wonderful job of running people out of town. Instead of trying to build the city or state, all they know is to destroy it, which they are doing a fine job!!!!!!! "

Gary B wrote on October 11, 2006 10:11 pm:
" So let me get this straight, people who live up north of Lincoln along Highway 77 (which is far from quiet) are somehow more entitled to 'peace and quiet' [read: myth] than people on West O street? Everyone! Join in! There was a farmer had a dog, and NIMBY was his name-o...N-I-M-B-Y; N-I-M-B-Y; N-I-M-B-Y; and NIMBY was his name-O!!!! "

Hattie wrote on October 11, 2006 10:30 pm:
" Go for it Kate. I also have sons that like to race. This was one of the best hobbies that they could have taken up. Pure clean sports with the best of intentions to teach them to excel. Why don't the whiners that live close to the site get together to protest their taxes. I only saw One real farmer at the meeting this afternoon. The others were from Lincoln and moved to my part of the county to whine about something they didn't have any idea about the need. Pack it in and go for it. Build the Strip and I live about 1 mile away and will be there each time the gates are open. "

Build it wrote on October 11, 2006 10:55 pm:
" The current location is perfect. West O won't work. The location was identified by the motor sport task force as the prime site. That is a fact that was revealed to day at the planning commission meeting. "

Jay in Lincoln wrote on October 11, 2006 11:25 pm:
" I just don't see the big deal with the torture bill, maybe I'm just ignorant. What is wrong with torture if it is used on one who would cause harm to our country to gain information that could save our country from another attack? In Ms. Pennel's words, this torture bill has made her as angry as she's been since 9/11...I wonder how angry she'll be when the next attack comes that could have been prevented had interrogaters hands not been tied... "

Susana wrote on October 12, 2006 12:20 am:
" I'm with you, Rhonda. We're going to pay — and our kids and grandkids are going to pay — for this bill and for everything else Bush and his criminal cabal have done to besmirch our great country and its people. Our government tortures. Habeas corpus is dead. The terrorists have won. "

Mike wrote on October 12, 2006 5:20 pm:
" Headline should have read, "Commission delays outcome of race track to see if it will effect there income/ vote!" They only decide on issues once they know their friends and business associates, ie. other board members aren't affected by the outcome adversely. Vote on me, me, me. "