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Letters, 10/31: Keep the fair where it is

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Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 - 12:12:15 am CST

I an a Nebraska resident (born and raised) and am writing to express my distress at the idea of the Nebraska State Fair being moved from its historical and traditional location. In fact, I am very upset that a group of Lincoln business people can make that kind of decision regarding a state institution and state property.

The state fairgrounds should stay at the current location for the following reasons:

There is something to be said about maintaining the traditions and history of Nebraska. There are so many wonderful old, beautiful brick buildings on the fairgrounds, and it would be a horrible shame to tear those down. In fact, they should be historical landmarks.

The location is perfect for tying the fair to the start of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s school year, Husker football season, the Haymarket and all the downtown activities. The area of the county fair has nothing.

It is state property and should only be used for state purposes.

I truly believe if the state fair is moved from its current location, it will lead to its ultimate demise.

At the very least, the decision should go to a vote of Nebraska’s citizens … not a group of Lincoln business men and women who are out to obtain cheap land and a profit at the expense of Nebraska residents, our traditions, and history.

Gayla Baker, Omaha

U.S. basketball in Iran

If there ever was proof our administration intentionally foments conflict overseas, this has to be the kicker: The U.S. government is now seeking to fine American basketball players who have played Iranian basketball teams!

According to a BBC report, 20 American players were contracted by Iranian teams last year. Reports Frances Harrison of the BBC: “Basketball is a popular sport in Iran, and many saw the Americans’ involvement as a rare example of sport overcoming political tensions.”

But the Bush administration apparently will not tolerate any reduction in tensions. U.S. Treasury official Molly Millerwise is quoted as saying that the players could be fined up to $50,000 for violating the letter of the law that prohibits transactions with anyone in Iran. The report states that the law has never been applied to individual athletes before. 

Where does this leave the administration’s claim that we are not in conflict with the Iranian people, only their government? What about the recent public announcements that we are actively working to win the support of the Iranian people?

Apparently continuing to buy petroleum from the government-controlled Iranian Oil Co. is fine, but letting U.S. basketball players win fans in Iran does not serve our national interests. It’s us versus them, baby!

Fortunately, we can help stop this madness and restore at least some semblance of an enlightened foreign policy by booting out the Bush administration’s congressional enablers this November. Peace.

Hendrik Van den Berg, Lincoln

Vote down Initiative 421

Please vote against Initiative 421. Initiative 421 will allow unlimited video keno machines, which are extremely similar to slot machines. Since there are 613 keno licensed locations in our state at this time, 421 would be the most expansive gambling legislation ever seen in Nebraska history.

Former South Dakota Gov. Bill Janklow said that expanded gambling was the worst mistake South Dakota ever made. This year the Iowa Legislature rescinded approval of its Touch Play slot-machine-like devices after thousands of these machines had been installed in grocery stores, bars and convenience stores.

Let’s keep our quality of life strong in Nebraska and learn from the mistakes of our neighbors by rejecting Initiative 421.

John F. Dittman, Lincoln

Avery works for teachers

On Nov. 7 I will be supporting Bill Avery for the Legislature in District 28.

Bill Avery has been a professor at the University of Nebraska for more than 30 years. He will make education a priority in the state Legislature. Teacher pay is important to Bill. He understands the importance of keeping good teachers in the classroom and recruiting new ones.

Bill Avery knows that smaller class sizes and maintaining teacher authority are essential to creating a strong learning environment. He will fight to support teachers in the classroom. Bill will work to end public school reliance on property taxes and put more dollars into state funding for schools.

I trust Bill Avery to work for all Nebraska teachers and students. Ensuring educational excellence is both maintained and improved provides a good quality of life for all Nebraskans.

Phil Schoo, Lincoln

Initiative 423 a bad idea

AARP Nebraska opposes Initiative 423, a dangerous and extreme measure that would lock an unrealistic state spending formula in the Nebraska constitution.

A state spending lid may sound good, but in fact 423 would mean higher property taxes as state aid to local government sharply declines. 423 would force a shift from state sales and income tax to a greater reliance on local property taxes, the most burdensome tax for Nebraskans on fixed incomes.

State lawmakers recently approved an expansion of the homestead exemption for homeowners age 65 and older and persons with disabilities. 423 would jeopardize this state-funded property tax relief for thousands of Nebraskans. It would also threaten many other public services that help our seniors, including bedrock services like emergency response, law enforcement and fire fighting.

State aid to local government funds community aging services. Home-delivered meals, care management and transportation services all help older Nebraskans live independently. 423 would force local officials to reduce these services or fund them by raising local property taxes. Aging services cuts would make it harder for older adults to live independently — ultimately costing taxpayers more by forcing people to move into nursing homes prematurely.

Initiative 423 is a bad idea that doesn’t belong in our state constitution and deserves to be defeated by the voters on Nov. 7.

Sunny Andrews, Omaha

President, AARP Nebraska


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John wrote on October 31, 2006 3:41 am:
" There needs to be an intense cultural exchange with the Iranian people, have our sports teams play there, host exhibitions, have exchange students, distribute American Literature translated into Arabic- - And from Iran as well. I wonder how many Americans could find Iran on an unmarked world map? We could start with Geography... Maps for everyone! And then some history books. "

 New Ideas wrote on October 31, 2006 6:34 am:
" I think Mr. Van den Berg has made a pretty good point, and John (see previous post) has added onto it. Maybe some cultural exchange and the comraderie that comes with playing basketball could do more to win over the hearts and minds of the Iranian people than tough talk and economic sanctions. I wonder if the Bush administration has ever considered this. Oh wait a minute, of course they haven't considered it-they'd rather bomb or send in troops! "

 JMK wrote on October 31, 2006 7:49 am:
" IT (423)is only considered to be extreme because it will force the government to come to us for additional money and they know they probably won't get it very often. But since they insist on out of control spending, it is the least of the two evils. it won't cut programs or services, it won't raise property taxes as the nay sayer claim. Voting against it only sends the message that we like higher taxes and would like them to continue spending like there is no tomorrow. "

 How? wrote on October 31, 2006 7:54 am:
" I do believe Bill Avery believes what he is saying. He hasn't offered up a plan on how he will do these things for education yet. Great to know the problem, of concern when no solution is offered. I'm not sure Avery is the right answer for LD28. I must do some more research on him. "

 Omar wrote on October 31, 2006 7:57 am:
" LOL, Iran (persia) is not like rural Nebraska, there is internet access and Iranian children are taught English and many are educated in the worlds best universities. Sophistication of Americans is important, how many Arabic courses are taught in your high schools? Local control tranlates into global ignorance in many USA school districts, is your capital city falling behind the world? You find internet access in Iran, do you have it in your Sandhills? "

 Gamil wrote on October 31, 2006 8:26 am:
" As you are well informed, English is taught as a second language in Iranian schools. It starts from the second grade at guidance school (secondary school). Arabic language is also taught from the first year of their entrance to the new environment. Even though Farsi (Persian) has borrowedmany Arabic words and phrases during the course of the time, it is too difficult for new comers to learn the language that contains feminine and masculine gender of words. They do not always succeed in getting passing grade, and their unfortunately failing grade entails a bad experience of disinteresting foreign languages totally. As it is evident, new comers naturally hate and are afraid of learning English language thereafter. They usually miss classes and make many excuses for not doing their assigned homework. In high school, the students are required to study English threehours a week and the number of students in one class is about 40. Compared to other countries, high school English is more grammar based and the teachers put more stress on teaching grammar rather than on teaching reading comprehension and communicative skills. http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~nx6h-ykt/overview4.html "

 donmoyer wrote on October 31, 2006 8:36 am:
" Congressional candidates this fall are furiously debating Iraq, Medicare and extending tax cuts. Most are staying quiet about an imminent legislative challenge: how to stop a tax increase that will hit more than 20 million households next year, some with incomes as low as $50,000. Unless Congress acts, the alternative minimum tax will gradually impose $1.35 trillion in additional taxes over the next 10 years. Yet only six candidates in the 28 most-competitive House and Senate races across the country even mention it on their campaign Web sites. "

 Dave K wrote on October 31, 2006 8:44 am:
" Do we have to do what you suggest for all countries on Earth, or just the ones that want to destroy our allies? "

 Ray wrote on October 31, 2006 8:47 am:
" Iranians do not speak arabic, they speak farsi. But I agree the first step is education and interaction is the best form of education. "

 Dumb wrote on October 31, 2006 8:48 am:
" Do they speak Arabic in Iran? I thought it was Persian. Sign me up for the history lessions. "

 Sandy wrote on October 31, 2006 9:07 am:
" Thank you John D. for your letter. Video slots will do nothing but be a huge mistake for Nebraska. I do, however, disagree with Sunny A., 423 would be a good thing for Nebraska, and I believe JMK is correct. If this fails, you can probably safely bet that LPS will demand more money just to "show us". They already got over $350 mil in a bond issue and a windfall property tax, why do they think they need more? Can't they, like us taxpayers, do with what they have? "

 Locke wrote on October 31, 2006 9:18 am:
" From my experience in the classroom with Dr. Avery, I do not think he is a friend of education. "

 Suk wrote on October 31, 2006 10:26 am:
" In Iran Farsi is the language of the people, Arabic is the language of the region and English is just an elective language. Other than the Hispanic citizens in the USA...communication and regional variations are foreign concepts and language skills are marginalized. "

 It's business wrote on October 31, 2006 10:41 am:
" money that wants to move the fairgrounds, not the citizens of Nebraska. As with the state and it's scare tactics over 423, they will win and once again the citizen pays for it. "

 Point of clarification wrote on October 31, 2006 10:55 am:
" University of Nebraska property IS State of Nebraska property, its just controlled by different groups. Additionally, this group of business leaders can not force the change, they can only make recomendations/suggestions about government property (private property is a different story). How about everyone STOPS jumping to conclusions and wait and see what they suggest, then evaluate it on its merits. People are flying off the handle based on assumptions and rumors. STOP IT! We should be excited that business leaders are looking at investing in the city. You gripe there are no jobs, then you knock down anyone that might be able to change that! "

 Rubai wrote on October 31, 2006 10:59 am:
" The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it "

 Hattie wrote on October 31, 2006 1:04 pm:
" Don't listen to this group of bozo's. All they want is for the University to spread its tax supported bull all the way to Salt Creek. Someone needs to wake up and smell the Event Center. The reason Lancaster County went to N. 84th St. was to build a better Center for the Horse Lovers in the state. Leave the fair where it's at. The City just got a crack at more money for SENG's pet programs now that she can't develop them. "

 Roger wrote on October 31, 2006 8:20 pm:
" You know the citizens of Nebraska will not get to vote on the fair grounds issue, as I believe that the board memebers and the Universtiy will make the decisions and leave the Sate of Nebraska Citizens in the dark or should I say in park on this one. So I agree with you Gayla, but agreement among us is not what these folks want they love having us eat crow and dodge their meanandering while they plan other episodes of continued struggle for most of us. Good luck on your pusuit of this but I think you and I are on the wrong end of the receiving line on this one. "

 Amazed wrote on October 31, 2006 8:32 pm:
" I am just flabbergasted that the President of the AARP would indicate that spending limits are bad for this State. Should this not pass and should current situations remain, this State and Local governments together will totally break the backs of Joe Average Citizen and will not be any different than what will happen if it does pass. I am not fond of the current situation and limits from all entities of government need to understand that Joe Average citizen does not have a bottomless pit of money to go to for these increase. Should the State then pass on these taxes to locals then, we as average Joe citizens need to change these as well. Lets look at what has happened, tax rates were raised in the early 2000's to balance the budget with a promise that these would be lowered once the balance occured, the balance and surplus occured but sales tax stayed the same, Fuel taxes were raised because people were using less fuel and then when people used more fuel tax stayed the same, local schools try to pass bonds and when they fail these schools look for times when people will be less likely to care what happens and float a bond vote, and it passes. We need to stop all of this crazyness and if 423 is a start then so be it. As for now my vote is for it. I have heard all of the arguements why I should not vote in favor of it and none of them are convincing. Most are political. "

 a lincoln keno writer wrote on October 31, 2006 9:40 pm:
" I completly agree with John Dittman regarding initiative 421. Keno is a horrible game to begin with(and I know, I write tickets for all of those poor fools out there), and having machines that will allow people to spend their money faster is a bad idea. At least as a keno writer I can try and help people not waste their money by telling them what bets are better/worse. I have seen people(i.e. keno crack-heads) dig in their pockets and spend all of their change, down to their pennies just to play one game. We don't need another way to cheat people out of their money, regular keno does a fine job of that on it's own. "

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