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Letters, 11/9: Motorplex at fairgrounds

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Thursday, Nov 09, 2006 - 12:13:45 am CST

Recently the news is around what to do with State Fair Park. The University of Nebraska wants the location, which ultimately will mean more taxes and funding in the long run. Also recently, there is a push by drag strip/motor-sports enthusiasts wanting to build a facility in rural Lancaster County. They claim this would bring a major economic boom to Lincoln.

Why not put the two together? Build the drag strip and motor-sports complex at State Fair Park. This is a win-win for all. Lincoln and Lancaster County win with the revenue. Drag-strip and motor-sports people win with a major facility close to where they live. Rural Lancaster County stays rural with peace and quiet.

Before you think I’m nuts, consider the facts. State Fair Park is basically a non-generating prime piece of property that actually costs us money each year. According to the drag-strip people, they need the following for a first-class motorplex:

One-mile flat straightaway: State Fair Park runs from 14th to 27th streets — one mile in length. State Fair Park already has a grandstand, parking and lights. Noise is not a major issue according to drag strip enthusiasts — they can build barriers to suppress anything over normal traffic noise. State Fair Park has ready access to fire, emergency personnel, and multiple traffic exits. State Fair Park is also large enough to include a motocross complex, making this area a motor-sports dreamland.

I could go on, but I think you get my point.

Gene Sedivy, Denton

An immigration solution

Letter writer Amy Peck’s insights and opinions concerning illegal immigration (Oct. 24) are so important and correct.

Having lived in Southern California and Texas for many years, I have seen the issue up close. Here in Nebraska, so far away from the border, it is as though we are just waking up to the problem of illegal immigration. 

There are some problems in society that are very complex: Poverty, crime … illegal immigration is not complex.

People come here for jobs and to have a better life for their families. Simple. The only way to “protect” the United States from this “invasion” is to make the jobs go away. Simple. Yes, I’m serious, it’s that simple!

Take all the money some people want to spend on a wall (which is the political facade of a solution) and use that money to enforce harsh, costly employer sanctions.  Here’s the message elected officials would give to employers:

“If you hire undocumented workers, you will pay a lot of money and go to jail. That’s right, no slap on the hand, you will go to jail!” Simple and extremely effective in places that actually use this tactic.

So, Nebraska, ask yourself why no one here is talking about doing this? Oh, and this is simple, too:

Because the industries that employ and benefit from the undocumented workers contribute to the “war chests” of the politicians who do not suggest or even address this simple and effective solution. 

Hope Colt, Lincoln

At risk because of vote?

As other people have mentioned in recent letters to the editor and comment boards, I, too, discovered that my request for an absentee ballot had been made available to candidates, who promptly sent me several pieces of mail. Whether such mailers qualify as “campaigning in a polling place” or not, there is another potential issue — one of safety.   

When I dropped my ballot off at the election commissioner’s office, I asked about the info and discovered that, by state law, absentee ballot requests are public record. This means that not only do those campaigning get my info, but that anyone who wanted to ask for it could get it.

Any would-be criminal determined enough could get a list of absentee ballot requests (which come complete with name and address!), and it would be a decent starting point for places where people might not be home.

I encourage you to contact your state senators and other officials to look into not releasing absentee ballot requests. Even if an individual had to check an “exclude me” box on the request form, it would at least offer protection. As it is, I feel I am being put at risk because I was a responsible voter.

Jodi Harper, Lincoln

Corporate greed is enemy

The excellent letter written by Michael Cuba (Oct. 26) about corporate greed comes from decades of objective observations and from his heart. I know Mike Cuba, and we’ve talked at length about Goodyear and the union movement in the United States. He is right about the unjustified salaries of corporate executives.

The fact of the matter is that Goodyear and many other American companies no longer wish to employ American workers to manufacture their products, and why should they? Because of globalization and horrific trade deals like NAFTA they can now hire workers at a fraction of what American workers make.

As more and more companies move overseas, their competitors are obliged to do the same or become uncompetitive. Most of the products are then shipped back to America, where American consumers ravenously purchase them at cut-rate prices at stores like Wal-Mart without even considering who lost their job to save them a few cents. This year, this type of economic voodoo will result in an $800 billion trade deficit.

What will happen to our country the day that foreign governments refuse our worthless dollars and demand gold in payment of our debts! That will be an eye-opening day for the American people, a day they will see firsthand the folly of not saving, investing and maintaining good jobs in our own country.

Wake up, America! Our leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, have betrayed us and are at the beck and call of corporate America. Listen to real, down-to-earth people like Mike Cuba before it’s too late. The true enemies are corporate greed, a manipulated economic system and politicians in bed with special interest groups with gold-layered bed sheets.

Larry Arnold, Lincoln

What’s their hurry?

Every day, as I walk along our lovely suburban streets, I am struck by the irony: The apparently God-fearing, conservative-voting middle-class drivers in their ubiquitous Chrysler vans and Chevy Suburbans, sporting their Jesus fish, Fortenberry bumper stickers and magnetic yellow ribbons are … guess what? Speeding.

Huh. I guess it’s OK to go 40 in a 25 when Kaitlin is late for her soccer game!

Barbara Pederson, Lincoln


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P. Robert wrote on November 9, 2006 5:53 am:
" I am sure if we can get those Christians off the street no one would be speeding, running red lights, or talking on their cell phones. I am sure glad that you and the Journal Star figured out what the problem is and that you found another way to slight religion. By the way, the bible says nothing about proper Christian conduct while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Nebraska. Christians know that they are sinful, hypocritical creatures and are attempting to improve themselves. If you need to use the downfalls of Christians to make you feel better about yourself, then I hope my fish is the next one that flys by you to make sure my family isn't late for church. "

 BAH wrote on November 9, 2006 7:04 am:
" "Gene Sadivy is right on! Explore common sense options if we are going to reconsider the location of the state fair and/or expansion of the event center." It makes a lot of sense to have a multi-use venue - well, except maybe to people who want sole control of the business. "

 Hey Liberal Barbara Pederson wrote on November 9, 2006 7:04 am:
" aren't you supposed to be the tolerant party? Bitter. Mean. Nasty. Just like Maxine Moul's commercials. Good riddance. You guys got owned on Election Day. "

 Whatever wrote on November 9, 2006 7:19 am:
" Yeah, Barbara. It's only Believers that are speeding. Apparently you don't hang out with any, or you would be embarrassed by your own letter. "

 countrygal wrote on November 9, 2006 7:32 am:
" In response to Barbara...if you want to see speeders, try driving into Lincoln on I-80 eastbound in the AM...I live just outside city limits, and faithfully drive the speed limit. Guess who's passing me...the folks from out of town, mostly 16- and 22- county drivers. And that's where the "double fines" signs are posted. Funny though, ever since that construction started I've seen a trooper doing speed checks only ONE TIME. Looks like the state is missing out on some big $$ there! "

 terryk wrote on November 9, 2006 8:00 am:
" Having lived in Arizona where the illegal immigration problem is every bit as high as Texas-I researched where the illegal population primarily worked to get some idea of the breadth of the problem. I recognize that my research is undoubtably flawed but h ere is what I found using the US Chamber of Commerce, US Department of Labor, the local temp job pool agencies in Tucson, Phoenix, Prescott and Flagstaff plus 60 interviews with pool workers (those who stand at certain points around town waiting each morning to get picked up for work)-78% worked in Landscaping, concrete pouring, brick/mortar application for mid to small size contractors. 15% worked in Char type positions at hotel chains and the rest worked in a variety of what would best be called day positions. It appeared to me that at least in Arizona, not many of them worked for employers that supplied much to anyone's campaign war chest. So slapping fines on employer's although it might dent the flow, would not stem the tide. "

 R.L. wrote on November 9, 2006 8:06 am:
" While I'll agree about the speeding in school zones and residential areas, I still have to ask... why does it matter what kind of car they're driving? People driving the lowly Chevy Cavalier are worse speeders then people in mini vans or Suburbans. Inferiority complex maybe? In fact, just this week a cop car was speeding in a residential area and ran over a teenager. People driving nice vehicles aren't the only ones who speed. "

 Nate wrote on November 9, 2006 8:23 am:
" Yes, Barbara. As "pro-lifers", you'd think they'd have more concern for life. Bush loving conservatives are hypocrites, as they kill hundreds everyday with their war. If I recall, that is one of the ten commandments they are breaking. "

 What's their hurry? wrote on November 9, 2006 8:27 am:
" I guess they just don't care if it rains or freezes just as long as they have their plastic jesus sitting on the dashboard "

 Hmm... wrote on November 9, 2006 8:27 am:
" So Barbara you're telling me only Chrysler/Chevy driving, Christian Republicans who support our troops are speeding? I don't know why the paper prints this kind of stuff. "

 Brian in Lincoln wrote on November 9, 2006 8:34 am:
" The hurry? Well, if there were any THROUGH streets in our great little town then speeding would not have to take place. When it takes 45 minutes to go from point A to point B (anywhere in this town) then there is a serious roads problem. Maybe Lincoln can learn what a freeway is?? "

 Gary B wrote on November 9, 2006 8:36 am:
" Barbara Peterson, I fail to see what speeding has to do with partisanship, religious beliefs, or support for the troops...in fact, I'm disgusted that you even brought the yellow magnets up. Just two weeks ago, someone stole my magnets...apparently I'm not allowed to show support for our fighting men and women. I guess the fact that myself and a group of about 10 fellow hunters and fishermen put together a massive care package (which took over $80 to ship) and sent it to the heroes in Iraq makes me a bad person. Get off of your high horse, people of ALL political persuasions speed, and you should be directing your anger accordingly. "

 JJ wrote on November 9, 2006 8:47 am:
" Hope Colt and the rest of us need to be ready, seriously ready, to pay higher prices if our counrty stops illegals from working in this country. I'm not saying that I am for or against reform. Just aluding to the fact that Larry Arnold's letter explains a lot too. The CEO's won't take pay cuts, they "work to hard" and the only thing that will change is the American worker and his Union will demand $20 an hour with benefits for the job an immigrant has been doing for $8. That's just the way it is. And for all you Union workers out there I do understand why and I usually agree with you. It truely is the system that is flawed. "

 Lincoln citizen and taxpayer wrote on November 9, 2006 9:00 am:
" Gene Sedivy, until you start paying your fair share of Lincoln taxes you do not get a say what goes in or out of Lincoln. Start paying wheel taxes and city property taxes then I will listen to your sarcasm. "

 Mark wrote on November 9, 2006 9:08 am:
" Between Barbara and Jodi's letters today, I had my good laugh of the day. Barbara seems to be a very jealous or bitter person, and Jodi's reasoning to keep her name a secret in a public election is a joke. Most criminals don't know how to operate a computer, let alone have any brains to go to the extent you say, although you may have just given a smart one of two of them a idea..way to go. Barbara, I drive a big truck ,and I am proud of it, I don't speed, and I have no Jesus fish or Fortenberry sticker on my truck, so don't even think of being a typical democrat and start labeling me. You lady, have no clue whatsoever! Take your blinders off for a minute and you too will see it's not just one class of people doing what you state in your silly letter. "

 Cqt wrote on November 9, 2006 9:14 am:
" Hope Colt comments on immigration and the need to be more punitive on those who hire illegal immigrants. Keep in mind, though, that according to most studies, the greatest employers of illegal immigrants is not large corporations, but individual households. Hiring a nanny, gardeners, daily help. Or even the small family farm hiring one or two people. And if there was ever a major crackdown on 'normal people' there would be a tremendous backlash. "

 moe on cuba wrote on November 9, 2006 9:22 am:
" Corporate America likes to move jobs to other countries for another reason besides low wages - there is no EPA there. "

 Sue F. wrote on November 9, 2006 9:40 am:
" I can get from far N.E. Lincoln to far S.W. Lincoln every day, without speeding, in less than a half an hour. Usually with most vehicles flying by me. Too bad the police do little about it. It is sad to see most people care more about saving 29 cents on a box a cereal than saving our country. "

 Sylvia wrote on November 9, 2006 9:45 am:
" I have seen the exact same speeders with a sense of entitlement that Barbara Pederson has observed. They gas-guzzle and dart through school zones, and when I ride my scooter, they are the first to unsafely tailgate and zip past me as if I am seriously slowing them down. I drive the speed limit, because that's the safest way to drive a scooter. The people with all the christian supremacist bumper decorations are always the first to the stop light, idiling away getting 0 miles per gallon, while I'm still approaching the intersection. I know exactly what Barbara Pederson is saying, "Support our troops: drive the speed limit." Also, I think we prefer to actually be good christians with our concern, safe deeds, and actions, rather than empty bumper decoration declarations. "

 ALW wrote on November 9, 2006 10:02 am:
" After reading Barbara Pederson's letter I would like to remind people that we are all Americans. Just because you hate what someone's political affiliation is doesn't mean you have to hate the people. I am a Republican and I don't happen to like everything the Democrats/ liberals stand for, but I'm not about to go around hating all people in an entire group just because I dislike many of the things that make up their party platform. Barbara's letter is mean and it is hateful. It does bash Christians and conservatives. Instead of using it as an opportunity for hateful bashing of the groups of people she dislikes/ hates why not try making a point about how all people need to slow down. It's reasonable to guess that speeding is done by people in all political parties and all religious affiliations. The hate speech needs to stop on both sides. Hate the party/ religious ideals-don't hate the people who belong to the party/ religion. "

 Christian Left wrote on November 9, 2006 10:03 am:
" Lighten up people. Barbara was just doing a light-hearted tongue in cheek humor for some of the uptight holier than thou people that mostly do what they preach against. Like the evangelical Haggard for example. Jesus would be very upset if you dont have a little humor. "

 Karen wrote on November 9, 2006 10:05 am:
" sure the fair grounds is a great idea (NOT!) Greg Sanford already owns the property that he wants to build on. There are already offers to serve many venues. I am sure if you bought property to build a house then someone comes along and says I think I would like you to live here that would be proper to you? "

 Do your research wrote on November 9, 2006 10:21 am:
" A quick search on the Lancaster County Assessor's website shows that Gene does indeed own property within the Lincoln city limits. So you see, he does pay city property taxes. "

 vitomax wrote on November 9, 2006 11:22 am:
" Wow, all the mean spirited remarks today must reflect the anger of losing. "

 Whatever wrote on November 9, 2006 11:48 am:
" There is no way that letter is intended as "light-hearted tongue in cheek humor." And, I know no one that "preaches" about the speed-limit from a religious point-of-view. "

 Josh2 wrote on November 9, 2006 12:11 pm:
" I think it is interesting that since the Repubs lost, they are all now concillatory and want to stop the hate speech. Only now should be we bi-partisian. It is too bad they didn't start six years ago when GW ran to be a "uniter, not a divider". If they had, we might not be as hateful as we are today. "

 Try driving by the Berean Church wrote on November 9, 2006 12:12 pm:
" Every Sunday that I've driven in Southeastern Lincoln, I've been cutoff several times by drivers. I think in my head, "that's really rude" and go on. A little while later, I see all the rude drivers turning into the mega church on 72nd. If you are hurrying to church, please don't cut me off. Arrive safely. Please! "

 Liberal wrote on November 9, 2006 12:13 pm:
" Whoo boy, Barbara touched a nerve, didn't she? Recognized yourselves, did you? Hey, people of _MY_ religious persuasion (Wiccan) aren't running around telling others "Do as I say, not as I do" and judging others for their beliefs and behavior when the "instruction manual" (the Bible) they are supposed to be following clearly says "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Most of the anti-Barbara responses below smell pretty vile. "

 and who... wrote on November 9, 2006 12:20 pm:
" ...speeds down 48th street, force their way into my lane, cutting and flipping me off at the same time? A beat up Honda with a Nebraskans for Peace sticker. Must be late for that AFL-CIO meeting. "

 The point wrote on November 9, 2006 12:43 pm:
" The fairgrounds is government property. You can't build a private enterprise there. The idea sounds good at first glance, but you have to go deeper. The location needs a mile length to construct the track. The site along Hwy 77 has that. The location is to be developed by a private enterprise. No government taxes such as you get with a convention center. There is already a person working to develop the race track. The location is best if it has good access to existing highway and interstate. The locatin at Hwy 77 has that. The noise can be mitigated, but you have to build berms and barriers. The fair grounds is flat. The site along Hwy 77 is such that the track can be excavated down into the hillsides. And the dirt that is removed would be used to cover the county landfill, and as fill dirt for I-80. As far as rural, the site is only 4 miles from the landfill and 5 miles from the interstate. It is as rural as 168th and West Dodge in Omaha was in 1990. Have you been by there lately? There is a Scheels and Best Buy there. The city will grow north and along the interstate. The site that is proposed for the drag strip along Highway 77 is a very good site, with a willing person to develop it, and big potential benefits to our area. I could go on, but I think you get the point. "

 No... wrote on November 9, 2006 1:02 pm:
" This is light-hearted and tongue in cheek: Everyday as I drive my gas guzzling SUV to Bible study, I see apparently Athiest, liberal-voting bicycle riding/ scooter drivers, sporting their Birkenstocks and their Nebraskans For Peace bumper stickers and they are...guess what? Holding up traffic. Huh. I guess it's OK to go 10 in a 35 when Moonbeam is late for her drama class! "

 How 'bout this one... wrote on November 9, 2006 1:29 pm:
" ..the rusted-out, smoke-belching, my-muffler-fell-off-three-weeks-ago-and-that's-why-I-sound-like-a-747-taking-off rattletrap with the "Love Your Mother" environmentalist bumper sticker? Or the "Darwin" emblem that mocks the Christian symbol that cut me off in traffic yesterday just before they chucked their still-burning cigarette out the window? Or the "Buy American...buy Union" bumper sticker on the back end of the Toyota truck I saw the other day? "

 Lisa wrote on November 9, 2006 1:34 pm:
" There is a HUGE difference between buying a piece of property and building a house and building a race track impacting an entire area with unique traffic, noise, dust/dirt "

 CS wrote on November 9, 2006 1:36 pm:
" Statistically bikes and scooters are no slower than car traffic in a city when factor in that you'd spend that time sitting at a light anyway instead of moving. If you actually time yourself and your speed you'd find ( and cities with embracing bike cultures have done this) that cyclists dont hold up traffic any more than anything else. To hear some of you youd think this city was full of doctors, stockbrokers, and other 'important' people all rushing around RIGHT NOW to get to an emergency. "

 ALW wrote on November 9, 2006 1:56 pm:
" Here's a good one. Saw a bumper sticker that said "Militant Agnostic". Can someone please tell me what the crap that means? "

 Jodi wrote on November 9, 2006 3:19 pm:
" To Mark, I don't care about my information being public record. I just don't feel that HOW I choose to vote should be a matter of public record and available to anyone who asks--people who are planning to vote at the polls don't have to be on a special list other than "registered voters". Why should the fact that I chose to vote absentee make me a bigger target for campaigns? Simply because I have a ballot in hand, so that increases the likelihood that I will vote? Besides, while some people do choose to vote absentee simply for more time to evaluate issues, other people genuinely will be gone and would prefer not to have that fact advertised. And before you say that criminals aren't smart enough to use computers, give me a break. Criminals are smart enough, especially young folks who have grown up using computers. Also remember that the *smart* criminals don't get caught unless they get greedy. "

 Hemet wrote on November 9, 2006 3:56 pm:
" Well Barbara, I guess your point is good Christian Republicans are expected to be to moral to speed. Or whatever. Most newer cars are made to go fast these days. If we ever become a fast moving and vibrant city we will have to raise the speed limit. Those 25mph limits in town have been there since the horse and carriage days and single lanes. Raise the speed limits and make new streets so people can get around in this town. Its called coming in to the new century. If anything, tickets should be given to the slowpokes -- they are a hazard to anyone who has to get somewhere. Some people have a life, after all. "

 Ann wrote on November 9, 2006 4:56 pm:
" Sanford should have scoped out all his options before buying property in a rural neighborhood. Fairgrounds looks like a great place and would be closer to a lot of the racers anyway, closer to motels, food and gas establishments. Cut the crap on the wheel tax, the rural people would love the benefit of paved roads. Wheel tax would be cheaper than the wear and tear on tires and flats from the gravel roads. "

 bob wrote on November 9, 2006 10:37 pm:
" Quite frankly I would love to see the sneering faces of the people from the davey area if they would put in a nuclear waste facility or hog farm. I love it when these so called good nebraskans reach into their back pocket and pull out the california smug when something new comes along. Keep in mind that these rural people average half a million dollar acreages. I guess the rich do get their way after all. "

 Friendly Nebraskans wrote on November 10, 2006 11:37 am:
" From the comments posted here, I can tell that Nebraskans deserve to be called friendly. I also believe assault is a nice way of saying hi. "

 Content Christian wrote on November 10, 2006 1:30 pm:
" As a God-fearing ultra-conservative, I'm proud to say that I live in a country where I have numerous freedoms. That includes the freedom to speed, if I so choose and am willing to accept the consequences. I don't have any yellow ribbons on my Chevrolet SUV, but I thank the Lord on a regular basis (in English, by the way) for our military personnel and for all of His blessings. Maybe some Lincoln-ites should learn to examine their own behavior instead of constantly picking at the actions of others. "

 Sad wrote on November 10, 2006 1:55 pm:
" Good articles Mike Cuba and Larry Arnold. Something I won't forget in another city several good cafeterias had black and white employees, alot middle and older people at the serving steam tables and people I had seen for years. One day I went in one and they were ALL YOUNG mexican people. I'm assuming illegal!! Went to several different cafaterias in the days after, same thing, all the black and white long time employees had been replaced with the young mexican people that you couldn't understand and they couldn't understand you. Trying to order which item of food you wanted was exasperating!!! I will never forget the long time black and white employees that were dumped on the street with no jobs. One black lady had told me he husband was ill at home and she had to work to care for him besides herself. This is the callousness of the American people today, the owners wanted the big bucks at the expense of the long time faithfull employees. YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW!! "

 Happy wrote on November 10, 2006 5:30 pm:
" Ah yes! We Lincolnites are a happy and a cheery bunch.. Its the friendliness of the Mid-West that people talk about on the coasts. "

 rich wrote on November 13, 2006 2:40 pm:
" in reply to the immigration solution by hope colt - yes i too lived in L.A. and have seen what it has done to that once great place - dumpster for the world - employers should have to repay the tax payers for all cost incurred for hiring illigals - "

 rich wrote on November 13, 2006 3:24 pm:
" about that drag strip - if you have ever gone to a major drag race like raceway park in indianapolis, i believe people would be more inclined to persue one somewhere around here - racing is very high tech and very expensive when you get to that level - there can be a lot of jobs as offshots from a project like this - what about the airport grounds - "

 motorplex wrote on November 14, 2006 10:46 pm:
" First of all, I thought all the talk about moving the State Fair was over - not going to happen. But in case I am wrong here, lets clear up a few things. The drag strip they are talking about is a drag strip and not a race track. Drag cars don't draw in the fans that circle track cars do, nor do the tracks require very many people to operate. The drag strip in Scribner wasn't makeing money and the track didn't gerenate revenue for Scribner so why does anyone think it will here. What we need is a NASCAR track! Now that will bring in the $ "

 Mike wrote on November 15, 2006 7:59 pm:
" In response to Motorplex. One reason that Scibner didn't make money was most of the guys that raced there had to driver from Lincoln and Omaha. That is not a shot drive. Also the strip was in the middle of a corn field and you had to take a dirt road to get there. Look at how much money Topeka makes when the Hartland Nat. take place. There stands are packed go sometime. That one weekend makes Topeka lots of $$$ plus all the other events that take place there over the summer for the locals. Next you brought up a NASCAR track that would be great but if we cant get a drag stip or a dirt bike track from this town good luck on getting a NASCAR track. The people of this town just couldn't handle the noise please!!!!!!! "

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