" Walk out of school over a tree. Come on. Suspend anyone who leaves school ground without permission. "

" I hope there is a walkout. If there is, it shows America at its best! I hope you all follow through with it. My support is behind all the way "

" Wow!! This makes the students look even worse then they already do. With already the biggest drop out rate in lincoln, maybe the administration should get a grip over there. Allowing your students to walk out over something as dumb as a few trees getting the axe, something is wrong. "

" I contacted Lincoln High this morning to ask why the trees were cut down and was told the decision was made by the Lincoln Public Schools District Office. At the District Office, I was told the School board approved the removal. What a waste and a loss!! Surely these trees on the front lawn of the school which provided shade and windbreaks for the students for generations could have been saved. Other communities are working around existing trees and trying to plant more. But, in Lincoln, given the way they are being taken down all over town, trees are viewed as an inconvenience. The City of Lincoln, not just Lincoln High, is uglier as a result. Arbor Day is coming. Plant a tree...just be sure you don't put it in the City's right-of-way. "

" “LHS looks ugly now, its beauty and character are lost … LHS is even more like a prison then ever,” wrote student Michael Fairchild in an e-mail to the Journal Star Wednesday.

High school a prison? Wait until you get your own cubicle. "

" The walk out is a good thing for the school to know that students are mad that they are cutting down are trees. The teachers at LHS did not know that they were cutting down the trees. Ever one is mad that they cut down the tree. With out the trees in front of the school we don't have shade and the school look ugly now. we just look like a old school now! It make me so mad that they cut down the trees. "

" I went to LHS. I'm an adult now. You kids do what has to be done. I'm behind you 100%. Good for you! The system you're growing up in is here to suppress you, not encourage you. Fight them every step of the way, They are going to fight you... believe me.! "

" Has anyone ever had to walk from the parking lot to the north entrance of that school? The water/mud puddles are awful!! The tree roots were causing the problem. I understand the trees will be replaced. No one just willy-nilly cuts down trees to annoy people or to uglify an area. "

" I 2nd the cubicle comment. Also just wait till you make 1/4 of what your guidance counselor says by staying in Nebraska too.

Also wasn't born yesterday, these kids just want out of class. How about form committee afterclass, write letters to LPSDO, ask to see the blueprints, contract, plans to your schools' addition. "

" Who cares about cutting down trees? I'm sure these kids that are participating in this right now live in a neighborhood full of trees. Enjoy the trees at home. I bet 85% of Lincoln High students won't give a darn about the school once they graduate. "

" Stop being jerks. Trees take many years to grow. Taking a couple hours out of school to protest them being cut down without a known cause is not a bad thing. Planning a walkout in the morning might be an attempt to miss class. A walkout that late in the day is just a protest for a good reason.

(I'm 36 now and I still can't stand to see trees destroyed needlessly)
"

" At the very least the student body could have been told what and why. Kids do really well when things are explained to them. The world needs more people willing to speak up for what they feel. Go Lincoln High students!! "

" We want to know who is in charge of this project and why all of the answers are leading to more questions. The trees are a part of Lincoln High's history. We do not want anymore of the trees to be cut down. We wish that the students, alumni, faculty, and staff were more involved in the decision making process or informed before the trees were cut down. "

" Having a walk out is wrong. Lots of kids will be walking out that do not even care. "

" I did the same when I was in high school @ Omaha North. We fought to save a large Oak tree from being cut down for the new parking lot. I provided alternate drawings on how the parking lot could be changed and wrote and article for the school paper. We won the fight!!!! "

" A deed that would have done J Sterling Morton proud! The majesty of trees is expounded upon in the Bible, in poetry, and in the quotes of those ranging from Teddy Roosevelt, all the way to Rachael Carson. I'm a former 4-H Forestry Club leader, and currently a part-time employee of the Nat'l Arbor Day Foundation, so I feel even more than most the importance of trees to the world. A mass protest against perceived injustice makes people think, and makes the world evolve. History proves that. "

" What species of trees were they? Has anyone checked? Has anyone considered that the trees were diseased? Right now many pine trees are being cut down due to a blight...

Oh, and I might have more sympathy for all you high school kids if I saw that you could formulate a clear argument and then post it without mis-spelled words poor grammar. Some of you obviously need to stay in school for the whole day! "

" Perhaps the trees are going to be used to build portables for the three elementary schools that are going to be overcrowded next year as a result of closing Hawthorne. "

" Only in Lincoln would kids protest over cut down trees!
And where did they learn to whine and protest? Their
parents, of course. I've never in my life seen such a
town where citizens complain complain complain over nothing, yet this city can tax you to death and they say
NOTHING!!!!! "

" stop pouting and plant a tree, volunteer at the nature center, they need it bad!!! "

" I think it is great that these students are standing up for what they believe in as well as the environment. Ignore the complainers and keep up your fight! "

" What are they trying to accomplish with the protest? It is not like they can put the trees back... Unless they have a goal (other than showing their disapproval with something that happened two weeks ago), they are just doing it to get out of class. If they were standing out to block the saws, then it may actually have some meaning. "

" Way to go . Stand tall and stand up for what is right. As a taxpayer what a tragedy. Trees offer a savings in heating and cooling costs. Good platform for the economics class. Any student who feels compelled to stand up and confront issues in a non violent way that attracts the attention of powers to be and advocates for change should be commended. What a powerful lesson. Learn to be a voice for the voiceless. Granted it may be trees, but look back at history. If students and citizens in Nazi Germany had learned to be a voice, the holocaust would not have happened. Who knows when we need your voice in the future as adults and taxpayers when very powerful issues are at stake. Today I know our future has 100 more thoughtful caring people willing to stand for what is right. "

" Again, suspend anyone for leaving school grounds without permission and make them rake and clean up where the trees once were. Have them help dig the holes and also plant the trees if they do not wish to be in school. Call it practice for their next career. "

" How can you say "Only in Lincoln would kids protest over cut down trees!"? This City is so full of conservative people it is not even funny. If you don't like the "tree huggers" or the taxes, LEAVE!!!! Good for the students!!! Not all high school students only care about hair, make-up, clothes, and cars. Some young adults really do believe in a "cause". Let them protest! "

" The trees started being cut down yesterday morning, and staff was completely surprised. They've given the following reasons: 1) They wanted to improve the sight line of the buidling; 2) They wanted to expose the historic, architectural featurees; 3) They wanted a better view of the Capitol from Capitol Parkway; 4) It's part of a new and improved landscape plan.

But as trees continued to be cut down today, students got mad. This is their school and their daily learning environment, and the trees were one thing that made them proud of their campus, particularly as its known for being not as well-off as other schools, and it's in the most urban environment. Students started protesting, and the next thing we knew, they stopped cutting down the trees.

While at first I trusted "the plan," now I wish students would have started protesting yesterday because now the front of Lincoln High is a mess. There will be a meeting after school, but this even has motivated students to formulate arguments, write letters to the Mayor, and has helped them to articulate what the trees meant to them and why they feel they should have a voice about what happens at their school. The effects of this empowerment are what we as teachers continually try to provide... authentic learning experiences in which students are invested. I'm proud to be a part of this environment today (and learning is still going on, both with curriculum and in addition!) I hope they fix the mess in the front, though. "

" The trees started being cut down yesterday morning, and staff was completely surprised. They've given the following reasons: 1) They wanted to improve the sight line of the building; 2) They wanted to expose the historic, architectural features; 3) They wanted a better view of the Capitol from Capitol Parkway; 4) It's part of a new and improved landscape plan.

But as trees continued to be cut down today, students got mad. This is their school and their daily learning environment, and the trees were one thing that made them proud of their campus, particularly as its known for being not as well-off as other schools, and it's in the most urban environment. Students started protesting, and the next thing we knew, they stopped cutting down the trees.

While at first I trusted "the plan," now I wish students would have started protesting yesterday because now the front of Lincoln High is a mess. There will be a meeting after school, but this even has motivated students to formulate arguments, write letters to the Mayor, and has helped them to articulate what the trees meant to them and why they feel they should have a voice about what happens at their school. The effects of this empowerment are what we as teachers continually try to provide... authentic learning experiences in which students are invested. I'm proud to be a part of this environment today (and learning is still going on, both with curriculum and in addition!) I hope they fix the mess in the front, though. "

" I would think the Lincoln High teacher should be teaching class or preparing for it instead of posting messages during the middle of the day. "

" I always knew I lived smack in the middle of crotchety-conservative territory, but this just proves it. Every single one of you posting that these kids ought to be suspended or otherwise punished, let me guess... you've gone along with every single thing anyone in a position of "authority" told you all your life and you never questioned the "reasoning" behind that "authority." Give me a break! What do we want to do, raise generation after generation of mindless lemmings?! Bravo to these kids for standing up for something they believe in. It IS their school, and really how much are they going to "lose" educationally by walking out of school for 2 hours on one single day? The point is they're making a statement, and I think that's more than newsworthy. I'm glad to know these kids aren't ending up brainless drones like most of the rest of you. "

" This school means a lot to me and a lot of other kids that go here. We've been putting up with the construction that is so behind schedule it will be going on for about six to eight years instead of four. This is the final straw. We have heard a lot about why this is being done, but almost everything that has been said has been countered by the actions taken. The trees around our school have been here for a long time, and have provided a lot of enjoyment to many people that have gone to this school. They are cutting up the trees and torn up the ground, both front and back. Due to the Geo-thermal well digging we do not have a lot of the athletic room we used to, and this is tearing up the front of the school. We have a lake of mud in the back, and soon to have one in the front as well if this keeps up. I walk to school every day, and have looked at the construction EVERY DAY, and I see nothing that is really improving our school at this time. Yeah it takes time, but we are still waiting for something that was said to be DONE. The trees are part of this school, not just random scenery I have heard several people say "The school looks Ghetto now." and "It's ugly now." all around the school. Why should we not protest this? THIS IS NOT JUST A BUILDING! This is home to hundreds of kids each day. We come here, so do our words not count? This is not just YOUR school, this is OUR SCHOOL! "

" What is wrong with protesting this act? The officials are not being professional and haven't told the students or teachers their reasoning. Protesting is our freedom as Americans and we need reasoning behind actions. "

" makes me ashamed to be from Lincoln. These kids walked out at the end of the day to protest something they believe in. Have any of you ever fought for something you believe in or were you taught to just give up and "let it happen? Im assuming you are the ones who are stuck in a dead in job and have a typical boring Nebraska life. Be daring and put yourself in someone else's shoes. People say they are just trees, well I am coming to your house and cutting down every tree near you house and see how you feel. And to "Unbelievable" I feel sorry for you, I truly do. "

" Isn't it a right to protest? Who cares if it's about trees? If you believe in something, you should fight for it. A walk-out is probably teaching the kids more than they would have learned in the few hours in the school building, anyway. A very teachable situation to learn a good life lesson.

Go, LHS students! "

" Bravo to LHS kids states that it is the kid's schools. So where do the taxpayers stand on this issue? Also, if it's their school let them make the rules, set the curriculum, set up the finances. Bravo, so you let your kids at home do these things? "

" As a former gradutae of the very fine high school everyone seems to hate., it makes me sad to see how they have ruined such a beautiful campus. The palce does look like a prison and a shell of before. There is nothing that can be done now to replace them, but stop butchering it further.

Ask yourself, would you rather go to a school that looks like a prison, which it kind of does now, or one that looks like a campus?

Hope the kids win. At least they made the effort. I have to appluad them for that. GO LINKS!!!!!!!!!!! "

" Sure says alot obout the Arbor State, eh???

Ol Morton Sterling sure would be proud of THAT operation!!!

For LPS'ers Google that!! That will sure be piece of history that far exceeds any cultural or architectural LHS has to offer!!

Hope that delays any Tree City USA funds or at the very very least ask how the City Forester, Mr Schwab feels about that.

Maybe LPS had the guts to at least call him because the community around LHS sure wasn't consulted, at least in this read....

Again.... The Arbor State??? Get Real "

" I am a teacher, and a good one at that. This is students voicing their opinion about their school environment. Shame on those of you who want to stifle and suspend them for using their constitutional right to protest.

Students--you stand up for what you believe in. There are teachers, parents and community members who are here to back you up!

"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees." (Dr. Seuss) "

" Want to protest...good..fine...its always good to be proactive, despite what anyone says it was a great method as you got alot of attention. Problem is - your late, where was this before the trees were cut down!? What good will this do now? "

" yes, walking out of school is the highest form of conviction and sacrifice. protests are more noble than actual work. assuming the worst of authorities will suit you well for many years to come - both in your jobs and relationships. "

" Only in Lincoln could a article about a high school protest of a tree being cut down lead to a rant about taxes. "

" As a former student of LHS, I support the students 100%. Good for them to stand up for what they believe in. They were not outside protesting 2 hours-- they were out there 20 min. tops. Of course there are always a few who just want to skip class, but the majority were truly concerned! I would much rather see students and staff enjoying lunch under the shade trees rather than looking at a parking lot and street. They may plant more trees, but there is nothing wrong with the ones we have. No, they are not diseased or dying. Why waste that money? Put it to a vote- no one wants the trees gone except maybe the architect. "

" These most intelligent school kids, are you paying for
the food put on your table, paying for the house payment
your living in, paying for the fuel to heat your home,
your electric bill, you phone, cable, insurance, clothes,
car, gas for car??? Even the Bible tells you to learn
for your elders! But the elders are too lazy to teach
the kids so the kids are running the world and look at
the crime, look at all the countries that hate us.
You've got alot to learn, like respect, instead of, I
want, I want, I want, and by george I'm gonna have it!!! "

" Teaching is a job. They have breaks, too. "

" Just like the Paul Bunnyan's of re-doing the field, or when there WAS NO NORTH parking lot... "J" street went through... & yes there were trees cut down...but guess what, they DO grow back. Not that students shouldn't have a voice, just the timing should have been before any work was ever started. Seems nobody was wanting to be updated throughout the construction process (you have to be assertive & ask), until it was an eyesore, then they seem to have a lot to gripe about "

" I hope they do a better job than whoever cut down the trees at 9th & Van Dorn. Now THAT is ugly! "

" I am so proud of every single one of those student. Even if this cause seems "trivial" to some of you, the fact that so many high school students came together and fought something they saw as wrong should be an inspiration to us all. "

" To the people that have commented on this story questioning the kids decision to protest because of the trees, did you consider that maybe they take pride in their school? Did you further consider that maybe this is something that they believe in? Wouldn't it make this world a better place if we all stood up for what we believe in. As far as the comments about Lincoln High being a bad school, I would strongly disagree. Both of my kids have gone to Lincoln High and have had a good education and a lot of valuable opportunities by being part of a school that is so rich in diversity. "

" My school meant alot to me too, but it was the adults
who are shoveling out the enormous property taxes to
give these kids the BEST, something the adults never had,
and I believe these kids are out of line, protesting
just because things don't go THEIR WAY!! Why don't you
all tie yourselves to the tree stumps and keep worshipping your trees and brick and mortar!!!!! "

" The capitol isn't so amazing that you need to cut down beauty to see some stone. Trees are more beautiful than any man-made thing "

" Bravo to the teachers and students!! What a POWERFUL learning experience. English--writing practical letters, researching who to write. Science--what happens to the environment when you take out that many trees. Warren-you are well spoken, keep it up! This is the perfect way to teach kids. This whole situation can be looked and studied many ways. Speech and debate, government, even art. Many kids need a reason to speak up and make themselves heard. Hopefully this will inspire a few of them. And to all the 'suspend' them group better watch out, these kids are motivated, and they may someday be YOUR boss!! "

" If anyone EVER bothered in going to the School Board meetings they would have realized that his plan was discussed. Let alone they might have gotten a first hand look at where all there tax money is spent. "

" Props to the kids for organizing a protest, One would think there should be tree planting, not tree removal. And don't try to say to "bring out the archetectural views of the school". When compared to other schools in Lincoln, wait,there is no comparison. Leave the trees alone. They were here before you were and should be here long after you are gone. SIP "

" My daughter called me this morning and told me what was going on today at school. She asked me if she would get in trouble for walking out and protesting today. I told her no. Go for it. And I went up there to watch while the protest was going on. The kids who walked out today. Had every right to voice there opinion. And what is the "real" reason for cutting down the trees? All of the excuses I heard today. Was not a good reason to cut down the trees that were cut down. And why wasn't something down 20 years ago, if it is such a BIG PROBLEM? You just don't want the real reason to come out, because you didn't want anyone to protest. The trees that were cut down are not the ones that are diseased. They are not pine trees. And The trees are purfectly healthy. And they provided shade for the kids while they waited for there rides. But now there is a BIG MESS where the trees were. And the janitors will have fun cleaning up all of the mud that the kids will be tracking in. I bet they will love that. As for the view of the Capital. You could see it when the trees were there. If you want to see the capital from the school, Then you better go all of the way down that street, from the school to the capital and cut all of those trees down too. Will the city do that? I think not.

The kids protested real well and voiced there opinion about it. Even the kids that stand out and smoke out in the circle in the morning walked away from there hang out and voiced there opinion too. And I am proud of each and everyone of them. They stood up for there rights, and for there love of there school.

The only one at that school who knew was the principal. Why didn't he get on the speaker and announce it? Why didn't he let the teachers know through a letter. Why didn't the principal stop it until he found out how the students felt about it?

I walk from that parking lot every time I go up to that school for activities. Yes, there is standing water in the parking lot. But I have a question, Can anyone answer it. That standing water problem has been like that for about 20 years. Why wasn't the water problem fixed years ago? And it is not because of the trees. It is how the sewer system is. There are no trees around where the water is standing in the parking lot.

I heard there were plans for prettying up the front of the school. Where are the plans that were talked about? I would like to see them.You could have put it in the paper. Oh wait Harvey Perlman isn't involved in this one.

Well I know that the kids were going to meet in the auditorium after school. So they are going to get some answer.

Way to go kids. Keep up the good work. "

" As a former Link myself, I'm glad to see that the students still take such pride in the school. Those trees were a beautiful part of the campus, and I'm sorry to see they are gone.

To Soylent Green - you probably shouldn't use poor grammar in the middle of a sentence chastizing students for poor grammar. It weakens the argument.

"Well I think they should cut down the Capitol so we could look at the trees." - PRICELESS! "

" Tommy - I think teachers deserve breaks too. "

" They had a public meeting a month ago (impossible to find unmarked in a school building). The trees have been slated to come down in conjunction with the Antelope Valley project for some time. The news here is that students asre reactionary rather than keeping up with the public projects in the news. "

" I appreciate the Lincoln High teacher providing an explanation. I picked up children from Lincoln High after school today and they, too, said some of the trees were torn down so people driving by on Capitol Parkway or traveling the bike path would have a better line of sight to the Capitol. So, beautiful trees are torn down so people can see the Capitol?? So, when looking towards the Capitol, they won't notice all the treeless ugliness right next to Capitol Parkway??
Unbelievable!! "

" Great - kids show some concern for their school and they get reamed on the LJS site. At what age exactly do you lose your idealism and concern for beauty? When do people lose their inspiration? What age does that happen at? Please let me know so I can expect it - I'm 29 and not there yet - should I be worried? These kids want their school to be nice, there's nothing wrong with that and making kids dispirited about their school certainly isn't going to help that drop-out problem that some of the people here pay lip-service to (while surely not doing anything productive to help). "

" GOOD Job students, it's a good thing the students and teachers have united. What may seem a small issue to others to these students and teachers have joined together. I agree, leave the trees alone or replant new trees. These students are there and deserve a say so in the looks of their school! "

" As a first year student of lincoln high I loved the scenery of the building when I first came. At first I was leaning toward the "there just trees get over it" But now after coming back from the meeting just held I guess now I know that those trees mean alot to the alumni and current students. For those of you posting comments about how we should get suspened for walking out , just to let you know we didn't. Even some teachers went outside with us. By the way are point did get across and we do plan to talk to the school board about it! "

" I cannot believe Scott Weiskamp, LPS director of facilities and LHS Principal Mike Wortman. Wortman said he "should have relayed more information to the students, faculty and parents. And “There’s so much information and so many details involved with the project, so how do you share all that with everyone?” No kidding Mr Wizard, that's pretty perceptive!

Weiskamp said LPS wanted to "open up the school so we can see the capitol", ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? Unless you have lived on another planet for the last 100 years you know what the state Capitol looks like. Those trees are a part of the landscape that makes LHS what it is, sorry was...what kind of idiot(s) whould think that every student past and present would want to enjoy the view of the state capitol as opposed to enjoying the daily shade and comfort of the long standing trees on the front lawn of our beloved school. As an Alumni, I'd like to thank the higher ups for once again making decisions with out consulting the general population.
"

" For goodness sakes, the kids walked out to where the trees were--on campus--during lunch. So they gave up their lunch. No one missed school, no one left campus. Good job, all you negative assumers!! "

" Why does everyone keep bringing up taxes and taxpayers? This is a perfect example of our tax dollars going to waste!! Paying to have perfectly good trees cut down, so that the "students" can have a better view of the capitol! What a waste! I am pretty sure that the kids see enough of the capitol in their everyday lives (since you can see from almost everywhere in Lincoln) You "disgruntled taxpayers" should be more upset that they are wasting your money to cut down these beautiful trees. Also, to those of you who say that the trees will grow back, they will, in like a HUNDRED years if not TWO!! Give me a break! "

" As a Lincoln High Alumni this is disturbing. Damn trees, how dare they get in our way! "

" What really ticked me off about the tree cutting was that they cut down a tree that was planted for a Vice Principal who died from cancer. You don't just go destroying people's memorials!!

Also-The trees were very beautiful..they meant a lot to us students. "

" I must be missing something - I thought class was for learning, not looking out the window at a building... "

" Well as a LHS student, I'm very proud of what we did! To "Rudy", the beauty of our school means a lot to us! And for "d", sure there were A LOT of students who talked about going there to skip class, but since it was smartly scheduled during LUNCH, only people who really believed in this were there! And no one was suspended! Teachers were out there too supporting us all the way! Try looking at the facts first! NO ONE has given us a real reason WHY the trees were cut down!

I just want to thank all the people showing support! But to those who aren't, I'm guessing you're not a student or former student (and if you are, where's your school spirit?)! "

" I believe that if you don't go to this school, you shouldn't have any negative say, you'll just get pummeled with opinions from people that actually go to the school. I've gone to this school for the past 4 years and am graduating with my class 2008 this June, people asked me "Why do you care if you're going to graduate anyway and not see the changes?" Well it's still my school, and I love it very much, breaking the tradition by cutting the trees was very harmful emotionally to everyone, even kids from other high schools attended.. I'm glad we did the walk out, it was only 30 minutes long and it was during B lunch, so it was okay.. we didn't miss class and for those that didn't have B lunch, most of all the students were excused from class. You didn't have to attend or even care, I'm just glad that this is finally becoming public! "

" yeah school is for classes and not looking out a window, but the trees were a symbol of Lincoln High and it showed how unique Lincoln High was compared to other highschools here in town. "

" One of Lincoln High's slogans, that adorns many T-shirts worn by the students and staff, is "Pride Class Tradition." After today I am not proud of what I see when I walk up to the building to attend school. And as far as I know, it is not Lincoln High's tradition to desecrate the school's history. In fact, I believe school vandalism is quite frowned upon. "

" I've gone to school at Lincoln High for three years now and i truly love it there. But when they first started chopping down the trees there was so much confusing flying around the building i didn't know what to believe all i knew was that trees that have no true reason to be chopped down were.

When I go to school I enter in the south building, so i had no idea how out of control things were. when i got to see what happened it looked like a massacre had taken place in front of our school.Trees that were alive and beautiful were gone. Diminished to nothing but stumps.

For all of those who say we just did the walk out to get attention, your wrong. Yes Lincoln High isn't good at everything but really who is? No one can be perfect everyone does have flaws but that doesn't mean we can't try to protect something we care about.I can truly say i am proud to be a student at such a wonderful place. "

" Sorry, but students DID miss class for this. I happened to be giving a test today and over half of my class was absent for the first 25-30 minutes of class. Gee...how many of those kids do you suppose will come in after school tomorrow and make up the missed test? I already know the answer. "

" I'm proud to see kids stand up for what they believe in. I only see one problem....how do you protest the cutting down of trees with sayings written on paper??? How many trees were cut down to get the "don't cut down our trees" message across? "

" It seems to me that the students were trying to make a point. And I honestly think they have done very very well. They had a protest not to skip school but to make people think. To make people ask questions, and to cause a commotion.. Look at how well they have done. Too late, possible, but it would have been hard for them to have started earlier beings it was so hush hush till the first guy pulled the cord on the saw. Look at how many people have responded to this and think about how many people are thinking about it and not posting...Bravo well done! "

" those trees were beautiful. You never really realize how much something meant to you until it's gone. "

" Instead of whining about something that is already done why don't you ask to work with school officials on the plan for the replacement. Get involved, ask to see the plans, provide your input, help replace the trees, etc...

I think we would all be amazed at the changes that could happen if people got involved instead of just running their mouths! "

" It continues to amaze and sadden me how little regard the city officials and the population in general have for the natural world. The city seems to have plenty of time and money for killing trees; maybe they should spend it repairing the holes in the Swiss cheese they refer to as "streets" instead. I spent several years fighting with the city over a beautiful old oak tree in the front yard of the house I lived in; every year, they marked it for death, and every year I raised hell with the city and painted over their mark. They said it was "messy" and "dangerous" for cars parked under it. The squirrels and the birds loved it, as did I. When I moved out, the city promptly cut it down and "replaced" it with a little Q-tip of a tree that promptly died. I really wonder why it is that the city that's supposed to be proud of its trees and the beauty they bring hates them so much. To you folks who are putting down the students for being outraged at the rape of their campus and voicing an opinion about it; you should be ashamed. Or are you really so shallow and brainwashed by our consumer culture that you really _do_ think "progress" and profit should always take precedence over living things and the natural world? Stop parroting the party line, turn off the TV, and get off your butt and go spend some time in a park learning the beauty of nature, and maybe your heart will thaw a bit and you'll realize what it means to lose a tree that took generations to grow. The trees may "grow back"; with any luck, your humanity might do the same. "

" These kids exercised a constitutional right which shouldn't be limited to "adults" (many of which I can see need to go back to school and actually learn a few things). As another poster stated, what a great way to make their voices heard, in a peaceful way. Many of the lessons are children learn in school are not "academic." And the learning environment for children should be just more than bricks and mortar. I don't think the majority of adults enjoy going to a working environment that feels like a jail. It has been shown that a nicer work/school environment makes for more productive workers/students. And why should young adults NOT hold the administration accountable for their actions? Let's view this as a learning opportunity for everyone and quit blasting these students for fully exercising their right of free speech and the right to assemble. It's a right we all have - not just the select few who think it is only their opinion that matters. "

" The city of New York would value these trees at around $40,000 each. The city of Lincoln will need to plant around 50 trees of 2" caliper in order to end up with one or two trees of this size. This, if done by a student, would be punishable by imprisonment. Did Scott Weiskamp ASK anyone if he could whack these massive trees? When he says "we" does he have a mouse in his pocket? "

" I think we should step it up. If there not gonna tell us whats going on, we should find out what else there not telling us, this is just the start of many things to come. "

" Wortman not tell students or staff? Not able to make a decision? Thats a shocker!
It is a shame!
LHS students and staff should be treated better than that! "

" I was happy with it. I can finally see my student exiting the building and there are plenty of trees left. "

" Get over it, life sucks and you cant whine and complain over everything that you dont like. suck it up and drive on. Welcome to life kids "

" A protest I can understand if you are truly upset. However to walk out of classes shows a lack of commitment. Do it after school on your OWN time and show us how commited you are. As for cutting the trees down. are you serious about your reasons? If you want to see the capitol walk out to the parking lot! "

" I agree, the students should have been told that this was about to happen, and why. They go to this school, and should have been given the respect of being informed of events at this school. I support their efforts to let the administration know they are concerned about their school and community. I look forward to having them represent Lincoln in the future. They are an asset to our coommunity. "

" I would like to know who or whom is responsible for this irresponsible decision. And then I would like to ask them to either resign or ask someone to relieve them of their duties on the school board. I help pay their wages with my taxes, correct? So was I or any other tax payer contacted regarding this decision? Was the environmental impact considered? You know, things like energy savings from shade and wind block? Not to mention the sheer beauty of these very old trees? It sounds like it was done quietly to avoid the public backlash that would occur had we been notified.

I also assume there was a cost associated to cut these trees down and I’m sure it was not cheap. I am also positive this was paid for with my tax dollars as well. What a major and un-necessary (not to mention ridiculous) waste of tax payer dollars!

I am very disappointed in our school board’s decision to kill these trees and to waste taxpayer dollars doing it. I intend to spread the word of this to as many people as possible. If I am misinformed, please educate me as to why this happened, which should have been done in the first place.
"

" Bunch of kidss. They are using paper 24/7 and they want to save the tree. LIl kids had nothing to do. "

" I applaud the protest of these students. The trees should have been left alone. LPS needs to replant immediately. I'd also like to add that LPS should lead the way toward clean energy effeciency by installing solar panels on top of every school that has a flat roof. That would be awesome. If Nebraska had net metering laws, LPS could make some serious cash during the summer when school is out and the sun is beating down on the buildings.

Props to the pro-tree Links! "

" I too am shocked and dismayed about the tree's being cut down what the heck ?!? "

" The school is over 100 years old, how old do you think those trees are? That can't be replaced with a few ill-chosen shrubbery. Shame on them for doing it, shame on them for making it worse by not letting the students and their families know. "

" It's a couple of trees that were cut down. It's on LPS's property and they choose to cut them down. End of story. Move on. I fail to see the significance of how the trees affect the school traditions. LPS can always plant more trees on the property to add asthetic appeal back. "

" The trees needed to go. They were an eyesore and a safety issue. BYW, who would pay for these solar panels, not my tax dollars. "

" Just another reason to skip class. "

" yeah, who needs solar panels when we can keep our dependance on foreign oil! "

" For a better of view of the state capital!? These trees are on the north side of the school, not the west side facing the capital. If a tree is ten years old it should have to be replaced by ten new trees. To bad of Lincoln High. As usual something stupid done by LPS. "

" The trees needed to go. Please don't justify keeping 25 year old crabapple trees - they are easily replaced. It was a good decision on the part of LPS - you can see the school and the original vision of seeing the East side of the Cap. Building- as intended by Goodhue and Herminghaus. I wish these students cared as much about the environment as they do about a few urban trees. How about concentrate on picking up the trash that litters the parking lot and the street or stop throwing cigarette butts out the window and in piles outside of the school grounds? Why not fight to save prairie habitat and wildlife in the community rather than a few insignificant trees that are replaceable. Find a real cause to unite behind and make an impact bigger than just outside your lockers . . . "

" OK to all of you "haters" out there that are saying "oh its just another reason for kids to skip class" or "they didnt care about the trees they just wanted to get out of class" did u ever consider that some of us actually wanted to save the trees? NO because you are only looking at the negative side of the Lincoln High students. I was out there protesting and i was NOT out there just to "get out of class" i actually wanted to save the trees. I am a Member of the Honor Roll so i didnt "just want to get out of class" and the whole well they wanted to cut down the trees to have a better view of the capital. THAT HAS GOT TO BE THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD! so viewing the capital..that you can see from ANYWHERE in lincoln..is more important than the beautiful trees out side of Lincoln High..a school that so many love. I think not. They should NOT have cut down our trees. Now everyday when i am walking from my car to the front doors..i see Uglyness. It looks so horrible now. it looks like a school that a bunch of juvenile delinquent's would go to. So i think what we did was very appropriate. so stop hating and just appreciate that we are actually fighting for something we believe in unlike half of this country. k great!! "

" LHS students have had an excellent learning opportunity, which I'm sure they will not forget.
1. Politics - keeping informed. something we all need to do
2. Voice heard - when you disagree, we have the right to share your view
3. Life Long Learning - this is an experience, never forgotten, keep informed, share your opinion, speak up. Congrats to the students that stood up!
Learning beyond the classroom make great citizens.


"

" Now with the trees cut down everything looks so depressing. I was already having a bad day on Wednesday and when I walked outside, I wanted to cry, because the trees were gone and it looked so sad.
Also, I thought the schools were supposed to teach us about "saving the planet" and "not polluting" or whatever.
Well way to go, hypocrites.
"

" Destroying trees --in our Arbor Day state ? Ludicrous ! "

" The city has a long tradition of removing trees without consultation with those who actually benefit from them. I guess that's why we elect folks: To make decisions that ordinary people find offensive.

It's just a shame that all those little Napoleons we put in office didn't consider they were wrong. "