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Letters, 5/1: Oil prices not from strikes

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Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 12:28:18 am CDT

I had to write in after reading yet another article attempting to make excuses for the outrageous price of gasoline at the pumps.

The article in Monday’s paper referenced a strike outside the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland as a contributing factor to what we are seeing locally. I think this is ridiculous. Are we to believe that workers never went on strike, oil refineries were never attacked or burned or that oil pipelines never had to be repaired at a time when gasoline prices were reasonable?

There is really nothing we can do about this current situation except to take the time to express our concerns. I hear daily market reports that tell of improving economic conditions, and I am incredulous. These people obviously don’t realize how the high price of gasoline is affecting anyone in the working middle class. It is driving the cost of everything up. I don’t see how there can be an economic turnaround unless there is a reversal in the price of oil.

If most Americans looked at what they are spending this year as compared to last year on gas, groceries and other commodities, they would quickly realize that the government rebate checks do not even cover the difference.

Cheryl Kozisek, David City

See Nebraska this summer

I truly enjoyed reading the comments of John Rosenow in the Journal Star on Arbor Day, April 25; children are completely disconnected from nature in today’s consumer culture.

This summer, as your family is planning for a vacation, remember our many fine state parks. Don’t use your stimulus check to see some mouse in Florida; see Nebraska.

Working at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, I encounter scores of Omahans and Lincolnites who don’t know how to get to Bellevue or Bennet, let alone Nebraska City. If folks don’t even know how to get around our own state, this leads me to believe that Nebraskans are forgetting folkways that made our state great. Our small towns — Brainard, Hooper, Syracuse — are preserving our folkways; please, preserve them!

If you do consider going camping this summer and never have, start small; maybe a trip to Twin Rivers, before going to the sublime Sandhills lakes, Long Pine, Halsey Nebraska National Forest, or others. Practice setting up the tent before you leave, and don’t fret when you realize you forgot something, simply make do.

Take your vacation time to appreciate something more powerful and inspiring than some Epcot, mouse or so-called “magic” kingdom in Florida; explore the work of God in the still natural Nebraska.

Wesley Halvorsen, Syracuse

Smoyer is best choice

Brent Smoyer is the right person to represent District 25 in the state Legislature.

I have had the great pleasure to get to know Brent over the past few years. He has a vast knowledge of the issues facing the state of Nebraska and will work to find real solutions to the state’s problems. He is a born leader with the energy and motivation to make a difference in Lincoln. He also has the patience to listen to others in order to help all Nebraskans. Brent is the best conservative Republican in the race and will fight for low taxes, small government and family values.

With people like Brent Smoyer in the Legislature, we can be sure Nebraska will remain the “Good Life.”

Matthew Mimick, Lincoln

Wright can just leave U.S.

I would sincerely like to offer the Rev. Jeremiah Wright a prepaid, one-way plane ticket to any country of his choosing, since he can so easily “damn” the United States.

I wonder if he would enjoy such a rich life in a place less fortunate?

Susan M. Robeson, Brainard


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Mindless Robot wrote on May 1, 2008 1:39 am:
" And send Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Louis Farrakhan, Rod Parsley, Ted Haggard, James Dobson, Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Roberts, Kenneth Copeland....with him. "

 kidding wrote on May 1, 2008 5:15 am:
" Mr. Halvorsen, are you kidding? I agree that people should spend more time with nature but Nebraska is far from nature friendly. If you hunt or fish, maybe you can have a good time- but how natural is a man-made "lake" filled with agriculture runoff and surrounded by a gravel road, trash cans, fences, and warnings to stay out of the water because of the poisonous algae? And what the heck are "folkways"? You mean the way the locals gawk and whisper when strangers have the audacity to wander into a small town to see what it's like? This is only fun if you are white, and even then only until you run out of stuff or experiences to buy. Nope, I love nature, but I'll be enjoying it somewhere else. "

 Nebraska wrote on May 1, 2008 7:33 am:
" 'kidding' sounds kinda of bitter! I too love nature, and I love Nebraska. Halvorsen's point is well taken. There is a ton of natural diversity in Nebraska...not just man made lake with gravel roads around them and ag run off. Go to Indian Cave and hike, canoe the Dismal or Niobrara rivers, fish on the Missouri, go to Toadstool or Fort Robinson state parks, try out Halsey. And when the locals gawk at you, walk up to them and extend your hand and introduce yourself. All the small towns I've ever been in in Nebrasaka are friendly and ready to chat, even if you are from one of the bigger cities. A larger suggestion here would be to keep your cup half full, not half empty. "

 Mike wrote on May 1, 2008 8:46 am:
" Mindless robot, don't forget to include Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson. "

 Ryan wrote on May 1, 2008 8:58 am:
" Yeah, I'm curious if the right-wing preachers that have explicitly stated that god "damned" America because of gay-pride parades, etc. should be forced to leave too. Like John Hagee, for instance, whom John McCain welcomes as support, who has stated this, or called Catholics the (well, I can't type it here) of the world. I'm assuming he should go with Wright too? "

 Lake Person wrote on May 1, 2008 9:19 am:
" Does anyone realize that Nebraska ranks second in 'natural' lakes in the nation? Only Minnesota has more 'natural' lakes.

The only lakes that I know of that would have agricultural run-off would be farm ponds. And most farmers are cautious as to the amount of fertilizer and chemicals they apply to their land at today's prices so the run-off would be minimal.

Get out and enjoy Nebraska this year. "

 Ditto wrote on May 1, 2008 9:46 am:
" Ditto everyone else commenting on Susan's letter. Susan - you're going to need to start saving, as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson said that 9/11 happened because God was mad at America. Of course they're targeting people who you probably agree with, so I'm sure for some reason there's an excuse for their comments. Riiiight. "

 Semi-Agree with Susan.. wrote on May 1, 2008 9:51 am:
" but I still support Obama. I agree with earlier posters. If we send Wright then we should send Robertson, Hagee, Farrakhan, Haggard, Dobson,Sharpton,and Jackson as well. All of these men have helped spread hate of some form and I wish they would all shut up. We better get the tickets soon though.... I think United and other airlines are raising their prices about once a week now. "

 RE lake person wrote on May 1, 2008 10:05 am:
" I have the feeling you live by big mac or harlan. Only the sandhills lakes have some sand in the bottom. I am sure you are not talking about Branched Oak or Pawnee. What mud holes. These are holding ponds for field runoff. Look at Holmes lake. I swear that the fish in this thing glow in the dark. There is no lake in the eastern part of nebraska with the exception of sandpits that I would ever get wet in. As for Indian Cave, It takes about 2 hours to see it all then what? Halsey is man made forest that is constantly noisy with the four wheelers running through it. Next, you have to pay for a park permit to visit these fine areas. I am not even sure the price anymore as I have quit buying it. I can go to the Rockies and pay less to get into RMNP. I can visit other states who haven't figured out a way to stick it to the people with these state park permits. Naw thanks anyway. I will spend the money on gas and visit places where you get more bang for your buck "

 Here wrote on May 1, 2008 10:09 am:
" we go again with the nebraska has more natural lakes than anyone but minnesota. Again please distinquish between a lake and a pond. Nebraska probably has more ponds than any other place. Some realtors even say " this lakefront property" when it's a small pond that drys up in july. Get it right, if it's not at least 300 acres it should be called a pond. "

 Eric wrote on May 1, 2008 10:34 am:
" "I would sincerely like to offer the Rev. Jeremiah Wright a prepaid, one-way plane ticket to any country of his choosing, since he can so easily “damn” the United States."

You know, Martin Luther King Jr. once suggested that if America didn't become more humble of a country, that God would break its backbone. Just because someone is frustrated with America, and criticizes it as a result, that doesn't mean he or she doesn't deserve the right to live here. I mean, when you think about it, why do any of us deserve the right to live here? Most of us just lucked out when we stepped out of the womb and found ourselves here. And if any of us attempt to critcize the country does that mean we should be asked to leave? I think its time to leave uber-conformist attitudes behind and become more accepting of people who disagree with us.

"

 Kidding wrote on May 1, 2008 10:34 am:
" are you serious? Havent you traveled Nebrasksa? I have and its beautiful. We have a lot of great travel spots, tourist traps, Car Henge(?), Antique Car Museum with tons of cool stuff. We have towns with wild west themes, dinosaur digs, waterfalls, yes I said a waterfall in Nebraska. Not to mention lakes that are clean for swimming, boating, waterskiing. You just need to look around and you will find tons of stuff to do. The drive there may not be as exciting as jetting off to Florida, but its a great way to enjoy your family and see what is great about your state. "

 Jeff wrote on May 1, 2008 11:17 am:
" I would advise Reverend Wright to never mix politics and religion, and he does seem to know the bible, and he should stick to that. Never the less, if you would have been watching/reading all the news, he was "damning" the U.S. - he was trying to point out thatwhile we are saying" God Bless America, we must realize that not everything the U.S. Government has done would likely be blessed by God - such as slavery. He's right about that you know. And just because you criticize something your government does, it doesn't mean you don't love this country. he did serve in the military for 6 years. It's because you love your country that you stay watchful and doubting, and speak up whent there is something you don't agree with. Please try to take things in context. "

 Re Here wrote on May 1, 2008 12:01 pm:
" Do you know how many of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes are ponds and not lakes? The percentage is probably the same as Nebraska. I know of one county in Minnesota that claims to have 1,000 lakes alone. When you actually look at them, many are under 300 acre size which you say determines if it is a lake or a pond. "

 yeah.... wrote on May 1, 2008 12:43 pm:
" Just what I wanna go visit on a vacation:Car henge, western towns, and tourist traps. Im guessing your the kind of person who thinks Kearneys overpass is the greatest thing ever. Nebraska may have a great selection of lakes, but what else? You can't even go camping and have one beer! You wonder why people go to Colorado or other states to camp? Because of Nebraskas ever lasting conservatism towards the outdoors. "

 Eager Tourist wrote on May 1, 2008 1:44 pm:
" I drove hundreds of miles eager to see chimney rock up close. I read things about its history that blew me away like in the book "Black Elk Speaks." I got as near to it as I could which was not very near it. All the fences and barbed wire kept me a long way away. What a disappointment. There are very few places a person can find in Nebraska to actually visit unless you know where the parks are. Everything is fenced or guarded by someone with a gun who is going to tell you to get out. Colorado is my next vacation. "

 Amazing. wrote on May 1, 2008 2:23 pm:
" The nativists and the xenophobes and the flag-wavers are really in a snit this year when it comes to choosing a presidential candidates. It's so frustrating, that the only thing people like Susan in Brainard can come up with is the tired old "luv it er leev it" refrain. How very, very sad that our public discourse has devolved to this level. "

 To Amazing wrote on May 1, 2008 4:09 pm:
" Actually, what's even more pathetic is the fact that whenever someone criticizes someone from the other party, the other party quickly retorts, "yeah but you have so and so...". Apparently the old two wrongs make it right argument currently flies, instead of actually confronting the problem at hand. No wonder nothing ever gets done "

 JR wrote on May 1, 2008 5:26 pm:
" Susan, this is what happens when you try to bend over backwards to be more Christian than the other voter. This is where born again evangelicals have brought us. This is what groups like Right to Life have delivered to our doorstep.Instead of voting for the whole man, these groups tell you to vote for their "moral choice". Well, look at George Bush and you can see where that got us. I agree with Mindless Robot AND Mike. I think all preachers, priests and religious persons should do their job and stay the heck out of politics. You have messed it up enough already with your divisive rhetoric and alienating speeches. "

 Tod wrote on May 1, 2008 6:32 pm:
" Susan is right. If people like Wright hate it so much and are unwilling to do anything to make positive changes, why do they stay? They can publicly denounce this nation and it's people all they want, but complainers not willing to help with constructive change are either not very smart, or they know this is the best nation on Earth. "

 Tod wrote on May 1, 2008 6:39 pm:
" I think Nebrasks is a great place to visit. I've been to most other states and besides NE there is only one other I'd be willing to move to. People like to complain about how NE is unfriendly and racist, but I have to assume those people live in a very small world and have neither traveled the state nor been very friendly themselves. Nebraska is one of the best places in the nation, unfair property valuation and taxes excepted. "

 Tired of It wrote on May 1, 2008 8:27 pm:
" Many here just do not understand the new meaning of free speach. As long as your opinion agrees with mine, it is free speach, and your opinion is valid. Do not agree with me, I will catagorize you into any one of the new politically correct groups designed to kill the messenger, not the message. The terms of xenophobe, racist, bigot, liberal, whatever, is becoming tiring in todays diverse political arena. If an individual is backing exsisting immagration law, he is not a racist, if an individual sees political statements by clergy as offensive that old seperation of church and state claim must work both ways. "The King is dead, Long live the King" arguements here are getting tiresome. "

 To Thr wrote on May 1, 2008 8:49 pm:
" people who say others have never traveled the state to see things. I have lived in several places in the state and visited almost every town in the state. I still don't remember seeing anything that made me say WOW. I was raised on the republican river and left to go to GI. Moved to alliance then chadron. Went to Gering to work. Moved to Norfolk. Moved to lincoln and lived. I am over 60 and it don't take to much to make me go WOW. It ain't in anywhere I have visited except maybe pioneer village, harlan co, big mac and the sandhills. However one day is plenty to see and do everything. No, don't tell me or anyone that we havent' visited things in the state. If someone wants to see 20 miles of flatland, either corn or grass I guess to each their own. I will travel by air or car to see more historical and visitor friendly places. Thank You. "

 brian wrote on May 1, 2008 10:23 pm:
" the problem is not wright saying "god damn america". its his right as a citizen to say it. the problem is saying that the united states developed HIV in order to keep the minorities down, among other outlandish claims. the man is clearly unstable to believe such things. next thing you know, its gonna be that the government created the crips, bloods, surenos, nortenos, latin kings and vice lords in order to keep minorities down. didnt you know that the government created crack in order to keep the poor in trouble???? "

 se wrote on May 2, 2008 12:43 pm:
" Obviously those of you who NEED to be entertained can't appreciate what Nebraska has to offer. Make your own entertainment, spend time with family and friends, hiking, canoeing, fishing or just sitting and let the world go by. It really can be quite soothing, relaxing and enjoyable. There is a lot of history in this state, visit the forts,visit the fossil beds,visit the parks and national monuments. They can be found throughout the state and make great weekend or day trips and are quite educational. "

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