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Letters, 8/10: Parks and alcohol don’t mix

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Sunday, Aug 10, 2008 - 12:29:41 am CDT

Advocates of allowing alcohol to be served in certain Lincoln parks appear to want to distance themselves from previous proposals to permit beer at Pinewood Bowl. The Parks Advisory Board and the Parks Foundation brought out big names to make their case at a public hearing before the City Council. Roger Larson, a successful fundraiser and community icon, joined Advisory Board member Bob Ripley to make the case for the proposed ordinance.

Police Chief Tom Casady, a neutral testifier, observed that alcohol at city golf courses and at small fundraising venues had not been a problem. If a green light is given to the proposal, a move that is said to improve the ambiance for fundraising, the red light should continue to flash brightly against making alcohol available where large crowds and heavy traffic present policing problems.

Alcohol is America’s social and legal drug of choice, and in Lincoln there are at least 21 agencies that serve clients who are coping with alcoholism or abuse of other drugs, both legal and illegal. It has even been a threat to championship football in the Cornhusker state.

Lincoln police and the Lancaster County sheriff are grossly understaffed. Still, it’s a fair bet that a bid to make beer available at certain Pinewood Bowl events may come once again. That would be a mistake. One by one the alcohol doors are opening. And money is always the reason.

Gil Savery, Lincoln

Thanks for nothing

As the second term of the Bush presidency nears its end, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank George Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, all of their close friends in the oil industry, the health insurance and pharmaceutical industry, and corporate America in general. But most of all I would like to thank the conservative Republican Party for the improved quality of life that I and most hard-working Americans are now blessed with after almost eight years of thoughtful and considerate attention to our needs and lives.

Thanks George, Dick, and all your good buddies for the personal savings account I have been able to accumulate. I now have the “Keep Working Until The Day I Drop” account. This retirement plan goes along with my catastrophic illness coverage of the “Curl Up And Die” plan.

My general medical coverage plan is called the “Heal Thy Self” plan for my occasional illnesses and injuries. And for my dental coverage, I have now been able to afford the “Ibuprofen Until My Ears Are Ringing” plan.

I can now only hope that the “Tax the Wealthy and Spend on the Needy” liberal Democrats will not upset the well-laid plans of the self-righteous and outrageously greedy conservative Republicans once these traitors to the American workers and our economy are voted out of office.

It would just be a real shame if Bush, Cheney and all their collaborators had to start all over again and lose their mansions, estates, yachts and jet airplanes. Just think of the horror of it all if they, too, were forced to live from paycheck to paycheck, just as we all have had to endure for several years now.

Thanks G.W., and all of your arrogant, pompous and hypocritical buddies, for the financial and cultural raping of America, in every way possible. You will be leaving us with so much to be thankful for, in so many ways.

I would now be a complete and totally gullible idiot to ever vote for any Republicans ever again, for any office at all, even if they were running for dog catcher!

Lon Alexander Dean, Hastings

We all need a break

Does anybody else feel like we are being punished for making a little bit more money than those in poverty? The suggestion by Beatty Brasch of the Center for People in Need (LJS, Aug. 6) of excluding people in poverty from the Lincoln Electric System rate increase is not justifiable.

Electric is not the only bill we have to pay, if she has not noticed. We still have to pay for our children’s education and other high living expenses. Not being considered to be a family in poverty does not mean we do not try really hard to make ends meet. Give us a break!

By the way, we also conserve energy in our family. So, Ms. Roxanne Smith, a rate hike supporter and former member of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, what else do you want us to do? Live in the dark even in our home? I understand the energy crisis LES is going through. Maybe this is a lesson for leaders to try to look to the future and plan well for it.

Desy Ybarra, Lincoln

No problem with India

The article “No time for Bush to finish nuclear deal” (LJS, Aug. 5) was surprising to say the least because it included India in the same breath as Iran and North Korea and included a picture of an Indian technician working in a nuclear plant.

It gave an impression that the United States has some kind of problem with India as well as Iran and North Korea.

It is correct that India is negotiating with the United States for commercial nuclear trade, but it is a negotiation of two friends for business purposes.

It is no different than negotiating with England, France or Israel.

The Indian Parliament has approved the agreement, and now it is up to the U.S. Congress to approve it.

Rajesh Kumar, Lincoln

Obama has it where it counts

A little humor or food for thought after reading the column about making fun of Barack Obama’s big ears (LJS, July 27):

We need to think about what’s between the ears; that’s what counts. And Obama seems to have it!

Doris Westcott, Denton


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Sean wrote on August 10, 2008 3:40 am:
" Lon...Republican or Democrat they're all as crooked as a dog's hind leg. At least the Democrats know how to party as John Edwards and "Slick" Willy Clinton have shown. "

 Bravo Mr Dean wrote on August 10, 2008 6:23 am:
" Well stated sir. "

 Electric wrote on August 10, 2008 6:55 am:
" The thing about the rate increase that irritates me is this. LES is always, and I mean ALWAYS, telling you to "conserve" in this way and that to save yourself money on your bill. So...when you DO that they STILL raise rates because, now, they aren't making the money that they need to be.

Well, as for me, I'll keep my air conditioner on and running to keep my place nice and cool, and pay the rates. I tried in the past to "save" money and it has done NOTHING. The bill continues to go up, uP, UP.

I say, BURN those 100 watt bulbs and keep those air conditioners running. "

 Ray-J wrote on August 10, 2008 7:02 am:
" Soo, Lon,, how do you really feel about Bush and Chaney? "

 Eric wrote on August 10, 2008 8:44 am:
" Mr. Dean, I couldnt have said it better myself. What a letter!!!! The current administration has absolutely destroyed our world reputation, forced our great-great-great grandchildren into debt slavery, crippled a vibrant economy and last, but not least, killed 3000+ of our troops and 100,000+ innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. My only question is why hasnt G.W. and Dick been indicted for war crimes? "

 Sam wrote on August 10, 2008 9:43 am:
" Gil Savery, for all his bluster, has offered absolutely no reason why alcohol should be banned in city parks other than the general statement that there are agencies in Lincoln that "cope" with the problem of alcoholism. Using that same logic we should ban cars from the park because hospitals in Lincoln treat people who are injured in car accidents.

Savery's allegation that the police and sheriff's departments are understaffed and that allowing alcohol at Pinewood Bowl "would be a mistake" is nothing more than mere conjecture, and certainly not a good reason for a ban. Could it be that Savery is just another of those narrow minded neoprohibitionists like Diane Riibe of Project Extra Mile who views any consumption of alcohol as inherently evil? "

 No Sweat.... wrote on August 10, 2008 9:46 am:
" A few weeks ago on an Omaha news station they had "poor" people complaining about the heat outside, and questioning how they are going to pay their electric bill. They showed a brief shot of the thermostat set on 72 degrees. My wife would love our thermostat set that low, but with her as a full time student and me having a blue collar job, we have ours set at 80 degrees, it is comfortable enough. I feel no sorrow for the "poor" lady in Omaha trying to keep her house at 72 degrees. Guess what else, we don't have cable TV. It can be done people, quit complaining about energy costs, food costs etc. and start cutting back, or pull up your bootstraps. LES is going to have raise rates at some point in time. "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 10, 2008 9:53 am:
" Well said, Lon. I think 72% of Americans agree. "

 rob wrote on August 10, 2008 9:57 am:
" Well, said Lon. "

 Mark wrote on August 10, 2008 10:06 am:
" Oh Doris, I needed a good laugh this morning. Thank you for supplying it. Yes we do need to think about what's between the ears with these presidential candidates. Obama changes his mind and flip flops on issues almost as often as the sun comes up. If Obama had any conviction, he would not do that. So your right to a point, we need to look at what's between the ears, and Obama's seems to have not much there at all. He has proved this over, and over, and over these past few months. "

 t o Lon wrote on August 10, 2008 11:11 am:
" I am sorry that the last years have not worked out for you. I losst my job about 6 years ago, bounced back, and I am working and saving about 25% of my income, even tho my income is about 60 percent of what it used to be. I have good medical insurance, altho the premiums are higher than what I used to have, but that is my choice. And most important of all, this nation has not been attacked since 9/11 except by some loners who have driven SUV's thru crowds of people. But I daon't think any of this is the result of anyone in Washington. I think that in the endd, we have to rely on ourselves and not depend on government. I certainly do not. "

 Right on Doris wrote on August 10, 2008 12:31 pm:
" Obama does have it. He graduated Magna CumLaude from Princeton, and went on to excel at Harvard Law School while John McCain was struggling to graduate in the bottom 1% of his class at the Naval Academy. Thanks for bringing that to the attention of the Fox News Watching State of Nebraska. "

 Former Republican Still Conservative wrote on August 10, 2008 12:35 pm:
" Good letter Lon. How many times have you heard someone say "It doesn't matter who's president. Just goes to show it DOES matter who's president. I don't think a much more intelligent Al Gore would have taken us wrecklessly into Iraq spending trillions and 5,000 American lives. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis we are supposed to be liberating that are now pushing up daisies. It matters! "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 10, 2008 4:27 pm:
" Looks like Lon feels that same as 72% of America, Ray. And Sean, throw McCain in there for his torrid affair. "

 Rxwoman wrote on August 10, 2008 4:34 pm:
" And thanks to you too Lon, for pointing out what 25% of thick headed Americans, especially here in Nebraska, are still in abject denial of. That GOP, should be spelled POG, party of greed.
Those who still don't get it, will undoubtably continue to vote conservative, and then wonder why taxes are still so high in Nebraska ( hmm, Nebraska is a 'red' state, shouldn't our taxes be really low?) why family farmers continue to get squeezed out by corporate agribusiness, why their kids cannot afford to go to college, and why no one except the wealthy can see a doctor.
They'll scratch their heads and wonder what happened, but the minute some conservative politician runs on a platform of "values" and "morals", low taxes, and trickle down economics, they'll be the first ones to line up. Duh.
When will the middle of America wake up to the fact that their so-called "culture war" has been nothing but a corporate trojan horse designed to move more money, and power, up from those who work for a living, to a few who have all the wealth and power.
The late George Carlin said, " ...the country consists of 3 kinds of people, a small number at the top, of very wealthy who have all the money, and pay few taxes, the middle class, who pay all the taxes and do all the work, and the very poor, who only exist to scare the hell out of the middle class."
I'd say that about sums it up. "

 Ok Mark wrote on August 10, 2008 5:17 pm:
" Nice spin but Magnu CumLaude vs bottom of the class. How can you argue that? You should get a job on Republican radio. "

 doh Sean wrote on August 10, 2008 5:59 pm:
" Sean, please. Let's be fair and balanced about this. I don't think Senator McCain would appreciate anyone implying or using the word Adultery before the election. It was John McCain 29 years ago enjoying an adulterous affair with a hot, young, blonde, heiress named Cindy. Can you imagine how the real Mrs. McCain, was devastated, when her 42 year old man ran off with the 25 year old?? I can only imagine what you would be calling her had she been Democrat. I thought only gays could destroy the sanctity of marriage, but it turns out that John McCain is right there doing his part. "

 Hands Off wrote on August 10, 2008 6:52 pm:
" Hey, "Right on Doris" - Have you or anyone on here tried to get an appointment to a military academy? Didn't think so. Thousands of young people try - few make it. Every single one of those cadets in our military academies are outstanding students from the #1 cadet to the cadet at the bottom of the class. I would challenge any Princeton or Harvard grad to go through the same rigourous program those in service academies complete. There is no comparison and when you denigrate one cadet, you denigrate them all. Shame on you!!! I don't care what your politics are. "

 sounds like Gil wrote on August 10, 2008 6:55 pm:
" needs to have himself a drink and let loose. Im guessing he is the type who everyone he comes in contact with he prejudges. Gil do youself a favor and have one beer. "

 Well Sam wrote on August 10, 2008 7:15 pm:
" I applaud Gil for taking a stand against the expansion of alcohol in the park's facilities. Call me a prohibitionist, I don't care.

I believe the issue is just for money. Alcohol is a drug and it does affect people. If you offer alcohol to people and then make your sales pitch, people might be more willing to part with their money. People who don't drink are more likely to be alert to sales pitches and exercise a tighter control over their money. "

 Mark wrote on August 10, 2008 8:42 pm:
" I know and have/do employee many college grad's who may be very book smart, but reality and business smarts they don't have a clue. Just because Obama graduated Magna CumLaud doesn't in any stretch qualify him to be President. Neither does his days as a community organizer. "

 Moral Hypocrits wrote on August 10, 2008 9:23 pm:
" As this community continues to refuse to pay the appropriate amount in taxes that go to provide services (police, fire, parks, public works) these various entities are required to find their own funds. This includes grants as well as fundraising. Offering fun and varied fundraising alternatives is always a challenge. If allowing alcohol at a few well controlled fundraising events enables the Parks Department to increase revenue for projects why should they not be allowed that opportunity? This community cannot have it both ways. They refuse to contribute with taxes but yet are critical when alternative sources of increasing revenues are brought forth. "

 To Hands off Mark wrote on August 10, 2008 10:31 pm:
" Dudes. Some of the finest examples of extreme spin ever! Right on! Don't forget "we're fighting them there so we don't have to fight them here"! "

 Qualifications for President wrote on August 10, 2008 10:37 pm:
" The Constitution requires presidents to be natural-born citizens of the United States who are at least 35 years of age and have resided in the United States for 14 years. Those are the three qualifications for president. When I was a boy, my pappy told me any little boy can grow up to be president. After eight years of George Bush Jr., I can clearly see my pappy was right. "

 Well wrote on August 10, 2008 10:55 pm:
" Yes, lets be fair and balanced. Adultery 101: John McCain didn't spend two years denying his affair and ended up marrying her. John Edwards not only denied the affair in 2006, but was caught in her hotel room just two weeks ago. And he's still lying about his relationship with her (but, of course he didn't love her). "

 I gotta tell ya Mark.... wrote on August 11, 2008 1:12 am:
" Most of America prefers the intellectual to the doof. Maybe not you, but MOST of America. Get ready for the short end of the stick. "

 Well Lets be fair wrote on August 11, 2008 8:18 am:
" Ok, Ok McCain's affair was absolutley ok because he didn't lie about it for 2 years. Great Spin and family values apparently has different meanings. If you are Republican, you can do the same despicable deed but spin your way out of it? "

 actually wrote on August 11, 2008 11:14 am:
" most of america prefers the doof. bush, twice. but we have a long history of anti-intellectualism in this country. those who do, don't like those who think around to tell people what is really being done to them, and those who are really getting it good have a difficult time admitting it. "

 Adultry wrote on August 11, 2008 11:22 am:
" Yes, John McCain slept with someone other than his wife, this is adultery. He admitted it, he married her, that is all incidental. The man had an affair and it was wrong for him just as it was wrong for Clinton, Edwards, and the moral majority. preachers. Boy I remember my Republican friends talking about how Slick Willie's adultery was ruining: the country, White House, kids who look up to a President, the list goes on. Talk about hippocrits: now these are the folks extolling the "virtues" of McCain. "

 Nina wrote on August 11, 2008 12:21 pm:
" I abhor the deaths, family breakups and problems caused by drinking. But I also know that no federal, state or local legislation is likely to be forthcoming to ban alcohol. What should be required, is that no patron, at any business, be served more than two drinks. Some would find their way around it by bar-hopping, but still it would have a major impact. A 'ticket' system could be used (such as when a reception guest is given two drink 'tickets,' or other means. This would not prohibit anyone from social drinking - but would prohibit someone becoming a danger to self or others. After that, we could work on a solution for drinking liquor bought and taken home to drink. "

 Question for McCain supporters wrote on August 11, 2008 12:23 pm:
" How will you explain McCain's adultery to your children, grandchildren, kids in your class, etc? I mean, the president is someone kids look up to and should be able to look up to as a role model. Do we just tell them it is ok, if you marry that person because then it must have really been love and was probably God who brought them together in the first place? Or do we just sweep it under the rug, keep telling them Democrats are the ones with no values or bad values? "

 Answer for Democrat Supporters wrote on August 11, 2008 1:00 pm:
" To answer the Democrat supporters, McCain supporters can explain McCain's affair just about the same what you all explained and rationalized Clinton's affair...except that McCain did the right thing in admitting his affair. I would explain to my kids that a man should be faithful to his wife, but he should also be honest. I would explain that people who get married because they love each other sometimes drift apart and cannot make the marriage work, and in those cases, it's better for everyone to get divorced so the healing can begin. I would explain to them that, while we should always think, we should also follow our hearts...wherever it is that may lead. I would explain to them that two wrongs NEVER make a right, and that lying only hurts the people around you even worse. I would teach them that a man, a REAL man, owns up to his mistakes so that he can learn from them. I certainly hope such an explanation could placate the hypocrisy-laden liberals, who condone the Clinton and Edwards affairs, but condemn the McCain affair. "

 Well wrote on August 11, 2008 1:06 pm:
" Don't label me any party, I'm fair and balanced. I don't give a tinkers (you know what) if McCain or Edwards is a democrat or republican. I was just keeping it real. But on the subject of how I would explain McCains adultery before he became president, it would be similar as to how I would explain Clintons adultery while he was an acting president. "

 You cannot be serious wrote on August 11, 2008 1:10 pm:
" Nina. Do you know how many bars that would go out of business because of your "system"? What next we get the same thing for food? Do everyone a favor and lets me have fun, I do it in a safe way. And if that is the kind of control you like then you should move to North Korea. I am an adult let me make my own choices. Do people even think before they post? Or are that many people really becoming communists? "

 Wow wrote on August 11, 2008 2:28 pm:
" Nina!! You sure want the gov't to control our lives don't you! I can't believe people like you actually exist. I thought that a lot of the people who lived through prohibition were either in community homes or dead. Why would you want to do that? This country is a free country that means we have the choice to do whatever we want to our bodies. But even now the gov't is deciding they should be the ones who decide what I can do to my body. "

 Nina wrote on August 11, 2008 2:37 pm:
" 'You can't be serious,' I am indeed serious. Bars going broke is a priority far under that of public safety for me. If you've had a family member hit by a drunk driver, you might think differently, too. You or anyone else can do whatever you like as an adult, but when it affects me or other innocent of the situation, it becomes my business. When you see the stats of how many vehicle accidents have alcohol as a factor, or when you realize the thousands of damaged children in Nebraska whose lives have been a mess of trying to parent a parent who is drunk (an impossible task even for an adult), instead of being allowed to be a child, that, too, takes priority over the bars. Your priorities seem a little off, that you would have no more concern for others than your post indicates. "

 Really wrote on August 11, 2008 3:12 pm:
" I think Nina may have overlooked what she has said. It was tried and failed once in history. Proibition failed once and will fail again. "

 Why wrote on August 11, 2008 3:33 pm:
" What is it with people and their absolute fascination with alcohol? Why do they feel a need to have a drink at every public function? I hope someone requests beer next year for the Trail Trek bicycling event in Lincoln. Better yet, just stay home and consume all you want, just stay away from me! "

 To Answer wrote on August 11, 2008 5:31 pm:
" That seems like a reasonable response, apparently we do agree. I wonder if Clinton got the same consideration when he was President or if Edwards will now from most Republicans. The response to Clinton from Republicans (and some Democrats) was a vicious one. The hypocrisy lies in two places: The Republicans not scrutinizing and demonizing their own candidate in the same manner as the Democratic candidate and the Republicans "holier than thou", family values, "moral majority" approach being a central part of their platform then nominating an adulterous candidate and looking the other way. "

 actually... wrote on August 12, 2008 9:35 am:
" Nina I have had a family member(uncle) killed by a drunk driver and I don't need someone like you telling me that I would think differently. If you are all about outlawing things that kill. We better start with food. What about sober driving? My cousin died last year in an sober accident should we now outlaw driving? What about snow skiing? Sounds like you should just stay at home and worry worry worry. Oh yeah there was a death in a marathon last year should we outlaw running now also? You are the minorty, majority always rules sorry to break it to you. Prohibition was tried once and it will never work again. Welcome to reality. "

 To Answer wrote on August 12, 2008 11:31 am:
" Well you got yourself in one big pickle. Think, but also follow your heart - so if your heart is telling you that 42 year old is really hot, follow it, then think, get a divorce and marry her and it's all ok. Rather than spend the time and energy to work on your relationship that is drifting apart, follow your heart it's the much easier and 'fun' route. Nice. Just make sure your kids include "till one of us doesn't want to anymore" in their marriage vows. I don't condone, Clinton, Edwards, or McCain adultry. It is selfish, irresponsible, dishonest and worst it hurts most the people tho whom you have most committed and they know that when they do it. I don't know what do you call it when you know an action will hurt someone and you go ahead and do it anyway? As far as McCain being more honest because he fessed up when confronted: yea right. He and his wife had an open relationship. I'll bet he told his wife all along, "You know honey, there's this Cindy woman and we're really starting to connect. Would you mind if I saw where this might go". Just a different degree of dishonesty. "

 KC wrote on August 12, 2008 11:37 am:
" The problem with them banning it from one park is that then they banned it from ALL the parks. Used to be where you could go out to Branched Oak or Lakes like it and put a tent or camper up for a few days, drink a few beers, and not have to worry about driving anywhere! And it was mostly due to the rotten campers that would come out, underage, loud, and leave all of their trash behind and ruin it for the rest of us.
I think it's sad that what people remember about legal alcohol consumption at these events are the few that get too drunk, too loud, and usually get taken out by police.
But most of us that would like to enjoy a drink at an event dont over do it, and as responsible drinkers, we should be allowed to do it!
If I go out to a lake to camp for 2 or 3 days, and choose to drink, I don't drive! I pick up my trash, I don't keep other campers up all night, and Im of age to be drinking. Now if you get caught with a beer, you get fined, and they make you pour out the rest of your beer.
It absolutely makes no sense to me that they would rather see people drive to go bar hopping around town, then to give someone a place to relax, open a beer, and not be on the streets drinking and driving.
Yes..I don't have to drink, but if I choose to do it in a legal, responsible manner, why should I have to be punished for the stupid ones that ruin it all?

Maybe if they start doing this at Pinewood bowl(where you can't camp if you need to), maybe we could change some laws about the lakes in the surrounding areas? I'd rather see a man that was too drunk stumble into his tent then stumble into his car.. "

 Disgusted wrote on August 12, 2008 2:21 pm:
" I think alcohol in parks is absolutely ridicules! I don't want my kids around - oh wait its supposed to be hidden so people can't see - but I can't wait to show up at the park the next morning and see the beer cans left behind or the broken glass from beer bottles on the sidewalk/sand. What has this city come to. "

 You know wrote on August 12, 2008 4:59 pm:
" So many of you get so up in arms about not being able to drink alcohol in a park. The truth of the matter is, and you can observe this at any function serving alcohol, the vast majority of people can NOT drink responsibly. They can't even dance without a drink in their hand. Look at the paper any day that they are listing the court rulings--DUI is one of the biggest crimes, and rarely are they one-time offenders. That's the reality of it. "

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