Letters, 10/13: Past associations apply for both
It is interesting to note that the majority of letters to the editor written by liberals associate Sen. John McCain with President George W. Bush and his policies.
But if a conservative attempts to associate Sen. Barack Obama with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Father Michael Pflager, William Ayers or the ACORN Association, the conservative is labeled a racist, a radical, or accused of “Swift boating.”
If it is fair to assess the credibility of Sen. McCain by his past associations, it seems only right that people should be able to assess the credibility of Sen. Obama by his past associations.
Personally, I would prefer to be associated with a president of the United States than with people who publicly denigrate the United States and show no remorse for doing so.
Duane L. Wendelin, Lincoln
McCain campaign insults voter’s intelligence
It is tragic to watch John McCain out-Rove Karl Rove. After the 2000 election, during which the Bush campaign besmirched McCain’s honor in South Carolina, I would never have expected to see McCain down in the gutter, sliming another candidate.
Through his actions, he is insulting the intelligence of millions of voters who support Barack Obama while belittling his own millions of supporters with his campaign’s smears, lies and distortions. This man, whom I once admired as a great American leader, has dishonored his own reputation and legacy irreparably. By the way, his running mate, the winkin’, nose-wrinklin’ Tina F … er, I mean, Sarah Palin, should tread carefully in raising any issues about Obama’s faith in light of the recent videos in which she was being blessed for protection from witchcraft. She lives in a glass house and should be extremely careful about the stones she throws.
Her role is at last clarified: She is a pit bull thinly disguised as a hockey mom, selected to do McCain’s dirty work. This is, so far, the only thing in which she excels. Her ignorance and incompetence for anything more is staggering.
McCain’s choice of her as his running mate shows a cynicism that is beyond description. How could this man, who once showed greatness, stoop so low as to inflict this woman on our country? During his “alone moments,” I hope he is ashamed of the choices he has made motivated by his frantic need to be president.
I am sad that his hunger for the White House has led him to such terrible choices.
Jan Kauffman, Lincoln
Protecting personal freedoms
On Sept. 29, the Lincoln Journal Star printed a well-written letter from Patricia Pierson. She states, “If McCain were president, Palin’s own daughter may not have had the right to make any choice.” Is this true? Is McCain really in favor of legislation that bans a woman’s right to consent to sex? The vast majority of women become pregnant because of a choice they made concerning sex. Please, let’s not pretend that overturning Roe vs. Wade abolishes a woman’s right to make any choice.
She goes on to say, “No governing body, federal or state, should have the right to decide what I as a female American citizen can do with my body.” I agree, if what you do to your body doesn’t directly harm another person, the government should remain powerless to stop you from doing it.
Of course, this applies to men, too. No one should be forced to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, nor a seat belt while driving a car. In fact, the government should pass no laws concerning the consumption of any drug. I wonder, how many fervent pro-choice advocates are equally adamant about protecting the rights of drug users?
Ryan Haase, Lincoln
Time to return to business ethics
Almost every day the news is filled with discouraging headlines — corporate scandals, financial failures, unethical government actions and an unstable economy. There is no question that today’s uncertain times have shaken consumer confidence. Not since the Great Depression has public opinion about business and government been so low. People are not sure where to turn when they need help locating a reputable business to help with home or personal needs.
That is why it is more important than ever for business owners small and large to return to the foundation of what has been behind the success of so many American companies: business ethics.
A reputation for integrity is one of the strongest assets a business can hold.
It inspires customers to buy a company’s products or services. It encourages people to recommend the company to others. It is one of the strongest attractions for high-quality employees and can be critical when looking for investors.
We are fortunate that the vast majority of businesses in our state have embraced good business ethics and practices. Each year since 1995 area companies have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to business ethics with the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.
In some parts of the country business ethics has become a punch line for comedians. That is not true in our state.
Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Nebraska
Opportunity for Kleeb
Nebraska has a wonderful opportunity to elect Scott Kleeb to the Senate. Kleeb is young, intelligent, well educated and would be a senator all Nebraskans could be proud to call their own. If people have the privilege to meet and talk with him, there is no question who to vote for.
Mike Johanns had held a number of political offices — none of which he distinguished himself in. Remember, he’s a good friend of George W.
I hope voters take advantage of a wonderful choice for an outstanding young man and vote for Scott Kleeb!
Lois Sheppard, Lincoln
Gambling policy is hypocritical
The recent discussion about a milelong racetrack, the Goldenrod Downs, once again shows the hypocritical policies of Nebraskans. We are opposed to gambling as we drive by the large signs showing the latest Powerball jackpot on our way to the racetrack to bet on the horses and engage in off-track betting. At the State Fair this year there was a booth in the Devaney Center where one could buy a Powerball ticket with a big banner promoting the purchase of one or more tickets. We quietly sneak across the border to spend our money in the casinos, but when the subject of casino gambling comes up, Sens. Russ Karpisek of Wilber and Annette Dubas of Fullerton (LJS, Oct. 3) say they aren’t eager to return to the casino controversy in January.
It is time to return to that controversy, and this gives Nebraska a chance to be honest about the policy of gambling. We need to do something or get off the proverbial pot. Either we approve of gambling or we do not. If we truly believe there is no place like Nebraska, then we need to clean up our act instead of winking at our hypocritical policy of not approving casino gambling.
This gambling problem started back when Ak-Sar-Ben introduced pari-mutuel betting with the horse racing. Why was this type of betting acceptable then and other types not? I am not advocating that casinos be permitted. I am saying that we should decide one way or the other. Either we embrace gambling and regulate it, and probably tax it, or we forbid it.
One can even go to the Bible and pick out a passage about the sin of hypocrisy. To gamble or not to gamble. That is the question. It is time to answer it honestly one way or the other before another large race track expenditure is made.
David L. Chambers, Lincoln
Nice to see civil campaign
My congratulations and thanks to both Senate candidates, Mike Johanns and Scott Kleeb, for the way they have conducted their campaigns. I am sick to death of politicians, from the local to national levels, spending most of their time, resources and money bashing their opponents.
What the voters want, I believe, is to know how the candidate feels about the issues, his philosophies, his plans and ideas, what he believes are important to our state and nation. I am glad Kleeb and Johanns are keeping it positive.
Carol R. Lechner, Lincoln
Thanks for tribute
It is difficult for me to explain the feelings that came over me as I read Ken Hansen’s tribute to the Petersen Family in his letter in the Lincoln Journal Star on Sept. 19.
I suppose the reason I was singled out in the article is because I am the last leaf on the tree. My parents, Bill and Ane, and my siblings, Christian, Ralph and Richard, are deceased.
I repeat myself when I say that none of us knew what paths our lives would have taken if Dad had not invented his locking wrench and had not been the man of determination that he was.
It was that circumstance that drew us together and gave us the chance to use our combined aptitudes in developing a business. It was our good fortune that each of us had different abilities and insights to contribute. Although individually we could not possibly have given equal value to the business, none of us tried to outshine or gain recognition over the other. We always managed to form a consensus in carrying out our purposes. This was our strength.
We owe so much to so many for bringing our accomplishments to fruition. To all of them, I say a thousand thanks.
Thank you to Ken Hansen for his kindness and understanding.
Harriet Petersen Fort, DeWitt
McCain's 'Celebrity'
Wow! Sarah Palin drew a crowd of 2,500 people on just a few hours’ notice. Sounds to me like she is some kind of “celebrity.”
Gee, I wonder what John McCain from three months ago would think about having a “celebrity” on his presidential ticket? I am beginning to think John McCain is a lot like Nebraska weather. If you don’t like it, just wait five minutes, and it will change.
David D. Schleich, Lincoln
But if a conservative attempts to associate Sen. Barack Obama with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Father Michael Pflager, William Ayers or the ACORN Association, the conservative is labeled a racist, a radical, or accused of “Swift boating.”
If it is fair to assess the credibility of Sen. McCain by his past associations, it seems only right that people should be able to assess the credibility of Sen. Obama by his past associations.
Personally, I would prefer to be associated with a president of the United States than with people who publicly denigrate the United States and show no remorse for doing so.
Duane L. Wendelin, Lincoln
McCain campaign insults voter’s intelligence
It is tragic to watch John McCain out-Rove Karl Rove. After the 2000 election, during which the Bush campaign besmirched McCain’s honor in South Carolina, I would never have expected to see McCain down in the gutter, sliming another candidate.
Through his actions, he is insulting the intelligence of millions of voters who support Barack Obama while belittling his own millions of supporters with his campaign’s smears, lies and distortions. This man, whom I once admired as a great American leader, has dishonored his own reputation and legacy irreparably. By the way, his running mate, the winkin’, nose-wrinklin’ Tina F … er, I mean, Sarah Palin, should tread carefully in raising any issues about Obama’s faith in light of the recent videos in which she was being blessed for protection from witchcraft. She lives in a glass house and should be extremely careful about the stones she throws.
Her role is at last clarified: She is a pit bull thinly disguised as a hockey mom, selected to do McCain’s dirty work. This is, so far, the only thing in which she excels. Her ignorance and incompetence for anything more is staggering.
McCain’s choice of her as his running mate shows a cynicism that is beyond description. How could this man, who once showed greatness, stoop so low as to inflict this woman on our country? During his “alone moments,” I hope he is ashamed of the choices he has made motivated by his frantic need to be president.
I am sad that his hunger for the White House has led him to such terrible choices.
Jan Kauffman, Lincoln
Protecting personal freedoms
On Sept. 29, the Lincoln Journal Star printed a well-written letter from Patricia Pierson. She states, “If McCain were president, Palin’s own daughter may not have had the right to make any choice.” Is this true? Is McCain really in favor of legislation that bans a woman’s right to consent to sex? The vast majority of women become pregnant because of a choice they made concerning sex. Please, let’s not pretend that overturning Roe vs. Wade abolishes a woman’s right to make any choice.
She goes on to say, “No governing body, federal or state, should have the right to decide what I as a female American citizen can do with my body.” I agree, if what you do to your body doesn’t directly harm another person, the government should remain powerless to stop you from doing it.
Of course, this applies to men, too. No one should be forced to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, nor a seat belt while driving a car. In fact, the government should pass no laws concerning the consumption of any drug. I wonder, how many fervent pro-choice advocates are equally adamant about protecting the rights of drug users?
Ryan Haase, Lincoln
Time to return to business ethics
Almost every day the news is filled with discouraging headlines — corporate scandals, financial failures, unethical government actions and an unstable economy. There is no question that today’s uncertain times have shaken consumer confidence. Not since the Great Depression has public opinion about business and government been so low. People are not sure where to turn when they need help locating a reputable business to help with home or personal needs.
That is why it is more important than ever for business owners small and large to return to the foundation of what has been behind the success of so many American companies: business ethics.
A reputation for integrity is one of the strongest assets a business can hold.
It inspires customers to buy a company’s products or services. It encourages people to recommend the company to others. It is one of the strongest attractions for high-quality employees and can be critical when looking for investors.
We are fortunate that the vast majority of businesses in our state have embraced good business ethics and practices. Each year since 1995 area companies have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to business ethics with the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.
In some parts of the country business ethics has become a punch line for comedians. That is not true in our state.
Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Nebraska
Opportunity for Kleeb
Nebraska has a wonderful opportunity to elect Scott Kleeb to the Senate. Kleeb is young, intelligent, well educated and would be a senator all Nebraskans could be proud to call their own. If people have the privilege to meet and talk with him, there is no question who to vote for.
Mike Johanns had held a number of political offices — none of which he distinguished himself in. Remember, he’s a good friend of George W.
I hope voters take advantage of a wonderful choice for an outstanding young man and vote for Scott Kleeb!
Lois Sheppard, Lincoln
Gambling policy is hypocritical
The recent discussion about a milelong racetrack, the Goldenrod Downs, once again shows the hypocritical policies of Nebraskans. We are opposed to gambling as we drive by the large signs showing the latest Powerball jackpot on our way to the racetrack to bet on the horses and engage in off-track betting. At the State Fair this year there was a booth in the Devaney Center where one could buy a Powerball ticket with a big banner promoting the purchase of one or more tickets. We quietly sneak across the border to spend our money in the casinos, but when the subject of casino gambling comes up, Sens. Russ Karpisek of Wilber and Annette Dubas of Fullerton (LJS, Oct. 3) say they aren’t eager to return to the casino controversy in January.
It is time to return to that controversy, and this gives Nebraska a chance to be honest about the policy of gambling. We need to do something or get off the proverbial pot. Either we approve of gambling or we do not. If we truly believe there is no place like Nebraska, then we need to clean up our act instead of winking at our hypocritical policy of not approving casino gambling.
This gambling problem started back when Ak-Sar-Ben introduced pari-mutuel betting with the horse racing. Why was this type of betting acceptable then and other types not? I am not advocating that casinos be permitted. I am saying that we should decide one way or the other. Either we embrace gambling and regulate it, and probably tax it, or we forbid it.
One can even go to the Bible and pick out a passage about the sin of hypocrisy. To gamble or not to gamble. That is the question. It is time to answer it honestly one way or the other before another large race track expenditure is made.
David L. Chambers, Lincoln
Nice to see civil campaign
My congratulations and thanks to both Senate candidates, Mike Johanns and Scott Kleeb, for the way they have conducted their campaigns. I am sick to death of politicians, from the local to national levels, spending most of their time, resources and money bashing their opponents.
What the voters want, I believe, is to know how the candidate feels about the issues, his philosophies, his plans and ideas, what he believes are important to our state and nation. I am glad Kleeb and Johanns are keeping it positive.
Carol R. Lechner, Lincoln
Thanks for tribute
It is difficult for me to explain the feelings that came over me as I read Ken Hansen’s tribute to the Petersen Family in his letter in the Lincoln Journal Star on Sept. 19.
I suppose the reason I was singled out in the article is because I am the last leaf on the tree. My parents, Bill and Ane, and my siblings, Christian, Ralph and Richard, are deceased.
I repeat myself when I say that none of us knew what paths our lives would have taken if Dad had not invented his locking wrench and had not been the man of determination that he was.
It was that circumstance that drew us together and gave us the chance to use our combined aptitudes in developing a business. It was our good fortune that each of us had different abilities and insights to contribute. Although individually we could not possibly have given equal value to the business, none of us tried to outshine or gain recognition over the other. We always managed to form a consensus in carrying out our purposes. This was our strength.
We owe so much to so many for bringing our accomplishments to fruition. To all of them, I say a thousand thanks.
Thank you to Ken Hansen for his kindness and understanding.
Harriet Petersen Fort, DeWitt
McCain's 'Celebrity'
Wow! Sarah Palin drew a crowd of 2,500 people on just a few hours’ notice. Sounds to me like she is some kind of “celebrity.”
Gee, I wonder what John McCain from three months ago would think about having a “celebrity” on his presidential ticket? I am beginning to think John McCain is a lot like Nebraska weather. If you don’t like it, just wait five minutes, and it will change.
David D. Schleich, Lincoln
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