Letters, 10/27: Johanns is only choice

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While carefully following the U.S. Senate race in Nebraska, I have concluded that Mike Johanns is the only candidate with the experience, background and proven record to be an effective voice for Nebraska in the U.S. Senate. We can trust Johanns to work across the aisle to get things done in Washington.

Unlike his opponent, Johanns has made it clear he has the best interests of Nebraskans in mind, and he is not afraid to give direct and detailed answers to questions, something candidates should be willing to do. He will take action on day one to help the hard-working people of this state by offering real solutions to the problems we face.

Mary S. Earle, Lincoln

We have an opportunity

Let’s please get it right this time. The economic crisis, Iraq, energy, health care, education, immigration, abortion and gay marriage should be of great concern to all of us. Scott Kleeb understands the problems and consequences if not addressed properly.

Each and every one of us is uniquely different and able to feel our own way through the trials that affect our lives. We don’t require any individual to dictate to us opinions that may or may not follow our own thoughts.

Kleeb’s views are his, developed after much thought and reflection and not thrust upon others. Kleeb acknowledges the ability for individuals to come to their own opinions and vote their consciences in this time of instability.

We have a genuine opportunity to correct the current problems in our government this November, and with people like Kleeb in the Senate, a change in course is possible. I hope voters take the time to understand Kleeb’s positions on the many issues confronting us and vote Nebraska a 21st century senator this November.

Randy Tichota, Lincoln

Rand’s book brought to life

Fifty years ago, Ayn Rand wrote a scathing fictional exposure of the twisted psychology of compassion-mongers, do-gooders and their “looter” friends in governmental bureaucracies whose constant appeal is to people whose whole social vision amounts to whining about “fairness.” The novel is “Atlas Shrugged,” and today’s political scenarios are bringing to life Rand’s exposure of those who seek power in order to take from people who have created and earned something in order to give to those who haven’t.

The main villain in Rand’s story is a character named Wesley Mouch. Barack Obama is the real life incarnation of this character, who promises to punish successful small businesspeople by taking, through governmental force, the product of their labor to reward other people who he thinks should benefit from it.

In the novel, creative and intelligent people decide to withdraw from the system, in essence go on strike. Society, left to parasites, complainers and various “victims,” erodes into chaos.

Obama’s uncharacteristic candor in a recent discussion with an Ohio small businessman, in which he admitted that he would inhibit that man’s success in order to “help” others of his choosing, let Obama’s cat out of the bag. Already, small businesspeople across the United States are thinking seriously about shutting down their businesses, of deciding to no longer validate a system that would loot their creativity on behalf of undeserving, perhaps even corrupt people.

This is a novel that is much hated, especially by utopian totalitarians everywhere, for its power of exposure and clarification of the sick mentality that animates the likes of Obama and his hordes of followers.

Richard Terrell, Lincoln

Remember Johanns’ record

When considering our choice for Nebraska’s state senator in this upcoming election, we will do well to remember Mike Johanns’ capricious political career.

Johanns left his job as mayor of Lincoln before completing his second term to run for governor. He then left his job as governor prior to his term’s being completed to become Secretary of Agriculture — for, arguably, the worst administration in our country’s history. He has recently vacated this position, precipitously, to run for Nebraska’s senator. What other whimsy might catch his wandering eye should he be elected senator this November?

His serial, premature evacuation of positions of public trust and service is not indicative of someone who has foremost in his mind the long-term interests of his constituents.

Larry McClung, Lincoln

Scott Kleeb a class act

I met Scott Kleeb through my dear friend, Mike Pittz, and was skeptical at first. I hadn’t visited with a politician who was so well educated, poised and knowledgeable without being arrogant until I met Kleeb. A year has passed, and I know he is an outstanding human being who can put Nebraska in better light. Mike and I have done our homework, marched the parades, laughed and taken time to get to know him and his family. You know that old saying that he is one of us? He is indeed.

The Nebraska State Education Association has officially endorsed Kleeb for the U.S. Senate because we need him. The average teacher salary in Nebraska has fallen in national rankings to 45th. We knew we would never be wealthy, that it would be tough at times financially, but our passion to inspire and to be a valuable part of providing the best education for children and young adults outweighed any negative aspect of entering this fine profession.

As the son of two teachers and as an educator himself, Kleeb understands firsthand the dedication we bring to work each day and the increasingly hefty additions outside the classroom. He can bring expertise and empathy to the table of No Child Left Behind reform. He can also ensure that students in our state have the resources necessary to be competitive in the world. Nebraska needs his competence and dignity in Washington.

Scott Kleeb is a class act we cannot lose.

Deborah T. McGinn, Lincoln

Scudder expertise vital

In light of our country’s financial crisis, the biggest challenges facing the University of Nebraska in the next decade are likely to be financial. Leading financial indicators all point to lower sales and income tax revenues in our state and more pressure on NU’s budget. The Board of Regents will need to act decisively and creatively to maintain and improve the quality of our university.

Earl Scudder has spent his adult life as an advocate for growing and prospering businesses and has served NU in such important positions as Foundation Board of Trustees, 2015 Vision, Task Force and Law College Capital Campaign chairman.

Scudder’s economic expertise, business judgment and leadership in complex financial transactions will enable him to see the big picture and not get bogged down in minor issues having little financial impact on NU. This will serve our university and Nebraska taxpayers well.

Don and Carole Burt, Lincoln

Not UNL’s finest hour

As John McCain complains about what the Democrats are doing to poor old Joe the “plumber,” he is busy destroying the life of a well-respected educator from the University of Illinois at Chicago named William Ayers in a feeble and frantic attempt to besmirch the reputation of Sen. Barack Obama. The Journal Star article Oct. 19, “Fear juggernaut,” told of the “manipulative,” “contagious” and “powerful” fear that can “coerce us to give up our rights, values and beliefs.” UNL should be congratulated for buying into the fear.

Ayers’ invitation to speak at UNL is not an “embarrassment to the University of Nebraska and the state of Nebraska,” as Gov. Dave Heineman maintains, but my alma mater’s decision to recall that invitation indeed is! A university should be a place where students learn to be better citizens, not a place where they are taught judgment and narrow-mindedness. President J.B. Milliken is so right: “This will not go down as the university’s or our state’s finest hour” — far from it, in fact.

Helen Hunter, Lincoln

Just one question

Regarding the LJS story (Oct. 19, “More roads for less money”): Mayor Chris Beutler’s road task force concluded, “In times of limited funds, the public needs to get by with less.”

I have no problem with the road funding. I just have one question, though: Will this conservative attitude apply to the West Haymarket development also? The taxpayers should get a break!

Steve Sehi, Lincoln

Leadership we need

I’d like to see new leadership in Washington. That’s why I’m supporting Scott Kleeb for U.S. Senate.

Kleeb is a leader who will support the family farm, who thinks the government should balance its checkbook like the rest of us and who believes in giving our kids a good education for a better future. That’s the kind of leadership we need.

We need leaders who will ensure affordable health care for all. Leaders who will crack down on the employers who hire and exploit illegal immigrants.

I’d like to see someone who will make a serious investment in our new energy economy, someone who won’t be sinking all of our money and young military men and women into a war in a country where we are not wanted. That’s the kind of leadership we need.

And that’s why I hope people will vote for Scott Kleeb for U.S. Senate.

Lana Novak, Lincoln

Baier deserves support

The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters is proud to endorse Barb Baier for Lancaster County commissioner.

In our telephone survey of Lancaster County residents conducted this September, 60 percent of respondents said government should be doing more to protect our land, air and water. Baier’s commitment to develop a Clean Water Act Plan for Lancaster County is long overdue and is essential to the quality of our rural streams and lakes.

The city of Lincoln developed such a plan more than 20 years ago, and county residents deserve the same protections for clean water. Baier’s proposal is systematic, cost-effective and prudent. She deserves voters’ support on Nov. 4.

Rick Poore, Nebraska League of Conservation Voters – PAC Endorsement Committee

Voting for Susan Scott

Talented women have been term-limited out of the Nebraska Legislature. Fortunately, new and highly qualified talent is ready to move into office and apply impressive credentials on behalf of all citizens. Such qualifications are needed to deal wisely with issues in Nebraska’s 101st legislative session in January.

My choice for District 29 is Susan Scott, who will bring to the legislative table many of the same perspectives that characterized Sen. DiAnna Schimek’s distinguished career as she served her district. Scott, a former public school teacher with a master’s in guidance and counseling, was executive director of the YWCA.

Her extensive community involvements, 20 or more, cannot be listed here. They include the Chamber of Commerce and virtually every type of organization serving disadvantaged citizens — persons of every creed and ethnic background. Nearly a dozen awards by a wide range of organizations have recognized her effective roles in improving the human condition throughout the Lincoln community.

Susan Scott is a five-year breast cancer survivor. She is athletic and has run all of Lincoln’s 31 marathons. That’s impressive, but I hope many others in the 29th District will join me in giving her a vote for what runs through her brain — a dedication to strong families, better jobs and educational opportunities that will enrich and strengthen the lives of all our citizens.

Gil Savery, Lincoln

Johanns one of the finest

As a former neighbor to Mike Johanns, I wanted to say that Mike is one of the finest people I know. He spent his time, without any compensation, to work with our family and an elderly uncle to clarify legal questions related to an estate. He also visited, more than once, with the hospitalized uncle to reassure him that his legal matters were resolved and with much compassion brought peace of mind to him.

Mike has integrity, is intelligent, caring, a hard worker and certainly the type of advocate we should be sending to represent Nebraskans in Washington.

Mary Betten, Lincoln