Letters, 11/7: Obama wins, America loses
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Hope.
Saturday night my Cornhuskers lost. They will survive.
The next day my Green Bay Packers lost. They will also survive.
Tuesday night America lost. Will we survive? I pray to God we will.
I pray to God that my grandchildren will learn the Pledge of Allegiance and be taught to place their hands over their heart. I pray that they will learn to love America and stand in respect when the national anthem is played.
I pray that they will know the value of hard work and would choose to work for less if necessary than receive welfare checks, and teach someone how to fish instead of just giving them a fish.
I pray that when they are the best qualified for a position they applied for, they will receive it.
I pray that my grandchildren will not be penalized for hard work, making good business decisions, hiring other people, becoming successful and lose most of it to the government so the government can share the wealth.
I pray that my grandchildren will be able to go to the church of their choice and use the Lord’s name in public.
I pray that they will know the value of human life and not endorse abortion.
I pray that when my grandchildren’s neighbor is hurting they will help the best they can instead of thinking it is not their responsibility but the government’s.
I pray that when my grandchildren are in a group of people who are preaching hatred they will get up and walk out instead of staying there for 20 years.
I pray that my grandchildren will realize that they live in the greatest nation in the world and do what they can to improve it.
I pray my grandchildren know they are judged by the company they keep.
I pray to God that the government will get out of their lives and allow them to succeed.
Gail Skinner, Lincoln
You get what you pay for
Jackie McCullough’s Local View column in the Wednesday Lincoln Journal Star provides important information and perspective on issues other than cost that are involved in the Antelope Valley Project.
These were missing from the Journal Star’s series of articles, which seemed focused only on the cost of this project. As anyone knows who has endured any major renovation project, having an experienced contractor who is competent to deal with any surprises is absolutely essential.
Such necessary expertise does not come cheaply, however. Moreover, as we all know from our own experiences, one generally gets what one pays for.
Certainly the cost of the Antelope Valley Project is newsworthy, but providing the perspective that educates voters regarding the reasons for what seem like cost increases (as done in McCullough’s article) is also essential.
Anthony F. Starace, Lincoln
Ayers beyond just radical
Two articles from Sunday’s Journal Star detail the recent William Ayers controversy and describe Ayers as a “former radical,” a “radical activist in the 1960s and ’70s” and “a 1960s and ’70s radical.”
Neither article reports that Ayers participated in terroristic activity and has never clearly repented or repudiated this activity.
There have doubtless been numerous “radicals” and “activists” from both ends of the political spectrum to speak at UNL.
The controversy is a result of Ayers’ notorious means of propagating his cause, not the content of his speech or beliefs. The failure to report this relevant information is at best a disservice to the Journal Star’s readers.
Jeffrey J. Springer, Lincoln
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Sarah wrote on November 7, 2008 1:17 am:
Mindless Robot wrote on November 7, 2008 3:43 am:
Sounds like one of those goofy e-mails that the Pat Robertson and James Dobson send out. "
Proud Liberal wrote on November 7, 2008 5:04 am:
How sad that you, at this historical moment in time, choose not to be inspired by the election to be president of a man who is the very embodiment of the American Dream, an event that has people around the world rushing to the streets to celebrate with tears of joy in their eyes. Instead, you choose to be cynical and fearful. Your letter reminds me that I also need to include you and your ilk in my future prayers. "
Ralph wrote on November 7, 2008 5:22 am:
davidb wrote on November 7, 2008 5:27 am:
Me too wrote on November 7, 2008 5:35 am:
I pray that real wages keep pace with increasing productivity, instead of stagnating while the distribution of income widens.
I pray that people spend less energy fretting over the lie that someone is trying to take away their religious freedom, and more energy on living their religious principals while repecting other's freedom.
I too pray that my children value human life, and reject torture in our name and the flawed application of the death penalty.
I pray that when the problems are too large for individuals or charities to solve on their own, that people realize that the government is just an extension of ourselves, and are open to government solutions when they make sense.
I pray that people walk in another's shoes lest their judement be clouded by ingorance.
I pray that fear and division recede and we work together to make this country even greater than it is. "
Joe wrote on November 7, 2008 5:39 am:
obviously America chose wrote on November 7, 2008 6:03 am:
Wow wrote on November 7, 2008 6:14 am:
Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 6:36 am:
Dan wrote on November 7, 2008 6:38 am:
Leon wrote on November 7, 2008 6:44 am:
I think someone needs to pray for you. "
And Gail I pray wrote on November 7, 2008 6:48 am:
Me too...I Pray wrote on November 7, 2008 6:50 am:
joe wrote on November 7, 2008 6:57 am:
give the guy a chance. when GW won in 2004 the religious right said it was gods will, well guess what so is Obama. "
Thank you for rejecting McCain wrote on November 7, 2008 7:04 am:
Lyndon Johnson said that he would rather have "his enemies inside the tent urinating out than outside the tent urinating in". Abe Lincoln said "keep your friends close but your enemies closer". Agree with them or not, they were both very effective Presidents.
Compare that to George Bush. He is surrounded by yes-men brown-nosers and is so intellectually incurious that it would be surprising if he could ever make a good, balanced decision.
Only unreasonable people like George Bush are so rigid that they only want to hear ideas from their yes-men that support his own corrupt beliefs. God bless Obama "
MP wrote on November 7, 2008 7:13 am:
I forsee the constitution being restored after being badly damaged by Bush & Co. We will no longer have the gov't snooping through our mail, snail or e-mail, listening to our phone calls or going through our homes without a warrant. Our rights to choose what we do to our bodies will not be restricted and we will be able to worship, or not and to whatever god, allah, yahwe or whatever as we please. And no, there will be no redistribution of wealth like some claim. The redistribution will come because of job creation here and not overseas. There will actually be a middle class. No more of the rich and the working poor that the current administration tried to force on us and McCain supported by giving all the tax cuts to the rich and none to the working class.
Hold you head up high because a bright, new future is ahead of us if you believe that we can work together for a better country. "
Common Citizen wrote on November 7, 2008 7:14 am:
I did hear on the radio that some folks think that now with the "Change" in progress that they don't have to pay for gas now, nor their mortgage, etc. I would like a piece of that pie. I just don't know how to go about it....... Oh well, back to work. "
Hey Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 7:21 am:
To Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 7:26 am:
TJ wrote on November 7, 2008 7:27 am:
STF wrote on November 7, 2008 7:40 am:
Pied Piper of Chicago wrote on November 7, 2008 7:41 am:
I agree with Sarah wrote on November 7, 2008 7:58 am:
Jack wrote on November 7, 2008 7:59 am:
Err wrote on November 7, 2008 8:02 am:
Proud mom wrote on November 7, 2008 8:03 am:
Your comments about fish, are puzzling? President Obama is all about hard work, have you not looked into what he has done with his life? Please explain to me how helping your neighbor, someone who perhaps...was ill, lost their job and is homeless...wrong? No one is asking for a handout...but I believe as Obama does, that we have a moral obligation to help those in need, just like Jesus preached to "help the poor".
I bet, your taxes will be lower with Obama in the White house
Obama honor's life, he is not PRO abortion, he believes that WOMEN not men need to make that difficult and personal choice, he wants abortion to be a rare thing, by offering birth control and education to those who are sexually active. WHY, DO YOU NOT HONOR Life already born?? PLEASE answer that....what about the thousands of children who have died in Iraq, by our occupation there?
Isn't it grand that your Grandchildren, now see many things are possible with hard work, that a black man...can become President...what a joyful thing for them!
My dear...Government has never been so entrenched in our lives as it has been for the last 8 years, their involvement in No Child left Behind is a good example. (Which by every measure is a failure) I suggest you educate yourself on facts and be grateful we live in a country that has the ability to think for themselves and go beyond the lies you have been fed.
For my children, I'm thrilled that we finally have a president committed to protecting our earth, for my children, I'm thrilled we now have a president with some intellect, for my children, I'm happy that we will have a president with GOOD judgment about our national security and a president that will raise our leadership globally. My children...soon will not have to be worried bout unsafe imports from countries whose safety standards are lax "
Outside the Box wrote on November 7, 2008 8:14 am:
I'm pretty sure the responsibility for these items begins at home. I learned the anthem and the pledge from my parents, and they instilled a healthy love and respect for country in me.
Unless President Elect Obama comes to your grandchildren's house or he issues a proclamation banning these items, you only need to pray for your continued capacity to do the right thing. "
regail wrote on November 7, 2008 8:29 am:
i pray that the cornhuskers beat the jayhwaks & that my latte' is made with just the right amount of sugar and isn't so hot that it burns my tongue. "
mitchy_v wrote on November 7, 2008 8:32 am:
Papapotato wrote on November 7, 2008 8:32 am:
If you ever finish with your prayers, you may want to consider getting behind this president and working together to fix the immense problems created by the outgoing administration. You may find that the world will still make sense and nobody will be depriving you of your important values. "
Thank You Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 8:58 am:
Smarty wrote on November 7, 2008 9:09 am:
I get soooo tired of people who vote based on one issue... namely their religion.
I'm sure you sat down and wrote this letter thinking it was turning out to be some literary masterpiece. It came off as comedy gold to me. LOL.
Here's an idea, how about you help raise those grandchildren you're so worried about to be good people, and quit being such a drama queen. "
Ted wrote on November 7, 2008 9:15 am:
Bush is gone, America wins. See, Bush may be a good guy, good father, good friend, good husband, he may even have Americas best interest at heart. But as president he is incompatent, lacks the intelligence to see the nuances of situations, and sourounds himself with inteligent but evil people who used their influence over him to start undeeded wars, deny children healthcare, run the middle class into the ground, all so they could line their own pockets.
Gail, if you listened to Obama, or even McCain instead of AM radio you would know that Obama shares your opinions "
JB wrote on November 7, 2008 9:17 am:
Sodbuster wrote on November 7, 2008 9:22 am:
You've got more faith, apparently, in the Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers than the United States of America.
It is sad to think that even people of the right-wing fringe (which apparently includes you, Gail) do not see the historic nature of this election, and that we have taken a huge and dramatic step towards being "a more perfect" union.
To Gail - and those who agree with him - remember that we live in a democracy which values freedom of speech and the ability of the citizenry to change our government by the ballot and not the bullet. On Tuesday, the people of this nation spoke in a very symbolic way. Even if you do not agree with the outcome, you should be proud of our nation. As I watched the images coming across the screen on Tuesday night, I saw a nation with renewed hope and confidence. A nation which now truly knows that perhaps anyone can become President of the United States. I saw a nation which had in large part rejected the politics of fear and division.
Gail - YOU are the one who needs our prayers now. "
CS wrote on November 7, 2008 9:26 am:
James the Liberal wrote on November 7, 2008 9:29 am:
T wrote on November 7, 2008 9:45 am:
to gail wrote on November 7, 2008 9:45 am:
Less Godverment wrote on November 7, 2008 9:53 am:
OIF Vet wrote on November 7, 2008 10:08 am:
to the truth wrote on November 7, 2008 10:10 am:
DB wrote on November 7, 2008 10:28 am:
If you want your child to pray in school, send them to a parochial school. "
RE Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 10:28 am:
Well wrote on November 7, 2008 11:04 am:
plan and Will. Have you not read about the Great Flood, or Sodom & Gomorrah?? We can only study and live according to God's Will and be
thankful for His Blessings. Sometimes He answers our prayers and other
time He does not, we can only leave our lives in His Hands. Judging is
not what He put us here to do, but to know right from wrong we are to
learn from the Scriptures. "
ben wrote on November 7, 2008 11:15 am:
MarkyMark wrote on November 7, 2008 11:22 am:
We have a President-Elect that goes to church, and uses the Lord' name in public.
We have a President-Elect that puts his hand over his heart while reciting the Pledge of Allegience, AND stands with respect when the National Anthem plays.
We have a President-Elect that will teach a man to fish, and then won't turn around and pollute his fisheries.
We have a President-Elect that won't refer to the working middle-class as welfare recipients and whiners, actually cares about the middle class, and won't mention them only on an election year. A real tax cut for the Middle Class is long overdue.
We have a President-Elect that cares about our children and grandchildren and will work hard to stop the chronic Republican practice of dumping trillions of debt in their lap creating a a blighted, depressed American future.
We have a President-Elect, who when in a large group of people preaching hate, will get up and walk out of the Republican Convention, or turn off AM radio.
We have a President-Elect who would not dream of lying to Congress in order to drum up support for a war to impress his daddy, or drive the price of oil through the roof for his cronies.
We have a President-Elect that will actually work hard to prevent any future terrorist attacks, rather than ignore it, until it's too late.
We have a President-Elect that highly values human life. He will not treat our soldiers as disposable pawns in a game of "Cowboy drives up oil", or kill off half the country we are "saving". He will get what's left of our troops back home to their families, as soon as humanly possible.
We have a President-Elect that will hopefully re-instate some of the regulations, to keep big business, and corporate crooks in check, to stop them from draining our hard earned retirement savings.
We have a President-Elect that will govern with positive things about America, rather than ruling and campaigning in fear in order to chase his agenda.
We have a president elect who is intelligent, ethical, and decisive.
America wins! Your prayers have been answered. "
hskred wrote on November 7, 2008 11:31 am:
Dear Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 11:35 am:
Meanwhile: I pray that all Americans get to go to the church of their choice. I pray that the lives of all Americans are held in value instead of small, select groups of Americans. I also pray that your grandchildren will get up and walk out of rallys like Sarah Palin was sponsoring during the election. I pray your grandchildren will live the kind of lives that will allow the government to not have to oversee their behavior. And I already know your grandchildren will live in a country that is great and that keeps getting greater as it did last Tuesday. How ironic that those you claim they love this country so dearly, try so hard to keep it from becoming the land of the free. "
george wrote on November 7, 2008 11:37 am:
why do so many (definitely not all) Christians lack compassion & are filled with such hatred for people who don't think like they do? "
well not quite wrote on November 7, 2008 11:39 am:
DearGail wrote on November 7, 2008 12:13 pm:
To Jack wrote on November 7, 2008 12:18 pm:
Chad Miller wrote on November 7, 2008 12:18 pm:
Zoomie wrote on November 7, 2008 12:29 pm:
I, a liberal who loves my nation, am extremely grateful to now have as President-Elect a man who actually taught Constitutional Law to students in law school, and who I believe will restore respect and obeying our Constitution to the White House! "
Another Christian wrote on November 7, 2008 12:39 pm:
Fearless wrote on November 7, 2008 12:41 pm:
Ignignokt wrote on November 7, 2008 1:07 pm:
There is VAST difference between being 'not guilty beyond all reasonable doubt' and being 'innocent'. "
Doom and Gloom wrote on November 7, 2008 1:10 pm:
g wrote on November 7, 2008 1:17 pm:
So the packers lost to the titans. Do you hate Tennessee?
So the Mccain lost to the Obama. Do you hate the majority of Americans?
Or were you talking about Prop 8? Yeah, America did lose that. "
jn wrote on November 7, 2008 1:40 pm:
Godly thoughts wrote on November 7, 2008 1:59 pm:
I'm confused Gail. You voted for the fornicating, adulterer. Then you put down the faithful Christian, in your ranting letter? Are you attacking Christianity or are you just confused? "
I wrote on November 7, 2008 2:10 pm:
P.S. and I even voted for the other guy. But you don't hear me whining about how the country is going to curl up and die...because it won't. "
Linda wrote on November 7, 2008 2:10 pm:
Kari wrote on November 7, 2008 2:34 pm:
Concerned wrote on November 7, 2008 2:56 pm:
Darren wrote on November 7, 2008 2:57 pm:
Sam wrote on November 7, 2008 2:59 pm:
The version of America that wraps itself up in the flag and sanctimoniously brays about patriotism yet fails to grasp the difference between that and jingoism.
The version of America that proclaims itself to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ but which ignores His teachings by promoting policies that make the rich richer at the expense of the poor and by pointing the finger of hate and derision at those who don't agree with your narrow minded politics.
A version of America that rationalizes greed and cares not about helping out those less fortunate, in direct contradiction to what Christ taught us.
The version of America that measures a person's love of country by whether he or she agrees with the agenda of the current president or wears a flag lapel pin (check out John McCain in the presidential debates).
The version of America that proclaims itself "pro-life', yet is only concerned with unborn babies but not the least bit with those already born into a life of misery and poverty and which supports capital punishment.
A version of America that pretends we don't need affirmative action to level the playing field for minorities after almost two centuries of discrimination.
A version of America in which the government is not in the business of improving people's lives unless they are white, rich, or members of corporations.
A version of America in which the government turned a record budget surplus into a deficit by providing a tax cut to the wealthy and by engaging in unnecessary hostilities against a country that posed no viable threat to our security and served no purpose other than useless political posturing.
And that version of America, frankly, I'd be very happy to lose. "
To Gail wrote on November 7, 2008 3:15 pm:
Formerly Depressed wrote on November 7, 2008 3:25 pm:
joseph wrote on November 7, 2008 4:05 pm:
ururpast wrote on November 7, 2008 4:13 pm:
Quote from Proud Liberal:"How sad that you, at this historical moment in time, choose not to be inspired by the election to be president of a man who is the very embodiment of the American Dream..."
My response is, "How sad that at this historical moment in time, that President Obama and his wife did not speak much about how they ARE the epitomy of the American Dream, not just for blacks but for everyone!"
As for other nations and how they react....I cannot even imagine that anyone should care who we elect anymore than we care who they choose. They don't live here, and we don't live there! Countries will work together, or not, as it benefits them! "
hopemonger wrote on November 7, 2008 4:17 pm:
I pray that we will now have a government who prefers to try to prevent wars before they start, rather than use pre-emptive strikes. I pray that our government will no longer be in bed (figuratively and literally) with lobbyists and the oil companies. I pray that we have a government which works for everyone, and not just the rich and large corporations. I pray that we will have a country were all men (and women) are created equal (including homosexuals). I pray in these hard times we will come together as a nation to work together to restore America to greatness. After all, there is not a black America or a white America; not a conservative America or liberal America; but a United States of America.
Gail, if you will actually listen to what Obama has to say rather than listen to the smears and propaganda, you will find out that a lot of what you think about Obama is false. Obama talks a lot about personal responsibility. He believes that if people are willing to work they should earn a living wage. He is not looking to give everyone handouts. He does not believe that government can solve all our problems. Obama states that nobody is pro-abortion, and we should try to reduce the need for abortion by reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, and promoting the option of adoption. He is not Muslim and is not going to take “your God” out of you or your childrens’ lives. Tuesday night, McCain lost, not America. We had more people become involved in our political process than have for the past 100 years. People were involved for both parties. And not just by voting, but even before then, by making calls, knocking on doors, and volunteering their time. America won. Gail, I pray for you and all the other small-minded people like you. "
ururpast wrote on November 7, 2008 4:39 pm:
"...America's majority chose this man, so give him a chance."
How about he gets the same chance the last one got? Seems equal and fair to me.
MP wrote: "... We will no longer have the gov't snooping through our mail, snail or e-mail, listening to our phone calls or going through our homes without a warrant...."
What did you do to have them do that to you? They never did that to me. But, I don't think I was writing, phoning, or emailing anyone who would be of interest to them, nor did I have anything in my home they would want.
Common Citizen wrote:.."I did hear on the radio that some folks think that now with the "Change" in progress that they don't have to pay for gas now, nor their mortgage, etc..."
And, wouldn't you just love to be there when the light bulb goes on in the head of the little gal from FL as she realizes that Pres Obama isn't going to fill her tank and pay her mtg, as she thought?
Proud Mom wrote:..."Isn't it grand that your Grandchildren, now see many things are possible with hard work, that a black man...can become President...what a joyful thing for them!"
Do you not wonder at all why Barack and Michelle did not see that as a message worth giving over and over, instead of how they couldn't find anything to be proud of as Americans until he was nominated? It is wonderful...but, HE didn't give the message!
I was listening. What he is promising is not within the constrains of the Constitution. And, that is what we, as Americans, should be about. Not how fast we can get someone else to give us something...but,what we can earn for ourselves at whatever level we want to live.
Note: I was not given any choice on one side of the ticket. That was done for me by all the other states trying to impose their will. I was not a McCain fan.
Primaries for federal offices should be held, just as the General Election is held... all on the same day, and from the same hours local time. Let the state's do what they want with their issues at another time. And, one of the first things some states should figure out is how to let their people know they can vote absentee, and keep from standing in lines that may not end before 8pm, or else invest in more voting booths. "
Jason wrote on November 7, 2008 4:41 pm:
It’s astonishing that you’re questioning whether America will survive with Obama after 8 years of Bush. In Obama we have someone who seemingly has the charisma of JFK, the integrity and intelligence of Jimmy Carter, the assertiveness and leadership of Ronald Reagan, and the political savvy and skill of Bill Clinton. He’s quite possibly the most solid and well rounded person we’ve ever had as president, and you’re worried he’s going to ruin the country that’s been run into the ground by maybe the worst president in history. Give Obama a chance Gail. I’m sure you’d expect the same thing from the rest of us if McCain had won. "
ururpast wrote on November 7, 2008 4:43 pm:
To Joseph wrote on November 7, 2008 4:49 pm:
Mr. T wrote on November 7, 2008 5:24 pm:
I'll support Obama as our President, but that does not mean I have to agree with his policies/views. Only time will tell if he can lead our country as well as he can speak about leading. My biggest prayer is that in 4 years our freedom is the same as it is now. "
Be very afraid wrote on November 7, 2008 5:32 pm:
I guess a lot of Nebraskans will now boycott Omaha. "
why is it..... wrote on November 7, 2008 5:59 pm:
Also, the government needs to have some control over those they govern. This whole argument against President-Elect Obama wanting to "spread the wealth" is no different than what our country's graduated tax system was designed to do. Those that make substantially more than others should pay a higher percentage of tax to fund the government programs which benefit all Americans. I just don't see how someone can argue against this? I mean, it's not like someone making $1,000,000 annually has to turn over $750,000 to the government because they exceeded the so-called "earnings ceiling". They will just have to pay a higher percentage of tax on that $750,000. They are still making substantially more money than most Americans even after they pay the higher tax bill. "
Jeff W. wrote on November 7, 2008 6:03 pm: