Hey, this is gonna be exciting.

Lincolnites are approaching a huge decision about the city’s future.

About who we are and what we want our city to be.

The proposed new sports and entertainment arena comes wrapped in a package of Haymarket developments that would transform the city from its essentially passive character into an active player.

That’s a cultural change to consider.

It’s probably the moment of truth.

Lots to talk about before we make our decision.

It shouldn’t be an automatic no because it costs money. All investments and improvements do.

And it shouldn’t be an automatic yes until we learn everything about it.

There are subtexts to consider:  An economic shot in the arm, a big-time development that will spur more of the same, but also a more vibrant and attractive city, perhaps especially for younger people.  

And could that also be an attractive prospect for businesses that want to lure and keep workers?  

And for parents and grandparents who would like to see their children and grandchildren be able to choose among attractive cities and opportunities that include staying here or one day coming home?

For the sports fan, could this offer the breakthrough opportunity to build a Nebraska basketball program?

So, would Doc get an opportunity to offer suggestions for the arena that would make it more attractive to recruits and perhaps enhance home-court advantage?

But questions need to be answered about whether the arena has a good opportunity to be successful.

Start with Husker basketball.

Then walk over to the UNL campus and ask 23,000 music-lovers to name the bands they want to see and book ‘em.

Seems that would be a good start.

But is that enough?  We need to know more.

Supporters of the project are seeking suggestions from us now and appear committed to providing all the information we need before a likely vote next spring.

So let’s ask the questions and get everything we need.

Lincoln, we’ve got a decision to make.  

This should be fun.

Unkindest cuts

What will history say about George W. Bush?

Get a chance to ask David Gergen that question and you grab it.

“If history were written today, it would be very unkind to George W. Bush,” Gergen answers, speaking over his cell phone as his car nears the Denver airport.

“Very few accomplishments and some terrible mistakes, such as the Iraq war.”

If Iraq were to “turn dramatically” in the direction forecast by Bush — a strong, secure and stable example of democracy emerging in the Middle East — the president’s  stock could rise substantially over time, Gergen says.

For the moment, Bush’s reputation is tied “almost solely to Iraq,” he says, but there also are growing questions about the president’s stewardship of the economy.

“I think it’s way too early” to assess his presidency, Gergen says.

“The Bush people think he’s Harry Truman,” destined to rise in stature over time.

But Truman’s defenders “could point to a series of accomplishments,” Gergen says.

As the next president makes mistakes, which he surely will, Bush may begin to “look a little bit better,” he says.

“And there are some areas where he can make a valuable contribution” after his presidency, Gergen says, perhaps including public school reform.

Neck and neck

New 2nd District Democratic poll shows Barack Obama and John McCain virtually even in measurements of approval and disapproval.

The figures for Bush tip substantially toward disapproval.

That seems to point toward an effort to tie McCain securely to Bush as Obama seeks a presidential electoral vote in the metropolitan Omaha congressional district.

Jim Esch trailed Lee Terry by a single digit in the poll.  

Finishing up

* Ben Nelson surrogate-campaigned for Obama last week at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines and in Atlantic.

* Derek Chollet, co-author of the much-acclaimed “America Between the Wars,” went to school at Sheridan and Irving and graduated from Lincoln Southeast.

* State Fair Senate debate on Saturday.  Open air auditorium, 11 a.m., music provided by passing high school bands.

* Hard times: ConAgra Foods CEO’s compensation fell from $14.2 million last year to $12.7 million in fiscal 2008.

* Coming soon: The drums of August, reverberating on campus and echoing downtown, heralding the rapid approach of Husker football.

* Uh, sir, while you’re here, how does the T. Boone Pickens Arena sound?  We’ll throw in an OSU Cowboy statue and power the place with wind turbines.

* Yikes, was that a Yankee logo attached to the tombstone on the New York Post front page last week?

* But, if the Yanks aren’t in it, what’s post-season for?

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.