Posted: Friday, August 18, 2006 7:00 pm
I see that even as oil companies post record profits that Alaska and the federal government continue to offer them tax breaks to drill for yet more oil.
Amazing! If we’d put that money into developing alternative sources of energy, we’d be way ahead. Ohh, wait … alternative fuel companies don’t contribute nearly as much to politicians as oil and gas companies. Amazing how politicians like Dubya and Hagel can be bought and paid for by oil and gas companies.
Bruce Stephens, Lincoln
Super-rich Man
I sat looking at the 300th Pete Ricketts ad and thought “Who does he remind me of?” I had just seen the latest “Superman” movie and it came to me: Lex Luthor. In this case, his secret identity might be “Super-rich Man.”
I guess the theory is if we hear a name often enough, we will love the person and let him control our destiny. It almost worked in Metropolis!
Ricketts could be the best thing that could happen to Nebraska. It’s just that it reminds me that more and more we (in a way) worship the rich. Donald Trump is everywhere and we’re supposed to love it. I can take some of Pete and a little of Donald, but these folks seem to want the “whole show.”
Ever wonder why small business can’t afford many TV ads? It’s because the rich and the corporations have raised the bar and monopolize.
I really don’t know who has the most money, Pete or Ben. I don’t want to know. I just want less of these annoying ads and maybe give a chance to some “small-ville” business men or women to play the game too! Level the field!
I don’t believe that only rich politicians can come up with good ideas. I don’t want my mind monopolized by Lex Luthor, a politician, a minister or anyone.
And there’s got to be a better use for money, considering the state of the world. Bill Gates is becoming a “super-good” example.
Robert Ayres, Holdrege
A less dramatic story
I was surprised to see your article on Americans for Limited Government (“Group led by N.Y. mogul funded petition drives,” Aug. 10), especially since no one contacted me for comment.
Perhaps that was part of the plan, since the reality of the situation is much less dramatic than your story implied. It’s also much more mundane than conspiracy theorists — or those who would like to distract from the real issues at hand — would like.
Americans for Limited Government is proud to support groups that are working for limited, accountable government across the country. We broadcast this on our Web site, in our newsletters and in just about every communication we have with reporters. I guess we could skywrite it over Omaha, but then fans of big government would probably accuse us of subliminal advertising.
It’s no secret that we’re helping out the Nebraska SOS coalition. This year, we have been inundated with requests from local groups for help, and we’re happy to do so.
As for America at its Best, it is another group that shares our mission: helping local activists in their uphill climb against big money, special interests, and, often, politicians. They have done a great job of supporting campaigns for responsible state spending, which is precisely why we support them. When it comes to other issues, on health care or otherwise, America at its Best will fund who it chooses to fund.
If it decided to fund, say, a Center for Responsible Journalism, it would be completely free to do that. In fact, that’s sounding like a better idea all the time.
Heather Wilhelm, Chicago,
director of communications,
Americans for Limited Government
Just leave the money
Cost to bring family to Ribfest:
Gas, $15; enter Ribfest, $18; enjoy Ribfest, $120; the parking ticket on my windshield on a Saturday, $10.
Moved same car to park in another spot to go see a movie with same family in same town. I put the ticket back on the windshield when I put in my money at the meter, but said meter, outside a movie theater, was only good for one hour.
It felt like: Bring your money to Lincoln, drop it off, and get out.
No thanks, Lincoln. I’ll go to Omaha.
Lee Holthus, Syracuse