Did Larry the Cable Guy sign the Declaration of Independence? Did Larry the Cable Guy cross the Potomac? Did Larry the Cable Guy win three national championships during the '90s? Then why do we change a national tradition for a redneck jokester?

I appreciate what Larry has done for the great state of Nebraska, but changing the Fourth of July fireworks display in Lincoln is unpatriotic.

I have planned my vacation, two months ago mind you, to arrive in Lincoln on the Fourth of July to celebrate Independence Day.

I, along with most other people, have to work on July 3; changing this tradition is pure blasphemy. I guess we should just change Christmas to Saturday the 26th so it's more convenient, or maybe go trick-or-treating in June while the weather is better. I think this is very disrespectful to the people of Lincoln, the visitors to Lincoln, and the men and women who have so honorably given their lives for freedom!

This is otherwise one of the greatest cities in the world. I'm just sad that Lincoln has decided to lose its patriotism this year.

Michael Peshek, Denver

Disregard for the law

I wholeheartedly agree with Larry Claassen ("Noise objectionable," letter, July 1). His response to Berk Brown was right on the money.

I know from personal experience that dog and cat owners go to great lengths to keep their pets as calm as possible during the time leading up to and including the Fourth of July. Does anyone remember the dog that jumped through a plate glass window trying to get away from the noise?

The fact that many people have no consideration for their neighbors and shoot illegal fireworks before and after the Fourth has nothing to do with freedom. It is simply brazen disregard for the law.

Is that what is required to celebrate our independence? I don't think so.

Charles Brown, Lincoln

Cheers to psych board

I personally want to thank the state board of psychology for their sound reasoning in dismissing blatant ignorance by the Nebraska Catholic Conference ("Psychologists reject moral conflict proposal," June 25). The proposed conscience clause promoted silence toward the issues surrounding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Silencing the conversation can lead to the most extreme bigotry, prejudice and hate in our communities. If we truly want to understand why people are the way they are, then we must listen to one another. However, it never makes sense to me that people think open discrimination toward gay Nebraskans doesn't affect them personally.

It's like they're immune, or perhaps blind, to their own biases.

Well, this time it's downright absurd to believe that denying services or referrals to openly gay people in need of a therapist goes against their conscience even though such mental health services benefit someone's family member, close friend, neighbor down the block, co-worker, a school kid or even a fellow member of a shared religious faith.

I often wonder how pious people are who believe it is OK to deny the rights of their gay loved ones? Regardless of what faith viewpoint an individual may hold, it is as simple as saying that gay Americans are your family members, your friends, your neighbors, etc.

We have every right to be treated fairly and equally along with our heterosexual brothers, sisters and peers. It should be about time that all of us are held to the same standards the privileged few enjoy. After all, Nebraska is known to have "Equality Before the Law" for each of its citizens. Right?

Luke Peterson, Lincoln