Noise objectionable

In his Local View ("Reconsider fireworks laws," LJS, June 28), Berk Brown cites several reasons to adopt Missouri-style fireworks laws in Nebraska. He lists less damaging fires than those caused by Christmas trees, lost tax revenue and government "obligation to only make laws that truly protect the public."

Yet nowhere in his rationale does he include what many of us find the most objectionable part of out-of-control fireworks - the noise. Brown would like to see laws enforcing safety without restricting our freedoms, and I agree.

But I also have the right to reasonable celebration without being forced to endure shotgun-like blasts or what sounds like the occasional stick of dynamite. The window-rattling explosions we are all treated to every year, courtesy of Missouri, are a clear disturbance of the peace, and they need to be stopped.

They terrify our pets, wake us up from sound sleep and are totally unnecessary to enjoying the patriotic experience. Like so many others with opinions about our current fireworks laws, Brown just doesn't get it. It is not just an economic nor a safety issue. Lincoln's fireworks laws, for example, should be emulated across the state, but a handful of police officers are no match for thousands of lawbreakers.

What we don't need, as Brown's column implies, is to surrender to the illegal behavior of people with no consideration for their community, their neighbors or the discipline that goes with self-governing freedom.

Not humane

Larry Claassen, Lincoln

What level of thinking is required to understand that crowding cattle into feedlots with no shade and no chance of any breeze moving between them is not healthy ("Cattle heat deaths could hit thousands," June 27)?

If they are prevented from cooling their bodies, they will die. Period! There is nothing humane about that treatment.

D. James McCabe, South Bend

Preserve Hartsuff

I read the Local View ("Fort Hartsuff is a state gem," June 25) by Jeff Barnes in regard to the decision to cut off funding to Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, a unique historic spot near Burwell.

I appreciate the good work of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and our family has enjoyed various areas over the years.

Sometimes it is a value that goes beyond the income, the dollars brought in, that needs evaluation. This spot may be small, but it is significant and would disappear if not cared for.

In comparison, Mahoney park is a totally nonhistoric manmade site for amusement off the interstate. A loss of some of its budget would not make much difference in the long run.

I know that teachers in Omaha and Lincoln and environs have many gardens, Heritage schools, art museums, science museums, etc., to use as a way to spark interest through field trips.

But the people in that region of Nebraska are far from places such as Sheldon Museum of Art or the Strategic Air & Space Museum, and they can teach much about American life and Nebraska history with a trip to Fort Hartsuff. As a teacher, I know that visiting places of historic significance is what sparks lifelong learning.

That is why when traveling, we stop at places like Fort Hartsuff. The value of maintaining a historic place should not be totally overshadowed by the almighty dollar, even as we tighten our budgets.

I hope Game and Parks can find a way to preserve Fort Hartsuff.

Sarah Bauman, Lincoln