The Public Pulse: Side-by-side, I decided; What is private schools disappeared?
Side-by-side
That was a really eye-opening side-by-side feature with Preston Love and and Pete Ricketts on Oct. 13. One candidate offered a whole range of ideas, expressed with confidence and healthy optimism. The other seems fixated on one single subject: his deep fear of the world around him. He seems to be convinced that the American way of life is under attack, and only Republicans can save us from it. Sen. Ricketts, I live in the real world, and I'm not afraid. If you're trying to scare me into voting for you, you failed.
Jordan Stump,
On Measure 435
There are multiple comments and television ads supporting the repealing of Section 1 of Legislative Bill 1402 where proposed Measure 435 would provide $10 million to fund education scholarships to pay for all or part of the cost to educate eligible students attending non-governmental or privately operated elementary or secondary schools in Nebraska.
It would be interesting to see what would happen financially and logistically to all of Nebraska's public school districts if these private schools would temporarily suspend their operations for one year. Something to think about!
Dan Zack,
Government spending
I see a lot of people have strong feelings on government spending, or overspending. I certainly understand and share their concern. And, there is a lot of finger-pointing, accusations, and, in some cases, misinformation flying around. From our civics classes, we learned that all government fiscal policy, budgeting, appropriations and taxes are developed and initiated in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House is led, directed, and controlled by the Republican Party.
Duane Miller,
Think before voting
I was a "hereditary Republican." Dad and Mom were Republicans, therefore I must be as well. Right?
However, from watching, learning, experiencing and thinking about life over my 86 years, two things changed me. One is seeing those working for the common good of all. "The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members." — Mahatma Gandhi.
The other is the most necessary requisite for any national leader: good character. We desire to be lifted up by those who have integrity of character as a model for us and the children and grandchildren of our society. Martin Luther King Jr. stated this well in his "I Have a Dream" speech as "the content of their character."
Think before voting. How do the candidates treat others and what kind of character do you want? Never stop learning!
George J. Lippert,
Man in the arena
To all those who criticize Donald Trump while sitting on the sidelines I can only be reminded of Theodore Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic" speech in 1910 at the Sorbonne in Paris.
To make my point, I'll reference Roosevelt's final part of the Paris speech:"who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
At least Trump is in the arena, the other candidate is not.
Kelly Kaluza,
On sustainable aviation fuel
Over the past 18 months, in my capacity as the executive director of Falls City Economic Development & Growth Enterprise, Inc., I have been actively pursuing opportunities to position Falls City and Southeast Nebraska as a focal point for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development. This fuel has the potential to reduce aviation emissions by capitalizing on Nebraska-grown agricultural byproducts that have previously gone unused. I have been attending industry conferences and conducting in-depth market research to gain insight into this rapidly developing industry and the ways it can drive economic development across our region.
Our new Mid-America Rail Campus, located just south of Falls City, represents a significant opportunity to support SAF production, and we see this as a chance to create an anchor project that will stimulate local growth. With support from USDA grants, we have conducted research into local feedstocks, such as corn stover, to attract SAF developers. The potential economic impact of SAF on our community is profound — supporting jobs, boosting local income, and driving innovation right here in Southeast Nebraska.
U.S. Rep. Mike Flood's leadership, as a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus and his support for SAF, sends a strong message about the importance of sustainable energy solutions for both our economy and our climate goals. By advancing SAF production, we can bring a new and exciting wave of development to communities like Falls City, ensuring that Nebraska continues to be at the forefront of agricultural and energy innovation.
Lucas Froeschl, Falls City, Nebraska
Executive Director
Falls City Economic Development & Growth Enterprise
OWH Public Pulse September 2024 Editor's Pick"Just because five or six houses sold for astronomical prices in my neighborhood does not mean I can sell mine for the assessed value," writes Pulse contributor.
Editor's Pick"If you don't like the law, work to change it, but it still needs to be enforced, particularly by the executive branch," Pulse contributor writes.
Knowing this theory "may help you understand the thought process — or inability to think — of some voters," Pulse contributor writes.
Pulse writers express their opposition to the appointment of Terri Cunningham-Swanson to the Nebraska Library Commission.
Editor's PickOne Pulse contributor writes that people convicted of felonies should be allowed to vote; another writes that the Nebraska Constitution doesn't allow for it. What do you think?
Editor's PickPulse contributor praises Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley for studying tax increment financing.
Editor's PickPulse contributor has fond memories of the Omaha Royals at Rosenblatt Stadium.
"There would be less rancor in our society if government at all levels stuck to the basics that unite most of us — public safety and domestic tranquility, Pulse contributor writes.
Editor's Pick"More than 80 percent of Americans today say that in this election, their most important issue is the economy," Pulse contributor writes.
Editor's Pick"I would have liked to have seen a debate between the 2024 Kamala Harris and anybody else other than Trump," Pulse contributor writes.
Editor's Pick"I love, respect and honor our tradition of the unicameral and splitting our electoral votes. Go Big Red!" Pulse contributor writes.
Editor's PickPublic Pulse contributors are making their choices for the 2024 election in Nebraska — here are some of their letters.
Editor's PickPulse contributor writes, "serious concern that We The People are not given the opportunity to witness a debate between candidates in order to make a better decision of how we should cast our vote."
Editor's Pick"Cutting taxes on Social Security benefits is a good idea," Pulse contributor writes.
Editor's PickGov. Jim Pillen has said he will not call a special session to change Nebraska's system of awarding Electoral College votes because the change lacks the votes to become law. Pulse writers react.
