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Letters, 4/26: City needs a firing range

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Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006 - 12:05:32 am CDT

Lincoln does not need another gas station. However, there is a real need for a good indoor shooting range. As far as I know, there is no indoor range open to the public.

It would be in the best interests of all the citizens of the area if the city would build and operate a range. An indoor range might even make money!

I realize it will probably be a cold day in Hades before Mayor Coleen Seng and Chief Tom Casady do anything to promote safe firearms ownership for legal gun owners.

Dennis Lorance, Lincoln

Chief should step aside

It’s time for Mike Spadt to go.  His arrogance first got to me back in 2004 when he indicated Lincoln couldn’t provide free ambulance service at Seacrest Field because private and parochial schools were being charged.  Thanks to the local business community, ambulances are back at Seacrest — no thanks to our fire chief.

Now we’re being asked to dig into our pockets to fund the monopoly Spadt and his union helped create when they sent Rural/Metro out of town. The recommendations from Jon Camp’s committee were shrugged off by Spadt in a recent newspaper article. It’s time to rid ourselves of this arrogance in our fire department — namely the chief.

The change made when Rural/Metro left illustrates how government can take something that’s not broken and break it.

Chief Spadt has it backwards — he is the public servant and the taxpayers are his customers.  Let him take his business savvy somewhere else and see how long he makes it.

Chief Spadt, kindly leave — we can’t afford the government you’re providing us.

Todd Yorges, Lincoln

Keep runners off streets

With summer fast approaching, we will be seeing more health-conscious folks jogging, running and power-walking to stay in shape.

I would like to offer a sentiment on behalf of the many drivers in Lincoln: Runners, stay out of the street! Use the sidewalks, the parkways, the parks, the trail system, but stop making us swerve and brake to avoid hitting you while we’re trying to drive.

I’m not sure how the mind rationalizes that running in traffic is a healthy or wise activity, but let me tell you that neither of us wants you as a hood ornament. Running in the street is definitely bad for your health and my nerves.

Larry Claassen, Lincoln

Power to stop next war

I’ve had it. That’s enough. I can’t take it anymore. What does one do when he knows that his country is keeping on doing terrible, wrong things and he feels helpless to stop it? Rolaids will no longer quiet my gut from growling.

It’s coming. And I’m crying. The Bush administration is preparing to go to another war — a wrong war. Communication insiders Michael Klare, Seymour Hersh, Joseph Cirincione, and Matthew Rothschild are alerting us. The Sunday Telegraph reports that “Strategists at the Pentagon are drawing up plans for devastating bombing raids.” Experts say that Bush is going forward with his Iran bombing plans.

This war is going to happen unless Congress stops it. Our two U.S. senators, Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson, have the power to stop it. They would have to become angry, stand tall and say, “We will not allow this war” … and mean it. To put their professional political careers on the line will take strong conviction.

To help our senators, I invite others to join with me (call me) for a “sit-in” in their offices — right here in Lincoln if there is a bombing.

Don Tilley, Lincoln

Gay agenda at egg hunt

Well, isn’t that sweet! The White House Easter Egg Hunt turns into a “show off, look at me, I’m gay” party.

Why do these people have to broadcast their sexual preference at an Easter egg hunt? Couldn’t they just take their kids, without drawing attention to themselves?

That’s their whole agenda! “Look at me, I’m gay!” Why can’t they just keep it to themselves!

I’m part Irish, but I don’t wear green and wear my “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” pin all the time to show that I’m Irish!

Stop thinking about yourselves so much, and try to consider others for once! Try it, you might like it!

Colleen Roser-Martin, Lincoln


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Rhonda wrote on April 26, 2006 7:09 am:
" I agree with the 'runners' being in the street.... I also have to say the same about the bikes.... Is it REALLY necessary for you to ride your bike down 13th street in rush hour traffic, why not go 1 block either way, and you wouldn't have to worry about being run over. I've never understood why runners and bikers think it's necessary to ride on the 'busiest' streets, why not ride/run a block or two over where there is very little traffic.... And--if you bikers want to "share the road" with us---QUIT running through red lights and stop signs.... If the lights red, then stay stopped until it turns green, instead of just waiting till it's clear and then going, if you want to be treated like a car, obey the rules like a car!!!!! "

 Sue F. wrote on April 26, 2006 7:29 am:
" Give me a break, Colleen. Any time two men or two women showing up anywhere with their children they are drawing attention to themselves. Assuming you are married, do you consider that you are "broadcasting" your "sexual preference" every time you and your husband go out together. These families deserve to be treated like every other family, by you, by me, and by this administration. "

 Kent wrote on April 26, 2006 7:31 am:
" Not everyone shares your point of view Mr. Tilley. I'm sorry the rolaids aren't either. Mine quit working too when I heard of Iran threatening to start Armageddon and wipe Israel off the map. I feel they must be stopped. If the decision is made to bomb Iran, I support it 100%. Looks like right now we are both living in fear, just from opposite ends of the spectrum. "

 Bill wrote on April 26, 2006 8:26 am:
" Don, let me see if I understand your logic here. Removing a muderous dictator who, according to recent documents, actually WAS helping fund and train terrorists and was playing a shell game with his WMDs, which are still hidden, was "terrible and wrong"? Freeing the people of Iraq from his rule and help them establish a freely elected and representative government was "terrible and wrong"? Stopping the murder, rape and torture of people who dared stand up to Saddam was "terrible and wrong"? Now for our government to actually make plans to prevent a terrorist nation (Iran) from developing and using nuclear weapons to destroy ANYONE who opposes them (Israel and America) as they have CLEARY stated many times, because we KNOW from past actions that the UN is either incapable or unwilling to stop it, is "terrible and wrong"? Interesting logic. You must believe that mushroom clouds are happy and good, right? "

 Josh wrote on April 26, 2006 8:47 am:
" Ms. Roser-Martin says gays should "stop thinking about [themselves] so much and try to consider others for once." Funny, how many times do I read in the paper how others are trying to prevent gays from any form of civil unions, preventing them from the 1500+ federal benefits that go to married couples, trying to prevent them from serving in the military, trying to ban them from forming positive support groups, trying to prevent gays from adopting and forming loving families, trying to kick them out of churches. From the accounts I read, those participating in the hunt did not cause any sort of protest other than wearing an identifying symbol to show that they were a family unit. If you can wear your irish pin at the Irish parade, then GLBT families should be able to wear "We're a family" pin at a family event. Maybe MS. Roser-Martin should try to consider others for once, she might like it...... "

 Allen T. wrote on April 26, 2006 8:50 am:
" Don Tilley: We have had plans to attack Iran for decades. It is what the Defense department does...draw up plans to attack people. Just because the plans are drawn doesn't mean they'll be used. The Defense department drew up plans to attack Russian for probably 30 years and we never used those. However, if it becomes necessary to attack Iran, really necessary and not just convenient, I would hope that this country would rally behind any President in office. "

 Mr. E wrote on April 26, 2006 8:58 am:
" I'm not sure what report (perhaps it was biased) you read of the egg hunt, Colleen, but other than wearing similar colors out of solidarity to one another, gay parents did not make a big show of their sexuality. The thing that people don't seem to understand about gay and bisexual people is that they don't want special rights, they just want equal rights. Is that so much to ask? "

 Josh wrote on April 26, 2006 9:07 am:
" Don, unfortunately our state senators will most likely bow down to the President and all of his war-mongering ideas because that, unfortunately, seems to be what most of the people of Nebraska support. When are my fellow Nebraskans going to take off the blinders and see what a fool our President has made of all of us? If China were to go and attack Bangladesh because it believed Bangladesh was a threat, I have no doubt that our President, our senators would be standing up there proclaiming that China is an evil country, that they had no right to do that, and our government would immediately be pushing the U.N. for sanctions against China. So why would anybody in their right mind think we have the right to treat other countries that way? "

 Tammy wrote on April 26, 2006 9:22 am:
" Don: let me know where and when, I'll be there. I'm not sure when or how we were elected to police the world (or what makes us think we have the RIGHT to tell everyone else what to do), but it needs to stop. We have plenty of our own problems to worry about without worrying about what everyone else is doing. IF we let the system work, and IF Iran still won't back down, and IF we have international backing (read troop support from other nations), then we might consider it. But if we're gonna cowboy in there, then no way. We have neither the troop numbers needed, or the money in the bank to pay for it. We have no business going in there right now. I agree that it is the job of the Defense Department to draw up plans, and Allen is quite correct we do it all the time. But right now is NOT the time to go in there with both barrels blasting. "

 peb wrote on April 26, 2006 9:22 am:
" Colleen Roser-Martin: For so many years gay people have been made to feel like they don't exist. For goodness sakes, they wore rainbow-colored leis! What were they doing that was inconsiderate of others? You are not ridiculed, called perverted, or shunned for being Irish. The GLBT community is finally feeling like they can be themselves and be PROUD of who they are. "

 CS wrote on April 26, 2006 9:25 am:
" Its not "Share the road" Rhonda. Its a state law. If you don't like it, get it changed. I don't sympathize with bikers that don't follow the rules any more than you do, but as one, I take issue that you seem to think a state law doesn't apply to your "sharing the road" with us because its inconvienent? Have you noticed, perhaps, that most of downtown is posted for no bike/skateboard/skate traffic on all walkways? Enforcement could definately step up in that area, but if we don't ride on the road, we face being ticketed by the city. Ill inconvienece you all day before I risk a ticket from our local police-they write enough as it is. "

 Klaus wrote on April 26, 2006 9:30 am:
" Gay folks are here to stay, like it or not. I don't condone or admire homosexual relationships, but their behavior is not for me to judge. Tolerance is a difficult attitude for many on both sides of these issues. That being said, when attempts are made by the gay community to change things such the definition of marriage, I have the right to be vocal and defend my beliefs as well. When attempts are made by the gay community to promote 2 daddies or 2 mommies as a healthy environment in which to raise a child, I will protest because I do not agree with this. It's obvious the gay couple at the Easter Egg hunt had a political agenda. The weren't disruptive but they certainly made a point and made the news. They should be ashamed of using their innocent adopted children in such a way to promote their own hoped for acceptance of their lifestyle choice. "

 Chuck Anziulewicz wrote on April 26, 2006 9:36 am:
" Colleen Roser-Martin asks, "Why do these people have to broadcast their sexual preference at an Easter egg hunt? Couldn’t they just take their kids, without drawing attention to themselves?" HERE'S THE ANSWER: They don't want to be mistaken for Straight people! Let's suppose Ms. Roser-Martin and one of her female friends take their kids to the playground, and other people start whispering that they are obviously a Lesbian couple. Wouldn't Ms. Roser-Martin want to correct this misconception? Would she care? I don't know! What I do suspect is this: If Ms. Roser-Martin saw a Straight (i.e. heterosexual) couple snuggling on a park bench or holding-hands over a table at a restaurant, she'd probably think it was rather sweet. But if a Gay couple did the same thing, she'd probably think of it as a militant, subversive act. Well, GUESS WHAT? Gay people are every bit as human as anyone else, and we don't want people ASSUMING that we're Straight. "

 Allen T. wrote on April 26, 2006 9:52 am:
" I am going to make a shocking revelation for those that have seen me write here before. I think gay marriage should be legal. I can't find any justification in the Constitution to stop it. Does that mean I agree with gay marriage? No. Biblically, I think that it is wrong, but so is fornication (sex out of wedlock) and that’s not illegal…nor should it be. Some morality can be legislated (murder, stealing) and some can not, because there is not a universal consensus on some behavior’s morality/immorality. If these gay families arrived at the White House to specifically bring attention to their lifestyle, then they were behaving in an annoying fashion….just as annoying as heterosexual couples that want the world to know just how much they like each other...in public. If they were simply taking their children to the Easter egg hunt, so be it. Unless one of them can dress (convincingly) as a woman, they are going to be recognized as a homosexual couple while doing nothing more than standing around. "

 Sean wrote on April 26, 2006 9:55 am:
" As an avid cyclist and bicycle commuter I find myself both in support and frightened by Rhonda's comments. I agree that cyclists should be in the street (its safer than the sidewalks) and, when there, follow the same rules as autos. Cyclists will not get the respect they deserve without first showing respect for the law - which includes not running lights/signs, wearing a helmet, not skipping ahead in lines at lights/signs, using headlights/tail lights at night. Often, I find myself using streets a block or two off the main routes to avoid the headaches of dealing with intolerant motorists. That being said, the rules state that bikes can be on any road other than an interstate and should be welcomed and tolerated. Having to work around slow cyclists is no different than dealing with slow traffic. Its not the most convenient thing in the world but something that must be tolerated if you're not to go crazy. "

 Sylvia wrote on April 26, 2006 10:06 am:
" The runners, walkers, and bikes will get out of the street when the automobile drivers stop producing harmful exhaust. I've even seen scooter riders get run down by SUV's going 45 in a 35 zone. Learn how to share. If you don't know how to share, I hear they're offering the course in all-day kindergarten next year. "

 Theresa wrote on April 26, 2006 10:19 am:
" A simple question: Who is more foolish: The fool who leads or the fools that follows him? "

 Sean wrote on April 26, 2006 10:25 am:
" Dennis: Take a drive down north 10th Street by Salt Creek...there you will find The Range operated by Lincoln Parks and Rec. You can go to http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/rec/range/index.htm to check out their hours/programs/etc. It seems the city is a step ahead of you with regard to firearm safety. "

 Phil wrote on April 26, 2006 10:36 am:
" For Pete's sake, Don. The only thing worse than a bad man, is a good man who fails to stand up to the bad man when the bad man intends to harm innocent people. The Iranian lunatics are the bad men Don, not the Bush Administration. If the bad men need to be bombed, then so be it. If the Good Men (including President Bush) believe that Iran can be dealt with peacefully, then so be it. "

 Christi wrote on April 26, 2006 10:39 am:
" Ok two things, Cyclists and Runners have road rights, they need to obey the laws but they do have the right to be on the road. If Lincoln would put an effort into sidewalk repair it would be safe for them to run/ride on the sidewalks but after recent rides I have found that it is much more dangerous for a cyclist to be on the sidewalk dealing with people who have unleased animals, animals with a leash that allows them access to sidewalks, roots that have completely broken up entire patches of sidewalk and small children that stand and wait to be run into with NO adult supervision. I take the trails any time that I can however, there are still significant portions of Lincoln without trail access. Second point, gay couples deserve the same rights as everyone else. They are human, they have a different sexual preference but that is the only difference between them and the rest of the population. They deserve the opportunity to raise children, the deserve to be permitted at public events and they deserve to be free of ignorant people like Ms. Roser Martin. Instead of getting rid of the gay people let's get rid of the bigots! "

 Jodi wrote on April 26, 2006 11:07 am:
" It is very simple. Walk on the sidewalk when there is one. When there is not a sidewalk, walk the correct way--at the edge of the street where you walk in the direction opposing traffic (I'm not sure if this makes you more visible to drivers, but I know that it's a lot easier to see when a vehicle is going to pass you.) And obey the rules of the road--you know what they are--because if you are in an accident, I guarantee that you are almost certainly more likely to get hurt than the car. As for bicyclists, technically bicycles are to follow the same rules as motor vehicles unless special provisions have been made (at least it used to be that way) although bicyclists can use pedestrian structures when necessary, but with the caveat that a bicyclist using a pedestrian right-of-way needs to walk their bicycle. When it boils down to it, people (drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians) just need to pay attention to their environmental surroundings. "

 beerorkid wrote on April 26, 2006 11:10 am:
" Rhonda, I hear what you are saying. Many bike riders do not follow the rules of the road. But you must accept that we are traffic. I ride my bike everywhere I need to go, work, classes, shopping, entertainment, and resturants. I obey all the rules, hand signals (although I doubt many drivers know what they mean), use front and rear lights at night, and deserve to be treated like any other vehicle on the road. it is amazing how I get yelled at for following the rules. I smile and wave back to the foaming at the mouth drivers (with my whole hand, not just one finger). I use the whole lane when I am downtown, cuz there are no bike lanes and I do not want to get hit by a door or driver backing out of a parking spot. Also cuz I am traffic. I obey and ride the speed limit. Yes that would be rude to take up a lane on 13th street and slow traffic in 35MPH areas. We have a great trail system, but it does not go everywhere. cars r coffins. As for running in the street. it is actually safer. Asphalt is much softer than hard concrete, sidewalks are dangerous with cracks and uneven surfaces. I think we all agree busy streets are not the best place to run though. I hate to guess, but I am sure it is hard to not hit anything in a SUV with a W in 04 sticker on the back, not just people. "

 Laura wrote on April 26, 2006 11:18 am:
" Sue: That is fine if these people want to be treated like everyone else, but they don't have to advertise their sexual preference in such a way every single chance they get. It's going too far, just like the lesbian council member or whatever her name was from New York that wanted to display her sexual preference during the Saint Patrick's Day Parade. There is a time and a place for these things. I wish these people would stop making a spectical everywhere they go. It's stupid! "

 beerorkid wrote on April 26, 2006 11:23 am:
" When will the christian's stop shoving their agenda down my throat? When will the Christian agenda accept that people who are different then themselves are still people who deserve to be treated as such. When will the christian's agenda not look at others as being inferior? When will the christian's read all the messages of treating people the way Jesus told you to in their bible? "

 Allen T. wrote on April 26, 2006 11:51 am:
" beerorkid: When will non-Christians stop shoving their agenda down my throat? When will non-Christians stop demanding that I live out my faith in a way that evidences no faith or conviction at all? When will non-Christians stop trying to tell me what Christ said and how it applies to my faith, when they aren't followers themselves? When will non-Christains stop reading only the statements of Jesus that they like, while ignoring the many statements that he made condemning sin and calling for people to stop doing it. I think gays should be allowed to marry, under the law, but that doesn't make it right according to my faith. Does that mean I hate gays? No more than I hate every other human/sinner on the planet to include myself (which I don't). My faith also calls for prayer, but I don't think prayer should be required in school. A true Christian's "agenda" dosn't see anyone as inferior...or more properly stated, sees everyone (including Christians) as equally inferior when compared to a perfect God. "

 CS wrote on April 26, 2006 12:21 pm:
" Yes, Laura-just like the St. Pat's celebratory mob wasn't showing their preference at the parade. I'll just stop advertising my disability, too, or the fact that im white, male, a Veteran, a parent, that I drive a 1985 cavalier, etc. Where does it stop-your aversion to public display? You are a woman, right? You could be transgendered or a female eunuch. You publicly advertise that you are neither by your choice in clothes, make-up, mannerisms, speech, and reactions to stimuli, yet 'female' isn't necessarily any more of a public trait than being gay, so you 'advertise' to make sure that others are not mistaken. "

 dwite wrote on April 26, 2006 12:27 pm:
" Todd, you are right-on re Spadt however he is tied to Coleen's apron strings and he will be there as long as she is. The only way to get rid of Spadt is to get rid of her. It is past time for some big changes at City Hall in the mayor's office and the city council. "

 Josh wrote on April 26, 2006 12:30 pm:
" Phil, I would not disagree with you at all about the leader of Iran being a "bad man", but I disagree about your portrayal of our president as being a "good man". Most people in the world- in countries both friendly and not-so-friendly to us do not see much of a difference- they see our president as not really being any worse, because they see us blowing countries off the map as we choose, sometimes for reasons that really don't hold water anywhere else in the world. And sure, many countries are run by tyrants, "bad men", but we are not the world's police, in fact it is highly arrogant of us to even think for a second that we are or should be. So do you think, if China were to believe that president Bush is a bad man and is harming Americans and is hurting the world as a whole with his actions that they should attack us to free us from this ruler? By your logic, if the Chinese government and the Chinese people believe themselves to be the good people and our leadership to be bad, then they would have every right to do so. We live in this world with other countries, we are no better or more important than these other countries. The U.N. was designed to bring those nations together to deal with threats or "bad" governments. It doesn't always work so well, but the world isn't our playground, we have no more right to do these kinds of things on our own than any other nation does. "

 Sean wrote on April 26, 2006 1:24 pm:
" The current Lincoln shooting range is a joke. Only a small number of firearm calibers are allowed in that range (.22, .38, & 9mm). While those three are some of the more popular calibers, there are several other calibers that are left off of that list. I think an expanded range with a variety of firearm opportunities would be an excellent addition to our city. Locally, there is a very small number of places where a person can take a hunting rifle or larger caliber handgun to sight-in or even target practice. A new range open to high-power rifles and large caliber handguns, perhaps even some trapshooting, would be an excellent investment by the city...as the price to construct one would be a heck of alot less than a gas station. But, then again, our anti-gun grandma Seng would never let anything like that happen...responsible gun use? Yeah right, the criminals are the only ones deserving of gun rights. "

 Victoria Lavin wrote on April 26, 2006 2:25 pm:
" To Ms. Roser-Martin, can I ask why you hyphen your name. Could it be to show that your a feminist. Equating being Irish to being gay is not the same thing. I am Irish and a lesbian. Denying us equality under the law to protect our families just like you do is wrong and discrimination under the Constitution of the United States. We as gay and lesbian families want to show America is that we are just like you, that we care for our children just like you, we want the same things for our children as you do, freedom, hope for a future, love, and most of all equality. But people like you tend to have a problem in allowing us to live like you all by denying us protections for our families such as health care, financial protections, housing, inheritance rights, and the dignity to be treated like human beings. If you really think about I bet you know a handful of gay and lesbian people and do not even know it. You are surrounded by them in your work, your neighborhood, in your church and in your town. Take a look and learn about us then you may not be so afraid of what you do not understand. "

 Gary wrote on April 26, 2006 2:57 pm:
" Victoria, I really don't think there's anything to "not understand", it's very clear actually. I do know a small handful of homosexuals, and while I hold them dear as friends, I do not agree with their lifestyle choices. I also disagree with the assertion that you a just like us...in that I do not flaunt my sexuality at every given opportunity, and the people at this easter egg hunt not only wanted to make a statement, they wanted a reaction...a negative reaction so that they could pounce on that reaction and make claims of bigotry and prejudice...unfortunately for them, they did not get the reaction they wanted. "

 lisa wrote on April 26, 2006 4:19 pm:
" I am curious as to what the people of Lincoln expect from Mr. Spadt? The whole issue in 2004 with LPS and the Fire Dept. providing free ambulance service at Seacrest Field, where would LFD draw the line? If you expect the Fire Dept, and Mr. Spadt's employees to provide that service, at what point do you say ONLY varsity Football teams get the "free" service? What about all the freshman games, reserve games, and JV games from all high schools? Where do you draw the line as to what sports need the "Free" service? Does this only apply to football, or do we want "free" service at all high school athletic events? I have seen many non-varsity athletic students take trips to the ER, due to not having a service provided. They have a business to run just like any other business in Lincoln. If they provide a free service to all private and parochial schools; then what happens when Lincoln Parks and Rec, the University of Lincoln Nebraksa, and many others start to request free service as well? If we expect the Fire Dept. to provide free service; we would not have any ambulances to take true 911 calls. Here’s a thought, it didn’t cost LPS that much to fund this service. Perhaps the Superintendent at that time, could had donated a portion of their over paid salary, to the cause. When it comes down to it, the unfortunate event that took place in 2004 had NOTHING to do with LFD. LFD had nothing to do with them not being there. Take this issue up with LPS. There is a reason why all HIGH SCHOOL athletes sign a WAIVER. Sometimes, incidents happen that is beyond anyone’s control; except the man upstairs. Leave Mr. Spadt and LFD alone; I know if I needed them, they are there for me "

 Jodi wrote on April 26, 2006 4:26 pm:
" To those who believe homosexuals wearing "family" pins is flaunting their sexuality--every time a straight couple walks around holding hands or kisses in public or dances together or walks around with their children, it is a display of their sexuality. Just because it's considered "the norm" doesn't mean it is any less "flaunting" than a homosexual couple who walks around with their children or who wants equal civil rights as other couples. "

 Sean wrote on April 26, 2006 5:04 pm:
" Heterosexuals flaunt their sexuality every single day...it simply does not get noticed because it is the privileged position. We only notice things that are "out of the norm." But take a look around you - men/women holding hands down the sidewalk, husbands/wives pecking goodbye as one drops off the other at the office, practically any fashion magazine has pics of one sex ogling the other in skimpy outfits, the placeholder pics in picture frames are often of men and women embracing, men/women parading their child around during the farmers' market showing the "product" of their sexual union. Just because one side isn't "accepted" by an individual doesn't make it grandstanding. "

 Michele wrote on April 26, 2006 5:05 pm:
" Gary: I'm sure if gays were treated equally, they wouldn't have to try to make a statement. The world makes a statement everytime they say NO to gay marriages, NO to gay adoption. So if everyone else can make a statement, then why not gays? "

 mp wrote on April 26, 2006 5:08 pm:
" Allen T: Just because somebody complains about the "christians", does not mean they are non-christian. I am as christian as you and I have compliants about those so-called "christians" also. Those "christians", in my view are the ones who supposedly spout christian views and do the opposite. A true "christian" tries to practice what he or she believes in their daily lives. "

 Dennis wrote on April 26, 2006 5:34 pm:
" Sean Thanks for that information about the indoor shooting range. I knew it was there but I was under the impression it was strictly for BB guns. I will be checking to see if I can use my .22 and larger caliber handguns there. Since the "ALL SEASONS" range closed a couple years ago I have limited my shooting outings to nice days when I can make it to the family farm. "

 Victoria wrote on April 26, 2006 5:49 pm:
" Gary,you do flaunt your sexuality every time you hold hands, kiss, hug or snuggle your girlfriend or wife in public when you want or feel like. Why are we not allowed too? They did nothing to gain a negative reaction it is the religious right that created the negative reaction. It is those who think we should crawl back into the shadows or the closet so to speak because we make them feel uncomfortable. Well guest what we are not going any where. We are here to stay and we and our families are going to fight for the rights in which we deserve and our families deserve. If we do not get them now the will come in time. But as my daughter says, it is the older generation that just don't get it. And I beginning to see that they are correct. It is the "boomers" who seem to have a real problem with it, and I wonder why. Is it because of their sexual experimentation in the 60's or have just became the very establishment in which they fought against. Give me a break. Treat all people equally period. Oh yeah I forgot it is all about heterosexual privilege right. "

 Judy Cantrell wrote on April 26, 2006 7:00 pm:
" I should have known that the gay issue would be the hot topic on the comment board. We all know that Nebraskans are as pure as the driven snow. "

 Angela wrote on April 26, 2006 9:42 pm:
" I look at the christian, anti-gay argument like this: People are gay because 1) they chose to be, 2) God made a mistake, or 3) God made them that way. I don't believe anyone would choose such a difficult path for themselves, and I don't believe God made a mistake, so I have to believe God made them that way. I like to think God will favor the loving and accepting among us, rather than the person who points the most fingers. "

 Jeanette wrote on April 27, 2006 6:38 am:
" Judy, do you have an opinion on anything at all? Besides the fact that all Nebraskans are inferior, that is? "

 Gary wrote on April 27, 2006 9:15 am:
" I don't engage in those activities in public, because I feel that the open public is an inappropriate place to do such things. My wife gets mad at me when I won't hold hands, but I tell her that we're walking together...that's enough. Do not dare to pass judgement on me without knowing anything about me...it disgusts me too when I see heterosexual people kissing, touching, etc. in public because those are activities that should be left within the home...but the activities of heterosexuals were not the topic of discussion. "

 peb wrote on April 27, 2006 10:44 am:
" Gary, if you have a picture of you and your wife at work, that is "flaunting" your sexuality. If you merely talk about your wife to anyone, that is "flaunting" your sexuality. A gay person can not always feel safe to talk about the person they love and are committed to. Therefore, the gay couples at the egg hunt were making their presence known. They are saying they are proud of who they are, are tired of having to live a lie, and that they are normal, loving parents. "

 Lela wrote on April 27, 2006 12:56 pm:
" Judy Cantrell: "...Nebraskans are as pure as the driven snow." What are you trying to say? Can you clarify? Theresa: "Who is more foolish..." Of what or whom are you speaking? Can you elaborate a little? There are several issues being discussed on this page. I like to hear what people think but they have to say it first. "

 John wrote on April 27, 2006 5:19 pm:
" Todd - I completely agree with you, Spadt needs to go! If you look at the findings of the EMS committee, most of the errors that were made with EMS Department is management errors. hmm that all points to Spadt. If you further look at reports the service is no better than when it was in the private sector except now we are paying more and not receiveing taxes like we were when the EMS was a private company. The private companies have no problem operating at a profit and Spadt isn't even coming close to breaking even! We should have known this was a bad idea when Spadt forgot to bill anyone for the first 6 months of service, what kind of idiot does that? Anybody that makes that mistake in a private business would have been fired, it should have been done 5 years ago. "

 Michael Pettinger wrote on May 1, 2006 9:55 am:
" Let me get this "straight." Everyday, hundreds of men and women go to the county clerk to get recognition and special legal privileges because they want to sleep together. They put their picture in the Sunday paper to announce to everybody "Hey, we want to sleep together!" They hold a solemn ceremony, throw a big reception and invite a lot of guests to celebrate the fact that they want to sleep together. And then, just in case we haven't heard or have forgotten, they wave their clunky wedding rings under our noses to remind us that they sleep together. And these families were flaunting their lifestyles? Sheesh! Clearly, they weren't looking for bigotted responses, but they have certainly gotten a few in this forum-- from Colleen and from Klaus (by the way-- psychological studies to date indicate that the children of gay and lesbian couples are pretty much like the children of heterosexuals -- where's your evidence to the contrary?) And Gary, you insist that you have dear friends who are gay. Remember when people used to say "Some of my best friends are (fill in the name of some ethnic group), but...?" Claiming to be a friend to the people you condemn is usually just a way we avoid admiting our bigotry. "

 Allen T. wrote on May 1, 2006 3:54 pm:
" Michael Pettinger: It has become necessary to preempt arguments of bigotry by such statements as "Some of my dearest freinds" because anyone that argues against anything dealing with homosexual rights, affirmative action, minimum wage, the war in Iraq and terrorism, or immigration (to name just a few) are labeled bigots without a second thought. When will people realize that intelligent people can disagree without there being any hate involved? I'm against abortion, but I don't hate women that have them or doctors that perform them. I'm against terrorism, but I don't hate Muslims. I'm against the homosexual life style based on religious reasons, but that religion commands that I love all sinners no matter what their sin. I'm against affirmative action because I think that it will hinder the creation of true equality in American (if followed for too long...it was truly necessary in the beginning), but I don't hate people of different races. I'm against the minimum wage because I believe that studies that say that it hurts lower income people by creating job shrinkage; I don’t hate poor people. I’m against illegal immigration because it makes mockery of the legal immigrants that have worked so hard to become citizens of this country, but that doesn’t mean that I hate “foreigners.” I may or may not have friends in any or all of the categories above (it’s really not relevant), but as long as I’m basing my conclusions on something other than race, sex, etc. with a focus on hate, then I am not a bigot. "

 Michael Pettinger wrote on May 1, 2006 7:47 pm:
" Allen T: intelligent people can disagree about principles. But you should be aware that hatred often looks like a rational principle, with applications that devastate the lives of others. In any event, none of the positions you outline necessitate the hypocritical statement, "Some of by dearest friends are..." To claim friendship does not diminish the damage they do -- it only adds insult to injury. To say "I have dear friends who are gay, but I oppose same-sex activity and legalized gay marriage" is self-deceiving and hypocritical. Imagine a gay person saying of a married heterosexual man, "He's a really great friend, but he shouldn’t sleep with a woman." Will the heterosexual consider the gay man a real friend? If he does, his wife should leave him! You do not oppose legal recognition of gay and lesbian marriages -- nice to hear a professed Christian defending the separation of Church and State. But to say that the Bible opposes same-sex activity, is an argument against the infallibility of the Bible, not a reason to condemn same-sex acts. When you talk about loving the sinner, you are nothing but mistaken and condescending. My sex-life is a blessing from God, thank you very much --hope you feel the same way about yours. And when you write the tired phrase "the homosexual life style" you prove you don’t know gay men and lesbians at all. As if we could be summed up in a trite phrase! This kind of talk damages children who will grow up gay or lesbian and have to deal with this sort of "principled" hostility disguised as "Christian Love." Let me recommend that you spend more time getting to know those God-created gay men and lesbians, and less time worrying about what that Book says about them. In the end, blaming the Bible for homophobia will help you no more than blaming the serpent aided Adam and Eve. "

 Allen T. wrote on May 2, 2006 3:40 pm:
" Michael Pettinger: I agree that none of the statements that made necessitate the qualification "Some of my dearest friends." As you'll notice, I did not make such a qualification, because I do feel defensive about any of my positions, knowing them to be positions of conviction not base don hate. I respectfully disagree with your opinion of what the Bible has to say about homosexual behavior, believing the Bible's prohibition of such behavior to be clear (even after hearing arguments against it and reading books outlining those positions). I have done this research because of the gay men and women that I do know and with whom I’ve had extensive relationships in many different settings (work, church, school, military, etc.). I will not condescend by suggesting that these individuals are my “dearest friends,” however, they do represent significant relationships in my life and compelled my research. Unfortunately, I disagree with them and as a true friend I am willing to take the chance that they might be insulted by my statements of concern. I care enough about them to refuse to take the easy road of capitulation. Your request that I spend less time worrying about what the Book says about homosexuality is quite an interesting one. As a Christian, it is my duty to reflect upon what the Bible has to say about everything. To suggest that I could so easily cast away that connection to my religion reveals how little you know about Christianity. Perhaps the “Christians” you know can ignore what the Bible has to say, but I can not if I am to continue to remain true to my faith. Finally, Adam’s problem, when he blamed Eve (not the serpent…Eve blamed the serpent), was that he refused to take responsibility for his own behavior and failed to listen to God’s instruction. You ask me to do the same today and I must decline your offer. Thank you, however, for your well-worded, thoughtful and respectful comment. "

 peb wrote on May 2, 2006 4:17 pm:
" Allen T: Do you take every word in the bible literally? If not, how do you decide which parts to take literally and what parts not to take literally? "

 Allen T. wrote on May 2, 2006 9:27 pm:
" peb: I take those things stated as laws literally, and those things prefaced as stories figuratively, though I believe them to contain Biblical truths. To answer your next question before you ask it, there are many ceremonial laws in the Old Testament that were intended to forecast the coming of Christ or to demonstrate the need of a savior (things not wrong in of themselves, ie. leaven in bread, mixing linen and wool, etc.) and then there were laws that pertained to moral/ethical issues that were not meant to forecast anything, but rather to guide the behavior of man (things wrong on their own, ie. , ery, theft, etc.). After the coming of Christ, many of the laws become superfluous and were not longer needed to foreshadow Christ; He was there. One way to determine which laws were carried forward and which were not is whether they were referenced in the New Testament. Homosexuality, though not in the clear language of the Old Testament, was still condemned in the New Testament…as were many other actions which people are guilty of (myself included) everyday. "

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