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Letters, 5/31: Judgmental journalism

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Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 09:34:16 am CDT

Boy, you folks really bent pretty low to accept that cartoon about people against LB475. How low can a paper go to call people bigots because they have a different opinion than you do?

Come on, people, get your head on straight, because passage of that bill would have approved behaviors that even your paper does not approve of. Get the facts before you make a judgment. This is very poor journalism, if you ask me.

David Geary, Milford

Keep debate on high road

Your cartoon depicting senators who opposed the sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill (LB475) as murderous Ku Klux Klansmen was a disturbing appeal to the public’s base prejudices. This was a classic attempt to distract readers from the soundness of one’s arguments by personally attacking the messengers with whom you disagree.

What a contrast between your cartoon and the approach of the lawmakers who voted this bill out of the Judiciary Committee! Most of the senators were courteous and respectful of the witnesses presenting both sides of the issue. As a strong supporter of LB475, Sen. Brad Ashford was especially gracious and at times even acknowledged the merits of some of the points raised by the bill’s opponents.

It may be easier to degrade one’s adversaries than to evaluate their positions critically, but it appears to be the low road of journalism. Because people frequently find gay rights issues to be both legally complex and emotionally distressing, we need statesmen and cartoonists who will point us toward the high road of mutual respect and thoughtful deliberation. I hope that in the future you will attempt to make a more positive contribution to the debate.

Ned Stringham, Lincoln

Nebraska above average

In listening to the morning national news on television last week, one of the top stories to be reported was that gasoline prices had reached an all-time high of $3.18 per gallon nationwide.

I always thought that Nebraska was part of the nation, but with our gas prices in Lincoln being in the neighborhood of $3.49 per gallon (I paid that recently), maybe we aren’t.

At this point, I would welcome $3.18 per gallon, although that is still way too high. We are being ripped off.

Patty Hill, Lincoln

Tractor riding unsafe

The “School ends; summer of farming begins” pictures and story in the May 23 Lincoln Journal Star should never have been printed. First, Norris High School should not have approved it, and the Journal Star should not have sensationalized it.

My life’s work was safety training. The cardinal rule on tractor safety is no extra riders on farm tractors unless they are fitted with a rollover protective structure  including fully enclosed cab, “buddy seat” with seat belt. None of these tractors would have qualified.

I kept statistics on farm accident fatalities for 35-plus years. High on the list is “fall from tractor,” superceded by “tractor overturn.”

I hope that other schools do not look at this as a way of promoting agriculture. There are better ways.

Norris High School Principal John Skretta also needs a reprimand.

Rollin D. Schnieder, Davey

The voice of complicity

I read with interest that Gov. Dave Heineman will not comment on the supposed guidelines that prohibit Health and Human Services System diversity teams from providing programs about gay and lesbian issues.

I found it odd until I recalled a saying, “Silence is the voice of complicity.” If the governor has the interests of all Nebraskans close to his heart, he can and should right this wrong.

Cynthia Hartley, Lincoln


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Luke Peterson wrote on May 31, 2007 1:44 am:
" I can't lie, I love this arguement however I found the cartoon to be fairly accurate because some years ago there was a KKK rally infront of the State Capitol and that disturbs me to no end. How can a group of bigots be protected by a sanctioned policy (freedome of assembly) be protected while those who suffer from the supposed non-existent demograpic in this state (yet the most deserving) be subject to second class citizenship?! It seems to me that Nebraska respects those who believe in hate while the voices of progressiveness are drowned out by the very people who are afraid of change. "

 Comm UnSense wrote on May 31, 2007 5:37 am:
" It sure would be nice if people got the facts to a story before they write letters to the editor regarding things they have little or no first hand knowledge of. The principal at Norris did ban the tractors that the students were going to ride on the last day of school, even going so far as to threaten to have law enforcement on hand. A group of parents decided they were right and the principal was wrong. I'm not sure how the kids actually felt about it, but they ended up with the tractors, so evidently the parents got their way. "

 Patty Hill supporter wrote on May 31, 2007 7:04 am:
" ...I agree with her comments about gasoline prices. I feel like we're being ripped off! Gouged comes to mind too plus being taken advantage of. Do these sentiments ring a bell with readers? The prices at various locations around this city are like thermometers....up & down. "

 Lindsay wrote on May 31, 2007 7:05 am:
" Gas prices are $3.99 in Chicago right now Patty. The $3.18 is an average, that means that some prices are higher than that and some are lower. I'm guessing Nebraska's are higher because we do not have oil sitting under the state and our distance from refineries. "

 True Colors wrote on May 31, 2007 7:40 am:
" I have been corrected several times in this forum about how gays really do love and respect obese people and don't just use us as a stepping-stone to promote their own agenda. Now I read that Nebraska's gay majority is the "most deserving" in our state. Stop playing games please, and don't keep embarrassing me in forums. Obese Nebraskans are on the receiving end of discrimination from gays MUCH MORE OFTEN than anyone else has the "nerve" to publicly offend one of them. Most fellow Nebraskans still believe we are free game for discriminatory comments whenever we are present. Obesity discrimination must stop, and we once again need a champion for US in the Legislature. If only we could afford one. "

 Shawn wrote on May 31, 2007 7:44 am:
" Hey Mr. Geary, you sound like you got your way and you're still mad about it....you must be a republican? Don't expect people to applaud you for your "kind and generous, hateful ways". "

 LB475 wrote on May 31, 2007 7:46 am:
" David, your opinion may be "different", but it is also bigoted. That's why the cartoon, and everyone following this story, labels those opposed to LB475 as bigots. It's a black and white issue. And Ned, does being a courteous bigot make it OK? "

 Jason wrote on May 31, 2007 7:56 am:
" David, saying McDonald’s has better fries than Burger King is an opinion. Subjecting a group of people to being second class citizens just because they don’t like the opposite sex “that way” is bigotry. "

 Shayne Ortmeier wrote on May 31, 2007 8:23 am:
" WOW Mr. Geary, so you think that the passage of LB 475 would "have approved behaviors" that you do not "approve" of!!?? The fact that the bill did NOT pass approves behavior that SHOULD NEVER be condoned and that behavior is bigotry and discrimination. The PASSAGE of the bill would ensure members of the GLBT community would not be fired based on their sexual preference. So, tell me what is it that is not "approved"? The right to employment? The right to look for, get and hold a job without the fear of being fired for what goes on behind closed doors between consentual adults?? "

 Pauline wrote on May 31, 2007 8:36 am:
" I personally prefer the word "prejudiced" to bigot. Here is the definition of prejudice: "an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason." We are all bigots in one way or another. It is very interesting how negative opinions become positive opinions when a son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle or best friend "comes out." The prejudiced person then has to think about the fact that someone they know and love is gay. I know from personal experience. But as the saying goes, "There are none so blind as those who will not see." "

 DannyB wrote on May 31, 2007 8:41 am:
" I loved the cartoon, and thought it accuratly portrayed how the Unicameral is now being viewed by the majority of the country. "

 David B wrote on May 31, 2007 8:43 am:
" I always thought that the point of an editorial cartoon was to make you think and that this is some times accomplished by a subjectively offensive drawing. From the letters above, I believe the cartoonist did an excellent job. "

 Shawn wrote on May 31, 2007 9:35 am:
" Thank you Pauline! "

 hasta la vista wrote on May 31, 2007 9:51 am:
" The cartoonist has the right to draw what ever he wants. That’s America. The newspaper has the right to print what ever they want. That’s America. I have the right to cancel my subscription if I don’t like it...and that is what I did. That’s America! "

 TK wrote on May 31, 2007 11:15 am:
" Everything in Nebraska is higher than anywhere else. I paid $3.03 for gas in Iowa. The national news takes Nebraska for granted that they are far out of this world! Like when I lived in other states, you could hear about game scores, weather, you name it in all the states surrounding Nebraska, but you'd never hear any news about Nebraska. One time I asked a news caster in another state why they never gave any info about Nebraska like game scores etc, like they did in all the surrounding states, and I just got a big laugh and the guy said, were's that!! And you think Nebraska doesn't have a reputation????? "

 JMK wrote on May 31, 2007 11:51 am:
" Call me what you will. I have a daughter that is gay and I still think it is wrong. and she knows how I feel about it. But we still get along. And don't say how the Unicameral is now being viewed by the majority of the country. It is NOT the mojority of the country. Just by queers. I still say if you don't like it, move. and by the wat stick a fork in it. there has been way to much energy on this non issue. "

 Jan wrote on May 31, 2007 12:02 pm:
" Come on people. Whenever I hear the national average for gas it is always within a couple of cents here in Lincoln. That means half are higher and half are lower. Gripe about the price in general but quit saying it is higher here than anywhere else. It is higher in a lot of places including the midwest. "

 Mindless Robot wrote on May 31, 2007 12:49 pm:
" Why did JMK make his Daughter gay? "

 We're not being price gouged... wrote on May 31, 2007 1:03 pm:
" Come on folks - high gas prices are our own fault. As long as the demand for gasoline keeps growing - despite the increase in price - then prices aren't too high. Selling gasoline is a business just like any other. Even with relatively high prices demand continues to rise - so why should anyone lower their price? If we didn't continue to demand more and more gasoline then prices would drop substantially. Instead we keep paying more and more for the same product. We're not being price gouged - we're just being foolish. The refining capacity in this country is more or less limited and the public is demanding more and more gasoline all the time. Refineries can't be built overnight - it takes 5 years or more to exapand refining capacity, assuming it's allowed in the first place. Until then our options are simple - continue to consume more and pay more - or consume less and pay less. But stop whining about it all the time. "

 To JMK wrote on May 31, 2007 1:17 pm:
" I am not a gay as you refer to those who look down on the legislature for their actions. No I am a straight ally for the GLBTIQ community. It is clearly an important issue as you would rather just have them go away quietly back into their closets. We will never step down. And I think its sad that you don´t support your lesbian daughter and fight for her fair right to employment. How does liking another woman affect her job performance? It doesn´t but several Nebraska employers do think so for ¨moral¨and ¨religious¨reasons and that is discrimination which should be proteced against. "

 To JMK_2 wrote on May 31, 2007 2:25 pm:
" If you think too much time as been spent on the "gay" topic, stop commenting! "

 Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 2:37 pm:
" I find it depressing that a mother won't support her daughter for who she is. It's not a daughter's fault if she likes women and is a lesbian. It's not a daughter's fault if she likes men and is straight. To me, it seems like JMK is blaming her daughter for refusing to fit in with society by doing what makes her happy. Pursuit of happiness is something we can all relate to, so deal with it JMK. Any good parent would. (Mine have) Also, props to Neal for the cartoon. He has a great skill for sparking issues that need it. "

 JMK wrote on May 31, 2007 2:39 pm:
" When they were in their closets, they weren't as discreminated against, were they? NO, but now that they like to try to force others to agree with their lifestyle (sic), they are. But the employer should have every right to hire who they want and not be forced to hire this minority or that minority just to get state and federal funding. I support our daughter in everything except being gay. and yes you can love a person, but hate their sin. so don't go there. The employers can fire a person at will in this state, so this protection is more a feather in the gay cap than an actual benefit. end of story. Oh and by the way...yes I did like it better when they were in the closet.that way I don't have to see them hugging and kissing in public. "

 CJ wrote on May 31, 2007 3:03 pm:
" It would seem to me, that if gas volume purchased went down, they would raise prices in order to pay the high cost of living in Lincoln, paying the high taxes etc. If the volume & price both went down, the poor station owner could go broke. Next, half of Lincoln drives to Omaha to work, shop and entertainment & even hospitals. So as usual, Lincoln provides no jobs, little entertainment, and serious things you wouldn't want to go to a Lincoln hospital, and very poor commuting vehicles. Whos to blame. Well, theres alot of retired people that live in Lincoln and not only my street but many streets, their cars sit in the garage because they are on fixed incomes and can't afford to go anywhere after taxes! In fact, they never go anywhere but the grocery, church, Dr. P.O. so that leaves the big gas guzzlers the younger age groups which generally have 2 to 4 cars in their garage & drive. As I see it, the city of Lincoln offers little in jobs and entertainment and they are big on taxing! The younger generations, well they like freedom, wouldn't think of riding a bus like they do in big cities, I did, and jump in the car and find something to occupy their time is crucial!!! Well, I guess we see who's using the gas, and isn't it kinda of funny how the younger ones complain that the older people are the ones that cause all the accidents!!!!! Gee, maybe the younger ones need a governor put on their cars so they can't drive over 40 MPH and look at all the gas we'd save!!!!!! "

 Michael wrote on May 31, 2007 3:07 pm:
" To JMK - You realize that, "It doesn´t but several Nebraska employers do think so for ¨moral¨and ¨religious¨reasons and that is discrimination which should be proteced against. " is YOUR opinion right? Some people use their morals and religion as a "compass" just like you use your morals and such. You stating that they are wrong for their views doesn't make them any more so than them doing the same to you. Your opinion does not make you superior in thought or enlightment. I realize the issue is frustrating, but let me tell you the same old tired banter from both sides is getting nowhere and legislation isn't going to make any problem go away. I would suggest both sides look for out of the box ways to try and come to an understanding instead of perpetuating the hatred. Its attitudes that need changing and that is not done with rhetoric and rigidity. "

 Right on wrote on May 31, 2007 3:32 pm:
" I think Ned's letter was one of the most fair-minded I've read on this issue. Good job. "

 Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 3:46 pm:
" To reject a person for who they are is to reject that person entirely. JMK, I truly feel for your daughter. You do not know what you're doing by hating who she is. Someday she'll date someone and will never bring them home because of you. She won't be welcome at home, and that is one of the ultimate failures as a parent. It is people like you that refuse to give an inch to a people that have felt the rigors of discrimination, verbally assault, physically assault, and hatred of misunderstanding that make Neal's article much more real than any legislative action ever could. "

 Mike wrote on May 31, 2007 3:49 pm:
" While I agree that gas prices are over the top, the gas guzzling cars and trucks that get 10 MPG, continue to increase demand for fuel. Until we stop buying these vehicles, and decrease demand, we may never see the end, are you ready for $5 gallon gas....or worse. One certainly has to wonder though, that god forbid there is colusion amongst Big Oil Exxon and BP, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that by simply controlling the overall supply, and the demand continues to exceed the supply, you can charge whatever you want for it. Seems like more than one industry has paid close attention to Big Oil's model........The American consumer is firmly in control of high gas prices right now, nobody's fault but our own. I'll bet GM, Ford and Chrysler would do much better if every vehicle that left the assembly line got at least 30 mpg. "

 To JMK wrote on May 31, 2007 3:51 pm:
" I feel sorry for your daughter that she has such an uncaring, unempathetic parent, but I feel more sorry for you. Ignorance does not make right on a subject like this. You seem to hold the argument that it should be okay for an employer to fire someone for any reason whatsoever, so is it safe to say that someone should be able to fire an employee or not hire one simply because they were black? And you know, what? There are a lot of things in this world we'd rather not see (for you it may be people kissing), but... that's life. Grow up and act like a parent. "

 Wow JMK wrote on May 31, 2007 4:02 pm:
" JMK--Please go stick your head back in the sand. I'm sure your daughter--as well as those of us with an ounce of compassion in us--would appreciate it. Either you accept your child the way she was born or you don't. Would you love and accept her if she were born paralyed or with Down's syndrome? I'm not equating homosexuality with a handicap. What I am saying is that homosexuals are born homosexual just as heterosexuals are born heterosexual just as African-Americans are born black and those with Down's syndrome are born with Down's Syndrome. When it comes to sexuality, the only CHOICE is whether or not to act on urges with which we are born. And as long as we're consenting adults, everyone is guaranteed the pursuit of happiness in this country. I feel so sorry for your daughter. Not because she's homosexual, but because she has at least one parent who attaches conditions to his love for her. I pray your ignorance and intolerance do not rear their ugly heads in front of your daughter (although I highly doubt those prayers have or will ever be answered). "

 YEWHM wrote on May 31, 2007 4:26 pm:
" TK-is that Nebraska reputation an uneducated and ignorant reputation? Learn to spell. The only one to curse for high gas prices is the person pumping it into their car. As soon as we learn energy/oil efficiency the sooner we can be weened off of the Mideast Oil/OPEC Teat. Don't know much about LB475, but where's my law policy ensuring employment security for a young educated white heterosexual male who likes to goof off at work? CJ - I'm so confused that I fear not agreeing with you. I will take your "points" into consideration as I watch half my paycheck go to federal, state, medicare, and social security taxes to pay for your kinds' addiction to prescription pills. "

 Luke Peterson wrote on May 31, 2007 4:53 pm:
" JMK, being gay doesn't define you as a person. Being gay is only a mere part of who you are, much like a left handed person is left handed or a blue eyed person has blue eyes. Do we focus on these differences with the same ammount of scrutiny as we do about homosexuality? Clearly not. However these things that are apart of us, we take them to heart. I know many left handed people who are proud of their dexterity. I am proud gay man. But yet you say that you love your daughter while the same time are ashamed of her, why?! There is nothing to be ashamed about and why can't I have the same right to be a proud American? "Lover the sinner but hate the sin" that is about as assinine as being a proud American but yet burning the American flag in effigy. I hope your daughter knows where you stand with loving her because if I was your child, I would never accept you to be my father. I'm thankful enough that my parents see me as their son and not as their "gay son." "

 Joe wrote on May 31, 2007 5:20 pm:
" I have been putting in job applications here lately and I have yet to come across an application that asks about your sexual preference. If you are so proud that you have to go around telling EVERYBODY that you work with you are gay then thats your own fault. "

 Mark wrote on May 31, 2007 5:56 pm:
" Joe doesn't seem to understand it either. It's not about proving to "everybody" that you're gay. It's protecting gay employees from being fired for being gay, if they "show it" or not. It's also not about having extra rights. It's about EQUAL RIGHTS. "

 Regrets ever coming to Nebraska wrote on May 31, 2007 6:16 pm:
" Some if not most job applications sure do ask about "marital status" and since I have been in a same-sex parntership for some time (getting married soon), how am I suppose to answer that question? "

 JMK Supporter wrote on May 31, 2007 7:27 pm:
" I am dismayed on how critics of JMK are misusing the words given by JMK, "I have a daughter that is gay and I still think it is wrong. and she knows how I feel about it. But we still get along." No where in the comment does JMK say he/she "doesn't love" his/her daughter. The Christian principle, "love the sinner, hate the sin", is Biblical, no way around it! It is time that secular society starts recognizing that Christians have the right and moral obligation to oppose someone's sexual prefence but still love that person. However, the liberals of this nation need to step up to the plate and actually be the so called welcoming political party for all taht they claim to be and recognize and tolerate Christian, conversative viewpoints! I'm tired of being told that the only way I can love a person is if I believe in what they believe or do...well that isn't going to happen! "

 Ryan wrote on May 31, 2007 7:52 pm:
" One can not and should not be tolerant of particular viewpoints if those viewpoints are intolerant! "

 peb wrote on May 31, 2007 9:18 pm:
" Love the sinner, hate the sin. Doesn't that cover all of us? As far as I know we are all sinners. How does that work? So who defines what a sin is? I certainly don't feel I'm qualified to define what a sin is. I think judging someone can be considered a sin. So the senators that were against LB 475 because they believe homosexuality is morally wrong because of their religion are pushing their religious beliefs on the entire state. Is that fair? "

 Pauline wrote on May 31, 2007 10:05 pm:
" Ultimately, in not accepting his/her gay daughter, JMK or any unaccepting parent, will be the loser. Eventually the daughter will fall in love permanently and may choose not to subject the woman she loves to an unaccepting parent and that could be the end of JMK's and his/her daughter's relationship. "

 Joe wrote on June 1, 2007 5:00 pm:
" You would probably have to answer your marital status as single because Nebraska doesn't recognize same sex marriages. "

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