Letters, 5/16: Rebate provision unfair

I, like most Americans, was excitedly waiting for my economic stimulus check. As a college student, this money would really help out right now.

Last week, when my younger sister didn’t receive a refund, I began to get worried. I decided to do more research.

Now, after months of waiting, I find the stipulation that if you are claimed as a dependent, you do not qualify for the refund. I know that I am not the only one who was not aware of this.

All my friends are expecting the refund, and I’ve heard people at work and school discuss what they would do with their money.

This leaves me with two questions: Why was the fact that you do not qualify if you’re a dependent not publicized, and what makes me less deserving of this economic stimulus than anyone else? While being a full-time student, I work between 30 and 35 hours a week.

What does my being claimed as a dependent really mean? Does it mean that my parents pay for my gas, or phone bill, or other expenses? I wish. No. All it means is that a lot of people who could really use the money aren’t getting it.

I have always been a big Bush supporter, but this shakes my confidence. It hurts to know that your president considers you to be … insignificant?

Jamie Cajka, Lincoln

Flier spurred vote for Jeffers

I would like to thank the Nebraska Democratic Party for sending out the fliers labeling James Arthur Jeffers as “Mr. Moneybags.”

I had done my research on the legislative candidates for the 21st District, but I was still not sure whom to vote for. The fliers came out just in time and solidified my decision. I voted for Jeffers.

If Jeffers was so disliked by liberal Nebraska Democrats that he was worth that much effort and money, he must be doing something right.

Democrats (especially the more liberal ones) have been on the wrong side of so many issues these days that it makes it easier for me to support whomever they attack.  Thanks again, Nebraska Dems.

James A. Herrold, Lincoln

Litter fee exists

Of course Don C. Sutton is correct (“Keep it clean, Lincoln,” letter, May 13). Lincoln should be a beacon of cleanliness to all of Nebraska and the nation.

However, the tax remedy he suggests already exists. Passed in 1979, and enacted in 1980, the Nebraska Litter Fee taxes retailers of food, soft drinks, liquor, wine, beer, tobacco products, household paper, cleaning agents and kitchen items, as well as manufacturers or wholesalers of containers made of glass, metal, plastic, fiber, or synthetic materials.

Maybe, along with the efforts of Lincolnites, the tax we already pay could be put to better use in cleaning up our great city.

Aron Wiest, Lincoln

Lincoln drivers careless

I agree with Eric T. Foster’s comments (letter, May 12) about Jeff Richardson’s complaint about the terrible drivers in Lincoln (letter, May 2).

I have a suggestion for all those drivers who need to drive at the speed limit or higher — give yourself more time to get to your destination. Leave home a few minutes earlier and give yourself the opportunity to be a safe and courteous driver and not one who causes accidents.

I, too, have returned to Lincoln after having driven in many other cities — most of them much larger and with more traffic than Lincoln. I have never seen so many careless, rude and dangerous drivers as in Lincoln.

After I was hit from behind by a tailgating driver, the responding police officer agreed with me that he sees more tailgaters here than anywhere else he’s driven. My observation has been that it is usually the young woman who does the tailgating — often with a cell phone at her ear.

I drive at the speed limit and keep up with traffic, but nearly every day I experience someone on my bumper, impatiently wanting me to go faster, or someone who rolls through a stop sign because he/she is on the phone, or tries to turn with the one free hand and wanders into another lane.

Pat Kinney, Lincoln