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Letters, 5/16: Rebate provision unfair

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Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 12:37:07 am CDT

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


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huh wrote on May 17, 2008 12:56 am:
" I guess I'd blame your parents for claiming you as a dependent, if, in fact, they are not supporting you. If they are supporting you, get over it. That is the problem with this country, people expect the government to provide for them and whine when they don't get what they want. "

 TS wrote on May 17, 2008 4:28 am:
" If you are a dependent why would you think you had something coming? I guess if you are a big Bush supporter that says it all. "

 boohoo wrote on May 17, 2008 5:10 am:
" Jamie, you are blaming the wrong people. If you are as financially independent as you say you are, and presumably over 18 (since you're a college student), your parents shouldn't be claiming you as a dependent. You should be filing your own taxes. I suspect, however, that as a dependent you enjoy the benefits of insurance you don't pay for, and I'm willing to bet you don't pay your own tuition either. Time to grow up. Tantrums don't work in the real world. "

 Taxes wrote on May 17, 2008 5:19 am:
" Jamie, the reason you did not get a refund sent to you is because your refund was given to the person who claims you as a dependent. When the gov't was putting out info on the tax rebate, they said that those who claim dependents would get get a rebate for each.

So, if you want your tax rebate, ask your parent or guardian for it out of their rebate. "

 karwied wrote on May 17, 2008 6:58 am:
" Jamie: The stimulus check was (will be) sent to people who paid at least $3500 into the tax system. If you are a dependent, then it means that your parents probably received the money....which is as it should be...maybe if you ask really nice, they will share with you...(they are already doing so, as they raised you spending tens of thousands of dollars...they deserve it...your time will come.) "

 Mark wrote on May 17, 2008 7:47 am:
" Jamie need's to do alot more research. If you were claimed as a dependent, then go get your economic stimulus money from your parents who claimed you and received money for claiming you. Research should have told you the checks were not being issued till May 1st. The waiting for months comments sound again like the research you did was flawed. Don't blame Bush because your parents claimed you as a dependent. They have your money. "

 Davey D wrote on May 17, 2008 7:56 am:
" Jamie, I would suggest asking your parents for your refund. They are the ones who claimed you and they will probably be keeping your money. It doesn't hurt to ask! And yes, it was publicized that way. Oh no, I think I just defended Bush. God help me! "

 Sylvia wrote on May 17, 2008 7:58 am:
" Hang up and drive Lincoln! "

 Gary wrote on May 17, 2008 8:02 am:
" Jamie in regaurds to your stimulus check, I think you need to do some more research, you are entitled to a stimulus check but since you are a dependent the check goes to the head of the house hold, so whoever claimed you as a dependent got your 500.00 check, and if they claimed you as a dependent they probably deserve the 500.00 since they are still paying for you! "

 Dear college student wrote on May 17, 2008 8:23 am:
" I went to IRS.GOV and used the calculator to figure your tax rebate and the first screen after I selected "can be claimed as a dependant on someone elses return" was:

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which authorized the pre-payment of this one-time credit, stipulates that the payment is not to be made to any of the following:

* Individuals who can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return;
* Nonresident aliens; or
* Anyone who does not have a valid Social Security Number.

So, if you and your friends had done your homework you would not be upset that you did not receive a check. Since you are upset, please include the congress in your anger.
"

 Lafferman wrote on May 17, 2008 8:25 am:
" Jamie being a dependant means that your parents pay for more than half of your living expenses. since they pay for more than half of your life as a student they deserve the money from the stimulus package to help them out while they help you out. if they are not paying more than half of your living expenses and they claim you as a dependant then they are breaking the law and should let you file independantly. a lot of parents do this because they can get a bigger tax return if they say that your dependant, this is tax fraud. and it was very publicised that the stumulus package would not go to dependant children. you need to talk with your parents because it sounds like you pay your own way through school with lots of hard work (that is a lot of hours to work and still go to school that is really hard to do.) you should claim yourself as independant you would get a bigger normal tax return and also this year would have gotten the stimulus package instead your parents get $300 for every dependant child plus your tax write off for being dependant. your problem isn't with the stimulus package (although it's far from perfect) it's with your parents you need to take it up with them. "

 LC wrote on May 17, 2008 8:26 am:
" Jamie,

Ask your parents for the extra money they got in their stimulus for claiming you. The money can't be given twice, and if they claimed children then they got more than those who don't. If your parents aren't supporting you then they shouldn't be claiming you. "

 rebate wrote on May 17, 2008 8:27 am:
" Jamie, this isn't a matter of your gov't considering you insignificant. However, because you are claimed as a dependent, your parents are getting an additional amount on their rebate. Don't blame the gov't... talk to your parents! "

 To Jamie wrote on May 17, 2008 8:29 am:
" Perhaps you should be talking to your parents, who feel that they apparently are contributing the majority of the cost of your keep. That is why THEY claimed you as a dependent. That is what being claimed as a dependent means. Did you file a tax return? Did you not discuss with your parents who would claim you? I suggest that you talk to dear old dad and ask him to give you the rebate check that will be sent to him, or to your mother. But to blame Bush for your lack of attending to detail is outrageous. I am glad that you are going to school. I hope that you will get an education. "

 Quit whining wrote on May 17, 2008 8:44 am:
" Jamie,
The stimulus check went out, just it went to the one who pays the majority of your bills, according to how the taxes were filed. If you think you deserve the check, talk to your parents. "

 JT wrote on May 17, 2008 9:06 am:
" Mr. Herrold, which issues are liberals on the wrong side of? Iraq? SCHIP? The environment? The economy? "

 Tax Provision Fair wrote on May 17, 2008 9:08 am:
" Jamie - The tax provision is fair, your parents claiming you as a dependent receive a tax break and should be getting an additional $300 per child claimed, since they are getting the extra benefit, maybe you should ask them for the $300 since you do pay for things yourself. I commend you on working your way through school, I did the same thing and I know it is tough! "

 gvlen wrote on May 17, 2008 9:11 am:
" Jamie, your parents who claimed you as a dependent got "your" rebate. They would not have gotten as much without claiming you as a dependent. "

 W wrote on May 17, 2008 9:36 am:
" Okay Pat, so most of the tailgaters are young women-I'd love to see your scientific research on that. I'm so tired of you chauvinistic men thinking that all young women are mindless bobbleheads talking on our cell phones. My boyfriend happens to be one of the worst drivers I know & to keep our relationship intact, I drive all the time unless we're driving a few blocks to the grocery store. If the driving requires much thought or navigation skills, it's just a little too much for much for him to deal with.
Im not saying that I NEVER tailgait, but you can be assured that the few times that I do, I never take my eyes off the car in front of me-I'm not talking on my cell phone or reaching down to change my radio station (I have the controls on my steering wheel.) I also never tailgate if there's icy, rainy or snowy roads. BTW, I've never hit anyone when I'm driving, but have been hit by other drivers.
Pat, I love how you say people just need to leave earlier to get to the destination on time-like that's possible for everyone. I work two jobs, so don't always have that luxury. Many parents also don't have that luxury, as kids don't always follow this perfect little time schedule & kids frequently decide to spit up or throw a tantrum right before leaving the house or daycare. Also, we wouldn't need to tailgate if you "law-abiding people" would actually drive the speed limit-35 mph does not mean that you drive 30 or 25. At least be fair about this! "

 bummer wrote on May 17, 2008 9:49 am:
" Life's not fair, Jamie. This is a prime example of why it is foolish for people to think that the government is going to take care of them and solve their problems. Government doesn't solve problems...most of the time it creates them.

Don't look to the government for a handout. Look to yourself to achieve things. Your best bet is to work to keep the government out of your life and your pocketbook. "

 disappointed in rebate also wrote on May 17, 2008 10:03 am:
" Not only do the teens who work & are claimed as a dependent unable to receive the rebate, but those who turned 17 before Dec. 31, 2007 make it unable for the parents to even get the $300. for that kid. So there are thousands of 17 yr olds who work their behinds off to buy their cars, buy GAS, etc., who don't even exist as far as the Federal government is concerned! My son who turned 17 on the 29th of Dec., 2007, we don't get the $300. for, & he earned way over $3000.00 for the year, doesn't get it either. But by God those that don't work, & are young enough to, but already get Government handouts, they get $300. Doesn't seem right to me! Something is rotten in Washington DC! "

 Dependency Status wrote on May 17, 2008 10:39 am:
" It is completely fair that you don't receive the rebate. Otherwise the government would be issuing a lot of double rebates to dependent children in college and to their parents. If you are claimed as a dependent on your parent's taxes, they probably have received $300 for each dependent child. Seems like common sense. It would be up to them if they gave you the money or not........ "

 to Pat wrote on May 17, 2008 10:49 am:
" First, not everyone has time to leave early. There are many people that work 80+ hours a week and cherish the extra 15 minutes to sleep or see their families. Second, I have been all around the country, and there are more slow drivers in Lincoln than most small towns. It seems as though no one has anything to do in a day. I am busy all day everyday and would like to get where I am going in a reasonable amount of time. I do not condone speeding, but you need to go the speed limit on all of our wonderful two lane roads, which I always find drivers driving 5-10 mph below the speed limit. There are no freeways to get around here so people become easily frustrated, even though there is a relatively small amount of traffic. Lincoln is the focus of many jokes by UNL graduates who move away. I here people in other cities that complain about the heavy traffic say "at least we are not driving in Lincoln" even though it takes an hour to get somewhere. I honestly think that Lincoln's horrible reputation for driving among people who do not live here prevents businesses from moving here and others from thriving in this area. This is a horrible problem, and I cannot wait to get away from all of the slow drivers, poorly timed stoplights, and the non-existent arterioles across the city. I cannot even write here how frustrating it is to drive in this town, and everyone I talk to feels the same way. "

 Shoes wrote on May 17, 2008 11:24 am:
" Judging from the letters today, the invention of Velcro was a necessary product for the needs of every day life, since tying shoelaces would have been too difficult. "

 Slow Drivers wrote on May 17, 2008 1:05 pm:
" Two reasons for all the tailgating: 1. The over-abundance of all the elderly in Lincoln, who drive slow because they are afraid of driving or just have all day to get to where they are going; 2. Lincoln's lack of freeways and bypasses, poor designed road layout, poorly timed street lights. If you are driving under the speed-limit, you are creating a road hazard. "

 Mark wrote on May 17, 2008 1:48 pm:
" Maybe the reason people drive the way they do is because of the HUGE traffic light/flow problem this city has. Other than K and L, 9th and 10th st. someone please show me where you can go through more than 1 traffic light without having to stop. People are upset when they drive in this town, and I for one cannot blame them for going faster to try and offset all the time wasted at red lights, intersection after intersection. Someone should send the city a bill for all the wasted gas people waste sitting at red light after red light. Traffic flow and lights in this town are a big joke. "

 kd wrote on May 17, 2008 2:00 pm:
" If you didnt pay in more $3500.00, no refund. And NO, your parents did NOT get it either because they claimed you as a dependant. The $300 per child is ONLY for eligible dependents 17 & UNDER. I DO pay most all of my daughter's college expenses, she is COMPLETELY dependent on our support and we did rightfully claim her as such, yet no $300.00 back for her since she is 19 and a full time student. My younger daughter (age 13) costs about 1/5 annually to support as the one in college but we did get the $300.00 credit in the stimulus check for her. Go figure! I know it seems unfair, I feel like I got a raw deal too - but the only recourse you have is to educate yourself and dont every miss an opportunity to affect change with the power of your VOTE.
"

 Grow up wrote on May 17, 2008 2:02 pm:
" They sure don't call young people of today "the entitlement generation" for nothing. That's probably why so many young people are supporting obama, because they think he will provide everything they need. "

 REW wrote on May 17, 2008 2:32 pm:
" there is no reason to tailgate period. You hit someone in the rear and you get a ticket period. I don't care if the person in front of you hit their brakes as if in an emergency stop, or just trying to get you to back off. If you hit them you get a ticket. Think about that and remember a ticket means higher insurance because rear ending someone is not a citation that you can take a safe driver test to get rid of. Used to write the tickets. "

 Ej wrote on May 17, 2008 4:41 pm:
" Ok W speed limit by definition means the maximum speed allowed on the road.Not 5 or 10 mph over. By your own admission you tailgate therefore your whole tantrum holds no merit. A few minutes more may well worth the well being of your family and mine. You definitly sound like one of the problem drivers in this town. "

 parent of a teenager wrote on May 17, 2008 6:25 pm:
" kd - Thank God! Finally someone who knows what they are talking about. It was intnteresting reading the other comments from those who don't. "

 Nope wrote on May 17, 2008 6:30 pm:
" Re To Pat. EVERYBODY has the extra time to leave early. If you want to sleep an extra 15 minutes, I suggest you go to be 15 minutes early. It is that simple.

To Slow Drivers: The speed of other drivers is no reason to tail gate. Did you think they may be going speed limit or maybe as fast as road conditions allow. If you took drivers ed or read the drivers manual, they tell you if someone is tail gating you, the thing to do is to slow down so you do not hit the car in front of you in case of an accident. If that bothers you, why don't you pass them instead of tail gating and raising your blood pressure.

I was rear ended recently by a tail gating teen ager---yes a teen ager (19 yr old to be exact)--- who was in a hurry and thought I would run a red light. I think he learned quickly not everyone is in as big a hurry as he and others, especially older people DO OBEY traffic laws and not think traffic laws apply to everyone but them. "

 CS wrote on May 17, 2008 7:44 pm:
" Short answer-yes-if your parents are claiming you as a dependent then the assumption is that they are supporting you, hence they get the tax breaks. This is no big secret, you were reminded of this fact every year when you filled out financial aid forms. If you put your parents income info on there that should have been a small clue. You can easily declare yourself independent of your parents in college and not have to include their income information, you just fill out a form. You don't have a reason to be angry-you, through inaction, said that your parents support you, therefore if there is a stimulus why shouldn't they receive it? "

 Anne wrote on May 17, 2008 7:50 pm:
" To kd,
thanks for writing. As a parent of 2 college age students, which we claim for insurance, I was rather confused by some of the comments towards Jamie. My sons pay their living expenses and have taken out loans for college tuition. As parents, we don't receive the 'extra' as mentioned in previous blogs. So glad you wrote in!

To Jamie, I am as disappointed as you. My sons were thinking of the financial assistance to help in their expenses, also.

The web of all communication being available is crucial. Government needs to make sure that information is publicized and explained in laymans terms and not buried in text.
"

 entitlement my wrote on May 17, 2008 9:41 pm:
" Entitlement! What? Are you serious? What about all the people yelling for their Social Security? Hello? All the different generations have some people who feel entitled, whether its jobs, more money, tax breaks, or help when their house floated away...stop using that word...it applies to EVERYONE! "

 LC wrote on May 18, 2008 7:32 am:
" My mistake, I didn't realize that if you were a dependent over 17 the parents wouldn't receive the money. However, it doesn't change the fact that someone who allows themselves to be claimed by someone else when they supposedly are taking care of themselves should think they'd get money back. The parents shouldn't be claiming someone under these circumstances. "

 Lincoln drivers are terrible wrote on May 18, 2008 11:28 am:
" When it comes to driving, most people in Lincoln think the laws don't apply to them. Their in a bigger hurry than everyone else. Even some of these commentors are saying, 'I can't leave early enough so I must speed or tailgate to get where I'm going on time'. The comment by 'W' is a perfect example of the way some drivers think they have more entitlement to the road than other people that have been driving MUCH longer. Their are so many other bad driving habits in this town it would take to long to mention all of them. "

 Entitlement your wrote on May 18, 2008 11:36 am:
" People want their social security because they paid into it their whole lives and need the money for retirement. They deserve this money. It's not a handout. It's their money. Hello? Your comment really shows your age. "

 mark wrote on May 18, 2008 4:39 pm:
" 'Entitlement': You're right. There are welfarists in every generation. "

 jake wrote on May 18, 2008 5:55 pm:
" Ignorance isn't bliss. Actually, if you would have done your research like many tax paying citizens on various things they can deduct you would have known about the "dependent" issue.

The fact is that tax policys are not "publicized" in the media. I guess this goes down as a $600 lesson learned for you. "

 Tod wrote on May 18, 2008 6:01 pm:
" Count me in as confused. As a taxpayer and parent of multiple school-aged children, of course I received my 'credit'. But, I was never claimed as a dependent while in college. I worked and borrowed (and payed back) my own way through. Parents, why are you complaining about not getting any benefit from claiming your 'children'? Don't claim them and maybe they will benefit. "

 Leason learned wrote on May 18, 2008 7:38 pm:
" Hey Jamie, I guess you learned one more thing today. Life isn't always fair. Get over it. "

 Hey wrote on May 18, 2008 8:51 pm:
" I'm not tailgating...I'm drafting! "

 MarkyMark wrote on May 18, 2008 9:10 pm:
" Mr Herrold, if you are that good at scrutinizing candidates, let me ask you this. Did you vote for Bush Jr? Twice? "

 geewhiz wrote on May 18, 2008 10:03 pm:
" I was a brat once I entered college (and not beforehand.. who'd figure?), so I sort of understand where Jamie is coming from.. .. .. ; however, she needs to grow up. I probably supported more than the required amount at that time (due to scholarships and working) but my family did have me put me on their health insurance. Even if this is not the case, grow up. I understand.. it takes a while and that is.. well, growing up. If your college age student is costing you more than your 13 year old, well, you probably need to grow up too. Let the child grow their wings! No one in my family got big handouts (beyond scholarships.. I guess that is a handout) in college (beyond health insurance.. which basically meant that they could put my health center costs on their cafeteria plan.. maybe it's changed), so maybe I'm not empathetic enough to the situation. "

 Jon wrote on May 18, 2008 10:45 pm:
" Jamie, this is the only time your confidence has been shaken in regards to Bush?!? Luckily there's no draft, or your confidence may have been shaken earlier when you were called upon to serve in a war of choice. "

 JimDandy wrote on May 19, 2008 8:34 am:
" " People want their social security because they paid into it their whole lives and need the money for retirement. They deserve this money. It's not a handout. It's their money. Hello? Your comment really shows your age. "

This is incorrect. It's not their money. I'm surprised so many people still think this is how SS works. Current SS checks are funded by SS taxes on current wage earners. The money is not put away in some government account for you to pull out at retirement. And on average after four years most recipients have taken out more than they put in thier entire working life. It's a social welfare system.
"

 A Parent wrote on May 19, 2008 9:09 am:
" Let's not forget to give credit where it's actually due, to the other 500+ members of the Democrat controlled Congress who ACTUALLY WROTE AND PASSED the economic stimulus package. As has been shown this bill, just like so many of their other legislative bills, FAILS to treat all of the of citizens equally. "

 stimulus wrote on May 19, 2008 10:11 am:
" Ok, its great that I got a refund from my government. Do i think its the right thing to do when our country is in such a huge hole as it is?? NO I DONT!!! Bush has driven this country into the ground at $4 a gallon at that. But I am not complaining as I spend my stimulus package on my bills, food for my kids, GAS to get back and forth to work. Do i care if people on SSI are complaining that they didnt get as much as the working person? Did you who is in school file a return or work at all? Ask your parents for your half. I dont trust this government. According to the website I should have got a check for 1800.00, instead I recieved 1385.00. Hmmmmm.... thats odd but guess what I am not going to cry over free money that our idiot leader is handing out to make himself look good. Its too late Bush, your still an idiot. "

 Josh wrote on May 19, 2008 11:50 am:
" I think if someone does go to other cities- especially ones larger than Lincoln- they will find that there are an unusually high number of people on the roads at any given time that drive slowwwww. Sure, the speed limit is the maximum allowed speed, but it is also recommended to drive the same speed of the flow of traffic, which in most cases is the speed limit. Driving slow makes you a hazard out there, bogging down the flow of traffic. As another poster mentioned, I am shocked almost every day at how so many people in this town drive as if they have nowhere they need to be, and have no concern for the long line of traffic they are holding up behind them. "

 a Mom wrote on May 19, 2008 12:54 pm:
" I assume you are also paying for you own college tuition and your parents are not helping you in any way. If not, then your parents have every right to claim you. If you want to be a grown up learn the rules. That means paying for everything and not expecting a hand out. "

 I wouldnt.... wrote on May 19, 2008 4:37 pm:
" tailgate if people ACTUALLY drove the speed limit. If I was at least 5 minutes a day on these types of people that is 30 hours a year I was on slow drivers. I don't know about you but I hate wasting my life on people who simply can not follow the rules that most people follow. If you can not handle a motor vehicle at 35mph then maybe just maybe you shouldn't be driving a car! I am amazed multiple times daily at how slow people drive here, it makes me think if they are even paying attention. "

 redheaded stranger wrote on May 19, 2008 4:47 pm:
" Yes Pat Kinney, Lincoln does have some of the worst drivers in America. I've lived all over the United States, and must tell you that the idiotic drivers in this city drive me nuts. How many times have I been behind some Lincolnite going 30 miles an hour in a 35 or 45 mile per hour zone? To many to count!! I for one am sick to death of you drivers who think you must drive exactly 25 when the speed is 35 or more. If you idiots can't handle your vehicle going the speed limit, then call a cab or have someone who knows how to drive take you places. You slow poke drivers are what causes accidents and tick people off. "

 Redbelly Havernut wrote on May 19, 2008 7:30 pm:
" 1.) Lincoln drivers are not the worst, but they're pretty bad. I can count more people run red lights in a week than the total amount of time I've lived in many other cities. What really bothers me are the people that park in no parking zones. The no parking area in front of Wal-Mart is always full with non emergency vehicles. Even better, they park right next to a sign that says "No Parking". Why aren't they cleared? They are taking up spots that are meant for ambulances and fire trucks. How would you feel knowing someone in your family might need quick help, but it gets slowed down because some lazy person who doesn't think the rules apply to them got in the way. I've seen Lincoln police drive right by the offenders with no consequence. My favorite example was just out side of the dollar store next to super saver on 48th and O. Just outside the door is a pedestrian walkway and a no parking sign. I often see people parked on the curve and impeding traffic as well because it's a narrow lane. WHY????

2.) I read about Jaime's diappointment at not getting a cut of the cash. A family friend's son wanted his cut too. He confronted his mother and demanded that she give him $600 because he has a job and pays taxes. She reminded him that he is 20 years old and still lives at home. She told him he could have it if he started paying his own health insurance, car insurance, water bill, electric and gas bills, groceries, etc. He still didn't understand why she wouldn't give him the money and left mad. I hope Jaime, her friends, and the rest of today's young adults are more reasonable and less "entitled" than our friend's son.
"

 TAR wrote on May 19, 2008 11:25 pm:
" Jamie's problem is like many of his/her generation. It's called the ID generation. I Deserve this and I deserve that without doing anything! I'm that important! Please read the greatest generation by Tom Brokaw, so you'll know what real sacrifice is like. Stop whining and grow up! "

 L wrote on May 23, 2008 9:56 am:
" Grow up Jamie. This is life. I have two kids that live with me and I only got credit for 1 of them. Boo Hoo "

 Hmm wrote on May 23, 2008 10:05 pm:
" Actually, all of you may want to do some research. Jamies parents will not be receiving his money. The parents of dependents over the age of 18 will not receive the $300 dependent stimulus. "

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