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Letters 5/21: Parker’s column disturbing

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 12:11:19 am CDT

In her column titled “Full-blooded Americans” (LJS, May 17), Kathleen Parker expressed agreement with voters who preferred John McCain to Barack Obama because McCain, unlike Obama, was a “full-blooded American.”

I have to say that this was one of the most disturbingly racist columns I’ve read in a long time. Parker argued that because Obama’s father was from Kenya, Obama and the children of other recent immigrants somehow didn’t “get” America, and therefore didn’t deserve to be president.

How dare she.

Anyone who thinks we should choose a president based on ancestry is the one who doesn’t “get” America.

She’d deny it, but Parker’s coded language is simply a not-so-subtle way to suggest that mixed-race people aren’t fit to be president.

I’d much prefer to see the guys in white hoods than Parker’s smiley-faced brand of racism. At least they don’t pretend they aren’t racist.

Tom P. Lynch, Lincoln

Bush should apologize

What kind of overseas representation do we have when our president speaks this way in another country (“Bush, Obama trade salvos,” LJS, May 16)? I’m floored at the things he has suggested of a very serious candidate for president while overseas.

I was always told that when you go out of the country, you represent the country and should conduct yourself as a proud American. This is not the case with George Bush. What an example-setter we have in Bush.

He should apologize to Barack Obama and the whole country for politicizing a historic event in Israel. And we wonder why the two parties can’t work together when the person who is supposed to bond them acts like this.

January of 2009, I beg of you, come quick.

Roger Foster, Crete

CLCs are important

Being a parent of children who participate in the Community Learning Center program at Huntington Elementary School and at the F Street Recreation Center, I am deeply concerned about the budget cuts the city is proposing.

Our families need these programs. They offer a fun, safe learning environment for our children. Communities thrive on the programs CLC has to offer. Being low income proves challenging when you are trying to get your children into after-school programs that will enrich their minds to grow.

My daughter was in an after-school club that taught her how to dance; it was made possible by the CLC. If not for the CLC, she would not have been able to take dance lessons; therefore, she never would have discovered her hidden talent.

Our children are our future. If we want them to be all they can be, we need to make sure we provide them with all the tools necessary to develop their mind, body and spirit. I believe the CLC plays a substantial role in our children’s emerging success. We as a community owe it to the children to ensure that the CLC can continue to provide these invaluable programs to your families.

Terra M. Liebers, Lincoln

Applause for Bruning

Isn’t it a shame that when a person such as our state attorney general, Jon Bruning, does the job he is sworn to do as an elected official, that he receives criticism from special interest groups who want to advance their own agendas. Would a police officer deserve criticism for enforcing the laws that protect us or a judge who gets the bad guys off the streets and into jail?

Bruning is doing what the law says he must do: enforce and oversee the laws of Nebraska for its residents. Not spending time and money to represent illegal immigrants who have not earned and do not deserve the rights, resources and privileges of the citizens of this country.

I, for one, applaud his stance and offer my full support for the job he is doing. It is time for more Americans to stand up and do what is right and not worry about political correctness and special interest groups.

Lanny Petit, Inland


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Lanny wrote on May 21, 2008 12:51 am:
" Ignorance of the law is no excuse. You have no idea what the law is. Bruning does not serve the letter of the law in not upholding the law in terms of enforcing housing discrimination statutes. A landlord cannot choose to turn away anyone because of race, color or national origin, even if its Mexico or Mars or New York. This is based on our constitution. If you do not like it move to a dictatorship where only the priviledged class can rent your house. "

 Ray wrote on May 21, 2008 1:45 am:
" As a bi-racial person myself, I have taken offense to many things people have said in the course of this election season. Many times I have heard that people cannot vote for Obama on the premise that blacks take care of blacks and whites take care of whites. Those ideas are shocking to hear in the 21st century no matter who is saying it. And who exactly are mixed race people "supposed to look after" I have one white parent and one black parent, and recognize the good and bad traits inherent in both. So I too took offense to Parker's comments and Obama's maternal-grandfather served under Patton for god sake. You cant have a more straight arrow "full-blooded" American story than that! WAKE UP PEOPLE DO NOT BE SHEEP! "

 Western Nebraskan wrote on May 21, 2008 5:35 am:
" Roger Foster is dead right. President Bush has gone from being an absolute embarrassment here in the United States, to being an absolute embarrassment on world stage. From his petty picking at a serious candidate for the presidency of the United States, to his "on his knees" begging the oil people in the middle east for more production---what a joke!! Do people forget that he and Cheney were, and probably still are, totally involved in the oil industry here in the United States, and share as big a responsibility for our oil and gas woes as those in the Middle East. Even the people here in Nebraska, one of the reddest of red states are totally embarrassed with his antics. It's no surprise that there is an apparent ground swell to embrace a change in direction in our leadership. We don't need more of the same, which people in our state are going to see even in our Senator race. Johanns is joined at the hip with this status quo thinking. I am a life long dedicated Republican, but Kleeb and Obama look like a breathe of fresh air, and are getting my vote. "

 Jeff wrote on May 21, 2008 7:11 am:
" OK Lanny. How do you feel about Bruning wanting to complete eliminate the EEOC, and forfeit millions of Federal dollars that is supposed to assure fairness and civil rights in the workplace and society? Guess you're OK with that too? And you're probably alright with him representing Nebraska with the Kurds too. Just another hard day's work for Nebraskans. Yipee! "

 Ummm Larry.... wrote on May 21, 2008 7:53 am:
" Brunings job is to file lawsuits, not decide which laws to follow. You obviously don't have any idea what the AGs job is. I award you no points for your letter and ask that you go back to school until you can demonstrate at least an elementary grasp of what the AG is supposed to do.
And for the record Larry, Bruning is allowing an illegal activity to take place. Discrimination is illegal, it doesn't matter if you are here illegally or not. "

 Josh wrote on May 21, 2008 8:02 am:
" Maybe if Brunning just did his job instead being a publicity hog, he would be taken more seriously. To me he is just gearing for higher political office. "

 Hey Lanny wrote on May 21, 2008 8:12 am:
" I've got a bridge I want to sell you, because apparently you'll believe anything. Exactly what laws did Bruning enforce? Certainly not the anti-discrimination laws that even Lou Dobbs chastized him about (That's a pretty big hint when you're being xenophobic - if even Lou Dobbs has a problem with your immigration policies) And certainly not any immigration laws - you do realize that he knew of two illegal immigrants in our state and - this is key - failed to report them. So he basically figured out the way to do absolutely no work, do some political pandering, and have a bunch of people think he's doing a great job - when he's doing nothing to help our state's illegal immigration problem. And you have fallen for it hook line and sinker. "

 Gene Debs wrote on May 21, 2008 8:19 am:
" Parker is a disgrace, she followed up the column about McCain being a "full blooded American" with some over the top histrionics about being relieved that Obama and Edwards didn't kiss each other in a recent appearance. So much for the "liberal" media. Frankly, the ridiculous and sexist behavior by many in the mainstream media (I believe Chris Matthews and a couple of other talking head pundits have already been forced to apologize for inappropriate remarks about Sen Clinton, not to mention the widely panned NBC Pres Debate) has been a real impediment to voters this year, and has generally gotten in the way of real issues for the last decade. Its not just the usual suspects like Limbaugh and Fox News, its clownish behavior from NY times columnist Maureen Dowd, Richard Cohen at the Washington Post, to Tim Russert and a host of other talking heads. When the big time journos are out of touch with the vast majority of the population, it makes it difficult for the ave joe to stay informed. Where the line ends between journalists, Washington insiders, and politicians is anyones guess. They're all hanging out together at cocktail parties and summering in the Hamptons. Maybe that why Brian Williams sadly assumes that more than 5% of the couples in this country have a combined income of over 200k. Perhaps readers should take a stand, and demand better from their newspaper. Which, by the way, has other responsibilities to the community than generating ad revenue for shareholders. Parker needs to go. "

 Pay yourself wrote on May 21, 2008 8:21 am:
" All you supporting rights for illegals can cover the cost with your own tax dollars - not mine! I'm happy to help support those who came to this country legally or are in the process of legal citizenship. Not those who thumb their noses, break the laws and then expect my taxes to pay for their problems here. "

 RETerra wrote on May 21, 2008 8:57 am:
" While I agree that the low income people need some help, I also remember when the schools were for teaching not baby sitting. Have the city-county use the money given to the schools for these after hour programs to give baby sitting at a licensed day care. It is not the taxpayers place to have to pay so you can get day care. Long, long ago the people who were considered "poor" had direct help from the county and could have a job on top of the assistance. We now have so many programs that its hard to decide which ones to use. I understand how hard it is for you, as I know that if your income goes up even ten dollars you can lose a lot of the assistance. I am on a fixed income and realize how hard it can be. The thing everyone has to realize that it costs the schools not only the teachers for after school, but, the utilitys have to be running at the taxpayers expense when if a day care had the job , it would be them paying to run lights and provide teachers. On Bush and his overseas statement. He is just a idiot. Watching Ed Asnor last night, who made that statement also. He said it don't take much to please an idiot and the administration proves that. "

 Chris wrote on May 21, 2008 9:53 am:
" Folks you simply can't have it both ways. President Bush's comments regarding those who wish to negotiate with terrorists that he made recently in before the Israeli Knesset were likely more a blunder than a political shot at Sen. Barrack Obama. Its quite clear by now to us all that Bush is something of a dolt. So folks who are demanding an apology need to decide is Bush a dolt or a clever politician. I think you will likely find he is the latter and that this statement and its implication is no different than his other many blunders. "

 All politics wrote on May 21, 2008 9:53 am:
" Bruning to me is doing nothing more than making a political statement and isn't as interested in upholding the law. Hate to tell you Bruning, but you've gone as high as you can go in Nebraska. Why don't you focus on a job that you used to do at least somewhat reasonably...

Roger and Tom, I couldn't agree more. This is a former republican who will be voting for Kleeb and Obama in November. "

 I was done with... wrote on May 21, 2008 10:46 am:
" reading Kathleen Parker's columns after she defended date rape. "

 How wrote on May 21, 2008 10:50 am:
" How can McCain be a "full-blooded American" when he was born in Panama. The country and not Panama, NE. "

 OIF vet wrote on May 21, 2008 11:00 am:
" If I have a house to rent, and I choose not to rent it to any illegal aliens, be they from Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Africa, you get the point, it is not racism or discrimination.

Employers are not supposed to hire illegals, but those who own property are supposed to rent to them?

I will not defend Bruning, that isn't the point of the comment. "

 OIF vet wrote on May 21, 2008 11:23 am:
" You're right - you can not rent to someone because they are illegal. What you can't do - and what Bruning refuses act upon - is requiring anyone of a particular nationality to show their drivers license, while not requiring other races and nationalities to do so. That's the very definition of discrimination. "

 Don wrote on May 21, 2008 11:24 am:
" This is a comment regarding Roger Foster and those who agree with him. They say Bush should apologize and that no President should represent the country when you go to a foreign country. That principle also holds true for former Presidents. But I guess since they are Democrats to ridicule the USA in foreign countries is OK. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter have repeatedly bashed the USA on foreign soil. So has Nancy Pelosi and others in Congress. Where is the outcry about this? Besides, was George Bush bashing the country? In my opinion he was not, just stating what he thought was good policy, whether anyone agrees with it or not. And it was also not clear he was bashing Obama specifically. These comments about Bush only come from hate for Bush brought on by the liberal media. Mark my words. If Obama is elected, it will only be a short time before people start wishing for the good old days under George W. Bush. "

 nothing new wrote on May 21, 2008 12:14 pm:
" Parker's racist take on Obama is business as usual for her.Many of her
columns purposely get into readers' faces with offensively right-wing views. "

 Warder wrote on May 21, 2008 12:20 pm:
" Obama's dad might have been from Kenya, but his mom was from Wichita, Kansas. "

 JT wrote on May 21, 2008 12:34 pm:
" Lanny, Bruning is disobeying federal laws, that's why we're losing federal dollars. Hence, he is not doing his job. "

 JT wrote on May 21, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Don, could you give examples of Democrats "bashing" the US overseas? And I can guarantee no one except for the Bush family and Republican dead-enders will yearn for the days of George W. "

 To Don wrote on May 21, 2008 12:41 pm:
" Actually my hate for Bush comes from making me look like a fool and starting a war so he and his cronies can profit. I am a republican by the way so I don't watch liberal media, actually I am capable of forming my own opinions by myself. If you truly think this war is about "terrorism" you may want to have your brain checked out. When oil companies have double digit progit earnings I will call shennanigans. "

 Zoomie wrote on May 21, 2008 12:46 pm:
" Simple truth is BOTH parties have had people bash American candidates while on overseas soil, going back at least to Reagan. And both parties then get all in a dither over it when its directed at themselves. But the truth is, Bush did take a swipe at Obama's willingness to sit and talk (not give in on any issue, just talk) with Syria, Iran, Hezbollah, basically anyone if it might advance peaceful solutions to problems that are only getting worse under Bush. Almost unmentioned in the press, at the same time Bush and McCain attacked Obama for saying he'd sit and talk with "terrorists", turns out Bush's own Sec of Defense, Gates, said the EXACT SAME THING!!! And the NYTimes just reported that Israel has been talking in secret to Syria for over a year (with Turkish moderation), and the State Dep't praised these talks! Seems the only people who don't get that talking doesn't hurt and can only help are Bush and McCain! Is Bush that out of touch, he doesn't know what his own officials and departments are doing and saying? "

 Thanks Tom wrote on May 21, 2008 12:47 pm:
" I want to Thank Tom Lynch for taking the time to wright in and say what most people where thinking when they opened there paper Sunday morning.

What concerns me is the LJS read it, and decided to print it! "

 no more UNL martinets wrote on May 21, 2008 1:25 pm:
" Yes, Mr. Petit, some local police officers(and judges) do deserve the same criticism Jon Bruning deservingly receives, Unfortunately unprofessional cops exist, apparently especially here
in Lincoln, NE, who treat discrimination victims at least as dismissively and punitively as Bruning enjoys doing. Nebraskans seem to love to criminalize difference; they are quick to judge and quicker to punish,
(as a bright student of mine once wrote on a paper about Brent Staples' essay "Just Walk on By." "

 CLS wrote on May 21, 2008 1:49 pm:
" Wow, what a bunch of uninformed people we have out there. First of all the reason gas is so high is because the Arabs are running out!! They are not producing because they know they are running out and they are trying to get more out of it before it does run out fools. Its not GWB fault, its our totally stupidity on who we elect and not being well informed on the candidates, WAKE UP AMERICA, we elect these fools! As far as Bush making comments, whatever, who cares, Obama has no business being the next President, but most of you dont know that because you think he is a great talker who is going to save the world from the USA, hello, thats what great con-artist do! GWB comments were edited also, and the great media is convincing you all that it was Obama he was talking about, even the great con-artist said himself that GW accused him of this, GW never said his name or political party, but a good liar is even better in front of a bunch of noninformed public!! What is funny it seems even without mentioning who he was talking about, that being GWB, the dems freak out and say its about them, sounds like they have some type of guilt going on, hmmmm.... "

 Arrogance wrote on May 21, 2008 2:14 pm:
" Having read the posted blogs regarding President Bush's speech to the Iserali Kenniset what struck me was the thin skinned arrogance displayed by Mr. Obama. My first question when this arose was why does Mr.Obama believe this was directed at him? If he is certain that unconditional talks with terrorists is the best way to bring about "peace" why has he took such umbrage for a speech that the President has every right to make. The historical context of the speech and it's compairison to the events of today are correct in so much that Nevell Chamberlian's diplomancy didn't bring about "peace".There were repeated diplomatic efforts made to appease Hitler to no avail.It lead to the genocide of millions of jews and the second world war.In todays context we have terrorists states that advocate the same genocidal outcome for the jewish state.Therefore how does Mr.Obama believe that unlike Nevell Chamberlian HE can unconditionally do what has repeatedly failed throughout history.
What someone should have reminded Mr.Obama was that less than a month ago the worst American president in our history was trying to unconditionally talk with a know terrorist group know as Hamas.If there is any President more responsable for the birth of the modern terrorist state it is Jimma Carter and his blunderous handling of Iran 30 years ago.49 hostages held for 444 days,....ring a bell with anyone???? If not than what exactly did Jimma's lastest blunder accomplish???
"

 CLCLPS U wrote on May 21, 2008 2:24 pm:
" While is heart warming to learn of the discovery of a childs ability to dance what I would like the supporters of the CLC program to learn is the cost. The city funds in question run about 180,000 a year. There are 4,000 snowfakes that take advantage of the program, If they use it 300 days a year it works out to 45.00 per snowflake less than a dollar a week! If this is such an important program to the parents then why is it such a burden to "invest" 45.00 a year in it? Your child learns "hidden" talents, is babysat and the parents are hooked up to the vast array of social service agencies via this program....why should the cities taxpayers pay for something you don't or won't if it is so valuable????? "

 Never wrote on May 21, 2008 2:29 pm:
" The day will never come that anyone considers good old days under George W. Bush. Never. "

 MarkyMark wrote on May 21, 2008 2:33 pm:
" Bush's comments were very reminiscent of a mad 5th grade throwing a tantrum. It's bad enough to look a fool, but plz do it here where your own family is used to it. Don't air your immature dirty laundry in a foreign land. You have already done more embarrasing and costly things than all previous presidents combined. "

 mitchy_v wrote on May 21, 2008 2:47 pm:
" If you don't like what Bruning is doing, or not doing, do something about it instead of whining on a message board. Show up when it is time to vote. "

 Tim wrote on May 21, 2008 3:18 pm:
" Why are you getting so mad at Bush for? Even now Obama is saying he said he would not sit down with foreign countries. Fact is he is saying he never said he said he would. So what apology is needed? Bush must have been talking about someone else. "

 CLCs wrote on May 21, 2008 4:44 pm:
" I second the concern about eliminating the funds to city run Community Learning Center programs. The six sites affected are located in neighboroods that are decidedly fragile, removing or even dirastically changing the CLC's will do nothing to strengthen the structure of the neighborhoods they are in. Everett? McPhee? Lakeview? Hunnington? Correct me if I'm wrong but two of those are in CORE neighborhoods which are the focus of so much attention, what on earth makes anyone think that removing such a vital program OR making it impossible for families in need to access them will solve a budget problem?

Having kids running around unsupervised because parents are working will cause far more drama than cutting costs for care will eliminate. The lack of foresight here on the part of the Mayor and CC is alarming. "

 Teri wrote on May 21, 2008 5:04 pm:
" Just babysitting? Or a unique extra learning opportunity?

There IS a cost for sending children to CLC's. While some families are scholarshipped into the program we pay a monthly fee close to 100 to send our son. When you say babysitting it vastly understates what children get from that program. We would be willing to pay more, but people for some families there is just no other option! Do I wish it were different? You bet I do, but cutting services is not going to bring about the change I think we want.

At Everett our son had opportunities to participate in 4H, Boyscouts, chess club, language clubs and literacy support among numerous other opportunities that frankly he wouldn't have had if we sought them outside of school because, as is true for so many families, it would have made another night away from home. Those hours between school being out and us getting off work are filled with learning and enrichment opportunities for him.

He does his homework everyday after school with staff (CLC, not school staff) there to support him if he needs it. He has done learning units on Egypt, cultural foods, the body, health, the ocean and art. He gets the chance to run and use the playground equipment, play games in the gym and develop relationships with caring adults.

Don't call it babysitting to ease the consciences of people who either don't have kids or have other options, it is so much more than that, and as a previous poster said these kids are our future. Save the city supported CLCs! "

 To mitchy_v wrote on May 21, 2008 5:54 pm:
" Imagine if your civil rights were massacred like officials are fond of doing in NE! It's a long time to wait until November. Maybe some of us have already filed complaints with the Feds like Bruning suggests? Never hurts to remind citizens of the U.S. to vote though. "

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