I read with much interest the Local View on the opinion page of the Sept. 3 Lincoln Journal Star, “Efforts to restrict irrigation in this state make no sense,” authored by Don Adams, executive director of Nebraskans First.

It was refreshing to hear someone question the activities in recent years to regulate irrigation in the Republican River watershed in Nebraska. One would think those awful, thoughtless irrigators across the Kansas line in south-central Nebraska are recklessly taking water away from Kansas farmers.

The real problem stems from shortsighted agreements executed a half-century ago. Central Kansas had suffered through a series of severe flooding and joined in a cry for flood control to avoid the losses suffered. Now after seven years of drought in the watershed, the Nebraskans are illegally denied water that should be theirs!

Quotas of water for use that were established many years ago must not be allowed to destroy the rights of Nebraskans for the sake of those in Kansas. Kansas has added to the crisis, for little water, if any, has been flowing from the areas in Kansas which are a part of the Republican Valley watershed. Dams constructed have yet to be filled so that water is available to flow into Nebraska in the Republican Valley. Why? Because of excessive irrigation development in northwestern Kansas, as well as new farming methods employed today in the name of conservation.

As Adams noted, short rainfall for the past seven years has been a major factor given little consideration in this matter. Political motivations have hindered any reasonable resolve for the problem. Hats off to Mr. Adams and his Local View.

Dwight L. Bash, Orleans

Uncivil political exchange

I just have to relate a story that happened to me Sunday, Sept. 2, while I was at a local pharmacy to pick up pills for my wife. I went to the back of the store to get the prescription and came up front to pay. There were three women in front of me.

I was standing there not saying a word, and the lady directly in front of me turned around and said, “You’re that stupid Republican, aren’t you?” First I was stunned, and then said meekly, “Yes.” Not wanting to take it further, I just said nothing else.

She turned around a second time and said, “I suppose you like Bush, don’t you?” I then said, “Yes, I love him, I think he is doing a good job.” She then went ballistic on me, so I said that at least he wasn’t having sex in the Oval Office like Clinton.

Then the women waiting on us jumped in and said something positive about Republicans, and the lady got irate, threw down her purchase and yelled, “I’m leaving and going to shop where there are Democrats.” That was the last we saw of her. We all stood there with our mouths open and started to laugh about this lady.

What I want to get across to those of the Democratic persuasion is, for God’s sake (I know lots of you don’t believe in God), get over it. Try and be civil. I know it takes intelligence to be civil, but try anyway. I personally have many Democratic friends, and we get along just fine. I personally don’t care who you are, I like all people even if they are Democrats or socialists.

So for now, whoever this lady was, I’m sorry I exist and so sorry you can’t be civil to people in public places. We as a nation need to learn the etiquette of being nice to your fellow man. Try it, it is fun, it will even improve your outlook on life!

P.S. My wife said I should have said no, I am a smart Republican. I need to learn to think faster on my feet.

Roger Yant Sr., Lincoln

Good on ya, Husker fans

It is Saturday, Sept. 8, and I am at breakfast, reading my hometown Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal. In less than three hours, three miles from my house, your Nebraska Cornhuskers will play my hometown Wake Forest Demon Deacon football team. I will not be attending the game, but the anticipation of the game has built a lot of excitement in our city, and we are delighted to have your fans visit our city.

Now, as I read my paper, I learn that when your fans return home after today’s game, many will be leaving a special gift behind. Your loyal fans who have purchased Wake Forest season tickets to see their team play here in Winston-Salem are donating the balance of their Wake Forest football season tickets to our local Big Brothers-Big Sisters program and the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Bragg’s (Army base located here in North Carolina) Army Medical Center.

What a wonderful generous gift to my hometown and our military family! While these fans could have sold their remaining tickets on eBay or other similar venues, they have chosen to give back to my community and have demonstrated the good sportsmanship and fellowship that NCAA sports should rightfully advocate. Although I have to “pull” for my hometown team, I will also be shouting in my heart, “Go Nebraska!” Thanks again!

Robin Stinson, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Why not name names?

Regarding “Woman alleges medical malpractice” (LJS, Sept. 1):

Why were the names of the two most important characters in this sad drama (Planned Parenthood and Dr. Meryl Severson) not included in the headline? Could it have been to downplay their part in this travesty?

Catherine Zech, Douglas

Coach’s salary ridiculous

I think the recent announcement of University of Nebraska  football coach Bill Callahan’s salary is absolutely ridiculous. No coach is worth that much money.

He has assistant coaches under him who do most of the work and probably don’t get paid an eighth as much as he does — if that much. The professors at the university don’t get paid that much, and they are there teaching the students.

I think that people put too much emphasis on sports and not enough on education — and that goes all the way down to elementary, middle and high schools. Consensus at my office agrees with me.

Sharon Post, Lincoln