The Public Pulse, May 1

Working for the common good

The Oracle of Omaha said in 2003 that “derivatives are financial weapons of mass destruction.” Now, the position is that we must not disrupt existing contracts. An April 27 World-Herald headline read, “Berkshire pushes for clarity on derivatives regulation.”

As a society, we have a huge social and regulatory problem. What takes priority? Is it the interests of the elite and financially powerful few who dictate the common good, all in the name of the contracts they have formed, regardless of their social and moral value? Is there not a higher good, a common good to bring forward into this discussion?

The April 26 Wall Street Journal noted, “Where exactly does (Warren) Buffett stand on derivatives? It's simple, he stands -- as most business people do -- where he thinks he has to in order to get the most out of his portfolio.”

But portfolios do not exist apart from the larger relationship with the society and its people, who together are invited to work toward a larger common good than any particular business portfolio.

There is indeed a place for regulation of past, present and future derivatives and all other forms of financial interest that lack concern for the well-being of all.

Ron Whitmer, Omaha

Set priorities on Omaha repairs

Lately, we have heard a lot about Omaha's financial woes. We don't have enough money budgeted to cover the damage from a devastating winter that took its toll on the city, and we are cutting costs left and right.

It's now May, and we still have potholes. Yet, ironically, in the southern part of midtown Omaha near 50th and Grover Streets, corner curbs are being taken out and replaced with nice big new ones, and even some with nice new brick walls.

If we are in too much financial trouble to even fix our streets in a timely matter, shouldn't we consider using curb money for streets and fix the curbs next year?

Tammi Pruch, Omaha

Noble efforts begin at Whiteclay

An April 27 news story on Whiteclay, Neb., commendably focused on the cleanup efforts taking place.

The Rev. Bruce Bon Fleur obtaining a federal grant and getting Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning to add to it is laudable. Harnessing the energy of local students is as praiseworthy as the event itself.

An April 7 Bellevue University panel discussion on the topic was fairly well attended, but why were there still some empty seats? As citizens, where is our social conscience? This is one of the greatest social justice issues in the state.

It's good that state senators attended the event in Whiteclay, but this wasn't their first such flight at the expense of taxpayers.

How about the law that liquor licenses are to be granted only when there's a need? Where's the need? Do liquor sales boost state revenue?

An Aristotle quote at the State Capitol states, “Political society exists for the sake of noble living.” Is Whiteclay an example of noble living in Nebraska? Or does this ideal apply to everyone except the Native Americans on our border?

Kay Strong-Nicolas, Bellevue

Paying a price for federal funds

While in Doane College's teacher education program, I participated in a practicum at Elliott Elementary School in Lincoln.

It was with great sadness and dismay that I read an April 27 news story about the removal of principal De Ann Currin. While the tremendous ethnic diversity and high rate of poverty in the school are challenging, I never believed Elliott was anything but a positive place to learn and teach.

For 17 years, Currin was the main reason for that. Teachers and students showed respect and admiration for her, and the classrooms in which I participated were abuzz with activity and enthusiasm for learning.

To replace such a visionary because of lower math test scores and a federal monetary award is incredibly shortsighted by Lincoln Public Schools.

Such a move will likely cost Elliott and its students more dearly than they can imagine now. I would challenge anyone to spend a day at Elliott Elementary and experience the reality of how even struggling students are truly being educated.

Sheridan Elementary is lucky to have such a selfless leader as De Ann Currin as its new principal. However, Elliott needs her.

Peter Campbell, Bellevue

Hero took action in robbery

I thank Harry J. McCullough III for having the courage to do the right thing. I am stunned that anyone would consider anything other than undying gratitude to a local hero who had the nerve to do the right thing about crime. He shot a robber with a sawed-off shotgun at a drugstore.

We need more people like Harry J. McCullough in this world. Maybe this is what we need to consider as a way to end the growing violence in our community.

I feel badly for the family of the gunman who was killed, but I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted their family member to kill an innocent person, which was what Mr. McCullough could have prevented.

Cynthia Dorsey, Papillion

Difference between legal, right

I retired in 2000 from my former employer with a life insurance policy after 25 years of service.

This year, I was informed that, as of February, I no longer have life insurance. It's called a take-back. Now, at the age of 74, I'm left scrambling to replace this policy with money I saved for retirement.

Contracts between unions and companies are not set in concrete, as some believe. So, I know how retirees from the Omaha Police Department feel about what is happening to them. It's not right, but it's legal.

Robert Martinez, Omaha

No comparison to the Holocaust

Gary Runyan's April 28 letter is but another example of fallacious reasoning that destroys reasonable debate. In light of Arizona's new immigration law, he wondered if illegal aliens would be required to wear a badge similar to what the Nazis required worn by all European Jews.

Jews were legal citizens who fully integrated into their society, but they were exterminated by the Nazis based solely on their race. To suggest any reference to the Holocaust based on the legislation passed in Arizona is outrageous.

Hans Johnson, Plainview, Neb.

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