Immigration is a federal issue
In response to an Associated Press story (May 19 World-Herald) about an illegal immigration bill planned for the Nebraska Legislature, every legislator should watch the documentary, “9500 Liberty.” It is about what happened to Prince William County in Virginia when its county commissioners tried to federalize their local law enforcement.
This ill-advised decision divided their community, and many Latino residents left because of their valid fear of being racially profiled. The probability of human error and inevitable civil rights lawsuits should give one pause.
The social and economic impact of local governments trying to solve a federal problem will cost too much. We need to focus our legislative reform efforts at the federal level.
The Rev. Howard Dotson, Omaha
Options to fix Social Security
In recent years, I have written letters about fixing Social Security. It appears imperative that a fix be made in the near future.
An Associated Press story in the May 18 World-Herald, “Report: ‘Tweaks’ can save Social Security,” provides various options for fixing Social Security. This is the finest article I have read regarding this problem.
I encourage Congress to fix this problem now, while it appears an easy solution could be made. I personally would like a combination of several of the options mentioned in the article.
James J. Vihstadt Sr., Papillion
Mexico needn’t lecture on law
In a state visit to the White House this week with President Barack Obama, President Felipe Calderón of Mexico called Arizona’s new law on illegal immigration “discriminatory.”
I believe President Calderón should be asking himself why so many Mexican people are leaving the country he is in charge of.
Great job, President Calderón.
Denise Guiffredo, Omaha
Bar Lincoln East from playing
What a disgusting display by some of the Lincoln East High School fans at the Class A state championship soccer game in Omaha.
Despite the comments of the Lincoln East coach and a student in a May 19 news story, their actions speak volumes for the kind of people who attend their school.
At the very least, the Nebraska State Activities Association should bar Lincoln East High School from participation in the state tournaments for the next three years.
Paulette Smolsky, Omaha
Give youth a chance to reform
This week’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court is a great victory for young people. The court has reaffirmed its capacity for reform after criminal behavior and put a limit on states’ use of life-without-parole sentencing for those younger than age 18.
Nebraska should modify its harsh stance toward adolescents who commit murder, but so far state senators have shown little interest in doing so. Perhaps they fear their constituents will vote them out of office if they support reform.
In fact, the opposite may be true. Anyone who has raised a child through adolescence has seen irresponsibility and wrongdoing give way to maturity and responsible living after some years.
They will understand the need to modify the state’s punishment of youth murderers so as to allow at least the possibility of eventual parole.
Mel Beckman, Omaha
Just say, ‘Let’s think about it’
It is time to crack the door on closed minds. The act of legalizing a plant would bring in revenue, create jobs and decrease crime by practically eliminating an entire black market, freeing up resources in law enforcement, corrections and the courts.
There also are benefits in the medicinal sense, but often recreational use is the focus of those who oppose.
Of course, people will continue to use marijuana as an intoxicant of choice. But all things considered, is that really so bad?
A night at home with a good movie and a joint seems a bit less destructive than polishing off a bottle of bourbon and a pack of cigarettes at the local tavern, hopping into a gasoline-powered bumper car and attempting to keep the careening vehicle between the curbs and headed toward home.
Prohibition of alcohol didn’t work. Legalize, tax, regulate, roll and repeat.
Anthony Thomas, Omaha
Controlling where our taxes go
Georgia Ebel’s May 17 letter perpetuates the myth that federal tax dollars are spent on abortion.
The Hyde amendment is a long-standing precedent forbidding any tax dollars from being used to pay for an abortion, except under specific circumstances.
Ms. Ebel insists that there is some part of the health care reform law that “requires taxpayers to pay for abortions.” It is strange that the author insists citizens have a right to decide where their tax dollars go.
What about all the other evil things that “virtuous citizens,” to use her words, are forced to pay for through taxes? War is the first of many that comes to mind.
And what about a woman’s right to decide what is best for her?
Maggie Sullivan, Omaha
Successful groundwater festival
The Central Platte Natural Resources District would like to thank the 375 presenters and volunteers who participated in the Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival on May 11.
The 22nd annual festival provided another successful year of groundwater and natural resources education to fourth- and fifth-grade students from all parts of Nebraska.
The festival committee would like to thank the individuals and businesses that provided financial support as well. With the financial support, expert presenters and the wonderful volunteers, students are able to attend the festival at no cost.
A special thank-you goes to Central Community College and College Park for use of their facilities.
Kelly Cole and Marcia Lee
Grand Island, Neb.
Festival coordinators
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