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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 16, 1998)
EDITOR Paula Lavigne OPINION EDITOR Kasey Kerber EDITORIAL BOARD Brad Davis Erin Gibson Shannon Heffelfinger Chad Lorenz Jeff Randall i-— Our VIEW Legislative lessons Senators eye future, work in present On the last day of the 95th legislative session Tuesday, more than just another day’s work came to a close. The day marks a point of transition for the leaders and people of Nebraska. The Legislature, along with the gover nor, cut sales and property taxes and made reforms to help local government become less dependent on property-tax revenue. Senators showed their support for Nebraska’s educational system by creating incentives for well-planned education for all of Nebraska’s school children. The Legislature also recognized the importance of the state’s infrastructure by approving money for improved roads and new state buildings. Improved technology and long-term, sustainable economic development also demanded attention from senators with their fingers on the pulse of Nebraska. With common good for all Nebraskans as their goal, the Legislature kept its eye on the future while working through endless budget projections and tense debate. But more challenges lie ahead, includ ing filling the big shoes of several leaders who have helped pave the path for Nebraska into the 21st century. The Legislature alone lost 62 years of experience and dedication when six sena tors announced plans not tQ. run for re-elec tioiv :VWH : The leadership and expertise of Dave Maurstad, Eric Will, Chris Abboud, Owen Elmer, Bud Robinson and Don Wesely will be sorely missed. Ben Nelson, who as governor has led Nebraska from economic downturn to unmistakable growth during the last eight years, will step down and make way for a new leader to maneuver state policy. Likewise, Lt. Gov. Kim Robak, who decided not to run for governor in this year’s elections, will be remembered for her strong leadership and striking insight in dealing with seemingly mundane issues. The loss of many years of experience opens the door to both new learning and new ways of thinking. Old friends and emerging leaders have already spotted new issues on the horizon. Revaluation of how Nebraska derives its revenue from statewide taxes is crucial in a time when voters are crying for prop erty-tax relief and business leaders are threatening to take away our elected lead ers’ budget-setting power. As always, the Legislature will have to continue to decide how to divide fewer resources among a greater number of needy recipients. State leaders merit a pat on the back for their long hours and endless fight for the people in laying the groundwork for the future. UltmUNHtt Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Spring 1998 Daily Nebraskan. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, its employees, its student body or the Univereity of Nebraska Board of Regents. A column is solely the opinion of its author. The Board erf Regents serves as publisher of the Daily Nebraskan; policy is set by the Daily Nebraskan Editorial Board. The UNL Publications Board, established by the regents, supervises the production of the paper. According to policy set by the regents, responsibility for the editorial content of the newspaper lies solely in the hands of its student employees. Letter Policy The Daily Nebraskan welcomes brief letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication. The Daily Nebraskan retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes property of the Daily Nebraskan and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published. Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any. Submit material to: Daily Nebraskan, 34 Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. Lincoln, NE. 68588-0448. E-mail: letters@unlinfo.unl.edu. * Haney’s VIEW ^tA ITS CMKl'Dtl fhu/. DN LETTERS Not a matter of choice I really hope this is the last time I have to say this. For me and for countless others, being gay is not a choice. Logically speaking, very few would choose to be gay in Nebraska, where homophobia is praised and basic human kindness (when directed at gay men and les bians) is contemptible. From my own perspective, I’m glad it’s not a choice. I like who I am. Thanks to attitudes like Moenning’s, though, that kind of self-acceptance does not come as easy for others. Moenning says that our “lifestyles are sinful and unaccept able to many. ...” That may be his opinion but speaking for myself, the only view I’m concerned with is God’s. He made me what I am - a Christian and a lesbian - and I don’t believe he makes mistakes. If those who play the sin card would actually look at the Bible and at the works of biblical schol ars, they would find that the whole “sin” argument is the result of mis interpretation and mistranslation. As for the “special rights” argument, it is my understanding that things like the right to keep a job based on ability is a CIVIL right, not a “special” right. With this argument, Moenning has shown us that he has a lot to learn. Like most knee-jerk conser vatives, he has merely spouted the rhetoric of the far right without showing any evidence of indepen dent thought. Alison Knudsen English and Women’s Studies More Moenning... I could not believe my eyes when I read Josh Moenning’s col umn on Wednesday, April 15. To the very end, I was hoping that it was a prank and some smart comment would follow the sum mary of Mr. White’s speech. But no, Mr. Moenning was quite serious. I have just one question for Mr. Moenning. Now that you and your idol have labeled everybody so beautifully, what are you going to do about all those who don’t fit in the picture? I myself, neither “gifted in wor ship,” nor “family oriented,” nor “good with money,” nor “very cre ative,” probably, will end up in the list of condemned “sinners.” Perhaps, you and Mr. White could build some camps with good gas pipes? In that case, I could recom mend some literature, just to make your job easier. After all, it has been done before. Shame on you, Mr. Moenning! I suggest you use your brain before choosing your idols. And by the way, if you can’t live without quot ing the Bible, don’t forget the most important quote: “Let him, who has no sin, cast the first stone.” (John 8:7) I don’t believe any of us, including you and Mr.White, can claim such rights. Sincerely, Lana Pashkevich graduate student, German The Edge did have an edge We beg to differ with Bret Schulte’s column regarding The Edge in Tuesday’s Daily Nebraskan. While reading the column, it was obvious to us that Mr. Schulte did not listen to The Edge, and does not enjoy alternative music. He seems to imply that Green Day is not alternative. What do you define as alternative? If nothing else, The Edge pro vided a source of music that cannot be found anywhere else, an “alter native” to everything else. How many pop rock, classic rock and country stations does one region need? If Mr. Schulte had listened to The Edge, he would have realized that amongst the “big-name bands” were numerous lesser-known bands that played quality music. Most of the “big-name bands” started out as less-popular bands. Should The Edge discontinue play ing these bands simply because they have risen in popularity? We listened to The Edge because we enjoyed the music they played, not because of what they claimed to play. Don’t most people listen to the radio for the music anyhow? We also liked the disc jockeys. They may not have been what you hear from the other stations, but maybe that was because they had fun personalities and actually enjoyed what they were doing and the music that they played. Losing The Edge created a lack of modern rock music in this region. We hope that some other station will pick up where they left off, and soon! Jon Mohr sophomore environmental studies Jesse Knutsen freshman electrical engineering P.S. Vv/r/te 3ac/c .Send letters to: Daily Nebraskan, 34 Nebraska Union, 1400 "R" St,, Lincoln, NE 68588, or fax to (402) 472-1761, or e-mail <letters@unlinfo.uni.edu. .Letters must be signed and include a phone number for verification .