The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, December 04, 1998, Page 3, Image 3
Ireland pleads guilty to Cockson’s death IRELAND from page 1 But many of the 1,100 residents of Friend turned out to say goodbye to a class valedictorian, star athlete and someone people called a great person. Gamma Phi sisters loaded two charter buses for the funeral. Many of the same faces filled the small courtroom Thursday as the judge explained to Ireland the ramifications of his plea. Friends and family of Ireland sat near Cockson’s loved ones. Prosecutors made the agreement after the Cockson family decided they did not want a trial. “A week ago, the family voted unanimously not to go to trial,” Bob Cockson said. “We’re glad he pled.” During the hearing, Ireland remained composed though his wife and family started crying as they sat on the bench behind him. “He just looked like a scared kid,” said Jill Hicks, Laura Cockson’s best friend since high school. But some of Laura Cockson’s friends thought he was too unemo tional. “This brought back a lot of emo tions,” said junior Gamma Phi member Melanie Rogge after she finished dry ing her eyes. At the Gamma Phi house, Laura Cockson is remembered fondly and reminders of her are everywhere for Sarah, who now lives there. Sarah Cockson said she used to visit her sister all the time at the sor ority house, and now she must face those memories daily. “It has been very hard,” Sarah Cockson said. “I see reminders of her all die time.” But the Cockson family does not condemn Ireland. “If 20 years in prison would bring Laura back, I’d be all for it,” Eva Cockson said. “But it is hard to wish the worst on him because it won’t bring Laura back.” Laura’s friends and family just want to have her back “If I had to serve 10 years in jail to get Laura back, I would,” Hicks said. “But she’s gone.” Lancaster County District Judge Karen Flowers ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set the sentencing hearing for 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 29. Political incarceration theme of rights event By Kim Sweet Staff writer Though Human Rights Day strives to shine light on international human rights issues, one theme of this year’s events on Saturday may come closer to home for some. Political imprisonment is a topic rel evant to Nebraska with the imprison ment of David Rice, who goes by Mondo We Langa, a prisoner who resides within the walls of the Nebraska State Penitentiary, said Mary Dickinson, organizer of the event “We always want to take die oppor tunity to educate people about our polit ical prisoners,” she said Rice was imprisoned in 1971 after he and Ed Pointdexter were accused of con spiring to kill an Omaha police officer. The two are said to be victims of the FBI’s COINTELPRO program, which tried to stop radical political organiza tions. Rice and Pointdexter were one time members of the Black Panthers of Omaha. Therefore, political imprisonment will be the theme of Saturday’s work shop, keynote speaker and rally. Other workshop topics include racism, gay, lesbian and transgendered rights, international women’s and chil dren’s rights and human rights educa UUiL The workshops will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again at 2:45 p.m. at the Nebraska East Union. At 1:30 p.m., Lennox S. Hinds, a professor of Law and Chairman of the Administration of Justice program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick,. N. J., will give the keynote speech. Hinds has represented many “polit ically unpopular” clients, including Rice, according to promotional materi als. He also has written and lectured around the world on the impact of racism on die criminal justice system, as well as on other human rights issues. Matt Johnson, a UNL graduate stu dent and organizer of the event, said die workshop presenters and keynote speakers are some of the most knowl edgeable experts on human rights. “The same people attending will be going to France next week,” he said. A rally forpolitical prisoners will be today at 4:30 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary to kick off the weekend’s events, Dickinson said. The rally will feature Hinds and other guests. They include Susan Miller, professor ofNative American History at. UNL; Bobby Castillo from the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee; and ASUN accepts declaration of 30 basic rights ByIevaAugstums Staff writer As an effort to recognize every human being’s need to be guaran teed fundamental rights, ASUN passed a resolution Wednesday night accepting 30 basic, funda mental human rights. Andy Schuerman, ASUN Human Rights Committee chair man, said the resolution allows the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska to show support for the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “It is important that we recog nize the significance of the U.N. passing this document,” Schuerman said. “We are bringing awareness to students on campus.” On Dec. 10, 1948, the United Nations passed the declaration guaranteeing human rights across tVio (yIaKo -- This year marks the 50th anniversary of the document, which has served as a cornerstone in humanity’s struggle to recog nize, promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Some human rights the decla ration protects include atrocities such as genocide, mercenaries, war and humanity crimes. Schuerman said he hopes UNL will recognize the importance of the 30 fundamental human rights presented in the document and advocate them appropriately. Herman Ferguson from Jericho Network for Political Prisoners and New African Liberation Front. Students can meet at Newman Methodist Church on 23rd and R streets at 4 p.m. to get a ride. The conference, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Nebraska East Union, is important for everyone, Johnson said. “I hope the students of UNL, resi dents of Lincoln and citizens of Nebraska will take the opportunity to spread their horizons and enlighten themselves on the issues that have glob al consequences,” he said. Nebraskans send Gov. Nelson out in style By Todd Anderson Senior staff writer Friends and fans of Gov. Ben Nelson want to make sure he leaves office with a party akin to his eight years of leadership. Nebraskans across the state are invited to join in celebrating Nelson’s administration Sunday at 6 p.m. in Agriculture Hall at the State Fair Park. Director of Administrative Services Karen Kilgarin, one of the party’s organizers, said more than 400 people already have paid for the $25 meal and show. “The state’s had a good eight years,” she said. “We just thought we ought to send (Nelson) out in style.” Beginning at 6 p.m., a banquet din ner will be served, followed by presen tations from several Nebraska person alities and entertainers. U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey and former NU Football Coach Tom Osborne will speak to the crowd. Gail Yanney, a Nebraska artist; Duane Acklie, a member of the state Highway Commission; and nationally recognized comedian Pat Hazel will also entertain the crowd. Kilgarin said organizers of the trib ute wanted to thank Nelson for his ser vice to the state. “We just want a chance to salute the governor and what he’s done for Nebraska,” Kilgarin said. The evening will be light-hearted and fun, she said. While there will be tickets avail able at the door, Kilgarin said those interested should reserve places. Ticket sales will cover the event’s cost Extra proceeds will be donated to the Nelson Institute, the governor’s newly formed charity organization for education and economic development For more information, or to reserve tickets, contact Nebraskans Salute Nelson at (402) 423-2396. <4 Free Gentleman's Wedding Band With Purchase (a *150 value) Now through December 31, receive a free gentleman's wedding band with the purchase of a diamond engagement ring at Borsheim's. Some restrictions apply. See a sales associate for details. New! No interest, no payments until March, 1999 BORSHEIAA'S. Borsheim's Revolving Charge* /wjewelry and Gifts * , ... A Berkshire Hathaway Company with approved credit ' 1 Omaha, Nebraska V Exceptional selection of engagement and wedding rings, extraordinary values and passionate service. For a complimentary Engagement Package, call L800.642.GIFT BORSHEIM'S. A Berkshire Hathaway Company Regency Court, 120 Regency Parkway, Omaha (402) 391-0400 (800) 642-GIFT