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Nader spoilage and the
teetering environment
11-6-00
Dear
Editor:
This
Nader movement is getting very old, and fast. The high-handed
righteousness of the Naderites has quickly become grating, and
Nader's stance in this election, purported to make a statement,
only blemishes him as a spoiler and amounts to self-sabotage. Many
of the causes Nader has campaigned for in the past he is going to
see destroyed if Bush gains the presidency.
The
largest of these causes is the environment. It is infinitely
puzzling when Nader accuses Bush and Gore of being one and the
same, because the environment is one area where the difference is
total. Bush seems to not care a whit what happens to the planet;
in a recent Michigan speech he called environmentalism a 'fad', he
moved for 'voluntary' clean-air standards in Texas, and he
famously wants to drill for oil in the Alaskan Wildlife Preserve,
a drilling that would ruin the Preserve and bring us a measly six
months worth of oil. Gore, on the other hand, negotiated the Kyoto
agreements on global warming, says he'll give tax breaks to
companies who come up with alternate forms of energy, talked
Clinton into conserving the most acreage since Theodore Roosevelt,
and wrote a book which, among other things, touted a plan to rid
ourselves of the internal combustion engine in twenty-five years.
Gore
is the most passionate environmentalist we've had running for
president since Roosevelt, and for this very reason I wonder why
Nader, or anyone else for that matter, would want to bring him
down. At this point, if we get another Reagan in the White House
(the man after whom Bush seems most modeled), it's all over for
the environment. Earth needs some serious saving. Look at the past
year alone. Worldwide, the coral reefs are adjudged to be
bleaching away and are predicted done for within ten years. The
plantlife of the Mediterranean Sea is rapidly being wiped out by
an oddball tropical algae. An unusual 50,000 acres is burning in
the Appalachians, specifically in Tennessee and Kentucky, due to a
strange lack of fall rain. A bizarre eleven million lobsters
popped up dead in Long Island Sound. Animals and insects are
becoming extinct at the rate of 100 species per day. And there is
open water at the North Pole; hardly surprising with greenhouse
gases predicted to cook us up by as much as 11 degrees Fahrenheit,
raising sea levels by around 18 inches and wiping out the
coastlines worldwide. Even the contrarians who once denied global
warming (bringing to mind denial of the Holocaust) have finally
come around the confessing its actuality.
So,
why in the world would Nader, who is supposed to be running for
the GREEN Party, want to hurt Gore? Why didn't he campaign for his
little 5% in states pre-destined to be won by Bush? What is Nader
doing anyway? Boy, they talk about Bush being unqualified for the
presidency! And just imagine the myriad of Oswalds the
corporations would send down upon a naively idealistic President
Nader. Not that Nader isn't doing a fine job of assasinating
himself. Instead of being the brilliant consumer advocate and
saver of lives, he is now on course to become the blundering
election spoiler and catalyst for planetary disaster.
Sincerely,
Guy
J. Jackson
Chicago
More
about anti-ballistic missile defense system
11-6-00
To
the editor:
After
reading recent letters about Bush's anti-ballistic defense system,
ABMDS otherwise known as a revamp of SDI, some things need to be
made clear.
This
plan will not stop invading armies. It will supposedly
destroy missiles, not armies. It will not restart the
Cold-War. Russia can not afford it. They can not even afford
an army.
But
the main problem with a ABMDS is scientific law. Basically the law
of gravity. Now again this plan will not work, even in its basic
design. This ask Israel about the Gulf War. But if it did, once a
missile is destroyed only that missile is destroyed, not the
contents. The contents, either nuclear or biological, will fall to
the earth due to gravity. And with the wind it will sprend
accross the United States or wherever the wind takes it. Hence
defeating the reasoning for a ABMDS.
Instead
of wasting billions of our tax dollars an this special effects
dream why not spend it an military readiness and vaccines in case
of war. This will help us in a war, not a ABMDS.
Sincerely.
Mark
Fielden
Winchester,
IL
formally
from Middletown
[click
here for related letters]
'Once-in-our-lifetime'
11-4-00
Editor;
"Once-In-Our-Lifetime"
Langston Hughes was
lucky enough to attend a brand new Central School in the early
1900's. It's time for our children to have the same experience a
century later. An old building does not need to exist in order to
save a memory or to honor a person. Particularly a heavily-used
old school building with foundation problems and structural
deficits that worsen yearly. Tributes to prominent people can be
and are made in many other ways. For this very reason, community
members, staff, and parents at Central School located a
commemorative plaque on school grounds to honor Mr. Hughes and his
contributions to society.
The members of the
District #27 Board of Education chose to place an issue before the
voters that will NOT result in pouring millions of dollars into
two antiquated buildings. We all know there were choices to
consider concerning the schools. After careful study, discussion,
and public input, the Board determined construction of new school
buildings to be the best option for our future students, just as
many residents in and around Lincoln have chosen to construct new
homes as the best option for themselves. Notice also, new
construction in the downtown area that appears to nicely
complement existing buildings. Yes, new structures can be
architecturally appropriate to the neighborhood.
Wouldn't any
community eagerly jump at the chance to build two new schools with
no increase in taxes? The residents of Lincoln Elementary District
#27 have that "once-in-our-lifetime" opportunity. We are
so fortunate! What pride there will be in Lincoln when the day
comes to enroll students in our new schools! Our "YES"
votes will place our children in beautiful, comfortable facilities
that will best meet their educational needs for generations to
come. Friends, I urge you to vote "YES" on the District
#27 referendum issue.
Terri Hauter
District #27
Teacher and Treasurer of "Our Kids First" Committee
Professional
laborer speaks on school issue
11-4-00
Letter to the
Editor:
I have been reading
all of the articles the Lincoln Courier has printed regarding the
fate of Central School and the Junior High.
I have read almost
all of the letters to the editor, both in favor and against two
new buildings.
I have listened to
both sides' arguments.
I have listened to
opinions, disagreements, and facts.
I have kept my
mouth shut, my ears and eyes open, and the cap on my pen long
enough.
I have a number of
points to make in this letter, so please, readers, school board
members, citizens, teachers, and most importantly, the students
who attend these schools-bear with me.
First, I would like
to hear what the teachers and students of District 27 would like
to see happen to their schools. They are the most important,
because they spend more than a third of their lives in these
schools-180 days a year. Yes, they do matter the most. Teachers,
students, staff and students: Cry out; there are people who will
listen!
I believe you have
cried out somewhat as I read the signs you have posted in the
schools and in front lawns.
Secondly, I do
agree that District 27 school board has not done all of their
homework, because there is more to come.
My idea would be to
construct a new middle school somewhere either adjacent to or
across from the high school on Primm Road with all 6th, 7th and
8th graders attending, forming one school district for our
wonderful community, doing away with many overhead expenses. This
idea may help CEL's financial troubles ahead. That's just my idea
and opinion.
Now comes my
professional opinion. Yes, professional. I am a skilled labor
craftsman, an electrician and member of IBEW Local #193 for almost
eight years, whose jurisdiction covers Lincoln and the surrounding
area. From my experience in the construction industry for nearly
12 years, staring as a laborer for the first four, one cannot and
will not spend less money on a renovation of this magnitude and
size. Never!
Some months ago the
Lincoln Courier printed an article portraying the cost of
renovation and addition to the schools. I believe the article
stated:
1. Renovation and
addition approximately 12 to 14 million dollars. 2. Wrecking ball
followed by new construction, about the same cost.
Believe me,
renovation will cost 12 million and then some. Why? Well, what
contractors and craftsmen will find after bids are accepted and
the project is under way are the hidden, surprise expenses always
present in a renovation. Contractors call these expenses
"extras."
"Extras"
mean more money to fix hidden problems that must be corrected in
order for work to continue. These extras equal more money above
and beyond the bid price, which in turn means more money, tax
money. These extras are something architects can seldom account
for, because they cannot physically see them. They are there and
will slap taxpayers' wallets.
Expenses such as
structural problems, hidden plumbing and electrical problems in
walls, floors, and underground. This is not forgetting to mention
the efficiency and space for all new equipment and systems such as
heating, air conditioning and ventilation.
Bringing these
schools up to date on current building safety and occupancy codes,
handicapped accessible, with elevators installed in both schools,
which would be a task in itself, a new fire alarm and sprinkler
system would also be necessary.
Renovations and
additions do cost more, not just because of these hidden-surprise
extras, but they plainly and simply take considerably more time to
complete. Contractors cannot complete renovations of this
magnitude in three short summer months, there are only so many
hours in one day, and in construction, time equals money, more of
the taxpayer's money. Money spent in saving nothing more than a
shell of two buildings.
I would like to ask
a silly question or two of the folks who are in favor or
renovation and preservation.:
1. What is the
difference between new construction and renovation of this size,
in which at some point in time the only thing you will essentially
preserve is a building shell? 2. Back in the middle to late 1950s,
didn't this town get a brand new high school with plenty of room
and where provisions were made to make expansion of the building
easier? I wonder why that was?
The same could and
should be done if and when a new Central and Junior High are
constructed.
I can swallow the
fact that we may spend a few more dollars for new schools, but I
choke on the fact that we would spend 12 million plus expenses on
just renovated schools with additions, wishing that after the
project is completed we would have gone the other way, the
correct, most efficient, cost-effective way-a project that causes
less tax burden and gives the best tools and facilities to
teachers for students for a second-to-none education.
I implore all of us
to explore all options, take all considerations in, and do it
once, not end up wishing what might have been. If you can't find
the time to do it right the first time, when are you going to find
time to do it over?
If in doubt about
what I have just stated, take time to ask the professional skilled
craftsmen and contractors who will inevitably work on this project
their opinion of renovations and additions versus the new, more
efficient to run and maintain. More times than not these folks
will tell you what I have.
Students, teachers,
taxpayers: change in this case is good; change is not bad.
I agree with Sam
Redding, a well-respected educator, who wrote in support of two
new schools. Ask him; like me, he is a professional.
Mr. Dave Leonatti's
article that appeared in the Courier on October 18 consisted
entirely of fact, not opinion, and was correct. Ask him; he is
also a professional.
Folks, on November
7, do not vote on opinion. Do not vote on influence. Just plain
vote. Vote your conscience. I know what my conscience says.
Matt Vlohovich
Former
Lincoln resident responds to letter from Guy Jackson about
anti-ballistic missile defense system
11-4-00
To
the editor:
This
letter, indeed requires a response, whether you are for or against
George
Bush for President. Mr. Guy seems to have a political agenda
behind his opinions (and of course he has that right).
My
response is not politically driven but sheds some light on what I
think every American should think about, yes, think about, you can
still reach your own conclusion.
I
speak of experiences only and not from Harper's magazine.
Every
time I think of 13 million Red Chinese coming over our borders, my
heart leaps into my throat with fear for my country and family.
Every time I think of rogue countries like North Korea, Iran,
Iraq, Sudan and a few others having the capability to utilize
missile systems against the U.S., my heart leaps into my throat.
Can
you picture your children or grandchildren speaking chinese,
Sudanese or Farsi because we did not have a satisfactory defense
system. Chinese is tough, I know, I studied it prior to being
assigned there during the Tienamen square massacre. I saw first
hand how citizens can be treated by this kind of a government. Or,
being overrun by the Iranians and live under the stringent
conditions they must endure. I was taken hostage there in 1979 and
have seen how these people live also. Not a pretty thought of all
Americans living in this manner. How about the terrorst groups out
of Iraq, the Sudan and Seria under the power of Quadaffi or Ben
Laden sending missiles into our coastal cities and then invading
us. I was in Khartoum when our Ambassador and Deputy Chief of
Mission were abducted and later executed by these thugs. My life
was only saved because I dove into a swimming pool to dodge the
bullets.
Using
the USS Cole was a poor example and not related to protecting our
own shores Mr. Jackson, it was in the wrong place at the wong
time, as I was in the instances related to above and below.
At
one point in my career, I was kidnapped by a terrorist group in
chad and taken into the desert and held for 12 hours. My 13 month
old daughter was unluckily with me during that incident. I was
beaten repeatedly and put in front of a firing squad with her in
my arms. They decided to play with me for a while longer and shot
over and around me - - I still carry small pieces of rock in my
cheeks from that ordeal. I was rescued by regular Tchadien forces
late that evening. My daughter was unharmed but remembers it to
this day, me I went on to serve my country getting into more
scrapes and scrambles.
Yep,
I will take any kind, including an anti ballistic missile defense
system or anything else that will keep my country, children,
grandchildren and yes sir, even yours free from anyone who wants
to take our freedom from us.
Oh,
by the way, North Koreans and the Chinese don't worry about
feeding
Their
"poor people", they spend everything on arms, including
missiles. We on the other hand (or I should say Mr. Gore) would
prefer to continue to support those individuals who refuse to work
and build up the welfare system. No country will win a war on
welfare but surely when the government is feeding everyone, that
country will fall on it's own accord. (food for thought, no pun
intended).
(Uh
oh, got a little political here, sorry)
George
A, McKinney
Pharr,
Texas
(Born
and raised in Lincoln)
[click
here for letter to which George McKinney refers]
Writer
opposes anti-ballistic missile defense system Bush wants to build
11-2-00
Dear
Editor:
Each
time George W. Bush reiterates his intention to build an
anti-ballistic missile defense system, an act that could well
restart the Cold War, my heart leaps into my throat with fear for
my country and family. I recently heard him state this intention
yet again on, of all places, the David Letterman Show. Yet media
spotlighting on this issue has been scarce at best. This defense
system is malignant and unworkable. Of the few press items
concerning it I have been able to find, the most noteworthy is a
letter from a M.I.T. physicist to the White House Chief of Staff
(reprinted in the August 2000 issue of Harper's Magazine) which
pleads for Clinton to halt progess on what is certainly another
case of Pentagon hubris.
As
it now stands, the anti-ballistic missile defense system, which by
this point should get a nice military title such as the George B.
McClellan Missile Defense System or, even better, the Maginot Line
Missile Defense System, can be duped by so little a thing as a
weather balloon. If it could miraculously be constructed, it would
probably better serve for shooting down asteroids, but the
Pentagon and Bush and Co. would instead put it to a use that would
upset the balance of nuclear power. Russia and China have both
warned against this, and Russia has pointed out that such a
defense system would violate several nuclear treaties. Bush's
response, which came on the day Clinton put a delay on the
system's construction: 'It doesn't matter what they think. We need
to protect ourselves.' Marital relations cannot survive on the 'it
doesn't matter what they think' attitude, so how can international
relations? As for protecting ourselves, such a system, even if
working, would be no guarantee; the recent tragedy of the U.S.S.
Cole proved that terrorists don't need to go to all that trouble
of launching a missile. And anyway, protecting ourselves against
whom? So-called 'rogue states' like North Korea? That's that same
old Reagan-era 'evil empire' garbage. As with the old, spooky
communist nations of the past, countries like North Korea can
barely feed their citizens, let alone invade the U.S.
Bush
would build this system, despite the possibilities of upsetting
the balance of power, ruining relations with Russia and China, and
restarting the Cold War, all for a real Swiss cheese chunk of
defense. Of Bush's many humanity-threatening platforms, from his
environmental policies to his distaste for 'nation-building' to
his hawk-like statement that the military must be used to 'fight
and win wars' (which wars is he planning on fighting?!?), this
stance is by far the scariest. And yet, by the media and voting
public alike, the anti-ballistic missile defense system is also
the least observed.
Sincerely,
Guy
J. Jackson
Chicago
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