Enormity of disaster sinking in

As the enormity of the tsunami disaster pierces the heart of humanity, the United States is rising up to render aid. It is appropriate that two former presidents, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, have agreed to lead the fund-raising effort. Their leadership shows that the U.S. is truly united in reaching out to the people and the nations struck by this most awful of tragedies.

It is also fitting that the current president, George W. Bush, has chosen his brother, Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, and the former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, to travel to the region devastated by the disaster. They are respected leaders who are representing America with compassion and integrity.

Corporate America is also offering aid, as are stars of the entertainment world. Their examples will inspire others to do what they can to help. The disaster reminds us how fragile humanity is in the face of nature's awesome fury.

It also puts into perspective the petty differences of the peoples of the world. How insignificant the differences become when compared to the horrible havoc caused by the tsunami.

New License Plates

Remember all the fuss when those Nebraska license plates with the bright yellow background were issued three years ago? They sparked a lot of controversy, and were a continued source of discussion over the years.

Don't expect the same from the new plates, which went on sale Monday. They have a light blue and white background, with "Nebraska' centered in bright red letters in the upper part of the plate. The license plate numbers and the Nebraska name are contained within a red outline of the state.

Not exactly boring, but not bold and boisterous, either. Based on first impressions, the new license plates are not likely to cause much of a stir.

Good thing. Instead of a three-year life span, as was true before, the new license plates will be around for five years.

BSE Back in the News

Even though another case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy has been confirmed in Canada, it appears that the U.S. is prepared to allow Canadian cattle to be imported to the U.S. starting in March.

This is due, in part, to the safeguards Canada is taking. The Canadian officials identified the brain-wasting disease in an 8-year-old dairy cow, spotting it before any part of the animal entered the human food chain.

Diligent inspections on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the border have done an admirable job of keeping the meat supply safe in both countries. There must be no let-up in the inspections, with the safety of consumers forever paramount in importance.