Stories from Saturday, March 17, 2007

Of the millions of Irish immigrants who fled the "Great hunger" of the potato famine, religious and social persecution, many, in poverty and ill health, didn't even live to make it to refuge in North America. When the lucky ones disembarked from their "coffin ships," they found harsh conditions, more poverty and brutal work conditions...

Owners of dilapidated or abandoned housing will get a break from the city if they tear down their structures, under a proposed ordinance that will come before the McCook City Council at a regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers. Currently the city has no funding for demolishing housing that is substandard or abandoned. ...

We are what we learn and we begin learning when we're still in the crib. We pattern our attitude and our behaviors after those people most important in our lives, usually our parents and close relatives. If they are good role models, we're at least pointed in the right direction. If they're not, then we already have a couple of strikes against us before we even begin. Boys tend to look up to their fathers and other male relatives; girls, their mothers and other female relatives...

As a freshman senator, I've found there is a lot to learn, and I imagine I'll be learning more as the years go by. Participating in the legislative process is more interesting than I had realized it would be. I love being able to brainstorm with people in the District and with my colleagues here in order to find workable solutions that help both rural and urban Nebraska. ...

The City Council meeting last Monday was quite brief and I like it that way as it shows good organization. Only three council members were present; the missing probably had more important business to attend to.  Those in attendance got it all done in just over a half hour. I may have missed some; the sound system is either poor or the staff and council refuse to use it. Anyhow it is hard for this old guy to hear every word spoken, but then maybe that is intended for us kibitzers...