Nebraska influence extends far beyond borders of the state

Note to Nebraska chambers of commerce: How about a new slogan -- "In the middle of everywhere"?

We're sure we've heard that tagline in use somewhere, but recent events reconfirm Nebraska's national importance, despite our small population and rural location.

Recent history has seen Sen. Ben Nelson cast decisive votes on important issue such as healthcare reform, with its attendant, misnamed and misunderstood "Cornhusker kickback," as well as national speculation on whether he will seek re-election and the implications for the balance of party power in Congress.

Now the Nebraska is flexing its muscle again, thanks to activists like Jane Kleeb, the Bold Nebraska folks and other green activists who pressured the Unicameral to take action on the Keystone XL pipeline.

The Legislature didn't directly force rerouting of the pipeline away from vulnerable parts of the Ogallala Aquifer, but did so indirectly by giving the pipeline company incentive to do so on its own. Lawmakers enacted laws for the next pipeline, and agreed to fund an environmental impact study in exchange for the agreement to move the pipeline.

The Nebraska situation gave the Obama administration a chance to put off making a decision on the pipeline until after the election.

Now, House Republicans have tried to force his hand, voting to extend a payroll tax cut the president wants, but only if he speeds approval of the Keystone XL.

Obama says he'll veto the measure, which the Senate isn't likely to pass, anyway. That sets up the possibility that a spending bill won't be passed in time to prevent a government shutdown after Friday.

Nebraska and other rural states, through their representatives, has also helped change U.S. Postal Service plans to close 252 mail processing centers and 3,700 local post offices, at least until after May 15.

Several local small-town post office are on the list, as well as the processing center in North Platte.

Nebraskans were able to change the route of the pipeline, but how much they will be able to change postal plans remains to be seen.

Still, anyone who thinks they can't make a difference by getting involved needs only to look to Nebraska. Our small population, and central location, can give the individual influence far beyond what one would expect.