Talkin' a Little Politics... Again.
Can I just say something here? Since this is my blog, I guess it's a given that I can, and that I will.
Some of you might remember that just a few days ago, I posted about the far reaching effects of our deeds. I was lamenting the fact that the North Platte tourism industry, which employes nearly 1,500 people, was being penalized by well-meaning people who were proposing a boycott because our local Housing Authority board refused to accept some half a million dollars of stimulus money.
Now the Housing Authority made that ill-fated decision back in April and May, but the story has received a reprieve from wherever it is that news stories go to die thanks to MSNBC, Twitter and the larger cyperspace blogosophere.
Those proposing the boycott were totally disregarding the rich culture of generosity embodied by the good people of North Platte and the surrounding area. You truly don't have to look very far to know that we volunteer our time and give generously of our money at the drop of a hat.
Now, it has happened again, only on a larger basis. The Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism is receiving a steady stream of harangues from well-meaning (and maybe some whose motives may be questionable) people thinking that the answer to their disagreements with the actions of Senator Ben Nelson is to boycott, and to encourage others to boycott, tourism in Nebraska.
I am here to tell everyone who is reading this blog, regardless of your politics: Nothing that happens in Washington DC is the fault of the hard working men and women involved in the tourism industry in Nebrasaka. All we want is for you to visit Nebraska, and to help you have fun while you're here.
So, if you:
Are angry with Senator Nelson because he held out until the last minute to come into line with his party on the Health Care bill...
Are angry with Senator Nelson for giving in on the Health Care bill...
Are angry because he negotiated a sweet deal for Nebraska medicare...
Are angry because your Senator didn't negotiate as sweet a deal for your state...
Are against the Health Care bill...
Are for the Health Care bill...
Agree or disagree with anything in city, county, state or national politics...
The men and women working on the front lines in the attractions, parks and recreation, lodging properties, restaurants, convenience stores, retail stores, in Nebraska or anywhere else you might choose to visit, have absolutely no control over what their elected or appointed officials do in the course of their service in office. Yes, we may have been foolish enough (or wise enough, depending upon your point of view) to vote them into office, and we will have our chance to vote them back in or remove them from office at the next election. That being said, they are where they are, and they are doing what they think is right, representing their constituents to the best of their ability.
While I applaud everyone who chooses to get involved in making their community, state or country a better place by being active in politics, I ask that you please direct your actions toward the people responsible, and not toward innocent hard working men and women just trying to make a living for their families.
Thanks for stopping by. The coffee is always on.
Some of you might remember that just a few days ago, I posted about the far reaching effects of our deeds. I was lamenting the fact that the North Platte tourism industry, which employes nearly 1,500 people, was being penalized by well-meaning people who were proposing a boycott because our local Housing Authority board refused to accept some half a million dollars of stimulus money.
Now the Housing Authority made that ill-fated decision back in April and May, but the story has received a reprieve from wherever it is that news stories go to die thanks to MSNBC, Twitter and the larger cyperspace blogosophere.
Those proposing the boycott were totally disregarding the rich culture of generosity embodied by the good people of North Platte and the surrounding area. You truly don't have to look very far to know that we volunteer our time and give generously of our money at the drop of a hat.
Now, it has happened again, only on a larger basis. The Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism is receiving a steady stream of harangues from well-meaning (and maybe some whose motives may be questionable) people thinking that the answer to their disagreements with the actions of Senator Ben Nelson is to boycott, and to encourage others to boycott, tourism in Nebraska.
I am here to tell everyone who is reading this blog, regardless of your politics: Nothing that happens in Washington DC is the fault of the hard working men and women involved in the tourism industry in Nebrasaka. All we want is for you to visit Nebraska, and to help you have fun while you're here.
So, if you:
Are angry with Senator Nelson because he held out until the last minute to come into line with his party on the Health Care bill...
Are angry with Senator Nelson for giving in on the Health Care bill...
Are angry because he negotiated a sweet deal for Nebraska medicare...
Are angry because your Senator didn't negotiate as sweet a deal for your state...
Are against the Health Care bill...
Are for the Health Care bill...
Agree or disagree with anything in city, county, state or national politics...
The men and women working on the front lines in the attractions, parks and recreation, lodging properties, restaurants, convenience stores, retail stores, in Nebraska or anywhere else you might choose to visit, have absolutely no control over what their elected or appointed officials do in the course of their service in office. Yes, we may have been foolish enough (or wise enough, depending upon your point of view) to vote them into office, and we will have our chance to vote them back in or remove them from office at the next election. That being said, they are where they are, and they are doing what they think is right, representing their constituents to the best of their ability.
While I applaud everyone who chooses to get involved in making their community, state or country a better place by being active in politics, I ask that you please direct your actions toward the people responsible, and not toward innocent hard working men and women just trying to make a living for their families.
Thanks for stopping by. The coffee is always on.
You know, I still can't understand why people can be so ignorant when it comes to things like this. Just because we disagree doesn't mean we can't set aside our differences and have fun. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteIf I had the time and money to travel to Nebraska, I'd do it in a heartbeat. And take my kids with me. Maybe my wife, but I'm not sure she'd enjoy the lack of shopping in a lot of the places I'd like to visit. But I guess I could leave her in Lincoln or Omaha and pick her up when we leave....