Lincoln County Democrats

What:  TOWN HALL MEETING ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

Where:  Airport Inn

When:  Thursday, May 14, 2009    4pm

Who:  Jane Kleeb and the local SEIU members

Purpose – To talk about how the bill has the potential to change working situations for people locally in North Platte

For questions call:

Laura Larsen
Change that Works
Director of Community Outreach
Cell: (308) 249-4228
Office: (402) 731-2416

So Iowa and Vermont are our two newest entrants into the whole gay-rights, same-sex marriage discourse, the newest to grant rights that is. Iowa did so through legal means, as Massachusetts and Connecticut before it, while Vermont being the first to grant same-sex marriage through its legislature.   Vermont officially granted same-sex marriage rights this week when its houses overrode the Republican governor’s veto.  What’s interesting in Vermont’s case is that by having the state’s duly elected representatives pass the measure, opponents’ entire Judicial Activist argument is officially cut down.

So what does all this mean?  Well, according to my favorite most crazy congressperson Steve King of Iowa (who also happens to be Republican, imagine that), we are now on the path to the “complete dissolution of society and religion.” 

Go figure. 

Then of course there is this interesting statistical extrapolation from fivethirtyeight.com predicting a turn in Nebraska public sentiment whereby we would be willing to support such a similar measure by the year 2014.  (Hard to imagine, but who’d have thought Iowa would make such a ruling.)

As for me, I don’t necessarily see the apocalypse on the horizon.  (In fact, it’s my hope that it has already occurred with very few takers.)  However, using my own discussions with my Iowan resident parents and the common attitude I see from people in this area of the state, I realize this is an issue that will likely resonate and drive political wedges for some time to come.  My hope, however, is for this issue to spawn needed discussions between the young and the old, the religious and not so much, the gays and the straights.  Ask each other why you believe this to be the new front of civil liberties or the destruction of society, and anything in between.  I, for example, have never really before talked to my parents about their feelings and beliefs concerning gays and lesbians.  (That despite my repeated attempts to convince my mother that I am gay to get her off my back about not having a girlfriend, which never seems to work.)  It is interesting to get their perspective on such issues considering their Democratic, Catholic and pro-life backgrounds.  It’s also something overdue and, admittedly, very frustrating at times.

All and all, understand that the world really can seem quite a bit different from only a few years ago (just look at these last eight years).  However, I have a feeling that the things that bond us will remain the same.

Principle trumping politics? I’m not so certain that is how this will play. Either way, the North Platte Housing Authority has turned down $588,000 in stimulus funds. I can’t help but to wonder if the board’s decision would have been different if they lived in the very houses they are charged to up-keep. But then what do I know?

You are Invited!

What: A word from the First Lady followed by the NET video presentation “Your Kids Are Drinking,” a message from a medical expert on the dangers of alcohol in adolescent brain development, and a Q&A with a panel of experts.

When: Monday, April 6^th at 7:00pm

Where: North Platte High School Performing Arts Center (1020 W. 2nd Street)

Community Connections presents the NET television production “Your Kids Are Drinking,” a documentary that examines the most under-reported aspect of underage drinking by youth – the adults that allow it to happen.  This documentary includes a visit to a small Nebraska town celebration where heavy drinking is a tradition and families protect their teenage drinkers.  In a larger community, cameras capture underaged decoys purchasing liquor from stores and restaurants.  Finally, one family’s tragic story illustrates the horrible consequences of teenagers drinking before they can handle its effects.  From tougher parenting to a hard-line from law enforcement officials, there is a new emphasis on how adults need to take responsibility for the drinking behavior of teens.

This event is open to parents, youth, community leaders, teachers, special event board members, city council, churches, and all interested parties.  Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend.

For more information please contact Community Connections at (308) 696-3358