Editorial

Sasse Owes Nebraskans An Explanation For Likely Departure From Senate

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 1:00am

Ben Sasse appears likely to leave the U.S. Senate early to become the next president of the University of Florida.

Less than two years into his second six-year term — which he asked Nebraskans to give him in 2020 — Sasse clearly has changed his mind about serving his home state in the Senate. He is the sole finalist under consideration for the Florida job.

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‘Checkout Charity’ Can Increase A Shopper’s Anxiety, Especially When Asks Are Automated

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 10/19/2022 - 4:00am

Asking customers to support a cause when they pay for stuff can heighten their anxiety. Contrary to the common belief that shoppers feel good about making donations at checkout, we have found that there is a downside to such charity campaigns.

For our study, co-authored with Alex Zablah, we researched how customers respond to donation requests made by cashiers or automated checkout kiosks.

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As Rural Americans We Must See Ourselves As Part Of The Nation’s Diversity

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 10/18/2022 - 12:00am

In the age of scarcity (for many) and excess (for the few), the language and policies of diversity become zero-sum. What another gets, you lose, so goes the polarized thinking that has turned our public square into a fever swamp of resentments and recriminations.

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Authoritarian Rule Threatens America’s Democracy

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:00am

Never in my wildest dreams did I think America would be on the verge of changing from a democracy to authoritarian rule. But overwhelming evidence abounds that voters and a political party are purposely changing their behavioral traits.

With three grandchildren — ages 11, 8 and 4 — I truly fear for their freedoms of speech, press and religion and rights of petition and assembly.

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Headcovers Have Always Been Political In Iran – For Women On All Sides

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 10/13/2022 - 4:00am

A friend and I were strolling through Tehran’s streets one afternoon when she was approached by a member of the “morality police,” an agency tasked with enforcing modesty laws in public. First, the policewoman warned her to cover her hair by pulling forward her scarf. Next, she was ordered to remove her sunglasses.

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Has Patagonia Defined A New Gold Standard For Business Responsibility?

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 10/12/2022 - 3:00am

Patagonia’s founder recently with the decision to give his family’s $3 billion company, and its future profits, to the fight against climate change. In his words, “Earth is now the company’s only shareholder.”

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Offutt Air Force Base

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 10/06/2022 - 3:00am

Offutt Air Force Base here in Nebraska plays a key role in our nation’s national security. Located in Sarpy County, the military base serves as the headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command, or STRATCOM. Offutt also hosts the 55th Wing, which conducts important global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and we are proud that they call Nebraska home.

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U.S. Must Act Quickly To Increase Mining For Clean Energy Needs

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 10/05/2022 - 2:00am

The time has never been riper for a government pro-mining policy in America. A shift away from fossil fuels will require a secure supply of minerals and metals needed in the quest for clean energy.

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Enjoying Nebraska’s Great Outdoors

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 10/04/2022 - 4:00am

It’s been refreshing to feel the crisp air with the arrival of autumn. As the weather cools off and leaves begin to change color, it’s a great time to get outdoors. From hunting to hiking to hayrack rides, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Nebraska this fall.

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Hindrances, Impediments, And Photo IDs

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 12:00am

If I’m supposed to feel safer, I don’t. If I’m supposed to break out in a freer and fairer dance, the music is silent. If I’m supposed to recognize an uptick in integrity, I missed it.

From the sky-is-falling department comes the latest installment of Nebraska’s decade-long attempt to change the state Constitution. This time to require voters to have a photo ID.