Some time ago, I corresponded with a man in Iowa concerning more restrictions on private gun ownership. In defense of his position, he stated, "As populations increase in density, laws regimenting their behavior increase. That people give up some freedom as populations and laws increase is a fact that followed all civilizations."

He stated a historical fact. Throughout history of this world, as a society crumbled, the governing bodies made more and more restrictive laws and the people lost a bit of freedom with each new law made. Usually the people, without even noticing the incrementalism, rarely protested the loss of freedom, many times even begging government for more regimentation. The governing body usually disguised that loss of freedom with promises of more benefits to the governed.

As I observe the process of governing in our country, especially the present presidential campaign, I am concerned. As a man that has spent many years on this earth, I write with a tear in my eye as I watch our once proud republic slowly crumble into oblivion.

Walter E. Bumgarner

Arcadia

Let locals determine smoking policy

Congratulations to our brave state legislators for ignoring silly little inconveniences like outrageous property taxes, indecipherable school funding formulas, and illegal immigration to march bravely ahead with the statewide smoking ban. Further kudos are in order for their quick thinking in passing the "no opt out" clause to protect the good people of Nebraska from conniving business owners and pesky local officials who aren't nearly as enlightened as our beloved state senators. Some of these poor local officials, who are really only useful as a foil for the legislators to blame high property taxes on, could be unduly influenced by crafty bar or restaurant owners brazenly trying to keep their businesses profitable. Any bar/restaurant owner should be proud to have their business down by 30 percent for six months or so.

The only shortfall in their smoking ban is a provision for the good people to be able to identify smokers and avoid them. Perhaps a yellow star sewn on their clothing would help. This program could include some type of ghetto system where smokers could live and work, thereby continuing to pay taxes and contributing to the good life for the good people.

Unfortunately, our stalwart senators are lagging a bit behind their comrades in the great state of Mississippi. These brave fellows have recognized the dangers food poses to obese people and are taking action. They have introduced legislation to ban obese people from restaurants for their own good. Perhaps once again the star and ghetto system could prove helpful in protecting the good people, or perhaps a 30 to 40 percent sales tax on food, much like the cigarette tax, for obese people would be helpful. Just because our courageous solons missed this opportunity to be first in identifying the obesity problem, rest assured they still have time to protect us even further.

Since obesity is a far greater health threat than secondhand smoke, as Senator Johnson, a retired physician, well knows, perhaps he could be the first to introduce this in the Legislature. By the way, if you still believe you are one of the good people, be aware the U.S. government Centers For Disease Control defines obese as 6 feet tall/222 pounds, with corresponding reductions of weight for lesser heights. In the '60s the television and movie industries recognized the dangers of depicting persons of influence smoking and discontinued these images. Perhaps the same principle should apply to depicting obesity in prominent persons such as politicians shown on the front page of the Feb. 23 edition of The Grand Island Independent. I'm sure The Independent's editors and Senator Johnson will agree enactment of these simple measures will instantly make Nebraska a much healthier place, perhaps even rivaling the invention of antibiotics and water chlorination. I cannot take credit for the star and ghetto programs, as they were originally conceived by the social planners of Germany's Third Reich.

Robert Whalen

Ord

Kearney High students disrespectful

I have been to many sporting events over the years and never ever have I heard a dance team being booed until Friday night during the Grand Island and Kearney High girls' district basketball game. The Kearney student body started booing our team as they came onto the floor to do their routine. There were more derogatory comments to the Grand Island team after both teams had performed their routines.

Our dance team was there to support our team just as the Kearney dance team was there to support their team.

I thought the student body behavior was very inappropriate and very unnecessary. As a dance team member parent, I was very upset by the behavior and that nothing was said to the group by Kearney High school officials. I found out later by several other Grand Island parents that this is considered normal behavior for Kearney when they are playing Grand Island teams.

Cindy Knopik

2524 Jay St.