Opinions

This week is National Police Week. In Nebraska, we Back the Blue. Officers across our state work hard to prevent crime and protect families. They face danger and serve with courage. That’s why this week – and every week – they deserve our gratitude.

On Sunday, I did something that I hadn’t done for many, many years. I walked into a graduation ceremony, not as a reporter looking for the perfect story or the perfect photograph, but as a graduate’s family member, there simply to celebrate a major milestone in a relative’s life.

Out of context, it may seem a little comical, but if you know, there is a chance that when you walk into my house and see the photograph of my dad and me sitting on the table in my entryway, you understand.

This month, we celebrate Nebraska as the Beef State. Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state, and beef is a cornerstone.

In January, when I had the opportunity to join members of the Nebraska Press Association for breakfast at the governor’s mansion, one of my older brothers gave me two pieces of advice: make sure your shoes are tied and don’t spill any food on your shirt.

Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base. A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation. He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and E-4B. This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk. It threatens Offutt’s critical mission. It threatens our nation.

Senator Loren Lippincott • District 34 When I was flying for Delta Airlines I would routinely step back into the cabin and briefly visit with passengers as they were boarding. And at the end of the flight I made it a practice to stand near the exit door to say thank you as they deplaned.

You are not going to believe this, but some guy recently offered me $200 for my high school football jersey. Considering I likely didn’t get $200 worth out of it while standing on the sidelines at Palmer High School, you have to think I should have marked it sold.

Each spring, as I travel across the Third District meeting with constituents, I am reminded just how special Nebraska is. There is a peace in rural America you cannot replicate anywhere else. It is the endless Sunday morning sunrise, the crunch of gravel under your feet during an evening stroll, and the sense of community where neighbors look out for one another without hesitation. This is even clearer as neighbors continue to help neighbors as we fight the ongoing fires across our state.

“Welcome to the Good Life.” A phrase every traveler sees as they cross our state lines. For many, it’s just a slogan. But for those of us who call this state home, it’s something deeper. It’s a promise.