'War or peace'

"War or Peace: -- A Time of Decision," is the topic of the 2003 Norris Essay Contest, sponsored by the George W. Norris Foundations and McCook Community College.

"The American philosophy accepts both sides of any issue, and patriots have not always favored war," according to the essay commentary. "George W. Norris was a patriot who opposed U.S. entry into World War I. The present Iraq situation is, however, different than past conflicts. What are your thoughts on being a patriot in this time of decision?"

George W. Norris served as senator and congressman from Nebraska for 40 years. By leadership and legislation, he amended the U.S. Constitution, gave rural America electricity and brought public power and the Unicameral Legislature to Nebraska. His vision of electricity on every farm and every community enabled American agriculture to become the most productive e in the world. The leading technology of that time transformed rural America. The Norris dream had come true.

Today, however, America faces serious challenges that will affect our lives and the lives of future generations. Reformation is being demanded in many levels of government. The election process, term limits, balancing the budget, Social Security, Medicare and accountability of politicians are just a few of the weighty problems under scrutiny. Young people must become involved in the political process to insure America's future.

The contest, open to any currently enrolled high school junior or senior, offers a $500 scholarship to North Platte or McCook Community College, a cash award of $200, $150 or $100. The winners will be announced Saturday, April 5 at a noon luncheon at D's.

The essay must be typewritten, double-spaced on one side of white, letter size paper. It must have a cover sheet with its name, address and phone number, the school's name and address, and the teacher's name and signature. The writer's name should appear only on the cover sheet. The number of words on each page should be typed on the lower right corner. The essay should be limited to 750 to 1000 words. At the end of the essay, all reference material used should be listed.

The essay must be postmarked by March 21, 2003, and mailed without folding to Norris Essay Contest, McCook Community College, 1205 E. Third, McCook NE 69001.

For more information, contact Ted Fellers at (800) 658-4348 or Flora Lundberg at (308) 345-6450 or (800) 347-6450.