Opinion

Finding ourselves at a crossroads

Monday, April 21, 2003

Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. What we decide will have lasting consequences on our society.

How many times have we heard the words above, or ones much like them, in the past few years? For sure it's been dozens of times, if not hundreds, because of the many difficult decisions we face in these complex and fast-paced times.

Take today for example. On the local, state and international levels, leaders are searching for solutions to questions which will have a long-range impact on the quality of our lives. Here at home, a major issue is back in front of the McCook City Council. At tonight's meeting, the five members of the council will decide whether to treat the city's existing water supply, or drill new wells north of McCook.

It looked like the issue had been decided last November, when the council voted unanimously to treat the water. But that decision was thrown into question when it was discovered the city's storage tank, and the proposed treatment site, were sitting on top of a massive railroad diesel spill.

Because it would cost so much to move the storage site and treatment facility to a different location, the city is now giving renewed consideration to drilling wells north of town, and piping the water to McCook.

Cost-wise and quality-wise, the council's decision will have a major effect on citizens' lives.

On the state level, funding of all facets of government are at stake as the Nebraska Legislature decides what to include -- and what to cut -- from the next biennial budget. Every community in the state will feel the effects as senators set the levels of state aid to kindergarten through 12th grade education, as well as funding for higher education from the junior college to university level. In the McCook area, residents are watching closely to see if senators vote to keep, or discontinue, the Work Ethic Camp. In a very real sense, the legislators' decisions will effect our daily lives.

International events also have a huge impact on our lives. We have all watched as Operation Iraqi Freedom unfolded in living color on our television screens. As critical as the war was to rid Iraq of tyranny, an even more important phase of the campaign is yet to come. That is the rebuilding of Iraq into a productive and peaceful nation. The process has begun, with retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Jay Garner arriving in Baghdad today. He will lead an interim civil authority, as the U.S. attempts to clear the way for a new Iraqi government.

Yes, we are at the crossroads ... each day, at every level. It is now as it has always been and always will be. Our actions -- and our decisions -- have far-reaching ramifications.

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