What was that "big" jet that flew into McCook last week? I was asked by more than one person the past couple of days. "He flew over my house and rattled my windows!" stated a pilot friend. To answer the first question, it was a Gulfstream III, a twin engine 21 seat executive jet, model number G-1159A. Actually it was about the size of the Beechcraft 1900 turbo-prop airliner that regularly flies in and out of McCook. The G-3 has a louder noise signature due to its powerful Rolls Royce turbojet engines.

Now why the G-3 chose to land at McCook is a more intriguing story. Shirley Wheelbarger, expediter, coordinator, secretary and friend who works at Red Willow Aviation, had earlier received a call requesting "catering." Not only does Griff offer most attractive prices for jet fuel, catering is available too on request and courtesy cars free for the use by the flight crew are a given.

The G-3 was carrying a load of golfers on a tour playing "interesting" golf courses around the US. They had just played the recently opened high roller invitation only golf course snuggled into the sand hills south of Holyoke, Colo. Holyoke has a modern new runway capable of handling large executive jets but little in the way of refueling or passenger services. You land and you are on your own.

Shirley had received a call from the hostess (we used to call them stewardess but somehow that appellation is no longer politically correct) on the G-3 crew hoping to arrange a menu of filet mignon, baked potato a couple appetizers and more. She in turn called Mitch and Candy at the Looking Glass to prepare the steaks and accompaniments. There were to be twelve steaks, each seared both sides and left raw in the middle. They had to be arranged three to each container and the potatoes, individually wrapped in foil, were to be kept warm. There were to be at least two unspecified appetizers. The G-3 has a full galley and the hostess would finish preparing a meal that would make any gourmet chef proud. Shirley related that the hostess was really nervous about the prospect of using an unknown caterer in the middle of Nebraska but she need not have worried.

The airplane arrived McCook Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. and departed completely replenished at 6:36 p.m.. Next stop Charleston, S.C.; they made it in two hours-twenty eight minutes. Best part, the hostess later called back to tell Shirley that the men on board wanted to make it known that the steak was the best they'd ever eaten! Not bad for McCook, Neb. Here in southwestern Nebraska we are privileged to eat the best steak in the world and assume that it is common fare. Few of us live like those who can afford to golf the world in a charted private jet but you know I don't think I'd trade places.

It is getting more fun to watch the players in our current political campaign ramp up the promises that each hopes will entice voters to get them elected. The latest is a promise by Sen. Barack Obama to give a tax cut to 95 percent of all taxpayers. That is interesting because at least 40 percent of all "tax payers" actually pay no federal income tax. Now to cut taxes for someone who pays no taxes in the first place is not much of an incentive, so the whole proposal didn't make much sense until I read the fine print. The Democrats are promising to create what they call "refundable tax credits." Translated meaning those who owe no federal income taxes when they file will actually get in return a check taken from the taxes that the rest of us have no choice but pony up to Uncle Sam. Talk about a ripoff!

The whole concept of income redistribution, a sacred obligation of left-leaning Democrats, Socialists and Communists is best exemplified in the Tales of Robin Hood. "Steal from the rich and give to the poor."

Sadly it has worked well in the voting booth since 1932.

That is the way I see it.