Washington like the Dead Sea
Dear Editor,
There must be an oasis somewhere that will support life in the desert that has been created by dictators, a poor economy and political upheaval. Newspapers and television coverage keeps us on edge about this.
An oasis is any spot in a desert that will support life as long water is available on a regular basis. All it needs is underground springs and streams to feed it.
Artesian wells are a good source of water for some areas. Yet, we all know that wells can go dry. In the early days, Nebraska was referred to as the "great American desert." Irrigation has reclaimed the land. Good farmers know that the land must be properly cared for and worked. A crop cannot be planted and ignored. Weeds have to be controlled. Fertilizer produces a higher yield. Quality seed must be used.
Our economic crisis is like a well that is about to go dry. The quality of our leaders needs weed control and careful nourishment.
Like the Dead Sea or Salt Sea at the southern end of Israel's Jordan River, we can become trapped. This body of water has no outlet. It is 53 miles long and nine miles wide. Fresh water from the Jordan and other rivers flow into it. Water in it is heavily saturated with salt, sulfur, strong minerals and chemical compounds.
Amazingly, date palms manage to grow in some areas near the Dead Sea. Birds and wildlife avoid it.
We need to regroup and clean up our act. If we don't, our government may become trapped like the Dead Sea. Being trapped with no escape is frightening.
Helen Ruth Arnold,
Trenton, Nebraska