September 11...and beyond

In the McCook area -- as in cities, villages and in country locales around the world -- our thoughts are focused upon the terrible events which occurred one year ago tomorrow ... on September 11, 2001.

In commemoration of that day -- forever etched in our memories as 9-11 -- the McCook Daily Gazette is joining newspapers across America in printing special tributes to the nation's people and their heroic response to the terroristic tragedy.

With the leadership of City Editor Gloria Masoner and the assistance and cooperation of the entire staff, the Gazette will present a 36-page broadsheet edition Wednesday filled with articles, photographs and other remembrances of 9-11.

Citizens -- young and old, from near and far -- contributed to the edition. Be looking for it in tomorrow's Gazette. Take time to read it over, then save it as a keepsake and a reference.

Out of tragedy rose a nation united. Let's remember ... respectfully and with determination to protect America from further acts of terror. DEBATE DAY NEARS

Following a judge's decision to keep the gambling issue off the ballot, the intensity is rising for the Governor's Debate which will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, at the McCook Memorial Auditorium.

The Democratic candidate for governor, Stormy Dean, has called for a special session to address the question. Dean will be in McCook Saturday for the debate, as will Mike Johanns, the Republican incumbent, and Paul Rosberg, the Nebraska Party candidate.

Saturday's debate starts at 1 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required. They may be picked up at the McCook Daily Gazette, the McCook Radio Group or the McCook Chamber of Commerce.

The debate in McCook is being co-sponsored by the McCook Daily Gazette and McCook Radio Group.

This is an excellent opportunity to hear how the candidates stand on the issues. Join the crowd Saturday at the auditorium. Together, let's show the state the southwest area is a leader in political action.

GAMBLING DECISION

A lot of people worked very long and hard to bring the gambling issue to a vote, so it is unfortunate that the issue was blocked from the ballot by a judge's ruling.

However, the ballot initiative tried to cover too much territory, and in the process would have put topics in the constitution that should have been addressed in other ways. The judge's decision gives Nebraskans more time to come up with a gambling plan which more clearly states the issue. Starting in January, the legislature should take the lead in working to draft a fair and clearly stated gambling proposal.