Nebraskans happiest, not easily misled
People in Nebraska are happier than any other state in the nation, according to the Happiness Index published this month by MainStreet.com.
The Cornhusker state was rated the Number One Happiest State in America because we are weathering the economy better than most. MainStreet.com listed three main reasons: first, that Nebraska ranked 2nd in lowest number of foreclosures; second, that Nebraska has the 2nd lowest unemployment rate (now third); and third that we are 5th in lowest percentage of non-mortgage debt by income.
This tells me that Nebraskans have been responsible, lived within their means, and that our job base is holding on. Jobs, tax cuts, and responsibility - these are the values that guide my work in the Senate in such things as the stimulus bill that is cutting taxes and putting $9 million per week into Nebraska's economy while creating jobs and improving infrastructure.
After traveling the state last week and visiting with my fellow Nebraskans I would like to add a fourth category of my own to the Happiness list; Nebraskans are independent-minded. Most Nebraskans are not easily misled and think for themselves.
10 Very Important Words
The inscription on the state capitol building in Lincoln sums it up best with ten very important words -- "The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen."
Our citizens are watchful when it comes to the flow of information they receive. They want it to be accurate. They do not want to be misled by inaccurate or incomplete information.
There's a lot of inaccurate and incomplete information out there, thanks to talk shows and partisan blogs that have political agendas. It doesn't matter if they come from the far left or the far right. Either way, they are not interested in bringing people together to solve problems. Their goal is to find issues that stir up anger and controversy that support their agenda.
Not News Shows
Most Nebraskans understand that they are "info-tainment" and opinion shows that provide only a small portion of the entire picture and end up distorting the truth. Most Nebraskans don't let their scare tactics push them into being used for a political purpose.
I frequently make personal telephone calls to Nebraskans who have written or e-mailed me armed with slanted information based on incomplete facts that are aimed at misleading the public to further an agenda. I've done this since I was governor in order to listen to their concerns, to try to give them a more complete story, and to see if there is a common sense solution to their concerns.
Nebraska is a Populist State
We are made up of people who listen carefully and understand that there are usually two sides to a story. We Nebraskans know when someone is offering solutions and when someone is just trying to tear down what others are trying to build.
I saw that admirable quality again during my travels statewide last week. This ability to avoid being misled and seeking out the other side is just another factor that contributes to Nebraska being the happiest state in the nation. :)