Some Further Reflections on the Week's Events
by Bob Shaw
I live in Lincoln, Nebraska. We have long been a center of immigration. In the last fifteen years we have received large numbers of immigrants from Iraq, Vietnam, and Russia. We now have more Nguyens than Smiths in the phone book (I know, I was curious and I counted).
Most came because they had to. Most are hard working, have gone about the business of business, and have become an asset to Lincoln. Most would, in the best of all worlds, have stayed in their home country, but survival meant that they had to leave. Many cannot return under penalty of death. Those I know tell me they are grateful for a place of freedom where it is good to have a family and a chance to make their way.
Their reasons are not that different than those of my own family. They still honor the traditions and culture of their country of originăso do my wife's family and my own. All of this not withstanding, it would be terrible not to be able to go home. Bill Evans has told me it would be very difficult to not be able to return to your home base. I personally cannot bear the thought of never seeing the Little Blue Valley in south central Nebraska again. The courage of such immigrants, even in the face of "the great evil" is not to diminished in any way.
During the events of last week, friends who are from the Middle East have told me "the great evil" has followed them here. We must not allow this. Lady Liberty has been there, a beacon of freedom for all of the world, for about half of our history as a nation. From where she stands, one could see pile of rubble where the World Trade Center once was. What a pity it would be if we allowed the actions of a few, made insane by hatred, to put our history of tolerance and assimilation on the same pile of debris. "The great evil" would win. We must not allow this to happen.
Congratulations
Mike and Elaine Cerny
I would like to share a picture of Elaine's and my new grandson. Elaine is leaving Friday to see him. I will be able to travel in October. Hope to see you all in Lincoln at the All British at the end of the month. God Bless and take care
Mike and Elaine Cerny
{Ed. - Congratulations Mike and Elaine. We think Aidan has grandpa's quiet (maybe just a little sly) smile.}
"ART DART" PLANNED
FOR OCTOBER 14
Plans are underway for an LBC "Art Dart" to Sioux City, IA the weekend of October 13 to view the traveling Impressionist exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center. The exhibit, which is sponsored by Vassar College, features works by Mary Cassatt, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and Pierre August Renoir from Oct. 9 through Dec. 9.
Plans include casino-stopping for food and non-art-related entertainment. Please contact either Bob Shaw or Barbara Rixstine, 402-464-3733, email: rixstine@yahoo.com, if you're interested in going. The date isn't set in stone, and all the details still have to be worked out, so if an alternate date would work better for you, please let one of us know.The Sioux City Art Center is located at 225 Nebraska St. just off the interstate.
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