View From The Sidelines

Everyone keeps talking about how beautiful the leaves are right now. “You have to drive out to see them,” they say. “The colors are amazing.”Here’s the thing — I’m color blind.

Representing You

Last week, I addressed the completely avoidable disaster that struck Washington. It’s now been 10 days since congressional Democrats voted to shut down the federal government.

Life lesson learned

I had a humbling moment on Friday.I was driving to a football game with Calvin when he told me that he forgot his backpack at the office. I told him I’d bring it to him on Monday, but that he had to start being more responsible for his things.Let this be a learning lesson, I said. Famous last words.

Make America healthy

In flying international routes at Delta Air Lines I saw our fellow citizens in every one of the 53 countries I visited. Americans can be spotted in a crowd quite easily because they began changing shape in the 80s. Many schools stopped having physical education (PE), and discontinued home economics.

Broadband grants fall far short of what some expected

We live in a world where having adequate high-speed internet service is not just a luxury, but a necessity.With proper broadband, you can use a computer to run a business, manage a good website, work remotely and operate the new generation of precision agriculture equipment.

A completely avoidable disaster

Another shutdown has hit Washington, and Nebraskans are right to shake their heads. Why can’t Congress just keep the lights on? Why should families, farmers, and veterans in Nebraska pay the price for dysfunction in D.C.?

An avoidable shutdown

Each day hardworking parents, farmers, ranchers, linesmen, teachers, and laborers across the country get out of bed and do what it takes to provide for their families and pay their bills.

Next steps to close digital divide in rural Nebraska

My husband Bruce and I raised our family on a cattle ranch near Valentine, Nebraska — a rural community that understands how spotty Wi-Fi makes it difficult to connect with family and friends. In today’s day and age, reliable internet access is no longer optional.

Free speech is a precious right

“You should be allowed to say outrageous things.”“There’s ugly speech. There’s gross speech. There’s evil speech. And all of it is protected by the First Amendment.

Going from Eeyore to Buddy the Elf in 10 seconds

Last week I was having a rough time.I found myself in one of my moods that would rival Eeyore from the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne. I wasn’t just dragging — I was practically waiting for a rain cloud to hover over my head and follow me around.