I was disenfranchised

Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone

Sunrise in Nebraska, a state in a fog. Photo: James Leroy Wilson

For decades, the slogan for the state of Nebraska was “The Good Life.” Although the Nebraska Tourism Commission had rolled out other taglines through the years, that’s the only one Nebraskans themselves seemed to know.

Then in 2014, that changed. “Nebraska Nice” was heavily promoted. It didn’t go over well. Everyone knows that “nice” means “okay, but boring.”

In 2019, the state took a 180-degree turn. “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone” became the catchphrase. Its ads promoted the outdoors and implied that Nebraska is only for the adventurous. The slogan was actually a challenge.

I did like the new phrasing in promoting tourism. But I wonder if the state is admitting to something else as well.

Nebraska went from “the good life,” to “nice” to “not for everyone.”

What’s next, “It’s not for anyone?”

As a resident of Saunders County, I’m beginning to wonder. In June, I was denied the right to vote. Not just me, but every registered voter in the county.

Here’s what happened: In 2020, Republican Rep. Don Bacon of the 2nd Congressional District (which includes Omaha)…