It's been a week...

by Mary Reiman

Yes, it's been a week.

It started with the Kentucky Derby. My pick, after analyzing the odds, trainers, jockeys, horse names and colors (color being the most important factor), I usually select a horse with around 10-1 odds. It’s good to cheer on the ‘underdog.' 

Moving on to Monday. There was our governor. Calling the petition drive to repeal LB1402 “absurd” and also calling for at least 39 of the 49 State Legislators to be conservatives. 

One of the candidates for legislature in my district in Lincoln sent out very large, colorful (some would say slick) postcards regarding everything she supports.  The return address on all of those oversized postcards is her hometown. Columbus, Nebraska. 

Tuesday was the primary election. The statewide voter turnout was 27%. I wonder why people don't vote. They have opinions. Why don't they vote?

I am usually not very interested in the primary elections across the state. This year I paid more attention, thanks to JoAnne Young’s 5 Women Mayhem blog last week, Nebraska women navigating their own political storm. 

I was also more involved thanks to my friend, Glenda Willnerd, candidate for the State Legislature from District 1. Glenda is a woman with strong beliefs in the importance of caring for all people and fighting for their rights. In the many years I have had the honor to know and work with her, she has been an advocate. For students, for teachers, for her community, for our country. Her campaign slogan was 'Leading with Integrity.'

Tuesday evening, Glenda and her husband, Phil, hosted a gathering for those who had helped with her campaign. The evening began with all of us turning to the flag and pledging allegiance. That simple act said so much to those of us who know Glenda. 

It set the tone for thoughtful reflections of what democracy really means. Glenda addressed the group with her favorite quote from Dolly Parton, “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” She then shared her story of how she became a candidate, putting in her paperwork on the last day they were accepting applications, after much contemplation. Bravely moving forward into a new realm of learning.

In typical Glenda fashion, she then paid tribute to all for helping with her campaign. She went around the room, acknowledging each by name, giving us a more complete picture of everything/everyone involved in the process. Friends who helped write ads and flyers, put up yard signs and large highway signs, located sites for the various community meet-and-greets, addressed hundreds of postcards, made numerous phone calls to encourage people to vote, and canvassed towns throughout the district. 

Nebraska Legislative District 1 is comprised of 5 counties. 38 communities. That’s the whole southeast section of our state. Many miles driven, from the day she committed to this endeavor until Tuesday,

Glenda spent an exorbitant number of hours learning about everything involved in running a campaign. There aren’t enough how-to manuals provided for women moving into the political realm and I wish we could have known how to shelter her from mean-spirited emails.

I greatly admire my friend’s fortitude and stamina and willingness to fight for us. She would have been a fabulous legislator. She would have listened and she would have responded and worked tirelessly to solve the issues and concerns of her constituents. She put herself out there and although she was not one of the top two finalists, she is a winner in our hearts for her willingness to take a risk. And, most definitely, for her bravery and her integrity.   

Yes, it's been a week...and so begins another...

As I watch CBS 60 Minutes, Pope Francis is discussing "the globalization of indifference." So many topics blend together. 

Perhaps we need a week to block out everything. Recharge. Rethink. Focus on the beauty of so many shades of green. Think about the joyfulness of graduation celebrations with young adults who give us hope for our future.

Then let us take a moment to salute our flag, say the pledge of allegiance, think about our freedoms and our democracy. Next weekend celebrate Memorial Day. Remembering, honoring, being grateful.