Innocent Until PROVEN Guilty


The 14th Amendment to the Unites States Constitution states a person is innocent until proven guilty.

When did the rules change?

Judge Brett Kavanaugh has been nominated by President Trump to serve on the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. He and his family have endured much scrutiny throughout the interrogation process, and now from women alleging sexual misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh.

The allegations stem from over 30 years ago, while Brett was in high school and college. There are memory lapses by the accusers due to drinking at the parties Kavanaugh was allegedly at, and of course, the many years since such alleged incidents occurred.

I have read the reports. I have been watching the news. So far, there isn’t any corroborating evidence from any incidents that sexual misconduct happened. The media has reported extensively on this situation, and many news outlets have written stories on the subject. In the pursuit of proof, they couldn’t find any. There weren’t witnesses that remembered the parties, or didn’t know of Judge Kavanaugh doing what the accusers say he did. But yet, many are believing what these women say, just at face value with no proof. Yet, they won’t believe Judge Kavanaugh when he says he never did what they are accusing him of.

Now, don’t misunderstand me. I understand women have such things happen to them, and are fearful for whatever reasons, to report it. But, when reporting such an alleged crime, there must be proof. That is the main problem in this instance, as of now. No proof.

To those adults in your 40’s or older, do you remember what you were doing when you were 17? Did you go to parties, drink quite a bit and remember everything that happened? I am 55. I went to parties. When I look back now, I don’t remember every party. I don’t remember every person that was there. Having some drinks and time being what it is, a long time ago, that makes perfect sense to me.

One politician said it is up to Judge Kavanaugh to prove he is not guilty of such an accusation. The same politician says he believes the accusers. Saying a person is guilty of any accusation without proof is not how we do business in the United States.

A reminder to all, there is what is called burden of proof. Defined, it is the obligation of a party in a trial to produce the evidence that will prove the claims they have made against the other party.

To all of our representatives, this isn’t about the upcoming election in November, although I personally believe this is why all of this is going on. I also believe it is because so many have nothing but hate for President Trump that they will do anything to derail any nomination he makes to any position.

Food for thought: Why shouldJudge Kavanaugh be disqualified over something that may or may not have happened over 35 years ago? If we held everyone in government to that standard, there’d be no democrats left.

 

 

Celebrating our Independence


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Across Nebraska on Independence Day, Nebraskans will perform annual traditions as they gather to watch fireworks, grill on the back porch, march in parades, participate in community-wide festivals, and share the holiday with family and friends. While these rituals may seem commonplace, they are at the heart of who we are as Nebraskans and Americans as we celebrate the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

 

This day is not only an opportunity to spend time with our loved ones, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on and recall the significance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For the members of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776, the signing of the Declaration was not a certain event. Even after it was drafted, the document was heavily debated and edited before representatives finally voted to approve the document on July 4th. The tireless work of the representatives who met in Independence Hall that summer resulted in an unprecedented articulation of the freedoms and liberties that would serve as the intellectual basis for the founding of the United States.

 

In the 18th century, the existence of a document that outlined the rights of citizens authored by colonial rebels was unprecedented. Today, the Declaration of Independence remains an unmatched intellectual achievement and continues to serve as a guiding light not only to Americans, but also to those who champion freedom around the globe.

 

Here in Nebraska, we continue to enjoy the blessing of freedom that started with the first 4th of July celebration. Since the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the pioneers who broke the prairie sod to build the first homesteads, Nebraska has been a place of great opportunity. While the Declaration of Independence served as the framework for the freedoms we enjoy today, countless men and women have defended and protected them over the last 239 years. Throughout our state’s history, many Nebraskans, like Captain Dustin Lukaesiewicz this year, have sacrificed everything for the cause of freedom.

 

To ensure that future generations enjoy the same liberties, our generation and subsequent ones must recommit to their protection. It is particularly important that all public servants, who have sworn to uphold and support the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, remember their solemn oath. We have a special duty to safeguard freedoms because of the responsibilities we have accepted and the trust the people have placed in us. 

 

As we celebrate with our families at home or in Seward, Central City, Ralston, Norfolk, Sumner, or one of the many communities across our state with 4th of July festivities, let us honor the people who made the Good Life possible and remember these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

 

We hope you have a safe and memorable holiday. From our family to yours, Happy Independence Day!

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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