Opinion

America is the shining city on a hill, and we need strong, democratic partners around the world to help defend Western ideals of liberty and human rights. Weakness in the face of provocations from foreign enemies who openly oppose these ideals, such as China and Russia, threatens the freedom, and in some cases the very survival, of friends and allies we have fought alongside to liberate. Clarity and consistency in securing our prerogatives and standing with those who aspire to freedom, democracy, and self-determination around the world is vital.

Coming right up, the short session of the Nebraska Legislature. The scheduled 60 days will be long on ideas, but probably short on controversial rhetoric, at least from senators who stand for re-election lest they offend their constituents or tip their hand to opponents.

If you’ve read my weekly columns, tuned into a press conference, or heard me speak before, you are no stranger to my guiding vision for the state: growing Nebraska. It’s been the mission of my Administration, and each year we have achieved success toward that goal. This year has been no different. In fact, Nebraska has made plenty of progress in 2021 worth celebrating.

As another year draws to a close, we have a lot to be grateful for. The recent tornadoes and storms brought hurricane-force winds and left thousands without power. But as powerful and dangerous as these storms were, Nebraska avoided disaster.

It’s that time of year when we all should pause a moment and consider the very long list of things that we all have to be thankful for. I’ve seen much of the world, and a lot of it wasn’t a pretty sight. Americans for the most part fail to grasp how blessed we all are to live in this country. I realize our federal government has some very serious problems that are so numerous I could write a book about it. But this is the time of year where I want to write about all we have to be thankful for.

As the Supreme Court heard oral arguments this month for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, attention to the rights of the unborn and laws regulating abortion soared. While there has been no shortage of speculation about the outcome and consequences of the case, there is good reason to believe this could be a landmark case for the pro-life movement.

I'm dreaming of a supply chainhampered Christmas. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps it will be simpler with fewer gifts and more warm memories as we focus on the real meaning of the holiday and share with friends and family. If you're living in this country, you still have an abundance compared with most of the rest of the world even if those large cargo ships stacked with containers of stuff can't make it to port.

Families and businesses with healthy finances follow a budget. Families have to monitor their spending to meet day-to-day needs and be prepared for future expenses. Businesses have to keep costs lower than revenues to meet payroll and make a profit.

Earlier this month, eight months after President Biden created a group to study “Supreme Court reform,” the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States finally released its report. The far left has been waiting eagerly for this moment for months.

As many of you know last month I embarked on a journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as the Roof of Africa, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and ranks #4 on the list of the Seven Summits at 19,340 feet. I was joined by 11 other climbers for this adventure, including four other senators. Those who joined me were Senator Ben Hansen of District 16, Senator Dave Murman of District 38, Senator Justin Wayne of District 13, Senator Anna Wishart of District 27, Dalton Boden, Hunter Armstrong, COL (Ret.) Van Joy, Michael Ferguson, Jeff Bolton, Blaine Bolton, and Mike Wilkinson.