If truth is the first casualty of war, the loss of hope surely runs a close second.

As war now diminishes us on at least two fronts and expectations for peace dim further, a genuine sadness permeates our days. Adding to the malaise is dysfunction permeating our politics and the stench of intolerance, bigotry and hate wafting through our lives. So what chance does hopefulness have?

What if I told you there was something that would help ease the problem of our overcrowded prisons? What if I said this same solution would help alleviate the homeless situation? Prevent suicides? Cut back on the number of domestic violence calls? Drunk driving deaths? And improve employee attendance records?

When Summer hits, I look forward to slipping on my waders, stepping into a river, and casting my fly rod in search of that trophy fish.  But before I do, I always go through a list of things to prepare me for success.  I check the local regulations and consult the local guides and experts to see where the fish are and what they are biting.  Armed with this knowledge, it is left up to me to identify the specific fish (usually German brown or rainbow trout) I want to cast to and catch.  You will be casting into an ever-

I love representing the hospitality industry here in Nebraska, the state where my great-grandfather arrived from Denmark years ago. Nebraska has much to offer — from the joys of tanking down its rivers to the stunning view from atop Scotts Bluff National Monument.