Recent book on Great Plains politics

The book by Peter J Longo is fair enough in covering the individuals that were selected. There is some criticism of Virginia Smith involving Reagan. She was a bit too gung ho about building dams. This worked in the Calamus reservoir, but when the people along the Niobrara were presented this idea, the power and irrigation produced was just too little compared to the loss of land. Instead, they went for federal protection and got a national scenic river. It took some convincing to push for some tourism on the river but soon enough all people in the are were on board. Virginia was not listening to the people well enough. On the matter of missiles in the extreme West end of Nebraska she did. Reagan had to put the missile silos on the Wyoming side.

There is even a mention of Nebraska pipeline protests in the conclusions. All in all it focuses on the positive aspects of politics here. I think that Senator Deb Fischer would not fit in the framework of the book. She has voted 100% with Trump, this just is not the way Nebraska people see things, such as the pipeline. Protecting land takes priority over right wing issues.

To generalize, republicans sought to bring food to those in need and other help to needy individuals in the state, as well as farm loans. Churches were employed in the Virginia Smith efforts to pass along food. All this was brought about with minimal government bureaucracy. That is, they want the money and they even want to help with surplus crops from time to time. But it all has to fit in with the "small government" thinking currently in vogue. Also, there is a self reliance at work, solving things entirely without the federal government, if possible.

Somewhat refreshing in the current hate filled Trump world.

The careers of Bob Dole and South Dakota's McGovern are discussed pretty much in terms of local politics. The presidential campaigns are not discussed.