Tiller murdered

We'll know more about who killed Dr. Tiller soon, but if it turns out to be the likely scenerio of a fervent abortion opponent, it will be an act of terrorism — meant to strike fear in those living within the law

The dark lord

Fascinating take on the argument that Cheney is bending history and facts to defend his advocacy of torture.

Oh, Pat

Senator Roberts is jumping the gun a little here, isn't he?

Sotomayor skeptics

Some right wingers are pressing hard on the "racist" charge against Obama's Supreme Court nominee for one single comment in a speech she made several years ago. But apparently some liberal groups are now questioning her left wing bona fides ..... Sounds to me like Obama may have gotten this one right - she's somewhere in the middle (left of middle, I'm sure) of the extreme views that get all the headlines

Limbaugh or Powell Republican?

The intra-party fight over the ID of the GOP continues. Powell represents moderate Republicans, of which there aren't many any more. It's what Mark Parkinson was until he switched to the Demos. Some GOP leaders probably wouldn't want Eisnenhower in the party if we were around today.

Leven charged

Everybody in Kay County knew this was coming. If he's found guilty,it will be a sobering lesson in abuse of office by an elected official.

Darth Vader strikes again

Guess you have to vigorously defend torturing and rendering people to other countries for torture once you go down that dark path. Reminds me of the end of the latest Batman movie, in which the narrator says that the people of Gotham don't need a hero, they need a protector, willing to be the villian and take the blame.

Collections

This may sound a little like big brother, but if the city is owed water bill payments they should get it, otherwise the rest of us are subsidizing the operation. (except the fines imposed during the short draconian period) Patrick's problem with it being brought up just before, or during a City Commission meeting, seems like minor process issue. Frankly it would be nice if elected officials threw out proposals or ideas more at the regular meeting (for discussion).

'round we go

I've heard a lot of people grumble or complain about the round-a-about coming in on Kansas and bypass. I think people are pretty uncertain how they work, but once you drive around them a couple times, they seem to work nicely and they do slow people down. The city has been showing a KDOT video to people to explain them.

Who's this guy?

Troy Findley is the new Lt. Gov. of Kansas.
This pick doesn't sound like one meant to set up a formidable candidate for Gov. on the Demo side

Photo-gate

Obama is dead wrong here. Security trumps transparency im many cases as it should. However, just because you think something will upset other people and "might" fan flames of anti-Americanism are not a good reason for secrecy. This only piques the curiosity of the public and makes them suspicious of what the government is hiding. Too often officials responsible for security and confidentiality take the easy route and put that over public trust.

Dearth of Democrats

(Thanks to the viewer who corrected my mispelling of dearth [dirth]. Hope the insult and snarkiness that came along with it make you feel better!)

While the national GOP is staggering, things look OK for Republicans in Kansas. A Republican will likely take Brownback's seat (Tiahrt or Moran) and Brownback will be a strong candidate for Gov. Meanwhile, Demos don't have anyone announced for either of those spots. Parkinson probably will announce soon his Lt. Gov. pick, who will likely be the Democratic frontrunner for Gov. But who will it be? People always throw out the Docking name, but I don't think either Jill or Tom Docking are on in the mix.

Miss-speak California

This whole affair seemed ridiculous to me. So she spoke against Gay Marriage in a beauty pageant — most people do oppose gay marriage, even in California. I did hear one good point about the matter - most young people 30 and under, support gay marriage and so she turned out to be a young voice against it that the anti-gay rights lobby hoisted up as a hero.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em

In his oh-so-tactful way, Mell compares smoking to tailpipe emissions and fireplaces. I'll say it again, Mell's rudeness gets in the way of his positions and builds resentment rather than respect.

The facts are that cities are banning smoking indoor public places and the state probably will soon. Smoker's rights end when they starting forcing others to smoke.

Why fired?

Liked this letter to the editor by Steve Lenox that ran Sat. I understand the position of elected officials when they do not release personnel records, but sometimes there are overriding public interests and some information can and should be given. The law does not appear to forbid the release of such records or information, but rather it allows them to be exempt from release.

The great compromiser

The new Gov. steps and BAM, brokers a popular compromise to a seemingly endless stalemate of the coal plants. Very impressive and the kind of practical governing that I think Kansans admire.

Stimulus-us

Wonder if getting some money locally helps change some people's mind about the stimulus bill. It also will fund at least one county road project, I believe, and of course will help the state balance its budget, soften cuts to prison system, and lessen education cuts. More could be taken advantage of, including money for public transportation (rail) (Folks are also getting extended unemployment and possibly extended health coverage if they've been laid off recently)