Tiahrt trouble

Tiahrt campaign donations are part of an ethics probe involving a bunch of Congress members, mostly Democrats.

Pandering the public option

Some conservative lawmakers are already pushing for a constitutional amendment in Kansas to prevent a public health insurance option, if the federal government passes one that allows states to opt out.

Nice to see the Kansas GOP base protecting us against horrible things like government run health insurance. Guess we should do away with Medicare the Veterans Administration health program, both government run, while we make ensure the health care monopolies in Kansas keep jacking up premiums and out of pocket costs while families and businesses are devastated.

Good plan.

Perhaps Democrats and moderate Republicans should propose a constitutional amendment guaranteeing affordable health insurance for every American?

Speed it up

Is 45 the proper speed for this road?

Faux News Part Deux

As I said, Fox news ANCHORS reflect the bias of their 100 percent conservative-led opinion shows way more than any other station or news outlet. You might LOVE Fox's news political slant, which is fine and dandy, but to argue that the station doesn't report news from a blatantly conservative point of view is to deny reality.

Tiahrt vs Moran

Fascinating article about Moran stealing some conservative support from Tiahrt, due to Moran's living at the now-famous C Street apartment house in D.C. There's been some scary things written about this place, which might not serve Moran well. But this Politico article is about Moran's personal relationships with some conservative senators giving him conservative cover, even though Tiahrt is fighting hard to cast himself as the ideological and social conservative in the race (which is all too true.)

Go Mell

As regular viewers of this blog know, I'm no Mell Kuhn fan. But on his commitment to stricter code enforcement and holding property owners accountable, I say "Go Mell." This is one area where his outspokenness I think is needed to set a tone for higher standards of appearance. Wish all elected officials would follow suit.

You won't see his comments in the link above because they come toward the end of the story. Just check your Traveler for that day.

Faux news

I didn't think any reasonable person thought Fox News was a traditional media outlet. Or "fair and balanced," as they ridiculously claim. MSNBC does what they do from the left now, although MSNBC news anchors, not the pundits, are much more down the middle than Fox anchors.

Ms. CASA is missing

CASA of Cowley County is doing an Ark City Trivia Night this month, after years of doing one just in Winfield. Normally in Oct. is the Ms. CASA pageant, roiled in controversy last year after the then-mayor of Ark City spoofed an over-the-top black women with a sexist name, and won the contest!

Apparently they've dropped the event.

CASA is a great organization and the pageant was fun and successful event. But the risks inherent in cross-dressing fundraiser probably make sense to move on to something else.

Judgement House

Looks like some Oxford churches are putting on a "Judgement House" for Halloween. (Story below ran in Action and in Traveler previously) These things popped up a few years ago by religious fundamentalist who think Halloween is a Satanic holiday and somehow a threat to their beliefs. Ridiculous, in my view, and what puts off so many people about fundamentalism — believe as I do or you're going to hell! These types of attractions also push Christian political beliefs without really advertising them as such. Ark City had one a few years ago. Sometimes they're called Hell Houses. What happened to the old fashioned "Haunted Houses" that offered a kids a good, wholesome scare?



JUDGEMENT HOUSE PRESENTED AT HALLOWEEN IN OXFORD
 
The combined efforts of the Oxford churches will present Judgement House from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 30 - 31, and from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 1, at the First Baptist Church, 113 E. Myrtle St.  
Judgement House is a dramatic walk-through presentation about the truth of people’s choices and their consequences both in this life and the next. 
The program is an evangelistic tool for reaching those who are reluctant to attend traditional church services and outreach events.  Since 1983, Judgement House – spelled with an “e” by the national group – has been attended by over three million people with 390,000 choosing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Judgement House, based in Clearwater, Fla., can become an “agent of change” for the guests, the community and the group presenters. 
Judgement House is a Christian alternative to a Halloween spook house. It is not meant to scare people, but to make real the consequences of life decisions.
The drama takes place in a series of eight rooms that tell a story about people whose lives have been cut short through some kind of tragedy.  Each room tells part of the dramatic effect of those deaths on their families and of their experiences beyond the grave.
Each small group of 10 or more enters the program every 15 minutes and the tour lasts about one hour. 
The presentation is not recommended for children under 10.
A suggested donation of $4 per person will be taken at the door. 
For information and reservations, call (620-) 218-9579 or e-mail oxfordfbc@embarqmail.com. 
 

Cocaine blues

Whatever the truth, this story doesn't make the ACPD look too good. Several questions linger, including why the county attorney would decide to file charges knowing the gaps in police work would be difficult to explain. And, why it can take so long to get results on possible illegal substances. On the first, I suppose Chris Smith believed the police and thought the suspect should be prosecuted despite the mistake, which makes sense. On the second, I have no idea. But I would think the system would want to speed things up to make sure drug crimes are dealt with swiftly.

Blind bigorty part II

Again, another blatant display of racism against Obama by somebody who says they are not a racist.

Casino junction

My editorial Sat. about the unsafe Casino entrances on 77.


Gambling for an accident

When is somebody going to do something about the death trap at the casino entrances off U.S. 77?
Last week, two people died when a car pulled in front of a semi-tractor existing the Seven Clans Travel Mart.
It's hard to image how two large businesses that attract so many motorists could be built along a state highway with no turn/merge lanes or slowing devices.
And the influx of traffic since 2006 created by the cluster of casinos has made the narrow, two-lane highway between the Kansas state line and Newkirk a more dangerous passage.
We haven't seen any traffic counts or even an accident history, but common sense will do — these intersections are dangerous and an invitation to deadly accidents.
And we're not sure who bears the most responsibility — the state of Oklahoma, or the Otoe-Missouri and Tonkawa tribes that own the casinos and related businesses.
It would be in everybody's best interests — drivers, businesses, customers — to make that road and those intersections safer.
Extending the four-lanes from Kansas to Newkirk should be considered for safety and economic development benefits. Especially if the Ponca and Pawnee tribes fulfill their vision for even more border casinos.
The first casino along 77 went up more than three years ago. The negligence is baffling. Those responsible for our road safety need to do something.

Hospital costs

Ground breaking of hospital coming soon after city commission approved the project cost. Mel Kuhn voted against it largely because he doesn't like the $300,000 contingency fee. Odd, because Kuhn takes credit for keeping the project alive by advocating a design-build project instead of a project manager, which saves several million dollars. Even Kuhn-critic Pat McDonald gives him some credit for this. But now, in the end, he opposes the deal with the general contractor to build the hospital. Will he become known as the commissioner who voted against the hospital?

You never know with the mercurial Mel Kuhn.

Blind bigotry

Couple of race-related stories in the news today. This one is shocking and outright unconstitutional — sounds like a story from the 1930s. This one is constitutionally protected free speech. Offensive, but happened here in Kansas.

Fascinating to me how people who commit obvious acts of racism or bigotry always say they're not racist or they didn't mean to be racist. They don't see it, perhaps in some cases because they can't see it, based on the limitations of their own experiences. But in these cases you have an elected state official and a judge.

Danger zone

When are Oklahoma and the tribes going to do something about the dangerous traffic problem created by large casinos along a two lane highway with no turn lanes?

Tiahrt touts ...

Endorsements from a relatively unknown congressman and a right wing radio talk show host, Mark Levin, who's anti-Obama rants are typical wingnut stuff. Seems a bit odd to advertise the fact that a radio blow hard endorsed him, (Would be like a Democrat touting a Keith Oberman endorsement) unless Tiahrt is appealing to the hard care, fundamentalist elements of the GOP in the primary. Which he seems to be doing.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 785/249-8095





TIAHRT SECURES ENDORSEMENTS FROM REP. MIKE ROGERS AND TALK RADIO LEGEND MARK LEVIN



WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) gained two key endorsements today from Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) and talk radio icon, Mark Levin.



“In Congress, when we pull together to stop liberals like Nancy Pelosi from taxing our families into poverty or our children into years of debt, Todd Tiahrt stands with us” said Rogers. “Todd’s conscience and Kansas values are his guide, and that’s something you don’t see much in Washington.”



Rogers is a vocal opponent to the government-run healthcare plan currently pushed in Congress by Speaker Pelosi and President Obama. His rebuttal to the healthcare bill has garnered more than 4.5 million views on YouTube and turned Rep. Rogers into a national spokesman for the overwhelming majority of Americans opposed to the government takeover of our healthcare system. Rogers was also the primary sponsor of the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act which was signed into law by President George W. Bush.



“Our nation yearns for the principled leadership of somebody like my friend, Todd Tiahrt,” concluded Rogers.



“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of Congressman Rogers,” said Tiahrt. “He is a respected conservative leader who I proudly stand with in the fight to protect our families against the Pelosi/Obama power grab and government’s current growth explosion.”



Congressman Tiahrt also gained the endorsement of talk radio great, Mark Levin. Levin is an outspoken conservative commentator, constitutional lawyer and author of the New York Times bestseller: Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto.


Levin stated on his top-rated radio show, "Ladies and Gentlemen in Kansas, Todd Tiahrt, he's our man."

Once upon a GOP

There used to be practical Republicans from Kansas. Bob Dole supports health care reform moving through the Senate. Dole could be tough, but he wanted to get things done and understood that conservative principals had to bend some with the needs of the country. Where are you Pat Roberts — a once-champion of bipartisanship?

Uphill for Tiahrt

4th District Rep. Todd Tiahrt is pretty far behind 1st District Rep. Jerry Moran in a Survey USA poll. This is WAY early and certainly things will tighten, but it's interesting to see Moran, considered the more moderate congressman from western Kansas, have more initial support than Tiahrt, the ideological, Christian conservative from the Wichita area. In the end the two probably aren't much different on policy issues. Here's a great preview of the race from Congressional Quarterly.

Fluoride in drinking water

I wasn't here 10 years ago for the fluoride in drinking water debate in Winfield, but apparently the winning side is staying on their toes.

Does this mean we are being poisoned in Ark City, where we put fluoride in as an additive?

Come to think of it, I don't think I've had a cavity since I moved to Ark City from California 5 1/2 years ago. (I did have to redo a root canal) I had a bunch of cavities as a kid in Winfield. Wonder if we could county cavities of people in Winfield and Ark City and compare to see who's right?

Arson follies

This local story reminded me of a fascinating article in the New Yorker about a guy put to death for allegedly setting his house on fire to kill his three children. Evidence now suggests that the arson investigator at the time used outdated and even mythical methods to determine whether arson had been committed. The case has gotten some TV news coverage lately as Texas looks into whether it was the first state to KNOW for sure it put somebody to death erroneously.

(I'm not saying the local story has anything to do with bad fire investigations. It just reminded me of the New Yorker story)

RINOs?

Three former GOP leaders of the Senate say they would support reform similar to what Senate is working on. This does seem to lend credibility to the idea that the near 100-percent opposition to Obama and Democratic-led health care reform is driven largely by political motives. GOP sees victory next year and wants to keep the heat on .....

More sanity from the right

I can't see why anybody would take Glen Beck seriously. And it looks like some folks on the conservative hierarchy are calling him out. Beck's outing of Vance Jones' past statements gave him some mainstream credibility, but even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while...

I remember watching him on CNN Headline News when he first came onto TV. He seemed ignorant and demogoguic, but was self-depricating and kind of kid-like, almost like it was all a joke anyway. Entertaining, in a roadkill kind of way. It's the same kind of appeal of a good ghost story, or story about an alien sighting. You wake up the next day and think, "I almost bought that ...."

Health reform watch

A local retired doctor in Winfield rebuts Congressman Jerry Moran's criticism of Medicare and the idea that Medicare should be offered to all Americans. Not surprising because polls findmost doctors support the creation of a government-run insurance option of some kind. Most Americans do, too.


Here's the letter to editor by Dr. Bruce Wells that ran in Winfield Courier yesterday:

MEDICARE-TYPE PUBLIC OPTION MAKES GOOD SENSE

Dear Congressman Moran:

Having read your opinion article, “A Medicare-type Public Option Makes No Sense,” in the Sept. 21, 2009, Winfield Daily Courier, I want to respond to some of the points you made.
I don’t think Congress will allow Medicare to go bankrupt at any time, and to say so is clearly a scare tactic. The program is well-liked by Seniors, and the fallout from discontinuing the program would be disastrous to Congress. Putting all those in Medicare on private health insurance would severely impact the healthcare quality to all. The cost would be prohibitive and the 20 to 30 percent of overhead costs of those companies is pure wasted money when one considers that the administrative expenses of Medicare are less than 10 percent.
I am not clear where you get the $38 trillion figure, since the amount of Medicare payment in in 2007 was $432 billion (2008 HHS annual Medicare Report). Furthermore, it is my understanding that the projected costs of Medicare will be only $2 trillion in 2019. It seems to me that your figure is yet more hyperbole.
As a primary care physician for 34 years, I can truthfully say that Medicare never grossly underpaid me. Yes, Medicare paid less than most private insurances, but I never felt that I could not afford to take on another senior patient. Private insurers do pay some specialists considerably more than does Medicare, but, then, maybe these private insurers are grossly overpaying the specialists.
Contrary to your statement about Medicare’s regulations being an onus on doctors, I found Medicare to have fewer denials of tests and treatments, have no prior authorization requirements, never restrict my choice of referral physicians and to pay at least as quickly as most private insurances.
Needless to say, I find universal Medicare to be as good a solution to our health care problems as any yet proposed.
In my opinion, to continue our current system without a significant public insurance option is a major disservice to all who have and don’t have health insurance now.
Finally, covering the cost of insuring everyone will definitely require increasing taxes, but eliminating as much waste in Medicare by using currently-available treatment guidelines, having good comparative effectiveness research to validate new treatments and tests, and eliminating the Medicare Advantage Program and its huge overpayments to insurance companies would go a long way to offset the added costs of insurance.

Bruce W. Wells, M.D., ret.
Winfield

Dead Rivalry

Should we hold a funeral for the Ark City Winfield sports rivalry with Winfield going to 4A?

No 5A regional game? No Arkalalah game? The world has spun out of orbit!

How much will this actually diminish the rivarly, or has it been diminishing in recent years anyway? And will this lead to more county-cooperation in the long term if residents of both towns don't feel like they compete with the other?