Wingnut of the Week

Goes to Scott Roeder, and his terrorist brethern, who attempt to justify killing abortion providers to prevent abortions. He was convicted today of first degree murder.

Surprise, surprise

The State Senate Judiciary Committee, with the help of Republican moderates,approved abolishing the death penalty in Kansas. This probably won't go any further in Topeka because of the more conservative House GOP, but it highlights a growing trend in the country against the death penalty, which has proven to be costly, can be implemented unfairly against poor and minority suspects, and has put innocent people sentenced to death in other states.

I think this vote against the death penalty is a big shock, especially in a such a red state as Kansas. The link above has the names of senators who voted for and against.

The sad truth

Politics has become, more than ever, about partisan competition rather than principled leadership. Especially among Republicans at the moment because they taste electoral victory.This column illustrates the point.

Cha-cha-cha change

Call me crazy, but I see parallels between Scott Brown's win in Mass, and the GOP resurgence, and local elections over the last few years. This column shows that independent voters probably voted for Brown for the same reason they favored Obama - they want things to change in D.C. and government in general. There's a feeling that things aren't working and new people are needed.

Now let's recall the last three Ark City City Commission races.
in 2004, you had the top vote getter being a complete novice on the scene in Joel Hockenbury, second top-voter-getter was Patrick McDonald. Both ran on change and defeated incumbent Jerry Hooley. Incumbent Arleta Rice barely hung on to a two year term.

Then in 2006 you had a near political earthquake in Ark City, with Mel Kuhn, Dotty Smith and Scott Margolius running as an unofficial slate "three amigos" and defeating incumbent Janet English. It was a populist uprising with amigos running against the status quo - remember parking in yards, the TIF proposal and fire district controversy? The three winners ran against an out of touch status quo.

Then in 2008 you had complete reversal, back to more establishment candidates with Margolius losing his seat to Jay Warren and Jean Snell. Incumbent Patrick McDonald won, but he was really running against the power held by the three amigos.

Voters nation wide voted for change in 2006, 2008 and they will again in 2010. It will be a switch to the GOP this time.

So what does this mean?

Voters, for a long time now, don't have confidence and faith their elected leaders. Nothing could turn this around more than a growing economy with full employment. Perhaps 2012 will be different?

Drugs in Ark City

Here's editorial I wrote on the drug bust. I don't think we have much idea how bad, or not so bad, our illegal drug problems are in town.

From a personal perspective, there was an arrest two houses down from mine. And then we have the residence near the Traveler, which is two blocks from my house, condemned as a meth lab. Makes one a little nervous about where one lives, especially with three young kids.

School changes

This makes sense. School starts way to early around here, and 15 more minutes a day would barely make a difference. Probably also save some expenses with less utility costs.

Frankly, year around school with more frequent breaks makes the most sense. Most kids don't participate in harvest anymore, and the long summer break lets kids forget about half of what they learned during the school year.javascript:void(0)

Dose of sanity

The health care reform proposal in the Senate that has a chance of becoming law is about as liberal and government take-overish as bacon and eggs. Andrew Sullivan, as he often does, cuts through the hyperventilating.

The bill


1. cuts Medicare to make it more efficient (used to be a GOP agenda item)

2. provides subsidies that go to pay private INSURANCE company premiums

3. Has no public option or expansion of medicare. (does have expansion of medicaid)

4. Calls for studying and further rewarding best practices in medicine instead of payments by the test and procedures (sounds like a pretty merit-based, conservative principle)

5. mandates insurance for everybody, thereby providing a huge customer base for private insurers

6. makes all the insurance practice reforms, pre-existing conditions, etc., that all politicians say they accept.

It doesn't even come close to the single-payer plan most developed countries have and what most liberals in congress want.

Wingnut of the Week

Goes to MSNBC's opinion blow-hard Keith Olbermann, for his name-calling diatribe against Scott Brown, then a candidate for Senate in Massachusetts. After Brown won, Olbermann apologized for not being more inflamatory.

Somewhere between George Bush and Barack Obama, Olbermann fell completely off the cliff of reason.

Second place goes to whomever owns this truck driving around town lately

Lobby time

Cowley County is hiring a lobbyist to fight against cuts to WCF and Veterans Home. Lobbyists is kind of a dirty word but that's how you get access and ears in Topeka. There is a bit of irony hiring a lobbyist to protect government institutions from being cut. However, govt. institutions are a part of the economic landscape and their loss would hurt the community.

Death debate continues

Man it's hard to argue against a family that's gone through what they have.

I've always wondered just how much weight jurors/judges do or should put on the opinions of family members. They don't always come down on the side of the death penalty, but some seem to.

How deep is the problem?

Here's Traveler story on some of the community reaction to the big drug sweep this week? I know a lot of people are wondering just how deep and prevalent is the drug organization and the drug problem in general. Law enforcement isn't saying much as the legal process unfolds after the arrests. I'm sure they're interrogating the suspects to find out more.

Some city officials think this bust made a real dent in the problem. Let's hope so. The question that remains is, how big is the problem?

Strother-County brotherhood

This makes total sense. Cowley County government is the largest taxing entity over Strother Field, but has no voice or input on the Strother Commission. Having the county work with the cities to operate/build up the area's largest industrial park is another good step in intra-county cooperation. County officials are downplaying the funding issue, but Winfield City Commissioner Phil Jarvis put it pretty bluntly — Strother Field leaders want more help from the county in maintaining the industrial park/airfield.

TIF tiptoes ahead

City Commission approved annexation to start the process of creating a special taxing district. Dotty Smith voted for it, despite the explicit phrasing in the proposal of a commercial/retail TIF. She urges that "industrial" be part of the discussion. Mell Kuhn, who most assuredly would have been a no vote, was absent.

I've heard that the pro-TIF forces are trying to get along with the anti-TIF forces on other matters because they know they need at least one anti-TIF vote to cement a deal. It takes four votes to get it done.

Dems demolished?

Everybody's asking, "what happens to health care reform if Brown beats Coakley in Massachusetts and Democrats lose their 60-vote filibuster-proof margin in the Senate."

Personally, if that happens, I'd love to see something even stronger, such as Medicare for all, passed by reconciliation (only need 51 votes), but I have no idea whether that can legally happen.

GOPers claim a Brown win in liberal Massachusetts would be a repudiation of Obama's health care plan. That might carry some truth. But that doesn't mean people don't want health care reform. They do. Remember, most people polled say they WANT a public run insurance plan.

The current plan has been ripped and critiqued and fought over and debated, under the cloud of a recession, so that most people have no idea what it does, and of course don't view it favorably.

Folks want a plan they can understand, one that lowers cost and expands access. Wouldn't it be great if everybody could buy into a Medicare-type plan where cost would be contained by a huge pool of insured and everybody could afford going to the dr and nobody died from not having insurance.

Why is it that health care is a commodity like refrigerators or diapers? Some things that are systematic to a society NEED gov. control. Why isn't universal, affordable health care a pro-life issue?

MLK

Ark City's Celebration of Unity was held yesterday. Biggest crowd I've seen in my six years going there. The Human Relations Commission and Cowley College do a great job of incorporating school-age kids and their parents.

The theme of the event was "Yes We Can." This was of course Obama's campaign slogan, but that was not a dominate theme. I think the organizers wanted to tap into the higher meaning of that phrase, the meaning that inspires hope and progress in general.

The featured speakers, Reuben Eckels, a pastor in Wichita, however, delivered a speech that was about as political as I've seen as this event. Eckels emphasized the progress of America toward freedom and equality, using some pretty emotional language, and called on us to disagree without being disagreeable. It wasn't a political speech, but did carry a strong minority rights view.

It reminded me of how "unpolitical" last year's event was. The first black President had just been elected, but that was never mentioned. It contrasted to Winfield's event last year, which was entirely about that historic milestone.

I think the Celebration of Unity does a good job of avoiding politics. The focus on Unity probably rings louder than a focus on minority rights to most people, and that was, in the end, the goal of Dr. King.

I also liked Charles Jennings "I'm a Little Tea Pot" metaphor. The pot can change its handle and spout, if you tip it over and pour it out. Meaning that should try to open our lids and allow new ideas and thoughts in.

Great event. I always love it.

Oh, and Nick Rogers was give the Joe Avery Community Spirit award. Well deserved, in my view.

National sales tax

Ray makes the argument for a National Sales Tax.https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6993428527180764908&postID=2150320982621273644. That idea has certain appeal based on what seems to be the fairness of it (you get taxed based on what you spend and simplicity. (Everybody understands the sales tax).

It would need the proper exemptions to not burden low-income folks — food, child care, etc. I'm not sure how the retailers would like it, conservatives have floatedthis idea over the past several years, but it has never really caught on.

I have heard that Brownback, if elected Gov. will pursue abolishing the state income tax, presumably in favor for more state sales tax. He's been an advocate of the Flat Tax, which is an attempt to simplify the current income tax structure.

Ray's right, but why rant?

Ray at Commonsensepoiltics@blogspot.com gets a little tweaked over a another readers comments that rich people slither out of paying enough taxes.


Here's Ray:
Get real! The top 1% pay 40% of the income taxes. That is a stone cold fact from the IRS. Wake up idiots! This country penalizes success. That is tyranny! Wait, facts don't mean anything to you does it? You guys just want evryone else to live in poverty. Grow up! If you don't like people getting wealthy, then move to a country where they redistribute the wealth, otherwise, suck it up and move on, or figure out a way you can make alot of money and get taxed to death.

This article by the New York Times bears Ray's basic argument out. The rich do, in general, pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes.

Tyranny, or a poverty-wish for American?
A little wingnutish, Ray.

Whether our progressive tax system is right or not is up for reasonable debate. If I make $100 and you make $10 and I give up $30 and keep 70, and you give up $2 and keep 8, that seems rather reasonable. It's nice to think that everybody has the same shot at monetary success, but we know that's not reality. There has to be laborers and clerks, just as their has to be owners and managers. So people who make more, should pay more.

And, income taxes for most people are as low in American as they've been in decades, and are among the lowest of industrialized nations.

Wingnut of the Week

Goes to .....


Pat Robertson (You knew this was coming) for saying Haiti gets pummeled by natural disasters and other problems because the native people made a deal with the devil to gain freedom from French slavery.

I'd put Rush Limbaugh on here, too, for saying that if Obama responds strongly to Haiti it makes him look like a good guy and the U.S. shouldn't help Haiti much. But if I include Limbaugh, Beck, etc. in those eligible for Wingnut of the Week, they'd get the award every time.

Kansas Week

I'll be bloviating on KPTS's Kansas Week tonight at 7:30. Topic is governor's budget and other proposals - wind energy, smoking ban.

Also appearing will be Joe Aistrup, the K-State political science professor from Winfield.

(So at least there will be somebody who knows what he's talking about)

Tif time

The City Commission, now majority pro-Tif, is moving forward with creating a tax increment financing district on the same land targeted when Lowe's wanted to come to town two years ago. Goff Industrial Park off Skyline Road.

I have no knowledge of any concrete proposal for a development in that area, but the commissioners who support the TIF are open to helping retail stores. That's where the rub seems to be, with commissioners Smith and Kuhn deadset against retail TIFs.

My understanding is that it takes 4 out of 5 commissioners to approve the bonds, or part of what's need to do a TIF deal. How they get that 4th vote, I don't know, without the commission changing.

Health care confusion

A reader writes:

David, how are you feeling about what the Democrats are doing in Washington? Are you looking forward to being forced to provide insurance to your employees and being penalized if it doesn't measure up? How about having your taxes raised to pay for healthcare? It is the middle class who will be taxed after all, not the rich as Obama promised.


This statement shows some of the confusion of what is actually part of the health reform, and sounds like a parrot of the misleading Republican/Tea Party line.

This New York Times run down of the Senate and House plans is helpful. It gets pretty complicated, but essentially business between 25 and 50 employees that already provide insurance wouldn't really be affected, as far as I can tell. In fact they should benefit through more options in the insurance exchanges. Also, employed individuals who struggle to pay high premiums would get some federal assistance. And if the public option passes, which it won't, that could drive down cost through competition.

We'll see. You can't cover all or most Americans without somebody paying for it. I'd rather run a business in a world where employees had insurance, that insurance had certain guarantees, and people who couldn't afford it got some help.

Can't be any worse than the 20 percent a year increases our company has seen in premium and copays over the last four years!

And, I'd like to know how I, or the middle class, is going to be taxed to pay for health care? In fact the House bill has the "millionaires" tax, and the Senate has the Cadillac plan tax. This will affect employers who offer very rich health plans, which doesn't include most small businesses. I suppose this tax could be passed along to the employees, or they could be absorbed by the employers or the health insurance companies. But it certainly won't affect most people.

We'll see.

FYI - for the vast majority of Americans in the middle class, our payroll taxes have GONE DOWN under Obama.

The never crowd.

Rep. Kasha Kelley and Senator Steve Abrams, echoed other GOPers in opposition to Parksinon's tax increase proposals.

The problem is that for these two, and other staunch conservatives, there is NEVER a time to raise taxes. The both signed pledges to never vote for a tax increase. They HAVE to oppose any revenue increases. This gets them votes, and it follows their principals of fiscal conservatism, but it's not responsible governance. It leaves no middle ground and practically shuts off discussion.

If there are no revenue increases to off set cuts, USD 470 will be cutting some 15 people, not to mention the cuts in after school already in place.

Anti-tax absolutists

The Eagle opinion writers make an excellent point about inherent duplicitiousness of the fervent anti-tax crowd. It's become an ideology, near religious obsession, by some on the right to lower taxes despite economic conditions and existing tax rates.

What they don't seem to realize is that the battle to lower taxes, at least at the federal level, was won during the Reagan years when taxes had been very high. Former GOP Treasury Secretary Bruce Bartlett makes the case as well as anybody that protests over taxes today have more to do about the man in the White House and the party in power, than they do over real concern about deficits and taxes.

Scott Roeder

Scott Roeder is a murderer and even a terrorist, but why wouldn't he be free to argue whatever defense he wanted to in court? The judge in the case will let him claim involuntary manslaughter and then decide whether the jury has that option.

Smoking ban

Tax increase proposals got all the attention from Gov. Parkinson's speech Monday, but he also called for a strict statewide smoking ban. Here's what he said:


Let's ramp up our fight against cancer by enacting a public smoking ban. It is time. Twenty-four states including North Carolina have done it. If North Carolina, the largest tobacco producing state in the country can enact a public smoking ban, surely Kansas can.

Let me be very clear, I'm not proposing that we pass a watered down smoking ban. I do no want legislation that the tobacco industry writes, full of loopholes and not a real ban. Seventy-five percent of Kansans want a real public smoking ban and I am asking you to give that to them.

If this passes, it makes Ark City's effort mute. I have long advocated the ban, although I'm OK with letting bars, places where alcohol is the main product, to allow smoking, as a compromise. The trends are obvious. Even local restaurants are banning all smoking on their own, including Sirloin Stockade and Green Door.

To tax or not to tax?

That is the question, after Parkinson proffers to raise cigarette tax and sales tax to balance the budget and avoid more cuts to services.

Politically speaking, this is a brilliant move by Parkinson. (Who doesn't need to worry much about politics because he's not running again.)

He reset the budget conservation into one where cutting will hurt Kansas, raising revenue will keep us strong and healthy. This throws the budget problem in the GOP-lead Legislature's lap.

Do they follow their principles and fight against tax increases, which, in Parkinson's view, means lowering quality of life and the high standards we've set for ourselves.

Or do they accept the tax increases, or at least some of them, and blunt the political consequences for voting for tax increases because it would be a bipartisan affair.

Parkinson also advocated creating a rainy day fund, which means the state needs more money (needs to raise taxes), which gives the tax raising argument fiscal responsibility.

Death debate continues

Ray, at Commonsensepoiltics@blogspot.com, counters on the death penalty:

Pro death advocates want to keep on demand abortion available and let murderers live. There is no moral standing for this argument. Conservatives are on the right side of this arguement. And don't give me the arguement about rape and incest. They make up less than 1% of all pregnancies.


The problem here is that most pro-lifers use religious, or spiritual grounds to argue life begins at conception. There is no scientific evidence for such. How can the state let a person destroy that life, created in the image of God? they say.

Well, how can the state ITSELF destroy a life, created in the image of God. If it's because that person went bad, then the religious/God argument must be discarded because God is the ultimate judge and anybody can be "saved."

Reid vs. Lott

The comparison being made by some GOPers is ridiculous grandstanding.

Lott said the country would be better off if we had a Segregationist president.

Reid said the country might accept a light-skinned black man who didn't talk black.

Where's the equivalency?

(In fact Obama's mixed race and non-"black" mannerisms were the subject of mainstream news stories. Reid used dumb language, (The word "Negro" is pretty 1950s) but he did not suggest blacks shouldn't be forced into separate schools and not served in restaurants, as Lott did.

This is the equivalent of comparing a scratch to a severed neck.

Wingnut of the Week

Congressional candidate Allen Quist of Minnesota for saying the health care bill is evil and that fighting Democrats in D.C. is more important than fighting terrorists.

Second place goes to Nevada Senator and majority leader Harry Reid for saying Barack Obama is ""light-skinned" African-American who lacked a "Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."

This was revealed in a new book. Now, Reid's statement made if factual in a vacuum, but nobody lives in one and to voice those thoughts in such backward word choice, by the leader of the Senate, is Wingnutish. Reid's saving grace is
1) He's apologized
2) He's got a record of action supporting African-American interests and rights.



P.S.
A couple readers challenged this Wingnut of the Week feature as immature and name-calling. Good point. But part of my motivation is that discourse in politics has become so extreme, unreasonable and absolutist that sometimes we just have to call it such. There is not room for debate and discussion for some folks, or for some folks some of the time. There is, in all of us, an inner Wingnut that we have to fight off occasionaly. I'm sure some readers will point out when they feel I'm off the reservation. :)

Stimulus working

Another conservative outlet, American Enterprise Institute, acknowledges that the stimulus worked.

Wall Street Journal wrote a story quoting economists in Sept. saying the same thing. the WSJ is pretty conservative editorially, although the news pages don't necessarily reflect a political bent.

Death Penalty

Abolish it? Courier editorial says yes.

Brownback toyed with the idea in the past. Gotta respect him for that. It has always seemed to me a blatant contradiction by pro-lifers to abhor abortion but support the death penalty.

If one is playing God, so are both. How do you know that even folks like Jeffrey Dahmer can't be "saved." If you kill him, then aren't you taking life prematurely?

Tax exemptions gone awry

Good editorial by the Hutch News on why eliminating some tax exemptions should be part of the budgeting solutions in Topeka this year. It sounds like whoever asked for an exemption got one, in recent years.

Parkinson should convene a bipartisan budget solutions commission of lawmakers and finance experts to find the best way to confront the shortfall. (Not my original idea, but makes all kinds of sense. In fact he probably should have done this a while ago.)

Brownback app

Brownback has announced a new iPhone application in his campaign for governor. Doesn't he know that MAC people are liberal nerd-types?

Press release below



Brownback Campaign Offers Revolutionary New App that Puts Politics in Your Pocket
iPhone App built on Campaign 2.0 framework created by MTB Mobile

TOPEKA, KS - With campaign season rapidly approaching, Brownback for Governor, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of "SamForGov", the first iPhone application in America for a gubernatorial candidate. Offering an innovative blend of dynamically updated content and social media with the ability to sign up campaign volunteers and collect mobile contributions, the app extends the campaign's reach by converting supporters into well-equipped field workers.

"Sam Brownback is running a grassroots campaign to connect with Kansans all across the State," said David Kensinger, Brownback for Governor Campaign Manager. "This application will help us reach Kansans right where they are, at a time and place most convenient for them."

The app is available now for free download from the iTunes App Store.

SamForGov offers users an easy way to sign up for the campaign's mailing and volunteer list, share the campaign and the app with friends through the supporter's social media channels, and make contributions right from the iPhone. Users also can easily access the latest news and events for the campaign and use audio and video clips to help get others excited about Sam's candidacy.

"Great design, integration of cutting-edge Web 2.0 tools and a super-easy way to provide real help to the campaign - this app has it all. It is truly a revolutionary idea and we're thrilled to be launching it to support the campaign," said Kensinger. "MTB Mobile is leading the way in connecting campaigns with supporters. We are very pleased with the application they have designed and delivered."

"SamForGov is a great example of what can be done with our Campaign 2.0™ platform," said Jeff Pfaff, President and founder of MTB Mobile. "Sam Brownback's campaign has done a great job in using the platform to connect with supporters anytime and anywhere, and we're excited to launch the app and watch it go viral! We're delighted that thousands of Kansans will be able to support Sam in this new mobile way."

The application is designed for simple maintenance by the campaign with a web-based back end that allows immediate updates of dynamic content. The Home Screen also has rotating "banners" that allow the campaign to highlight events, celebrate key volunteers, and provide rapid response to fast-breaking news. Each banner links to yet another dynamic view so the campaign can provide details to support the broad banner messages.

Key features of SamForGov include:
Sign supporters up for the campaign mailing list and collect their name, email, ZIP, mobile number and mobile opt-in for text messaging.
Enlist volunteers along with their key skills and interests.
Sharing capability that uses the supporter's Facebook, Twitter, Email and text messages to spread campaign info and allows the campaign to dynamically pre-configure the message that is posted.
Campaign contributions processed by PayPal and Google Checkout.
Dynamic content views that can be changed on demand by the campaign, providing Sam's bio, his positions on issues, campaign updates, and a list of campaign events.
"Banners" that link to dynamic content views to highlight events, celebrate key volunteers, and provide rapid response to fast-breaking news.
The campaign can alert supporters that they should check the app for updates - even when the app isn't open on the iPhone.
A customized look-and-feel that matches the campaign's brand identity and makes supporters feel instantly at home.
In early 2010 the campaign also will launch applications for the Blackberry and Android platforms as well as a web app that will extend the campaign onto virtually any phone.

-30-

To download the application, visit http://appsto.re/samforgov

For more information and screen shots, visit www.MTBMobile.com

Photo: http://www.mtbmobile.com/presskit/samforgov.png

Crack in the clouds

Haven't seen a local/area story with a headline about ADDING jobs in while. A nice break from the cathedral of layoff stories the last couple of years.

Dennis McKinney-can

State Treasurer Dennis McKinney spoke to Winfield Rotary Club today. There's been a little buzz about him possibly running for governor against Brownback. That won't happen this cycle. But, after hearing him today, I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that he will be Gov. of Kansas sometime this decade.

He's a Democrat, but moderate to conservative on the right issues
1) Pro gun rights
2) Speaks about his faith
3) Not big on government regulation

Plus he's got the character creditentials
1) Grew up on a farm
2) Still operations a farm
3) He's a resident of Greensburg, and a local hero from that tornado.

Something he said today was music to my ears. There's too much ideology in politics and not enough focus on solving problems.

Great question

A viewer asks ...

David,

With the whole world going digital and working away from paper; shouldn't your newspaper being pushing people to your website for the complete story? But you are just the
opposite. Your website is trying to push paper. Methinks you got it kinda backwards...

Short answer:
Because giving away free information is not a good business model.

Long answer:
There is a big trend among newspapers/media to slow down giving information for free on the web, and in fact charging for online content.

The argument goes that never in history was news and information free, until the Web came along and newspapers just threw up the info they produced without charging. This has, over time, lowered the value of that information and not resulted in enough online advertising to make up the loss in subscriptions, or so the argument goes.

We are inching toward a new model of both free and paid online products. The first step has been to withhold part or most of the best local info and direct you to the printed paper. You will soon be able to subscribe to the entire paper online, at a cost somewhat lower cost than the printed version. And while we will continue to hold back valuable local information from the free site, we will/are building up other strengths of the free site: breaking news, video, photos, interactivity (like this blog). The future will bring more.

Of course some folks think this is crazy and that the Web is a wild and free place where people will not pay for info. But some papers/media have found that folks will pay something if they see enough value. Think HBO and Wall Street Journal.

As you can tell, I could go on an on. So I'll stop here.

Self strikes again

The inimitable Steve Jelf lacerates smoking-ban opponents.

I want this guy's pen in my fox hole.

And sorry, but you'll have to read the printed paper for the full barrage.

Brownback pact

Gov. Brownback, er, Senator Brownback, who is running for Gov., is being criticized for staying in politics beyond is pledge to only serve two terms in the Senate. As much as I don't care for Brownback, that's BS. He never said he would retire from politics, and he's actually sticking to his pledge, which isn't the case with Rep. Todd Tiahrt, who campaigned on term limits but served 14 years and now is running for Senate (Brownback's seat).

Wingnut part II

A fellow journalist advises Hume on how to apologize for his proselytizing on a news show. And fellow proselytizers counter my dig at Hume, including this gem:

... Buddha isn't exactly a good role model since he is pictured as obese. What kind of message does that send ?

(How do you know he just didn't have a very slow metabolism?)

Wingnut of the Week

I'd always thought Brit Hume a reasonable, logical guy. But to call on Tiger Woods to convert to Christianity because Buddhism doesn't offer redemption, on national television, with Jewish friend Bill Kristol sitting beside him, shows he's a got a marble loose, and like Andrew Sullivan notes, highlights the blending of the GOP and Christian fundamentalism, promoted by Fox News. Furthermore, does he really think Buddhists can't make amends and do better?

Oh, and this kicks off my new series called Wingnut of the Week. I'll do my best to keep it bipartisan, but you all know where I'm coming from. And I'll plan to do this on Friday or Saturday, at the end of the week. I just couldn't resist putting this in it's proper place.

Getting political

Looks like the Winfield Chamber is taking a page out of the Salina Chamber in inviting a high-level politician to headline it's annual banquet. Below is the email notification about U.S. Senate hopeful Jerry Moran.

Actually, this isn't too unusual. The Ark City chamber had Todd Tiahrt a couple years ago. Tiahrt happens to be Moran's opponent for U.S. Senate. Rotary, chamber groups and the like are a popular way for politicians to campaign, even though it's not always under the guise of campaigning.


Senate Candidate Moran to Speak at Chamber Dinner
Annual Event Monday, February 1, 2010


Winfield - U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran will be the keynote speaker at the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Monday evening, February 1, 2010. Moran is seeking the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Gubernatorial candidate Sam Brownback.

"We are pleased to have Rep. Moran as our speaker," said outgoing Chamber President Mike Niederee. "He is a busy man. We appreciate the fact that he has made time in his schedule to speak to our members and visit our community."

According to Niedree, Moran, who lives in Hays, Kansas, is one of the few remaining champions in Congress for rural America.

"As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, Moran works with colleagues to construct legislation allowing Kansas farms and ranches to remain viable," said Niederee. "Moran has been recognized for his agriculture efforts by many organizations. He has received the top legislative award from three of the nation's largest agriculture groups: the American Farm Bureau, the National Farmer's Union and the National Association of Wheat Growers."

Moran spokesperson Lisa Dethloff said, "In addition to serving on the Agriculture Committee, Moran is also an active member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, where he was the previous Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health."

According to Dethloff, Moran also helps lead a number of Congressional caucuses and coalitions, including the Rural Health Care Coalition (RHCC), the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine and the National Guard Reserve Components Caucus. Through his work with the RHCC, Moran has led the fight to save rural hospitals and has sponsored legislation to bring more physicians to underserved areas. His efforts to restore Medicare funding for small hospitals has earned him the top legislative award from the National Rural Health Association and the Distinguished Health Care Advocate Award from the Kansas Hospital Association.

Lisa Dethloff said, "Since first coming to Congress in 1997, Moran has made it a priority to stay connected to the people he represents. Despite the distance between Washington, D.C., and Kansas, Moran returns home each weekend. The "Big First Congressional District inbcludes 69 counties and covers 57,575 square miles."

Moran is a trustee of the Eisenhower Foundation, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Fort Hays State University Endowment Association, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Coronado Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Before his election to Congress, Moran served eight years in the Kansas Senate in Topeka, the last two as Majority Leader. Moran attended Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and later the University of Kansas, where he completed degrees in economics and law. After an early career as a small town banker, Moran established a law practice in Hays and returned to FHSU as an adjunct professor of political science.

Moran and his wife Robba continue to live in Hays. They have two daughters, both attend Kansas State University.

The Chamber dinner will be held at Baden Square. For more information or to make reservations, contact the Chamber at 620-221-2420