Another Republican goes against the grain on the Park51 project. Grover Norquist, the anti-spending, anti-tax leader, says GOP will pay for their anti-Muslims judgment in the long, and short, run.
And Ted Olson, former solicitor general for George Bush, and who lost his wife in the 9-11 attack (Pentagon plane), makes that case that religious freedom and tolerance must trump generalized fear and anxiety.
Money quote: "We don't want to turn an act of hate against us by extremists into an act of intolerance for people of religious faith."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
More on the mosque
This story about Muslim Republicans on the mosque issue is worth a read.
A commenter in a previous post compared the chief person behind the mosque project, Iman Feisal Abdul Rauf, to Fred Phelps.
Obviously some people are suspicious of Muslims Americans, but how did it get to this? Comparing a man who advocates democracy and moderation for Muslim believers and countries, to someone as villainous as Fred Phelps?
It is interesting how much this issue has unleashed the latent fears and hostility toward Islam and those who practice it. Is it not the same fear that those who attacked us used to propel themselves? Fear of another belief system. Fear of being encroached upon, or forced to understand, another social and religious way of life. Fear that different ideology will somehow pollute our own and therefore threaten our existence?
Except that in America, we have a constitution, and set of laws, that humble all religions and belief systems and tribal longings. Those laws and principals force us to accept individual and group freedoms, however at conflict with our own, because we know that if we don't, our own liberties to pursue our chosen way of life are surrendered.
A commenter in a previous post compared the chief person behind the mosque project, Iman Feisal Abdul Rauf, to Fred Phelps.
Obviously some people are suspicious of Muslims Americans, but how did it get to this? Comparing a man who advocates democracy and moderation for Muslim believers and countries, to someone as villainous as Fred Phelps?
It is interesting how much this issue has unleashed the latent fears and hostility toward Islam and those who practice it. Is it not the same fear that those who attacked us used to propel themselves? Fear of another belief system. Fear of being encroached upon, or forced to understand, another social and religious way of life. Fear that different ideology will somehow pollute our own and therefore threaten our existence?
Except that in America, we have a constitution, and set of laws, that humble all religions and belief systems and tribal longings. Those laws and principals force us to accept individual and group freedoms, however at conflict with our own, because we know that if we don't, our own liberties to pursue our chosen way of life are surrendered.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Half full, half empty?
Online polls results so far on comparison of Ark City to other cities.
Superior
(1 Votes, 1%)
Somewhat better
(9 Votes, 9%)
The same
(12 Votes, 13%)
Somewhat inferior
(29 Votes, 30%)
Inferior
(45 Votes, 47%)
Not pretty, but it seems the online community is more negative in general than the real world. I think most people have long accepted that Ark City needs a self-esteem boost. Frankly, I think its getting it with some of the progressive things going one. But there are still root problems. Income levels in Ark City are well below state averages. Be interesting to see what the 2010 Census shows in terms of how Ark City stacks up.
Superior
(1 Votes, 1%)
Somewhat better
(9 Votes, 9%)
The same
(12 Votes, 13%)
Somewhat inferior
(29 Votes, 30%)
Inferior
(45 Votes, 47%)
Not pretty, but it seems the online community is more negative in general than the real world. I think most people have long accepted that Ark City needs a self-esteem boost. Frankly, I think its getting it with some of the progressive things going one. But there are still root problems. Income levels in Ark City are well below state averages. Be interesting to see what the 2010 Census shows in terms of how Ark City stacks up.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Survey says ....
Very interesting results to citizens survey done by Municipal Solutions. In general, the respondents were positive about the city. It's a stark contrast to the survey done 3 and half years ago, where residents rated city services and quality of life fairly low. Here's a snippet from a story back then...
A recent survey by the National Citizen Survey company shows that many people in Arkansas City have a negative attitude toward the city and what it has to offer.
Mayor Dotty Smith said the "biggest thing is the perception of our citizens. We need to do a better job of letting people know what the city does for them."
Some big differences in the surveys were that the one three years ago went out to every address and got a much larger response/sampling of citizens. It also appeared to ask more questions geared toward overall quality of life. The most recent survey seemed to focus on city services/relations.
You would think that people might feel even more pessimistic now than in 2007, because of the recession. Back in 2007, employment was at a high peak. But, despite the national scene, Ark City has things going on that make us feel constructive and good about the future -- school/stadium construction, hospital construction, major street repair.
My guess is that if you did the exact same survey in 2007, it would probably have similar, fairly negative views because of methodology and sample size. However, this recent survey is useful in what residents want: including curbside recycling, more places to shop/eat and beautification.
A recent survey by the National Citizen Survey company shows that many people in Arkansas City have a negative attitude toward the city and what it has to offer.
Mayor Dotty Smith said the "biggest thing is the perception of our citizens. We need to do a better job of letting people know what the city does for them."
Some big differences in the surveys were that the one three years ago went out to every address and got a much larger response/sampling of citizens. It also appeared to ask more questions geared toward overall quality of life. The most recent survey seemed to focus on city services/relations.
You would think that people might feel even more pessimistic now than in 2007, because of the recession. Back in 2007, employment was at a high peak. But, despite the national scene, Ark City has things going on that make us feel constructive and good about the future -- school/stadium construction, hospital construction, major street repair.
My guess is that if you did the exact same survey in 2007, it would probably have similar, fairly negative views because of methodology and sample size. However, this recent survey is useful in what residents want: including curbside recycling, more places to shop/eat and beautification.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Free exercise thereof
Thankfully the president has finally spoken out on this issue issue. I understand the controversy and the concern of some people, especially some 9-11 victim families. However, that does not trump our constitution, and the end conclusion seems pretty simple — of course they have a right to build a center of worship for Muslims. Not only that, the site is not at ground zero and it will be a community center with a worship space, not a giant mosque with spirals and all.
I'll bet that George Bush, if still president, would support this. He did an excellent job, at least just after 9-11, of calling for tolerance and respect of Muslims and their religion.
The more you read about the people behind it, and the and more context you get, the more it seems this is being driven by fear and tribalism - the exact thing we are fighting against in terrorism.
Here's the first part of the first amendment to the constitution. It kind of bring some clarity.
CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF ...
I'll bet that George Bush, if still president, would support this. He did an excellent job, at least just after 9-11, of calling for tolerance and respect of Muslims and their religion.
The more you read about the people behind it, and the and more context you get, the more it seems this is being driven by fear and tribalism - the exact thing we are fighting against in terrorism.
Here's the first part of the first amendment to the constitution. It kind of bring some clarity.
CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF ...
Friday, August 13, 2010
Whoa!
Mike Pompeo's campaign forwarded a bigoted comment about opponent Raj Goyle to campaign supporters. Pompeo has apologize and said it was an accident - they meant to forward an article about the midwest political scene. I'm sure it was not intentional, at least by Pompeo himself. Don't really know him, but met him a few times and can't believe he would stoop that low.
It does make you wonder what his staff was doing with this comment. Staffers are often more ideological and hard core than their bosses. Which can lead to these kind of gaffes.
Unfortunately it's given the nutbag who made the comment, who is from Wichita, publicity and injected race and religion into the race. Will Pompeo make an issue out of Goyle's lack of religious affiliation and being raised in the Hindu tradition growing up?
Doubt it. He will most likely just try to paint Goyle as a liberal, Obama-like person who wants government to run every aspect of our lives.
And Goyle will paint Pompeo as a return to Bush era that got us into the recession and someone who would jack around with social security and medicare, etc ....
It does make you wonder what his staff was doing with this comment. Staffers are often more ideological and hard core than their bosses. Which can lead to these kind of gaffes.
Unfortunately it's given the nutbag who made the comment, who is from Wichita, publicity and injected race and religion into the race. Will Pompeo make an issue out of Goyle's lack of religious affiliation and being raised in the Hindu tradition growing up?
Doubt it. He will most likely just try to paint Goyle as a liberal, Obama-like person who wants government to run every aspect of our lives.
And Goyle will paint Pompeo as a return to Bush era that got us into the recession and someone who would jack around with social security and medicare, etc ....
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Those opposed ...
Three of seven school board members voted against the budget due to a small tax increase for Ark City Schools. This story outlines their arguments.
School funding is a complicated, frustrating world when you're trying to balance needs of taxpayers and needs of educating our children - one of governments priorities. Don't envy being in the school board's position.
Although this school district, or college district, passed a budget that lowers the mill levy a bit, $29,000 worth. Looks like increased enrollment might have helped funding, allowing them to keep decrease the mill levy.
School funding is a complicated, frustrating world when you're trying to balance needs of taxpayers and needs of educating our children - one of governments priorities. Don't envy being in the school board's position.
Although this school district, or college district, passed a budget that lowers the mill levy a bit, $29,000 worth. Looks like increased enrollment might have helped funding, allowing them to keep decrease the mill levy.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
They did it
School board in Ark City approved a budget with small mill levy increase.
The budget includes a wage increase for teachers, and raises an extra $61,000 or so, which translates to about $10 more per year on a $100,000 home.
Frankly I'm surprised this was done. It's not a bunch of money, but you'd think they would, politically, find $61,000 in projected savings instead of risking alienation of the public with a tax increase. The bond issue, the local sales taxes, and now the state sales tax have increased the tax burden. I suppose this is why the vote was split 4-3.
I could understand more the pursuit of a mill increase if the threat were big — several hundred thousand or so to make up.
The budget includes a wage increase for teachers, and raises an extra $61,000 or so, which translates to about $10 more per year on a $100,000 home.
Frankly I'm surprised this was done. It's not a bunch of money, but you'd think they would, politically, find $61,000 in projected savings instead of risking alienation of the public with a tax increase. The bond issue, the local sales taxes, and now the state sales tax have increased the tax burden. I suppose this is why the vote was split 4-3.
I could understand more the pursuit of a mill increase if the threat were big — several hundred thousand or so to make up.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Vote break down
Looks like LaDonna Lanning won the election in the townships. She ran pretty even with Smith in Winfield precincts, 394 to 393. He edged her slightly in Ark City, 167-152, but she did better in the rural areas, 508-380, especially in Ninnescah and Maple townships in northeast part of county, which I guess is Udall.
Muret, it appears, won Winfield and did decently in northern Cowley rural areas, but had little showing in Ark City. Reverse is true with Wilson, who had very few votes in Winfield.
The battle in the general election is going to be in Ark City. Krusor will probably win Winfield, but if Lanning stays strong in townships and wins Ark City, she could pull it off.
In the commission race, no surprise that a Winfield resident won. That's where the votes are in that district. By looks of it, I don't see how anybody from Ark City, or Ark City area, could win it against a Winfield area person. I think Wilt's being well respected in Winfield drove his numbers way up.
Muret, it appears, won Winfield and did decently in northern Cowley rural areas, but had little showing in Ark City. Reverse is true with Wilson, who had very few votes in Winfield.
The battle in the general election is going to be in Ark City. Krusor will probably win Winfield, but if Lanning stays strong in townships and wins Ark City, she could pull it off.
In the commission race, no surprise that a Winfield resident won. That's where the votes are in that district. By looks of it, I don't see how anybody from Ark City, or Ark City area, could win it against a Winfield area person. I think Wilt's being well respected in Winfield drove his numbers way up.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Lanning, Wilt are the winners
LaDonna Lanning beat the boys for the GOP nomination for local judge.
Chris Smith and Bill Muret were a close second and third.
I suspected she might sneak in there. I was also surprised and impressed at the number of yard signs, and financial donors, she had.
Wayne Wilt soundly won the county commission race. No surprise there, with most of the district in the Winfield area. Wilt seems like he'd make a good commissioner. Ark City area candidates McGowan and Green ran third and fourth.
Pompeo looks like he'll easily win the GOP nod for Congress. That general election race should be interesting. Pompeo's got to the be the favorite but Goyle's got money, smarts and presents well on TV and on the stump.
Hopefully Moran will hold on to beat Tiahrt.
Chris Smith and Bill Muret were a close second and third.
I suspected she might sneak in there. I was also surprised and impressed at the number of yard signs, and financial donors, she had.
Wayne Wilt soundly won the county commission race. No surprise there, with most of the district in the Winfield area. Wilt seems like he'd make a good commissioner. Ark City area candidates McGowan and Green ran third and fourth.
Pompeo looks like he'll easily win the GOP nod for Congress. That general election race should be interesting. Pompeo's got to the be the favorite but Goyle's got money, smarts and presents well on TV and on the stump.
Hopefully Moran will hold on to beat Tiahrt.
Traveler endorsements
These appeared in Saturday's paper. You'll have to read it to see the arguments behind them.
District Judge
LaDonna Lanning — (I've taken some heat for this one. Some attorneys says she's not professional and doesn't get along with others)
County Commission
Eddie McGowan
Congress
Jean Schodorf - Republican
Raj Goyle - Democrat
U.S. Senate
Jerry Moran - Republican
David Haley - Democrat
Sec. of State
Elizabeth Ensley - Republican
Chris Biggs - Democratc
Attorney General
Derek Schmidt - Republican
District Judge
LaDonna Lanning — (I've taken some heat for this one. Some attorneys says she's not professional and doesn't get along with others)
County Commission
Eddie McGowan
Congress
Jean Schodorf - Republican
Raj Goyle - Democrat
U.S. Senate
Jerry Moran - Republican
David Haley - Democrat
Sec. of State
Elizabeth Ensley - Republican
Chris Biggs - Democratc
Attorney General
Derek Schmidt - Republican
Commission forum
The candidates, in forum at the fair, pretty much touched on issues already covered in this campaign, except one: the idea of a county sales tax for economic development purposes. Wayne Wilt was the only one who said he might support something like that.
While I think a sales tax to provide stable funding for cowley first and to use as seed money or leverage funds for expansion of local businesses is a good idea, now is not the time. As Darrin Green said, the sale tax is already high, esp. in Ark City. Perhaps when the state sales tax and the street tax in A.C. goes away, it would be something to consider.
VOTE TODAY!
While I think a sales tax to provide stable funding for cowley first and to use as seed money or leverage funds for expansion of local businesses is a good idea, now is not the time. As Darrin Green said, the sale tax is already high, esp. in Ark City. Perhaps when the state sales tax and the street tax in A.C. goes away, it would be something to consider.
VOTE TODAY!
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