The nation needs more vigilance on the part of its citizens. But it could do with fewer vigils — you know, those odd, ad hoc gatherings outside places such as Michael Jackson’s courthouse and Terri Schiavo’s hospice. Don’t these people have jobs and responsibilities? Or is there something the rest of us are missing by having a life, rather than loitering pointlessly on the fringes of someone else’s?
Posted by Rhonda Holman
When it comes to the origins of the Earth, Connie Morris favors giving students all kinds of information — even theories that aren’t supported by facts or the scientific community — and letting them decide what they believe.
But when it comes to sex education, Morris seems uncertain that students can handle even the scientifically proven facts.
“I just still feel like you’re leading people to believe that if you don’t get pregnant or diseased, that it’s not risky,” Morris said in this Eagle story.
If Morris thinks students are qualified to sift through all the information and misinformation about the origins of the Earth, why are they suddenly unqualified to determine what’s risky when presented the facts about sex?
Posted by Melissa Cooley
Wichita Festivals has decided to charge $10 for weekend admission to the Kansas Flight Festival at Jabara Airport in late August. Organizers say the charge is in line with other air shows, and there will be no charge for kids 10 and under. But the jump seems a bit steep for what has been a free event, and could result in a smaller air show audience.
One problem: People can park along Webb or Greenwich Roads near Jabara and see much of the air show action. And how many Wichitans will pay $30 or $40 for the added privilege of seeing Abba and Bee Gees tribute bands?
Posted by Randy Scholfield
The U.S. Senate’s belated resolution apologizing for its failure to pass anti-lynching legislation raises the question: How often do lawmakers offer apologies for mistakes made? The answer seems to be: Rarely.
The online magazine Slate has an interesting explainer here that gives some modern examples: Congress passed a bill in the late 1980s apologizing for the internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II. In the early 1990s, Congress apologized to Hawaiians for the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. That’s about it.
Notably missing is any apology to Native Americans, although Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback recently introduced a resolution offering remorse for “official depredations and ill-conceived policies by the United States Government regarding Indian tribes.”
And Congress has yet to offer formal apologies to African-Americans for the national sin of slavery.
The rule seems to be: It’s OK to apologize if there’s no risk of anyone actually being held accountable. . . .
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Whenever May storms threaten the Wichita River Festival, people start urging that the event be moved to June to avoid wet weather. National Weather Service stats don’t support a move, though: As of Tuesday, Wichita had seen rain seven days this month, compared with eight days in all of May. Last year, it rained 16 days in June and seven in May. There may be reasons to give up on May, most notably the crush of end-of-school activities, but rain isn’t one of them.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
The state that elected a professional wrestler to the governor’s seat may get the chance to elect a comedian to the U.S. Senate in 2008. Al Franken, a former performer and writer for “Saturday Night Live” who is now a radio host on the liberal network Air America, has indicated that he may run for the Senate in his home state of Minnesota.
But this New York Times article asks whether Franken, who isn’t known for holding back when he delivers his humorous but biting assaults on Republicans, is too partisan for politics. What do you think? Click below to add your comments.
Posted by Melissa Cooley
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was correct Wednesday in saying that it would be fiscally irresponsible of state lawmakers to “write a check” for increased school funding without a long term revenue plan. But fiscal irresponsibility doesn’t seem to bother many lawmakers, so don’t bet on them following Sebelius’ recommendation and approving expanded gaming.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
