“The Trade Bank of Iraq issued the first-ever credit card and now, thanks to us, the Iraqi people are free to borrow money at 30 percent interest. It’s good to see our lifestyle over there.”
— Jay Leno
Posted by Randy Scholfield
House Education Committee Chairwoman Kathe Decker, R-Clay Center, has acknowledged that she should have checked out the rumors of over-the-top school spending she offered in a column for local newspapers (turns out the Dodge City superintendent didn’t buy a $20,000 desk, for example). Then, as the state school board discussed sex education this week, member John Bacon talked of a bed having been used in one class (he had no details, and the professor who chaired that curriculum panel had heard of no such teaching tool).
Nobody is perfect, but as these elected officials make the case for new laws and policies, it would inspire more trust if they would deal in fact rather than gossip.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
A business executive now says he never lobbied United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan about the U.N. oil-for-food contract, even though his “smoking gun” e-mail released this week said that “we had brief discussions with the SG and his entourage.” What Michael Wilson conveniently didn’t say is whether anyone else at his company, including Annan’s son, spoke to the secretary-general about the corrupt contract.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
A parade, ceremony, sports, performances, food, kids’ stuff and more will be part of Wichita’s observance of Juneteenth today in and near McAdams Park, 1329 E. 16th St. The reason for the annual celebration is one worthy of note by all Americans — the end of slavery, tied to the day, June 19, 1865, when word of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation 2½ years earlier finally reached Texas slaves. Marking the passing of slavery is necessary to teach future generations, and remind ourselves, of the value of the freedom America once denied its own.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
If you’re looking for a good family outing Saturday night, consider the “Opera at the Lake” at 7 p.m. at Bradley Fair, 21st and Rock Road. The event is free with a coupon found in The Eagle, and will feature great performers singing highlights from well-loved operas. Even people who aren’t opera fans likely will recognize the music and should have a great time.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
Brooke Shields was understandably upset with Tom Cruise for criticizing her use of antidepressants to ease her postpartum depression. So why did she then turn around and criticize parents for giving kids Ritalin and other medications?
Sure, some parents may be too quick to solve behavioral issues through prescriptions rather than better parenting. But many other kids have serious medical challenges and need such medications to live happy and successful lives.
Just as Cruise didn’t know Shields’ circumstances, neither is Shields in a position to judge all parents.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
A former employee of Boeing who now works for Mid-Western Aircraft Systems had this to say about Friday’s front-page photo in The Eagle:
“Surely The Eagle could have run a more conservative picture of Jeff Turner, the new CEO of Mid-Western Aircraft Systems, than the one we all saw in Friday’s paper. Of course, he doesn’t get to pick the picture that is run, because if he did, I hope he would have been appalled at the choice. The first reaction of many of us still out here at what used to be Boeing was: What the heck is so funny? Because right now, 1,100 people ain’t laughin’. . . .
“The picture of their former boss on the front page of The Eagle laughing his head off on the first official day 1,100 of his former employees are out of work rubbed salt into an already gaping wound.”
Did you react similarly? Click below to add your comments.
Posted by Melissa Cooley
