The president’s choice of John Roberts seems to fulfill his pledge to choose a “fair-minded individual who represents the mainstream of American law and values.” Politically, this is one of Bush’s better moments. He defied expectations and his worst instincts — by consulting Congress (including most of the Senate’s top Democrats) and by picking someone who could provide a national consensus rather than ignite a partisan firestorm.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
When the White House is secretive about big things, it at least can point to national security, executive privilege, yadda, yadda. But why did the administration think it needed to bar reporters from covering the entertainment after Monday’s black-tie dinner for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh? We know only that several hundred guests were invited, and that the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was scheduled to play. This was the first time that news coverage was not allowed for such an event. Doesn’t sound like the makings of a wild party. What was the White House afraid to let the media see?
Posted by Rhonda Holman
The nation’s governors are right to see red over the REAL ID Act, which cleared Congress this spring and promises to complicate getting a driver’s license nationwide. Kansas seems to be in the enviable position of having already implemented some of the law’s security measures. But other states are looking at huge new costs and predicting long lines, as drivers show up and find out they don’t have the proper documents. It seems inappropriate for Congress to have deputized motor vehicle clerks in the war on terrorism without fully consulting with states and examining all the consequences.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
President Bush said Monday that “If someone committed a crime, they will no longer work in my administration,” prompting many to report that Bush had raised the bar for firing anyone involved in the Valerie Plame controversy.
But Bush had already established this (pitifully low) standard: In September 2003, he said, “If there is a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is and if the person has violated the law, the person will be taken care of” (emphasis added).
For Bush, apparently, ethics is about whether you get caught breaking the law, not about standards of right or wrong. Let the message go forth: Convicted felons need not apply at the White House.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Good to hear Mayor Carlos Mayans report that the Wichita Police Department and KSN, Channel 3, are talking again and have forged a “new beginning.” Police officials snubbed KSN reporters by not inviting them to a recent BTK news conference, but the tactic might have backfired: Chief Norman Williams came off looking vindictive and petty in holding a grudge against former KSN anchor Bob Donley for a past personal insult. Apologize and move on.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Getting North Korea back to the negotiating table next week offers at least the chance for progress on the unsettling standoff over the nation’s nuclear arms. The latest six-nation talks may do about as much good as the first three rounds, which is none. But when it comes to managing a loose cannon like dictator Kim Jong Il, talking beats not talking.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
. . . Mark R. Downs Jr., a Pennsylvania T-ball coach arrested last week for allegedly offering one of his players $25 to hit a teammate in the head with a ball so he couldn’t play. The 8-year-old victim, who is mentally disabled, was hit in the head and groin. Admittedly, this is an extreme case, but many of us have heard or seen bad adult behavior at youth games. Are youth sports getting too organized, too competitive? It’s pathetic — and sometimes downright scary — when parents invest so much of their egos in their kids that they lose sight of the purpose: fun.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
