Daily Archives: Dec. 10, 2005

State BOE’s race to the bottom

Dec. 10, 200512:07 a.m.

Kansas State Board of Education member Bill Wagnon (in photo), a Washburn University history professor who has opposed weakening the evolution standards, said Friday that he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2008. He had already attracted an opponent, intelligent design proponent Alan Detrich, who wasted no time in crowing that Wagnon was “scared.”
“These evolutionists are saying that Jesus was half-chimpanzee, so was Mohammed and Buddha,” Detrich told the Lawrence Journal-World. “I don’t think that’s right.”
Hoo-boy. Can’t wait for that debate. In the meantime, Detrich might want to firm up that reference: Which “evolutionist” said Jesus was half-chimpanzee?
This would be funny if it weren’t so ludicrous.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (15)

Never forget Iraq war’s injured vets

Dec. 10, 200512:05 a.m.

A few minutes spent talking to B.J. “Stumps” Jackson bring into focus one little-understood legacy of the Iraq war. As the double amputee from Iowa told The Eagle editorial board, injuries that would have been fatal in any other conflict are survivable now, and the troops are returning to their communities with life-changing disabilities. The organization that Jackson promotes, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, is the designated beneficiary of the Amateur Texas Hold ‘Em tournament today and Sunday at Century II. But all Americans should make it a priority to help these vets meet their unique and pressing needs, such as for job training and placement, as they move into civilian life.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (10)

Local economy may finally rebound

Dec. 10, 200512:03 a.m.

2006 will be the strongest year for job growth in nearly a decade if economic projections released this week are accurate — and we certainly hope they are. Wichita State University economist Janet Harrah is expecting a net gain of more than 5,500 jobs next year. About half of that increase is in manufacturing, thanks to rebounding sales in general and commercial aviation. The local economy has been in a tough fight the past five years, but brighter days may finally be on the horizon.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (5)

What about the war on Thanksgiving?

Dec. 10, 200512:01 a.m.

The culture warriors on either side of the “war on Christmas” have been unable to recruit 78-year-old Mary Rittler. She told the Los Angeles Times: “You talk about offended — I’m offended when stores start putting up Christmas lights in November. Let Thanksgiving have its day.”
Posted by Melissa Cooley

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)