In a calm, even voice, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., refuted the charge by Ken Mehlman, chairman of the Republican National Committee, that she “seems to have a lot of anger,” The New York Times reported.
“I would suggest that the Washington Republicans worry about these devastating budget cuts, the confusion and bureaucratic nightmare in the prescription drug benefit — that that’s where they should be spending their time and energy, instead of trying to divert attention away from their many failures and shortcomings,” Clinton said.
Republicans have criticized Clinton recently for her remarks during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, and her stone face during President Bush’s State of the Union address. Of course, Clinton can take comfort in that these increased attacks likely mean the GOP is worried.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
State child-welfare officials are backing a House bill that would suspend the driver’s licenses of parents who fall more than $500 behind in their court-ordered child support payments. The officials also support a Senate bill that would block deadbeats from buying hunting and fishing licenses and camping permits. The goal, the officials say, is not to punish these debtors but to encourage them to pay their obligations on time and in full.
Uncollected child support is certainly a problem: Children receive only 54 percent of what’s due, which ranks Kansas 34th in the nation. Still, lawmakers need to be careful about suspending driver’s licenses. It is difficult to earn the money to pay your child support if you can’t get to your job.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
PHILL KLINE: SPIN-THE-BOTTLE MUST BE REPORTED; AG Tells Riveted Courtroom That ‘Twister’ Might Be OK
GONZALES CLAIMS BUSH WIRETAP AUTHORITY GRANTED BY GOD; Says VP Cheney Overheard Heavenly Command
UNITED NATIONS DECLARES CARTOONISTS A THREAT TO WORLD PEACE; Security Council Calls for Embargo on Sketch Pads, Pencils
Posted by Randy Scholfield
After hearing Phill Kline’s mystifying explanations in court last week about what constitutes injurious underage sex, we’re guessing most teens will adopt a "Don’t ask, don’t tell" policy.
Among the legal sex advice from our attorney general: Kissing and petting is OK, but he’s not sure about fondling genitalia. As long as it "doesn’t shock the moral conscience."
French kissing is probably OK, maybe even if one partner is lying on top of the other. Ooo-la-la. Are you taking notes, kids?
But Kline waxed almost Clintonian in opining that girl-on-boy oral sex might not need to be reported as a crime, but boy-on-girl oral sex should be. The difference? Don’t ask. Kline went on to say that "penetration" was a key issue. But asked how to define it, he said, "I’m not certain."
Any other questions? Keep them to yourself. And tune in tomorrow for another installment of "Ask Dr. Phill."
P.S.: The trial has attracted national attention, including this online Slate column titled, "Smells Like Teen Snogging."
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Remember when we were told that Iraq’s oil revenue would pay for most of the reconstruction costs? Not only is that not happening, some oil money in Iraq is going to fund the insurgency. The New York Times reported: "In one example, a sitting member of the Iraqi National Assembly has been indicted in the theft of millions of dollars meant for protecting a critical oil pipeline against attacks and is suspected of funneling some of that money to the insurgency."
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
Kansas’ practice of involuntarily and indefinitely confining sexual predators at Larned State Hospital after they have served their prison terms was blessed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1997. But it’s never made much sense. Why not impose longer prison sentences, including life in prison, rather than let dangerous predators out of prison but then hold them against their will at Larned — especially when it costs $150 a day to house them at Larned, compared with $50 a day in prison? To his credit, Attorney General Phill Kline has been asking the same question, and leading an effort in the Legislature to toughen sentences. "I’m not saying it has failed," Kline told the Lawrence Journal-World about the civil commitment program, "but I believe this is a much safer option for the public." And a more honest one.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
If you are one of the more than 19,000 people wanted on Wichita city warrants who were listed in a special section in Sunday’s Eagle, you ought to take advantage of a special limited-time offer. Next week you can pay your fines or report to court without paying warrant fees (typically $15 to $25) or facing arrest. What a deal. But there’s more. The city even can arrange payment plans. Fines can be paid at City Hall, 455 N. Main, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 13-17. For more information, call (316) 219-5959. Operators are standing by. Don’t wait; act now.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
