Competition is good for businesses — and for consumers. As our editorial today argues, that’s the obvious reason to support a bill approved last week by the Kansas Senate that would establish a state franchising system to speed entry of TV competitors such as AT&T into state cable markets.
The city of Wichita and other local governments oppose the bill because it takes away their power to negotiate contracts directly with cable providers such as Cox Communications, which understandably wants to hold onto its near-monopoly. But cities would still receive fees, and Kansas consumers would benefit from a streamlined, statewide franchise system that should result in more video and communications offerings at lower costs.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
Some U.S. officials have spoken about the recent sectarian violence in Iraq with surprising detachment, as if it’s separate from the U.S. effort to counter the insurgency and enable democracy to take hold. But isn’t it all entwined and, worse, fueled by U.S. money? Reports continue to emerge of anti-Sunni death squads within Iraq’s police and highway patrol. When asked Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation” whether Shiite death squads had infiltrated the Iraqi Interior Ministry, national security adviser Stephen Hadley said, “There’s been some evidence of it. And it’s troubling.” Troubling? Most Americans would have a stronger word for the news that U.S. tax dollars have helped fund hundreds of roadside executions.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
The latest Kansas Preservation newsletter had an interesting article about efforts to locate and preserve Kansas governors’ homes. Looking over the list reinforced again how rarely Wichita, the state’s largest city, has produced a governor — only four of 54 govs, in fact — the last one being Edward Arn, who served a half-century ago, from 1951-55 (and whose house at 344 N. Fountain is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places).
Oh sure, Wichita offers up plenty of lieutenant governors, such as Gary Sherrer and John Moore, as well as lieutenant governor wannabes such as Sen. Susan Wagle, but few governors.
Why is that? Is there a lack of ambition around here?
Posted by Randy Scholfield
No tips without service: The board of directors of Overland Park-based Applebee’s restaurants has denied CEO Lloyd Hill his annual bonus after a year of slumping corporate profits. Hill could have received as much as $1 million in bonuses.
“We walk the talk when it comes to pay-for-performance,” said company spokeswoman Laurie Ellison.
More companies need to follow this example and put bloated CEO salaries on a diet.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
A reminder that Americans shouldn’t take our precious First Amendment protections for granted: British historian David Irving got a three-year jail sentence last week for denying the Holocaust in remarks he made 17 years ago in Austria, where making such an assertion is a crime — even though Irving has since acknowledged that the Nazis systematically slaughtered Jews during World War II. Of course, the case also can remind Kansas legislators that they continue to allow a criminal defamation law to remain on the books. As long as they do, there remains a chance that Kansans can be jailed for exercising their free speech, too.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Frugal Kansans who also like a little wine with dinner are getting some special legislative attention this session. Senate Bill 555 would let diners take half-finished bottles of wine home with them under certain conditions — such as that a bottle be sealed in a tamper-proof transparent bag for transport in a vehicle, to bar against drinking and driving. The “doggie bag bill” won Senate approval last week and sounds like common sense, as long as diners don’t actually share these leftovers with their dogs.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
