Daily Archives: July 4, 2006

Open thread

We hold these truths to be self-evident

If it has been a while since you’ve read it, take time to read the Declaration of Independence, which appears on our Opinion pages today. Reflect upon the words of our nation’s founders as they made their case for human rights and freedom.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

With freedom to shoot fireworks comes responsibility

As south-central Kansas kicks back and makes some noise for Independence Day, it should not be too much to hope that fireworks will be used responsibly and injuries will be few. Wichita had 37 fireworks-related injuries in 2005 (two fewer than 2004), and saw less damage and fewer complaints and citations across the board. Today represents the latest chance for Wichitans to demonstrate that they can be trusted to shoot off fireworks with caution and common sense, and that there is no need to revive a push for a fireworks ban or other dramatic change in ordinance.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

In defense of Hillary Clinton

Not so long ago, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., seemed like a sure thing not only for re-election to the Senate this year but for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. Lately, though, the buzz has been all bad: too much baggage, too liberal, too Northeast, etc. She’s also a woman, meaning too much of a risk for some desperate Democrats to take. But James Carville and Mark J. Penn defended the former first lady in a Washington Post commentary, saying she’s nationally known, mainstream politically and “tough enough to handle the viciousness of a national campaign and the challenges of the presidency itself. One thing we know about Clinton campaigns: Nobody gets Swift Boated.”
Posted by Rhonda Holman