It’s no longer just some pundits and politicians saying the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in Detroit struck down the National Security Agency program Thursday, ruling that it’s a violation of free speech and privacy rights. The case was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of journalists, scholars and lawyers. Few will argue with the need to keep tabs on terror suspects’ phone and Internet communications, especially after the foiled airliner bomb plot. But such surveillance must be lawful.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Tom Teepen had a column in Wednesday’s Eagle voicing suspicion with President Bush’s use of the term "Islamic fascists" to describe those who allegedly plotted to blow up the London airplanes. "Given that our president has never been one to dig for just the right word or to search verbally for more clarity than his handlers can get on a note card for him, it is difficult not to suspect the puppeteer’s hand of adviser Karl Rove in this rebranding of the enemy," Teepen wrote. If so, what’s the goal? "Bush political opponents who thought the invasion of Iraq a terrible idea or who have reluctantly decided it has gone irredeemably awry can and will be accused of not understanding who the enemy is if they lag in adopting the new term," Teepen speculated. "The political hope is likely that the president’s new usage also will help to animate conservatives for the congressional elections."
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
The outcry from the right over what it sees as the Bush administration’s capitulation on Hezbollah is starting to feel like another Harriet Miers, Dubai port or immigration moment. Why are so many conservatives mad about how the conservative president has handled this cease-fire? For his part, Washington Post columnist George Will characterizes the outcome this way: "Hezbollah has willingly suffered (temporary) military diminution in exchange for enormous political enlargement."
But President Bush’s rejection of a diplomatic solution would have meant more bombing and death. Is that really the better choice for either Israel or the United States?
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice lays out the administration’s thinking in a Washington Post commentary.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Kathleen Parker argues in a column on today’s Opinion pages that the government should reconsider its opposition to terrorist profiling at airports. "Instead of deciding to closely scrutinize airline passengers who fit the descriptions of a likely perpetrator — based not on bigotry, but on evidence, history and common sense — we frisk the elderly and confiscate toddlers’ sippy cups," she complains. And she argues: "Profiling isn’t aimed at demonizing Muslims; it’s aimed at saving lives, including Muslims." What do you think?
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
After 17 years at KPTS, Channel 8, as public affairs editor and host of "Kansas Week," a discussion of state politics with news makers, Dale Goter is leaving the station next month to become chief legislative lobbyist for the city of Wichita.
Goter has earned a reputation for evenhandedness and fairness during his long journalistic career — and that should serve him and Wichita well in his new position, as should his vast knowledge of Kansas politics and his familiarity with most Kansas politicians.
Let’s just hope KPTS finds another able host who will keep Kansas politics in the public eye.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
MEADE RESIDENTS TEAR DOWN DALTON GANG HIDEOUT; Cite Harmful Influence on Their Children
TERRY FOX LEAVES WILD WEST WORLD TO BECOME PASTOR AT COWTOWN; Terry Vows to Put an End to Saloon Can-Can Show
CITY COUNCIL AGREES TO GIVE SOUTH WICHITA FIRE STATION ‘WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER’; Even Then, Residents Must Go to End of Line
Posted by Randy Scholfield
