A bill introduced by state Rep. Don Myers, R-Derby, would require every school district in the state to set up three-member oversight committees to advise student publications on matters of content and “appropriateness.” In an Eagle editorial, we explain why this is a very bad idea. Myers says the committees would just offer advice, in an attempt to bring some “adult” perspective to editorial matters. But someone already has that job — the faculty adviser. State lawmakers should quit meddling in local school affairs.
The executive director of the Virginia-based First Amendment Center has weighed in against Myers’ bill, also noting with regret that “at many schools in many states, once-vigorous journalism programs are going away or gone, as emphasis has swung to math-science curricula at the expense of such ‘fringe’ activities as a student newspaper and yearbook, along with music and art programs.”
Posted by Randy Scholfield
How refreshing to have a U.S. secretary of defense with diplomatic skills. On Sunday Wichita native Roberts Gates gently defused and dismissed harsh criticisms made the day before by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a speech Saturday to an international security conference in Munich, Putin said that the “United States has overstepped its national borders, and in every area.” Gates responded: “As an old cold warrior, one of yesterday’s speeches almost filled me with nostalgia for a less complex time. Almost.” Gates also poked fun at a gaffe made by his predecessor, Donald Rumsfeld, saying that “I am told that some have even spoken in terms of ‘Old Europe’ versus ‘new.’” Gates understands that America’s security depends on cooperation and alliances with other countries.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
There’s a lot of talk in Wichita these days about how to keep local youths from leaving for college, jobs and life. Here’s an idea that seems a lot like bribery, but surely would show results: a local variation on the four-year, $20,000 “Hoosier Hope Scholarships,” proposed by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, for use at any private or public college in that state. The catch for recipients: The money would have to be repaid if you left the state sooner than three years after graduation. The catch for lawmakers: Daniels would pay for the scholarships by outsourcing Indiana’s lottery for 30 years, a deal that would bring in $1 billion upfront and annual payments later.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
You know that America is facing global challenges when India is now tutoring U.S. students in math, science and even English — and at a fraction of the price of U.S. tutors. TutorVista, based in India, says it provides unlimited, around-the-clock, one-on-one online tutoring for only $99.99 per month.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
WE Bloggers annoyed at how much attention we’re giving to Sen. Sam Brownback need to get used to it: A Kansan is running for president of the United States. That’s news, because it puts the senator and state on the pundits’ radar, in late-night monologues and elsewhere in the spotlight. Speaking of the comedy factor, Jon Stewart recently dusted off Brownback’s talking embryos floor speech. And Kansas City radio personality Kelly Urich offered this quip: “Bad news for Sam Brownback. The only network that covered his presidential campaign kickoff was the Sci Fi Channel.”
Other Brownback jokes, anyone?
Posted by Rhonda Holman
