Daily Archives: July 8, 2007

Open thread 7/8

July 8, 20071:06 a.m.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (131)

Will story dog Romney?

July 8, 20071:05 a.m.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is running in part on his character in the battle for the GOP base. So what to make of the Boston Globe’s recent revelation that in 1983, he confined his Irish setter to a dog carrier on his station wagon’s roof for the family’s 12-hour drive to Ontario? The tale’s diarrheal details don’t help. “He scrambled up there every time we went on trips,” Romney said, as the story drew the ire of animal-rights activists and just-plain dog lovers.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (39)

Kansas seats occasionally split down middle

July 8, 20071:04 a.m.

Noting the fierce three-way battle already going on for the state’s 2nd Congressional District seat, the CQPolitics.com blog asked a trivia question last week that would stump many a Kansan: Prior to 2006, when did the state’s voters last give Democrats as many as half of the U.S. House seats? The choices were 1932, 1958, 1974 and 1992. And the winner is . . . 1992 (Democrats Dan Glickman and Jim Slattery and Republicans Pat Roberts and Jan Meyers). But choosing 1958 earns an honorable mention — the state’s six seats were evenly divided then, too.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas delegation | Comments (19)

Memo: It is not about what kids want

July 8, 20071:03 a.m.

On the recent public ear-piercing flap at a local Wal-Mart: Is it legal for a 4-year-old to get her ears pierced? Yes, as long as she gets parental consent.
Is it advisable for parents to give such consent? No.
There are no hard and fast rules here, but it seems appropriate to wait until a child has more maturity, fashion knowledge and perhaps thicker skin.
If there is any chance your child might create a public scene, do us all a favor: wait.
The larger problem may be excessive parental concern with what a 4-year-old “wants.” News flash: Children that age don’t know what they want. Most of the time, a parent’s job is to just say no.
As a general rule, it’s prudent to wait until they’re older and have a better idea of what’s involved in ear piercing, tattooing and other ways adults suffer for style.
And advice to bystanders: Hold those calls to 911. The police have better things to do and real abuse to investigate.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under American life | Comments (42)

China now No. 1 carbon polluter

July 8, 20071:02 a.m.

Fueled by its booming economy, China last month surpassed the United States as the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, which scientists say is the main culprit in global warming.
Critics have a point about the need to focus attention on fast-developing countries: India and China must be part of any climate change solution for it to be meaningful.
The United States, as the world’s richest economy and most technologically advanced nation, still has a duty to lead on this global problem.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Environment | Comments (45)

History-making leadership for Board of Regents

July 8, 20071:01 a.m.

We mentioned the other day in this space that while Kansas is one of 18 states with no women in top legislative leadership roles, women serve as governor, insurance commissioner, state treasurer, chief justice and 2nd Congressional District representative. Last month, the state saw a first for women in leadership of another area of government, with the election of Christine Downey-Schmidt of Inman (pictured) as chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Regents and Donna Shank of Liberal as vice chairwoman. More than their gender sets them apart, of course: Downey-Schmidt is a former state senator, and Shank a former Board of Regents chairwoman.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Education | Comments (2)