Daily Archives: Nov. 20, 2007

Judge Kelly carried out duty

Nov. 20, 20073:23 p.m.

SummerofmercyNews of the death last week of 78-year-old former federal Judge Patrick Kelly would have brought to mind Wichita’s abortion battles — if they’d ever really left local headlines since the 1991 protests and arrests that pushed Kelly into an unwanted national spotlight.
Few judges face the kind of pressure Kelly did during those tense weeks of Summer of Mercy demonstrations, including death threats and calls for impeachment. And fewer still would have shown as much courage as Kelly did, as his determination not to let protesters deny access to Wichita’s abortion clinics put him at odds with the protesters, local elected leaders, the Justice Department and seemingly his Roman Catholic beliefs.
“You know with all this going on, you just have to be disciplined, draw on your roots, stay firm and follow the law,” Kelly told the New York Times, just days after a controversial appearance on ABC’s “Nightline.” Abortion warriors may still see Kelly as part of the problem, but his view should resonate for many today: “I have a duty to carry out the law, and Roe is the law.”
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Abortion | Comments (70)

Ethics breakthrough on stem cells?

Nov. 20, 20071:22 p.m.

StemcellTwo different scientific teams have announced success in developing stem cells from skin tissue — without using human embryos. One doctor called it a “tremendous scientific milestone — the biological equivalent of the Wright Brothers’ first airplane.”
It’s still possible that embryonic cloning techniques might have some advantages over skin reprogramming, so research needs to continue on both. But if the findings hold up, this breakthrough could help defuse some of the ethical controversy surrounding stem cell research.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Medicine | Comments (35)

Is reading in decline? Yes, but do not panic

Nov. 20, 20071:20 p.m.

KidswatchingtvA decline in reading books for fun is leading to lower test scores for middle and high school kids, according to a new study by the National Endowment for the Arts.
NEA Chairman Dana Gioia blamed electronic diversions for part of the decline, but also pointed to media culture: “We live in a society where the media does not recognize, celebrate or discuss reading, literature and authors.”
Well, J.K. Rowling aside, that’s probably correct.
Critics said the report overstated what is actually a modest decline in scores. Nor does the study count other reading that kids do, such as on the Internet. Still, it’s important for parents and schools to realize the threat to reading skills posed by our loud, media-distracted culture.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under American life | Comments (24)

Open thread 11/20

Nov. 20, 20071:05 a.m.

Thread

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (105)

Millionaire senator getting farm subsidies

Nov. 20, 20071:03 a.m.

Brownbackhandout This is either what’s wrong with American agriculture, or just the American way: Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., is one of the half dozen senators who’ve received farm subsidies in recent years. His haul has been comparatively modest, $50,000 in sorghum, wheat and conservation subsidies related to his Linn County farm. Brownback’s net worth has been estimated at $2.5 million to $10 million.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas delegation | Comments (65)

Anti-Mormon polling is disgusting

Nov. 20, 20071:02 a.m.

Romneymitt It was too much to hope the 2008 presidential race could give dirty tricks a rest. The New Hampshire attorney general is looking into “push polling” phone calls that negatively portray Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith. Romney was right to characterize the calls as a religious attack and “un-American.” For his part, John McCain, who is mentioned favorably in the phone calls, called them “disgraceful” and “outrageous.” The calls are coming from Utah-based Western Wats, but their sponsor remains a mystery. Why can’t candidates’ supporters stick to the issues?
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (175)

GOP wine tour beats whining

Nov. 20, 20071:01 a.m.

Neufeld A toast to the Kansas Republican Party for coming up with a positive response to Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ embarrassing wine gaffe: House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, and a dozen other lawmakers have a tour planned for today of Wyldewood Cellars in Mulvane. “He sees this as an opportunity to highlight and show his support for the Kansas wine industry,” said Sherriene Jones-Sontag, the speaker’s spokeswoman.
After having said at a Washington state fundraiser this month, “If you ever see Kansas wine, don’t drink it,” Sebelius could make it up to the state’s 15 wineries by working to pass a law allowing them to sell directly by mail to in-state customers, including through wine clubs. And the GOP should help.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (29)

Get their shots or go to jail

Nov. 20, 20071:00 a.m.

It seemed a bit much for a Maryland judge to order parents to have their children vaccinated or risk up to 10 days in jail. But 2,300 schoolchildren in Prince George’s County didn’t have the required vaccinations, or at least had parents who had failed to provide proof of the shots. What’s a school district to do? The threat proved effective: After Saturday, when scores of parents and kids showed lined up at the courthouse, only 900 kids were out of compliance.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Health and safety | Comments (81)