The Bush administration is threatening the integrity of the Endangered Species Act by ending a requirement that federal agencies get independent scientific review of projects that could affect endangered animals and plants. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne defended the move, saying that the change will prevent the statute from being used as a “back door” to regulate greenhouse gases and climate change by protecting polar bears and other species. The administration also argues that individual agencies have their own expertise to evaluate the impact of dam, construction and road projects.
But this move should send up red flags, given the Bush team’s record of filling government jobs with partisan ideologues and hacks and of ignoring or marginalizing scientific expertise on a host of issues.
There might be ways the Endangered Species Act could be administered more efficiently, but President Bush’s record doesn’t inspire trust on this issue.
“With polls showing Obama dominating among those under 40 and running even among middle-aged voters, Republican John McCain’s lead among those 65 and older is the main reason he remains close overall,” the Washington Post reported. “His margin is largest among older white voters without a college education, accounting for much of Obama’s problem with the white working class.”
Why isn’t Barack Obama doing better with older voters?
“Surveys and interviews suggest that older voters think McCain, who will turn 72 this month, comes far closer than Obama, 47, to sharing their values and outlook on the world and on the changes in the nation over the past half-century.”
State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins’ GOP primary victory over former Rep. Jim Ryun was “another sign that, for the moment, moderate Republicans seem to be on the ascent” in Kansas, observes RealClearPolitics’ Reid Wilson in an article headlined “What’s Wrong With Kansas Republicans?” Further evidence: All seven top moderate Republican state senators who faced primary challengers won last week (though state Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, did so by only 202 votes), belying the conventional wisdom that conservatives own GOP primaries in Kansas.
Coach Bill Self’s new contract with the University of Kansas — $30 million over 10 years — is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
I know the arguments: Sports programs pull in millions of dollars for the university. The coach’s salary is partly paid with private money, endorsements, etc. And Self delivered a national championship last year for KU — itself worth millions of dollars for the school. The university wants to keep him.
All the same — the idea of college basketball coaches making CEO salaries strikes me as ridiculous. Especially when heads of medical schools, top professors and other faculty make far less.
Where does it stop? Anybody else think our higher education priorities are out of whack?
Even if Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is passed over as Barack Obama’s running mate, she’ll have a prominent role in the coming days as co-chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention. For example, it fell to Sebelius Monday to unveil the themes and key speakers for the convention in Denver:
– Aug. 25, “One Nation” theme, with a speech by Michelle Obama.
– Aug. 26, “Renewing America’s Promise,” Sen. Hillary Clinton.
– Aug. 27, “Securing America’s Future,” acceptance speech by vice presidential nominee.
– Aug. 28, “Change You Can Believe In,” Obama’s acceptance speech.
Sebelius said in a statement, “From Monday through Thursday, our convention program will highlight the people of this country who want positive change and who believe Barack Obama is the leader who will listen to their concerns and get our country moving in the right direction again.”
The Bush administration is threatening the integrity of the Endangered Species Act by ending a requirement that federal agencies get independent scientific review of projects that could affect endangered animals and plants. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne defended the move, saying that the change will prevent the statute from being used as a “back door” to regulate greenhouse gases and climate change by protecting polar bears and other species. The administration also argues that individual agencies have their own expertise to evaluate the impact of dam, construction and road projects.
