Daily Archives: April 16, 2009

Are right-wing groups, veterans being targeted?

April 16, 200911:46 a.m.

spyingliberty1After Sept. 11, some liberal anti-war groups complained about being targeted by the federal government. Now it’s conservatives who are upset about a Department of Homeland Defense warning about a possible rise in “right-wing extremist activity.” What has talk radio buzzing is that the report said some returning veterans might be attracted to the messages of some of these groups, and that this extremism “may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.”

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under President Obama, Terrorism | Comments (187)

Brownback acknowledged GOP role in spending

April 16, 200911:43 a.m.

brownbackmug4Though backers claimed that the anti-tax tea parties weren’t partisan, they clearly were. But good for Sen. Sam Brownback for acknowledging that the GOP played a role in what the parties were protesting. “I think these things started under President Bush,” Brownback said at the Wichita rally, mentioning the federal bailouts. Brownback also said that “there aren’t enough ‘no’ votes” in Congress right now to block spending increases — though he didn’t point out how federal deficits soared while the GOP controlled Congress and the White House.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas delegation, taxes | Comments (15)

Public disagrees with Cheney about Obama, security

April 16, 20096:04 a.m.

cheney3The majority of Americans don’t agree with former Vice President Dick Cheney’s contention that President Obama’s actions have increased the chances of a terrorist attack against the United States. Seventy-two percent of those questioned in a new CNN poll disagreed with Cheney, while 26 percent agreed.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under President Obama, Terrorism | Comments (73)

Open thread 4/16

April 16, 20096:03 a.m.

thread382

By The Editors | Filed under Open thread | Comments (255)

Moran backs Fair Tax

April 16, 20096:02 a.m.

taxaudit1“An overhaul of our federal tax code is necessary,” contends Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays, and “the Fair Tax Act is the right answer to simplify the process.” The act would replace the federal income tax with a national sales tax. Moran argues that “the Fair Tax is a simple and honest tax” that would encourage growth. Critics contend that the Fair Tax would shift some of the tax burden from the wealthy to the middle class.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas delegation, taxes | Comments (80)

Late-night laughs

April 16, 20096:01 a.m.

“Barack Obama’s daughters are very smart. They told him they will take the same responsibility for the dog that he is taking for the economy. That way, if the dog leaves a mess in the White House, it’ll be cleaned up by future generations.” — Jay Leno

“Bo arrived just in time, because Sasha and Malia were getting tired of throwing Frisbees at Joe Biden.” — Jimmy Fallon

“How about those Navy SEALs? They rescued Captain Stubing, Gopher, Doc and guest star Charo.” — David Letterman

“Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the Somali pirates were all untrained teenagers with heavy weapons — which we call rap stars in this country.” — Leno

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (1)

Corrections cuts are pound-foolish

April 16, 20096:00 a.m.

jailhandsinbars1Leaders from Sedgwick and Johnson counties are justified in asking lawmakers to restore $2 million in cuts to community correction programs. Lawmakers face a difficult challenge trying to balance the state budget — and it’s likely to get worse after new state revenue estimates are released Friday. But as much as possible, they should avoid cuts that could make communities less safe and could end up costing the state much more money than it saves.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (3)