Daily Archives: May 5, 2009

Phelps banned in Britain

May 5, 20091:03 p.m.

Funeral ProtestsAs appalling as the anti-gay protests of Topeka’s Westboro Baptist Church are, it was startling to see Fred Phelps and daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper alongside Russian gangsters and Muslim extremists on a list of 16 people newly barred from entering Britain for allegedly fostering extremism or hatred. Another surprise was San Francisco talk-radio host Michael Savage (whose show airs locally weeknights on KNSS Radio, 1330 AM). The official explanation for the inclusion of Phelps and his daughter: “Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the United Kingdom.” Unfortunately, being banned in Britain may only embolden the Phelps clan.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas news | Comments (50)

Why Tiahrt voted ‘no’ on hate crimes bill

May 5, 20096:02 a.m.

tiahrtnewmug18Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, voted against H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. Tiahrt’s office released a statement referring to the legislation, which passed the House on a 249-175 vote, as the “Democrat ‘thought’ crimes bill” and suggesting that it would step on free speech, freedom of religion and states’ rights. The congressman said: “Under this legislation, criminals who kill a homosexual, transvestite or transsexual will be punished more harshly than criminals who kill a police officer, a member of the military, a child or a senior citizen. That is not ‘justice for all.’ All victims of a crime deserve full and equal justice under the law, not special treatment that discriminates against particular categories of citizens. . . . Creating a politically favored class of victims that gets greater protection under the law is simply un-American.” Reps. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka, and Jerry Moran, R-Hays, joined Tiahrt in the “no” column, with Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Lenexa, voting “yes.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Congress, Kansas delegation | Comments (131)

Open thread 5/5

May 5, 20096:01 a.m.

thread-comm55

By The Editors | Filed under Open thread | Comments (254)

Can Kansas do without a lieutenant governor?

May 5, 20096:00 a.m.

parkinsonswearingin1Gov. Mark Parkinson said last week that he would defer his selection of a new lieutenant governor until after lawmakers wrap up the session. “One thing I will tell you that will shock you immensely is that, for a short period of time, the state can survive without a lieutenant governor,” he told the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Which raises a question: Why name one at all?
Frustrated lieutenant governors have been known to seek and take other jobs in the government, or leave Topeka entirely. Former Lt. Gov. Shelby Smith has joked about being assigned to stand atop the Capitol and look for approaching glaciers. State law is unclear on a lieutenant governor’s duties, though it specifies that the Senate president should step into his place as needed.
Many private businesses are deciding against replacing all-but-essential employees, at least until the downturn lifts. Couldn’t Kansas get by without a second in command until the next governor’s administration takes over in January 2011?

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (9)