“I disagree with many of the president’s policies, but I believe he is a patriot sincerely intent on using his time in office to advance our country’s cause,” Sen. John McCain (in photo), R-Ariz., wrote in a Washington Post commentary. “I reject accusations that his policies and beliefs make him unworthy to lead America or opposed to its founding ideals. And I reject accusations that Americans who vigorously oppose his policies are less intelligent, compassionate or just than those who support them.” Though some “rhetorical excesses” are inevitable, McCain said, “I do not think it is beyond our ability and virtue to refrain from substituting character assassination for spirited and respectful debate.”
Noting state Rep. Anthony Brown, R-Eudora, recently said that the University of Kansas “and Lawrence are not very well respected” in the Legislature because Lawrence is seen as too liberal, Topeka Capital-Journal columnist Ric Anderson welcomed legislators to the new session by urging them not to hate Lawrence. “True, KU spends money like a Beverly Hills housewife on one too many mojitos and Lawrence probably isn’t the place for you if you’re uncomfortable with demonstrations supporting legalization of marijuana and gay marriage, but diversity of opinion and a little cognitive dissonance in the Legislature is not a bad thing. Not everybody likes the taste of Republican or Republican Lite, but that’s OK. No need to get all us-versus-them.”
The conservative Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal have released their annual “Index of Economic Freedom,” and this year the United States dropped from eighth to ninth place among countries judged most economically free. The ranking is based on such criteria as economic openness, competitiveness and the rule of law. Rep. Mike Pompeo (in photo), R-Wichita, expressed concern about the drop, which he said reflects “deteriorating business freedom, trade freedom, government spending and monetary freedom.” Pompeo said in a statement: “We must change course now in order to preserve our long-term competitiveness.” Canada — with its much-maligned national health care system — was again rated as the freest economy in North America.
“I disagree with many of the president’s policies, but I believe he is a patriot sincerely intent on using his time in office to advance our country’s cause,” Sen. John McCain (in photo), R-Ariz., wrote in a Washington Post commentary. “I reject accusations that his policies and beliefs make him unworthy to lead America or opposed to its founding ideals. And I reject accusations that Americans who vigorously oppose his policies are less intelligent, compassionate or just than those who support them.” Though some “rhetorical excesses” are inevitable, McCain said, “I do not think it is beyond our ability and virtue to refrain from substituting character assassination for spirited and respectful debate.”
