An issue that has recently been rolling off people’s tongues in connection with a whole host of government initiatives is the question of constitutionality.
It was in the spring of 1942. I was a student in the seventh- and eighth- grade glass of Miss Alice Walters in the Freeman South Dakota Grade School.
Having the political beat here at the paper, and having a background in professional politics, I’d like to think I bring a certain world-weary, cynical wisdom to the laborious process of sorting the rhetorical wheat from the ridiculous chaff.
There currently are too many very loud and ugly voices raised in vehement condemnation of America’s government and its elected leaders.
Thursday, the world’s premier golfer teed off in pursuit of another Master’s Championship, perhaps golf’s most prestigious prize.
One of the more distressing consequences of the passage of the health care bill was one that nobody even noticed, or will most likely even care about. It won’t affect people’s lives at all, and it has absolutely nothing to do with health care.
I never thought it would happen, but lo and behold Fred Phelps’ cult is to be judged by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Hanging on the wall on our family room is a composite picture, made up of many smaller pictures. The pictures are of family - our two sons and many cousins, Ellen and myself. They span special moments in our 57 years of married life. A cornucopia of happy smiles, colors of clothing - various backdrops inside our home and outdoors.
For me this is a grand day! The long-awaited, battered and debated, health care reform legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
In my mind, few things are more despicable than the politician who is willing to put human suffering on parade to advance their own political agenda. It's not new. It's been a common practice of both political parties for years.
An occupational hazard of working in the news business is getting press releases from political campaigns.
As we contemplate the arrival of the wonderful springtime, after a long season of dormancy in nature, our thoughts are turned to the emergence of new life.
If you're like me, you often have trouble finding that one perfect winter-solstice-celebration gift for that kooky left-wing friend you might have. Books normally make a thoughtful gift, until your friend reminds you of all the brave trees that gave their lives. Leather won't do, either – no shoes, no belts. And, I just can't bring myself to order a gift from Tofu-of-the-Month Club. It's just not easy coming up with ideas.
One of the most dangerous trends in contemporary political life is the seeming rise of the independent voter.
One of the great talents of the far-left is the ability to concoct a message, regardless of it's validity, and advance that message through the systematic and widespread use of talking points. Another great talent is the ability to control those talking points to shape the debate, and tell only half the story.
Joe Stack, the man who steered a plane into the Austin offices of the IRS, is not a hero. He does not even come close to the definition of being a hero.
It is a continuing mystery to me that when it comes to dealing with Republicans, the president seems woefully naïve. Obama keeps working toward, hoping for, and reaching out to his opponents seeking some sort of bipartisan effort to remedy America’s many ills. Sadly, he continues to be thwarted, disappointed and empty handed. The only response from Republicans to his invitation is “NO!”
If there’s one thing about Democrats to really get slackjawed about, it’s their patented circular firing squad method of dealing with problems, both internally and externally.
Competitive Republican primaries for U.S. Senate don’t come along very often in Kansas, so the race between 1st District Congressman Jerry Moran and 4th District Congressman Todd Tiahrt to fill the spot of retiring U.S. Senator Sam Brownback is receiving the most state-wide attention of any tilt that will be on the August 5 ballot. And deservedly so, because whoever wins the GOP primary has an excellent chance of not only winning the seat but of holding it for a long, long time.
