Opinion

Driver’s plight an ominous sign for Iraq
February 9, 2010
Where is Salam? My trusted Iraqi driver/fixer/ sidekick through seven years of covering Iraq has disappeared into Iraq’s murky prison system.
Alcohol tax
The justifications for a higher cigarette tax in Kansas also apply to alcohol use in the state.
February 9, 2010
Those who argue that Kansas leaders who support increases in the state cigarette tax also should look at raising the state’s alcohol tax have a valid point.
Obama has opportunity in Congress
February 8, 2010
It was toward the end of President Obama’s riveting visit on Jan. 29 with the House Republicans in Baltimore — a rare 90 minutes of candor on both sides that produced the most fascinating and revealing politics in memory — when Rep. Peter Roskam of suburban Chicago was called on for a question.
Edwards’ ego took campaign to new low
February 8, 2010
Looking back, the $400 haircuts and the ostentatious mansion should have been a giveaway that John Edwards really was the pretender his detractors snickered about.
Saving’ Oread
The idea of saving large, older homes in Oread neighborhood by allowing more residents in rental properties is a questionable approach.
February 8, 2010
In discussing the possibility of changing regulations on boarding houses in Lawrence, city officials are taking the tried-and-true decision-making approach of setting out the pros and cons of the matter.
No love lost on U.S. economy
February 7, 2010
Pay attention carefully, but above all, pay attention quickly. This month we’re finally talking economics. Maybe that’s because this is the shortest month of the year. It’s also the month that includes Valentine’s Day, so full of romance and hope, and the release of the president’s federal budget proposal, so full of sobriety and despair.
Blacks in military an enduring paradox
February 7, 2010
It is the enduring paradox of our centuries here. It is the paradox that stood its ground at Bunker Hill, paradox that made a doomed charge on Fort Wagner, paradox that stormed San Juan Hill, advanced through the Meuse-Argonne, landed on Iwo Jima, liberated Seoul and was taken prisoner in Hanoi.
In the trenches
While they’re waiting for new revenue estimates, legislators might take time to get a first-hand look at the school budgets in their communities.
February 7, 2010
Gov. Mark Parkinson said Thursday that once legislators plug the holes in the current year’s budget, there’s not a lot for them to do until April. That’s when the state’s budget experts will deliver an updated estimate of how much revenue they expect the state to collect in the fiscal year that starts July 1.
Ad carries pro-life message
February 6, 2010
In the midst of the usual glut of Super Bowl commercials with messages about beer, cars and women with impossible bosoms, on Sunday there will be one 30-second message that has some people upset, even angry.
Inappropriate action
It may not be illegal, but having a top legislative leader acting as the attorney in a lawsuit against the state certainly sends the wrong message.
February 6, 2010
At the very least, Kansas House Speaker Mike O’Neal’s decision to represent clients who are suing the state is a major distraction for lawmakers.
Take a number
Unfortunately, promises don’t pay the state’s bills.
February 6, 2010
There are promises and there are promises.
Congress must step up on budget
February 6, 2010
The economic collapse of 2008 and 2009 did so much damage to the United States that only now can we begin to measure the devastation.
Ad carries pro-life message
February 6, 2010
In the midst of the usual glut of Super Bowl commercials with messages about beer, cars and women with impossible bosoms, on Sunday there will be one 30-second message that has some people upset, even angry.
Wrong direction
The smoking ban introduced in the Kansas Legislature this week is not what Gov. Mark Parkinson — or many Kansans — had in mind.
February 5, 2010
A bill introduced in the Kansas House this week is taking consideration of a statewide smoking ban in the wrong direction.
Despite Democrats, the people prevail
February 5, 2010
“I am not an ideologue,” protested President Obama at a gathering with Republican House members last week. Perhaps, but he does have a tenacious commitment to a set of political convictions.

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