Let’s see if I’ve got this straight. An oil company sells gasoline, a product we all depend on for $3.00 a gallon. They’re evil, destroying the planet, and are guilty of making obscene profits. But let’s say a company out there, let’s call them General Electric develops a new kind of light bulb and is selling it for even more than those evil oil companies are getting for their gas. Currently we can buy a light bulb for about 20 cents apiece. This company plans to sell hundreds of millions of these new bulbs for almost $4.00 apiece. At some point wouldn’t that mean they’d also be guilty of making obscene profits? Just wondering.
If a coal fired, power plant that generates the electricity we all depend on emits a pollutant like mercury, and they do. They’re evil and are guilty of destroying the planet and the environmentalists want them shut down now. But the company that’s developed and is selling this new light bulb contains the same mercury and they’re considered heroes. Hmm.
General Electric and the environmentalists are doing their best to downplay the amount of mercury these light bulbs contain. They point out that there’s only a tiny amount in each bulb. But let’s multiply that tiny amount by the hundreds of millions of these bulbs they plan on selling that are sooner or later going to burn out and now we’ve got real pollution.
As of right now, there are almost no good options for disposing of these bulbs and they’ll most likely all end up in people’s trash cans. Which will end up in landfills all across the planet. Which will eventually, either run off into local creeks, which lead to bigger rivers that most of us depend on for our drinking water. Or it will eventually end up seeping into our underground water supplies. Either way, we’re screwed. How is it that General Electric is being hailed a Corporate hero? Oh yeah, they’re playing to the “global-warming” crowd and laughing all the way to the bank.
Hey, how about that State Of the Union speech Bush gave the other night. Pretty good stuff, huh? Yeah, he said all the things he was supposed to say. But did you notice how comfortable he was. In my opinion, this was the best speech he’s given. Looks like it makes a difference knowing it’s your last shot and knowing you don’t have to worry about getting re-elected. He pretty much said what was on his mind. It amazes me how all these power hungry politicians who hate each other can make nice long enough to get through it all. I thought for sure Nancy Pelosi might puke when she had to say, it was her privilege to introduce “The President of the United States.”
Then our very own Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, gave the world the Democrat response. Her message was one of unity. She did a good job of laying out her agenda. She talked about both parties coming together to fix common problems. Good idea. She pressed Bush on several issues and repeatedly urged him to join them for the common good. Won’t you join us Mr. President? At no time did she suggest the Democrats would consider joining him. It’s probably just me over-reacting again.
I did think it was a little pretentious of her to think she could give an American response though. Sorry Governor, but you don’t speak for all Americans. Believe it or not, there are a lot of Americans who don’t support your liberal agenda and don’t necessarily want you speaking for them. But hey, what do I know, I’m just an old guy.
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Stephen Six
Talk about having to shift gears this week. I was all ready to throw a fit over the Governor appointing Chris Biggs as our new Attorney General. Like most of us, I assumed he’d get the nod on this one. Like the Governor and his predecessor, Paul Morrison, Biggs is up to his neck in money from George Tiller. And because of this I assumed she’d appoint Biggs to follow in the footsteps of Paul Morrison . Yep, that’s how I figured it and that’s what I was going to write about.
Now she goes and appoints Judge Stephen Six from Lawrence to the position. First of all, I’ve barely heard of the guy. Which is a good thing I guess, since the only time you really get to see a Judge in action is when you have to stand in front of one. Everything I’ve heard about him so far seems to be positive. He seems to be well respected, fair, and follows the law. When it comes down to it, isn’t that pretty much what we want in an Attorney General? No Governor, I haven’t changed my mind about you. I’m still opposed to your unconditional support of George Tiller and his ilk. I still oppose your handling of the Holcomb power plant issue. But I’ve got to hand it to you Governor, this appointment was a brilliant political move on your part. My hat’s off to you.
By this time next week, Paul Morrison will be gone and maybe we can start to put this whole disgusting mess behind us. No, I’m not talking about the sex scandal that eventually brought him down. Personally, I couldn’t care less about who he’s doing or who’s doing him.
I formed my opinion of the man long ago when he was running for the office in the first place. First of all, when he switched parties to become a Democrat to run against Phill Kline proved to me he was nothing but another political whore who wanted the power that comes with the job. As soon as the money from George Tiller started pouring in Morrison began making promises to drop all charges against him. A promise he kept too. In fact this promise was put in place the first day Morrison took office. There was the “Snoop Dog” mailing campaign financed by Tiller. Remember that? We were supposed to believe that medical records are somehow sacred and private. Medical records are used for insurance purposes and in criminal investigations in every state, every day of the week. Morrison knew this. But he counted on the majority of Kansas’s either not knowing this or that they just didn’t care. Either way, it was very effective. Do you remember Morrison threatening the broadcasting licenses of the television stations that had the nerve to run commercials he didn’t approve of? Of course, he denied any responsibility for the letters that went out to the stations. He said he had heard about them, but in no way did he approve of them. Whatever. Apparently, he or someone in his organization decided they had the power and the right to decide what commercials they could and couldn’t run. Evidently, I was in the minority by thinking he was out of bounds. Regardless, these are the reasons I’m glad to see the man gone from office. What’s the right thing to say as he walks out the door? I know. Bye!
With the appointment of Stephen Six the Governor has the chance to finally restore some sense of credibility to the office of Attorney General. I don’t know what to expect from him. My hope is that he’ll simply enforce the laws of the state. And yes, that includes the laws concerning late-term abortions. Whether some of you like it or not, it is against the law to abort a baby after 21 weeks of a pregnancy. The only exception to this law is to save the life of the mother. And to think this has been the case in every single one of the 2600 or so late-term abortions George Tiller has done since the law took effect is at best, naïve.
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
Now she goes and appoints Judge Stephen Six from Lawrence to the position. First of all, I’ve barely heard of the guy. Which is a good thing I guess, since the only time you really get to see a Judge in action is when you have to stand in front of one. Everything I’ve heard about him so far seems to be positive. He seems to be well respected, fair, and follows the law. When it comes down to it, isn’t that pretty much what we want in an Attorney General? No Governor, I haven’t changed my mind about you. I’m still opposed to your unconditional support of George Tiller and his ilk. I still oppose your handling of the Holcomb power plant issue. But I’ve got to hand it to you Governor, this appointment was a brilliant political move on your part. My hat’s off to you.
By this time next week, Paul Morrison will be gone and maybe we can start to put this whole disgusting mess behind us. No, I’m not talking about the sex scandal that eventually brought him down. Personally, I couldn’t care less about who he’s doing or who’s doing him.
I formed my opinion of the man long ago when he was running for the office in the first place. First of all, when he switched parties to become a Democrat to run against Phill Kline proved to me he was nothing but another political whore who wanted the power that comes with the job. As soon as the money from George Tiller started pouring in Morrison began making promises to drop all charges against him. A promise he kept too. In fact this promise was put in place the first day Morrison took office. There was the “Snoop Dog” mailing campaign financed by Tiller. Remember that? We were supposed to believe that medical records are somehow sacred and private. Medical records are used for insurance purposes and in criminal investigations in every state, every day of the week. Morrison knew this. But he counted on the majority of Kansas’s either not knowing this or that they just didn’t care. Either way, it was very effective. Do you remember Morrison threatening the broadcasting licenses of the television stations that had the nerve to run commercials he didn’t approve of? Of course, he denied any responsibility for the letters that went out to the stations. He said he had heard about them, but in no way did he approve of them. Whatever. Apparently, he or someone in his organization decided they had the power and the right to decide what commercials they could and couldn’t run. Evidently, I was in the minority by thinking he was out of bounds. Regardless, these are the reasons I’m glad to see the man gone from office. What’s the right thing to say as he walks out the door? I know. Bye!
With the appointment of Stephen Six the Governor has the chance to finally restore some sense of credibility to the office of Attorney General. I don’t know what to expect from him. My hope is that he’ll simply enforce the laws of the state. And yes, that includes the laws concerning late-term abortions. Whether some of you like it or not, it is against the law to abort a baby after 21 weeks of a pregnancy. The only exception to this law is to save the life of the mother. And to think this has been the case in every single one of the 2600 or so late-term abortions George Tiller has done since the law took effect is at best, naïve.
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A Point For Me
Dang Armand, what’d I ever do to you? I think it’s safe to say we’re probably not going to be friends. But you know what? And I know it won’t matter to you, but I have a lot of respect for anyone who’s willing to stand up for what they believe in, puts it in writing, and signs their name to it. Yeah, I’ve been reading your letters for several years now. Sometimes I agree with you, sometimes I don’t. They’re usually short and straight to the point. But last week’s was the first time I remember you ever making it personal. What is it about me that bugs you so much. Is it the fact I write about the things I believe in? Isn’t that the same thing you do with your letters to the editor? Or is it the things I write about? Serious question.
Armand, you might not like what I write about. But you’re still reading my stuff. I’ve tried my level best for the last year to generate a response in the form of a letter to the editor just to see if anyone is reading my column. Armand, you responded, and that sir, is a point for me. Thanks.
I read a column by a conservative writer named Russell Steen in the Hutchinson News a couple weeks ago. The fact that a conservative columnist is even in the Hutchinson News in the first place is huge. They’re one of the biggest liberal run newspapers anywhere around. Needless to say, his column made my day. He was telling his readers that “he’s been assigned to the far right.” But thinks it’s “odd that he was moved to the extreme end of the scale without changing his core beliefs since he was 19.” Like me, he opposes abortion. He talked about how “the pro-abortion crowd of the 70’s would have angrily denied that lucrative late-term procedures would become the logical extension of legalized abortion,” Can anyone say George Tiller?
Looks like Russell and I share pretty much the same beliefs about global warming. He talked about the “concept of buying and selling carbon credits being so stupid that it would be comical if it weren’t for the fact so many people are buying into it.” Personally I’ve never understood that concept either. Isn’t it kind of like ordering two double quarter-pounders with cheese, a super-sized order of onion rings and fries, but washing it all down with a diet-coke because you’re watching your weight? Maybe I’m just missing something.
Russell asks the question, who’s moved? Is it him, or has society moved the scale? It wasn’t all that long ago that it was simply understood that a marriage was between a man and a woman. People didn’t turn to the Government to solve all their problems. We could say Merry Christmas without offending someone. And having the nerve to admit you believe in God wouldn’t get you ridiculed. Yeah, who’s moved? He pointed out that “from the time of our founding fathers until the generation that won World War II his views would have been considered common sense.” Something that’s lacking in today’s world.
It’s funny how liberals claim to be tolerant, understanding, diverse, and inclusive. You know, there’s room for everyone. Anything and everything goes in their world. They tell us we should embrace the fact that public schools are setting up special places and times for Muslim students to pray. Let a Christian try this and you’ll find out just how tolerant they are. Let a conservative question global warming or evolution. Let a conservative ask why it is that a woman’s right to privacy trumps her baby’s right to simply exist and see what happens. Trust me when I tell you they’re anything but tolerant. They’ll attack you. They‘ll threaten you. They’ll try anything they can to shut you up. Yeah, they’re a tolerant bunch alright. As long as you agree with them.
I’d like to thank Russell Steen for his column. And Armand, you keep writing your letters and doing your thing and I’ll keep doing mine. Remember, we both have that right.
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
Armand, you might not like what I write about. But you’re still reading my stuff. I’ve tried my level best for the last year to generate a response in the form of a letter to the editor just to see if anyone is reading my column. Armand, you responded, and that sir, is a point for me. Thanks.
I read a column by a conservative writer named Russell Steen in the Hutchinson News a couple weeks ago. The fact that a conservative columnist is even in the Hutchinson News in the first place is huge. They’re one of the biggest liberal run newspapers anywhere around. Needless to say, his column made my day. He was telling his readers that “he’s been assigned to the far right.” But thinks it’s “odd that he was moved to the extreme end of the scale without changing his core beliefs since he was 19.” Like me, he opposes abortion. He talked about how “the pro-abortion crowd of the 70’s would have angrily denied that lucrative late-term procedures would become the logical extension of legalized abortion,” Can anyone say George Tiller?
Looks like Russell and I share pretty much the same beliefs about global warming. He talked about the “concept of buying and selling carbon credits being so stupid that it would be comical if it weren’t for the fact so many people are buying into it.” Personally I’ve never understood that concept either. Isn’t it kind of like ordering two double quarter-pounders with cheese, a super-sized order of onion rings and fries, but washing it all down with a diet-coke because you’re watching your weight? Maybe I’m just missing something.
Russell asks the question, who’s moved? Is it him, or has society moved the scale? It wasn’t all that long ago that it was simply understood that a marriage was between a man and a woman. People didn’t turn to the Government to solve all their problems. We could say Merry Christmas without offending someone. And having the nerve to admit you believe in God wouldn’t get you ridiculed. Yeah, who’s moved? He pointed out that “from the time of our founding fathers until the generation that won World War II his views would have been considered common sense.” Something that’s lacking in today’s world.
It’s funny how liberals claim to be tolerant, understanding, diverse, and inclusive. You know, there’s room for everyone. Anything and everything goes in their world. They tell us we should embrace the fact that public schools are setting up special places and times for Muslim students to pray. Let a Christian try this and you’ll find out just how tolerant they are. Let a conservative question global warming or evolution. Let a conservative ask why it is that a woman’s right to privacy trumps her baby’s right to simply exist and see what happens. Trust me when I tell you they’re anything but tolerant. They’ll attack you. They‘ll threaten you. They’ll try anything they can to shut you up. Yeah, they’re a tolerant bunch alright. As long as you agree with them.
I’d like to thank Russell Steen for his column. And Armand, you keep writing your letters and doing your thing and I’ll keep doing mine. Remember, we both have that right.
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Answer Is Blowing In The Wind
It was dark and the house was freezing cold this morning as I stumbled out of bed. I turned on the light in the hallway as I made my way to the thermostat to crank up the heat long enough to take the chill off. I started a pot of coffee, headed to the bathroom to shave and take a quick, hot shower.
It’s 6:00 AM Wednesday morning. I’m settled down in front of the computer sipping on my first cup of coffee. To say I’m still working on this week’s column would be an understatement. I’m still trying to decide what to talk about.
I guess I’ll start out with my morning. It’s probably not that much different than everyone else’s. Our days probably start out much the same. They might start out at different times, and we all head off in different directions. But there’s one common denominator that ties us all together. A reliable source of electricity. Without it, life would pretty much suck. And that holds true for all of us. It makes no difference whether you’re liberal or conservative. A Republican or Democrat. Gay, straight, black or white, it doesn’t matter. We all depend on electricity for everything part of our lives. I hope we can all agree on at least that much.
The disagreements start with the source of this reliable source of electricity. In denying the required permits for the expansion at the coal fired, Holcomb power plant the Governor has promised us the answer is blowing in the wind. Here’s the deal. I don’t care where our electricity comes from. I just want to be able to turn on my lights when I need to and I want to be able to heat and cool my house. It’s really not all that complicated. I have no feelings for coal one way or the other. I don’t believe it’s as evil as some would have us believe. I do know it’s been a plentiful and reliable fuel source for hundreds of years and will remain so for hundreds of years to come. At least that’s way I hear it.
Let’s say it’s 15 or 20 years in the future. Coal fired power plants have all but disappeared. Wind farms have popped up all over the country. Pollution from power plants is zero. Life is good. But what happens if the wind stops blowing and the lights go out? Just wondering.
Oh by the way, last Tuesday was supposed to be a big day for the pro-life crowd. It was the day the Grand Jury finally convened to investigate George Tiller for possible violations of Kansas’ late term abortion laws. I say “suppose to be” because it was also the day that presiding Judge Michael Corrigan announced that Sedgwick County Deputy District Attorney Ann Swegle, a staunch anti-life Democrat was going to direct the investigation. Over 7,500 citizens in Sedgwick County signed this petition under the condition that a Special Prosecutor be appointed and that District Attorney Nola Foulston, another staunch, anti-life Democrat or anyone associated with her office not be involved with the case. During her 30 minute conversation with the Judge, Swegle refused to rule out the possibility of Foulston’s involvement through her during the investigation. Okay, maybe I’m over reacting.
But just for the fun of it, let’s look back at the 06 Attorney General’s race. First we had Paul Morrison promising to drop all charges against George Tiller if elected. It was one of the very first promises he kept too. We had Sedgwick County Nola Foulston racing to court to have all charges against Tiller dropped on technical grounds. She couldn’t have cared less about the merits of the charges. Her political, financial, and personal ties with George Tiller run deep. And now we’re supposed to believe her office can conduct an impartial investigation? Give me a break. Nothing like the entire Kansas legal system flipping you the bird. My question is, does anyone even care?
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
It’s 6:00 AM Wednesday morning. I’m settled down in front of the computer sipping on my first cup of coffee. To say I’m still working on this week’s column would be an understatement. I’m still trying to decide what to talk about.
I guess I’ll start out with my morning. It’s probably not that much different than everyone else’s. Our days probably start out much the same. They might start out at different times, and we all head off in different directions. But there’s one common denominator that ties us all together. A reliable source of electricity. Without it, life would pretty much suck. And that holds true for all of us. It makes no difference whether you’re liberal or conservative. A Republican or Democrat. Gay, straight, black or white, it doesn’t matter. We all depend on electricity for everything part of our lives. I hope we can all agree on at least that much.
The disagreements start with the source of this reliable source of electricity. In denying the required permits for the expansion at the coal fired, Holcomb power plant the Governor has promised us the answer is blowing in the wind. Here’s the deal. I don’t care where our electricity comes from. I just want to be able to turn on my lights when I need to and I want to be able to heat and cool my house. It’s really not all that complicated. I have no feelings for coal one way or the other. I don’t believe it’s as evil as some would have us believe. I do know it’s been a plentiful and reliable fuel source for hundreds of years and will remain so for hundreds of years to come. At least that’s way I hear it.
Let’s say it’s 15 or 20 years in the future. Coal fired power plants have all but disappeared. Wind farms have popped up all over the country. Pollution from power plants is zero. Life is good. But what happens if the wind stops blowing and the lights go out? Just wondering.
Oh by the way, last Tuesday was supposed to be a big day for the pro-life crowd. It was the day the Grand Jury finally convened to investigate George Tiller for possible violations of Kansas’ late term abortion laws. I say “suppose to be” because it was also the day that presiding Judge Michael Corrigan announced that Sedgwick County Deputy District Attorney Ann Swegle, a staunch anti-life Democrat was going to direct the investigation. Over 7,500 citizens in Sedgwick County signed this petition under the condition that a Special Prosecutor be appointed and that District Attorney Nola Foulston, another staunch, anti-life Democrat or anyone associated with her office not be involved with the case. During her 30 minute conversation with the Judge, Swegle refused to rule out the possibility of Foulston’s involvement through her during the investigation. Okay, maybe I’m over reacting.
But just for the fun of it, let’s look back at the 06 Attorney General’s race. First we had Paul Morrison promising to drop all charges against George Tiller if elected. It was one of the very first promises he kept too. We had Sedgwick County Nola Foulston racing to court to have all charges against Tiller dropped on technical grounds. She couldn’t have cared less about the merits of the charges. Her political, financial, and personal ties with George Tiller run deep. And now we’re supposed to believe her office can conduct an impartial investigation? Give me a break. Nothing like the entire Kansas legal system flipping you the bird. My question is, does anyone even care?
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net
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