Column:
How far have we come since the start?
Published Feb. 23, 2007
As February draws to a close, I thought I would add a bit of levity to the column and recall some of the news stories and issues from the past six weeks since our return to MU from the holiday break. Some sadness, some gladness and plenty more to come.
Cheers...to all of our great presidents whom we honored on Monday. As we get set for the 2008 presidential election race, let's look for the strong leadership and character in our president. Look for candidates emphasizing principled stands on the important issues of the day instead of just trying to pander on the hot-button questions.
Jeers...to all our mediocre, ineffective, arrogant and dishonest presidents.
Cheers...to the U.S. House of Representatives which, under new leadership, passed its legislative initiatives. Politicians keeping their promises.
Jeers...to the U.S. Senate for being unable to debate the war in Iraq and follow through on so many important goals for the American people. Democrats have the right idea, but they need to work harder to convince Republicans.
Cheers...to U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., for being in Washington to vote on one of the most important resolutions regarding the ongoing Iraq war. The freshman senator has lived up to her promise.
Jeers...to U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., for choosing to skip the vote on the Iraq war resolution. Travel plans not withstanding, Missouri only had 50 percent of its representation on the most important issue facing Americans today.
Cheers...to state Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, and Missouri House Minority Leader Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, for taking principled stands on the always-vexing sale of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. Maintaining the stem-cell research options as well as insuring the fiscal solvency of the sale is exactly the kind of responsible legislating Missourians need their elected officials to do.
Jeers...to Gov. Matt Blunt for his inability to close the deal on MOHELA. Despite having his party control the General Assembly, Blunt cannot seem to convince his colleagues to move this crucial legislation forward. How long will students who pay the highest tuition in the Big 12 have to go without relief that this sale could provide?
Cheers...to the state of Kansas Board of Education for re-instituting the proper scientific standards for the teaching of evolution in the classroom. All viewpoints have a time and place — the teaching of accepted scientific theory in the classroom and the teaching religious concepts at church.
Jeers...to some members of the General Assembly and leaders in Jefferson City for being strong-armed by anti-stem-cell research coalitions. Leaders must legislate for the benefit of the whole state within the bounds of the Constitution and have the fortitude to stand up to special interests.
Cheers...to winter for returning with snow and cold temperatures. Skiers, snowboarders and sledders rejoice.
Jeers...to the sad snow removal efforts throughout the country. One can only hope city officials across the country remember that every year has a winter season and be better prepared for next year.
And finally:
Cheers and Jeers for Anna Nicole Smith...She did provide us all with hours of bewildering entertainment and TrimSpa. Anna also rekindled the moral depravity, greed and avarice we had thought was behind us in the 1980s. She showed us how quickly the media can forget the important issues of the day and instead speculate about her dubious refrigerator contents and who fathered her child.