OPINION
LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD LJWorld.com Thursday, December 22, 2011
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EDITORIALS
Deserving drive There are many demands for local charitable dollars, but donors shouldn’t forget the ongoing impact of United Way and its 29 local agencies.
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mid all the special fundraising efforts in Lawrence and Douglas County this year, local givers shouldn’t overlook one of the community’s most solid and traditional charities. Erika Dvorske, executive director of United Way of Douglas County, reported last week that the agency was still about $600,000 short of the goal for its annual fund drive. The official United Way campaign runs from September through the end of November, but the agency collects donations through the end of the year and announces the campaign total in February. In the last four months, the Lawrence Community Theatre completed a $6.2 million fund drive for a new building, the Lawrence Community Shelter raised $890,000 to allow it to purchase a new home, and leaders at the Lawrence Public Library say they are nearing their goal of collecting $1 million in private donations for the library expansion. Those are all good causes, but local residents shouldn’t forget the role United Way, and the 29 agencies it helps support, plays — day in and day out, all year round — in making our community a better place to live. The success of major fund drives for special projects confirms the generosity and commitment of local residents for various worthy causes. United Way of Douglas County obviously is on that list. Let’s not let them down.
Heart-warming tale
Gingrich targets independent judiciary WASHINGTON — When discussing his amazingness, Newt Gingrich sometimes exaggerates somewhat, as when, discussing Bosnia and Washington, D.C., street violence, he said, “People like me are what stand between us and Auschwitz.” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jan. 16, 1994). What primarily stands between us and misrule, however, is the Constitution, buttressed by an independent judiciary. But Gingrich’s hunger for distinction has surely been slaked by his full-throated attack on such a judiciary. He is the first presidential candidate to propose a thorough assault on the rule of law. That is the meaning of his vow to break courts to the saddle of politicians, particularly to members of Congress, who rarely even read the laws they pass. Gingrich’s most lurid evidence that courts are “grotesquely dictatorial” is a Texas judge’s aggressive decision concerning religious observances at high school functions, a decision a higher court promptly (and dictatorially?) overturned. Gingrich’s epiphany about judicial tyranny occurred in 2002, when a circuit court ruled unconstitutional the Pledge of Allegiance phrase declaring America a nation “under God.” Gingrich likened this to the 1857 Dred Scott decision that led to 625,000 Civil War dead. The Supreme Court unanimously overturned the circuit court’s “under God” nonsense. So, Gingrich is happy? Not exactly. He warns that calling the Supreme Court supreme amounts to embracing “oligarchy.” He says the Founders considered the judiciary the “weakest” branch. Not exactly. Alexander
George Will
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georgewill@washpost.com
Gingrich’s unsurprising descent into sinister radicalism — intimidation of courts — is redundant evidence that he is not merely the least conservative candidate, he is thoroughly anticonservative.” Hamilton called the judiciary the “least dangerous” branch (Federalist 78) because, wielding neither the sword nor the purse, its power resides solely in persuasive “judgment.” That, however, is not weakness but strength based on the public’s respect for public reasoning. Gingrich yearns to shatter that respect and trump such reasoning with raw political power, in the name of majoritarianism. Judicial deference to majorities can, however, be a dereliction of the judicial duty to oppose actions irreconcilable with constitutional limits on what majorities may do. Gingrich’s campaign against courts repudiates contemporary conservatism’s core commitment to limited government. Logically, Gingrich should regret the dictatorial Supreme Court decisions that have sty-
mied congressional majorities by overturning portions of McCain-Feingold and other restrictions on political speech. Logic, however, is a flimsy leash for a mind as protean as Gingrich’s, which applauds those decisions — and the Kelo decision. In Kelo, the court eschewed dictatorship and deferred to the New London, Conn., City Council majority that imposed a stunning abuse of eminent domain. Conservatives were appalled; Gingrich, inexplicably but conveniently, says he is, too. Gingrich radiates impatience with impediments to allowing majorities to sweep aside judicial determinations displeasing to those majorities. He does not, however, trust democratic political processes to produce, over time, presidents who will nominate, and Senate majorities that will confirm, judges whose views he approves. Although not a historian, Gingrich plays one on television, where he recently cited Franklin Roosevelt (and Jefferson, Jackson and Lincoln) as “just like” him in being “prepared to take on the judiciary.” Roosevelt, infuriated by Supreme Court decisions declaring various progressive policies incompatible with the Constitution’s architecture of limited government, tried to “pack” the court by enlarging it, and attempted to purge from Congress some Democrats who opposed him. Voters, who generally respect the court much more than other government institutions, re-elected those Democrats and so thoroughly rebuked FDR’s overreaching that Congress lacked a liberal legislating majority for a generation.
To teach courts the virtue of modesty, President Gingrich would attempt to abolish some courts and to impeach judges whose decisions annoy him — decisions he says he might ignore while urging Congress to do likewise. He favors compelling judges to appear before Congress to justify decisions “out of sync” with majorities, and would sic police or marshals on judges who resist congressional coercion. Never mind that judges always explain themselves in written opinions, concurrences and dissents. Gingrich’s unsurprising descent into sinister radicalism — intimidation of courts — is redundant evidence that he is not merely the least conservative candidate, he is thoroughly anti-conservative. He disdains the central conservative virtue, prudence, and exemplifies progressivism’s defining attribute — impatience with impediments to the political branches’ wielding of untrammeled power. He exalts the will of the majority of the moment, at least as he, tribune of the vox populi, interprets it. Atop the Republican ticket, Gingrich would guarantee Barack Obama’s re-election, would probably doom Republicans’ hopes of capturing the Senate and might cost them control of the House. If so, Gingrich would at last have achieved something — wreckage, but something — proportional to his swollen sense of himself. Disclosure: This columnist’s wife, Mari Will, is an adviser to Rick Perry.
The couple who helped save an abused pony certainly reflect the spirit of the season.
OLD HOME TOWN
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Local developer Rob Phillips had a New Year’s resolution to open the YEARS Eldridge House AGO hotel on Dec. IN 1986 31. “These projects can drag on forever if you don’t set some deadline,” he said. Plans for the Eldridge included 48 suites, a 200-seat banquet hall, an 89seat restaurant, a 90-seat private club, conference rooms, and exercise facilities. Hotel manager Nancy Longhurst said that 12 suites on the fifth floor, the lobby, the restaurants, and possibly 12 more suites on the fourth floor would be open on New Year’s Eve.
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he recovery of Coco the Shetland pony is a heart-warming story, especially at this time of year. With the help of the Stepping Stone Ranch in Baldwin City, Coco is ready for adoption. Steve and Vera Gannaway, who operate the ranch, agreed last April to foster Coco for the Lawrence Humane Society. Her previous owner had neglected Coco and allowed her hooves to grow so wildly that they turned into grotesque curls that prevented her from walking. The former owner, John Steffen, 44, of Eudora, pleaded no contest in November to one misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. The community owes the Gannaways its thanks for caring for Coco, who is now looking for a new home. The 40-inch-tall pony is the smallest of two-dozen horses on the ranch, but Steve Gannaway says Coco, a feisty 13-year-old who can hold her own, is friendly and would make a good companion for another horse in a pasture. Those interested in adopting Coco or helping pay for her care can contact the Lawrence Humane Society. This truly is a moving tale for the holidays.
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PUBLIC FORUM
Budding artist LAWRENCE
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— George Will is a columnist for Washington Post Writers Group.
To the editor: I am writing this hoping to find a young budding artist named Eli. Eli is about 5 years old. He was in the Copt/Feiden Gallery at 815 Mass. with his mom last week. After looking around at the art for awhile, he announced to his mother that he was going to draw “Okay Mountain” when he got home. His mom distractedly acknowledged him with “Mmm. Hmmm.” After he repeatedly announced that he was going to draw “Okay Mountain,” Mark Feiden, who was minding the gallery, asked him if he wanted to draw “Okay Mountain” right now. Eli said, “Yes,” so Mark gave him paper and pencil and he confidently drew “Okay Mountain.” Eli and Mark decided the value of his drawing, Mark labeled it, and hung it up for sale. This week, a customer came to the gallery, saw the drawing, asked about it, heard the story, and bought Eli’s drawing. The customer has a son who is an artist whose name happens to be Eli. His son was encouraged at an early age by many, and his father is paying it forward. I hope that Eli’s mother or someone who knows him will read this letter and tell Eli to come to the gallery to collect his money. Thank you Eli, Eli’s mom, Mark, and David (the customer
who bought Eli’s drawing) for the court of public opinion.” Today, conservative politicians this “wonder-full” story! have enabled America to turn the Phyllis Copt, clock back to the late ’20s, ecoLecompton nomically speaking. These “representatives” abhor regulation and government oversight. Why? Their To the editor: benefactors, enriched by Wall A recent letter to the editor, Street and corporate lawlessness, “FDR legacy,” makes some valid guarantee ample financial fodder points regarding Franklin Delano for expedient political longevity. Roosevelt’s omissions that made Voters face a crucial decision us vulnerable to the attack on in 2012. Do we want a Hoover? Pearl Harbor. Also, the writer Or do we need an FDR? I, for one, reminds us of other foreign pol- will choose the latter. Or his closicy flaws along with Roosevelt’s est facsimile. personal sexual peccadilloes. Neil Brown, However, to assert that FDR was Lawrence one of the most incompetent and damnable presidents is a dubious conclusion which overlooks RooTo the editor: sevelt’s greatest achievement. Re-naming as “Coach FamWhen Roosevelt took office in 1933, America was well into its brough Street” any street other worst economic depression. Her- than the stretch of the current Misbert Hoover’s passivity and be- souri Street where it passes Memolief that free enterprise somehow rial Stadium would be an insult to would fix itself was not helping. the late coach’s name. It’s not so Thankfully, FDR understood the much about getting in the good as only remedy. Outside of aggres- it is getting rid of the bad. If the residents of the street sive government intervention and regulation, we could not be healed. don’t think that the honor of liv“There must be a strict super- ing on the new street is worth the vision of all banking and credits trouble of changing their addressand investments. There must be es, let them keep their old ones so an end to speculation with other nobody will ever find them. If, as is more likely, the city people’s money,” said Roosevelt in his inaugural address. He knew commissioners don’t want a tiny popular sentiment against insti- administrative detail to bother tutions and individuals respon- with, let them look elsewhere for sible for our nation’s malady: my vote next election. Ben H. Barteldes, “Practices of the unscrupulous Lawrence money changers stand indicted in
FDR achievement
Ousting Missouri
From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 22, 1911: YEARS “The plans for AGO the Elks annual IN 1911 Christmas treat for the poor children of Lawrence promises to be one of the most enjoyable events in the lives of these little ones whose lives are devoid of the pleasures and happiness of the other children. A real live Santa Claus has agreed to take care of all of these little ones that the Elks have at their rooms on next Monday afternoon. A Christmas tree all decorated with bright lights, tinsel and other signs of Christmas cheer is to be provided for the pleasure of the children. From this tree Santa Claus will give each of them a sack filled with candy, nuts and popcorn. Each child will also be given a toy of some kind. In addition to this the committee that is at work has recommended aid for certain children, and these will be given clothing, shoes and food and such other articles that they are found to be in need of.” — Compiled by Sarah St. John
Read more Old Home Town at LJWorld.com/news/lawrence/ history/old_home_town.
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