Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana

Opinion

April 5, 2009

Weekly wrap - Monday, April 6, 2009

Excerpts of recent editorials from Indiana newspapers:

On the president’s speech at Notre Dame:

Shortly after it was announced that President Barack Obama would speak and receive an honorary degree at Notre Dame on May 17, Bishop John D’Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese said he would not be attending the graduation, citing Obama’s views on abortion and stem cell research. Pro-life groups have pledged to hold a protest near campus on graduation day leading one senior to declare that he was “embarrassed to be a Catholic.”

The Rev. John W. Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president, said Obama’s invitation doesn’t mean Notre Dame condones the president’s views and called the visit “basis for further positive engagement.”

Politics cannot be divorced from the educational process that culminates in graduation. Though Notre Dame is fundamentally a religious school, political issues are an everyday reality, as they are in all walks of life.

Some people may be bothered by the choice of speaker, but it’s good for the democratic process to listen and react to opposing views. We cannot shut ourselves into cocoons and be comfortable in our own beliefs. If freedom of speech means anything, it means to challenge and provoke and be returned in kind.

The spirit of free speech is alive and well on the campus of Notre Dame, and that should be celebrated.

– The Herald Bulletin, Anderson

On GM president’s ouster:

We found mention of the separation of powers, establishing an executive branch, a legislative branch and the judiciary. We found mention of elections. We found First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion.

But as we read through the U.S. Constitution and its accompanying 27 amendments, we found nothing about a presidential right to fire CEOs of any private firm with which a president is dissatisfied.

Maybe President Barack Obama didn’t exactly do The Donald by thumping his palm on his desk in the Oval Office, looking at General Motors President Richard Wagoner and saying, “Dick, you’re fired.” But the message was quite clear — find a new CEO or start working on those bankruptcy papers. Now.

There’s a problem when the government becomes so cozy with private business. It’s too much leverage, leverage and coziness that we find unacceptable and unconstitutional. Regulate business? Sure. The Constitution outlines the federal regulation of business, although we’d contend the less the better.

Could it be that the board of directors should have sacked Wagoner long before now? Maybe so. But that’s a decision best left with the board of directors and stockholders, not the president of the United States or one of his designees.

– The Tribune, Seymour

On dog in gymnasium during h.s. game:

Plymouth police went too far when they took a police dog into the gymnasium during a basketball game between Gary Roosevelt and Rochester high schools.

The incident happened at the March 14 Plymouth Regional. Some fans went onto the basketball court several times. The referee asked school officials for help, and the lone police officer providing security at the game called for backup. Four police officers responded, including an officer who brought a police dog.

The presence of the police dog was at best overreacting to the incident and was taken by many at the game to be a racial insult. Gary legislators said they will look into the issue, including possible litigation and possible legislation. It shouldn’t need to be taken that far.

Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter and IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress should pressure the police brass to apologize to everyone at the game. In addition, the police need training in the proper use of a police dog and in racial and cultural sensitivity. The police response was an embarrassment to the city and needs to be addressed quickly.

– The Times, Munster

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Opinion
  • Forever thankful

    Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

    Memorial Day officially

    May 26, 2012

  • Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012

    Thanks for your kindness

    Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:

    “The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.

    May 25, 2012

  • USPS scales back plans

    The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.

    Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.

    May 25, 2012

  • Sign change is overdue

    A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.

    May 23, 2012 1 Story

  • Tips on flag etiquette

    Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.

    May 21, 2012

  • Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012

    Carriers collect 19 tons of food

    Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:

    May 19, 2012

  • Walk a lap, fight cancer

    Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.

    May 18, 2012

  • Program eyes troubled kids

    If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

    May 16, 2012

  • Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays

    The issue: The Class of 2012.

    Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.

     

     

    May 15, 2012

  • de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman

    During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.

    May 15, 2012

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