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Common Thoughts, Common Sense

Parents need to know value of timely vaccinations

As a pediatrician and advocate for children, I was disheartened to read Betsy Lee’s column in Monday’s News-Press regarding childhood immunizations. ... Read more

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Mental illness need not define a child

Many children in our community suffer from an inability to cope with the everyday stresses of growing up. In our schools, as well as nationwide, there are students who have serious depression, anxiety disorders or anger issues. ... Read more

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Cigarette tax hike is bad idea

While growing up in the small border town of Atchison, Kan., my father, uncles and family friends made frequent trips over the Amelia Earhart Bridge to a small convenience store in Buchanan County, Mo. They usually returned with a full gas tank and small quantities of alcohol or cigarettes. ... Read more

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A tax whose time has come

Like you, I am against raising taxes in Missouri, particularly in a weak economy. But there is one exception whose time has come — the state’s cigarette tax. The General Assembly should give Missourians a chance to vote on a moderate cigarette tax increase. ... Read more

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Ups and downs, but also opportunity

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Nearing Tax Day, economic concerns merit attention

Record debt. Higher taxes. Skyrocketing gas prices. Out-of-control spending. Continued unemployment. ... Read more

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Uncertainty from Washington is holding back small businesses

What affects job creation throughout Missouri and the United States? A lack of certainty hampering small businesses and preventing them from doing what they do best: expand their company and hire more Americans. ... Read more

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Plan shortchanges National Guard

Since the 9/11 attacks, our citizen-soldiers and airmen in the National Guard have been serving more and more on the frontlines both at home and abroad — from the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan, to securing our borders, and providing disaster assistance in the wake of devastating floods and storms here in Missouri. Unfortunately, the president’s latest budget leaves the Guard, once again, bearing the brunt of budget cuts, which puts at risk these critical missions. ... Read more

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Lifting the curtain on utility regulation

The rate-making process for utilities can be complex, and the public often feels left out of the discussion. With a major rate case now beginning for Kansas City Power & Light, I thought I would try to lift the curtain on utility regulation and encourage more citizens to take part. ... Read more

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Teen gambling common, risky

Dean and Jason were great friends and loved baseball. ... Read more

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Guerrilla war: Violence begets violence

As early spring approached in 1862, a new confrontation took shape that pretty much would decide Missouri’s fate — whether it would remain in the Union or finally be whisked away into the Confederacy. ... Read more

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More corn or fewer floods? We have a choice to make

Neither God, nor freak rain events, or the tiny piping plover, caused the Missouri River flood of 2011. Rather, humans and their ignorance, greed and hubris brought the floodwaters down upon this area. ... Read more

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Facts about Downtown parking meters

This concerns the issues facing Downtown parking. ... Read more

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Harold Colboch: One of the great ones

Harold Colboch’s recent passing brings back fond memories of an incredible person. His love for the South Side was well known as he committed himself to many activities and roles of leadership over a 50-year period. Yet, there is so much more to this fascinating man. ... Read more

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Smoke gets in my eyes … hair … lungs

Cigarette companies whine that nonsmokers are too intolerant of smokers and they should just ignore the smoke and let people smoke wherever they want. This self-serving request for tolerance, however, is neither reasonable nor physically possible. ... Read more

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Explore positive side of discipline

Imagine yourself out grocery shopping. You witness an upset toddler screeching, “I want it!” Yelling, a parent grabs the child, who then promptly turns into a noodle, squirming onto the floor into an all-out temper tantrum. ... Read more

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Less is better when talking jobs

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon wants to be known as the Energizer Bunny of job creation. At taxpayer expense, he goes hopping about our state — and, indeed, the world — banging his trusty drums and promising to broker deals that will secure more jobs for Missouri. ... Read more

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A job-killing bill by any other name …

William Shakespeare, through his character Juliet, asked “What’s in a name?” Now, more than 400 years later, Americans are asking the same question about Sen. Claire McCaskill’s “Bipartisan Jobs Creation Act.” ... Read more

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Hometown hero reminds us of the meaning of sacrifice

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Bicycle, pedestrian funding key to our nation’s health

A small group of U.S. senators is forcing a vote on a proposal to eliminate bicycle and pedestrian funding in the federal transportation budget. However, a recent Associated Press article checked up on opponents’ claims and found none of them hold any air. ... Read more

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1861: A new hope of freedom

As 1861 ended, so did any real hopes of peace fade across the country. It had been over a year since the election of President Abraham Lincoln and the unraveling of the Union by the secession of 11 Southern states into the newly created Confederate States of America. Sadly, the act of these states had resulted in war. ... Read more

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Lessons of the not-so-special session

Talk about laying an egg. Missouri lawmakers went home at the end of the 50-day special session of the legislature with little to show for their exertions. ... Read more

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PACT: Setting the course for our community

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Postal Service heading down ruinous path

The Postal Service is in the process of closing or consolidating thousands (this year alone, 3,600) of post offices with no end in sight. ... Read more

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Mental illness is a health issue

People with mental illnesses are parents, coworkers, neighbors, students and friends. They are children and adults living with a diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to dominate their life; recovery is possible. ... Read more

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United Way tackles problems, causes

United Way impacts thousands of lives across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas through areas that matter to us all: education, health and financial stability. ... Read more

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Hey, St. Joe: We’ve got talent

One of my favorite celebrity quotes recently came from — I know this is risky, but I’m going to use it anyway — Charlie Sheen. In the midst of personal and professional turmoil, Charlie uttered a line I absolutely love, “I’m tired of pretending I’m not special.” It is very revealing. ... Read more

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Not in the name of my religion

It is still as vivid in my mind’s eye as it is in our nation’s collective memory: A decade ago, 19 psychotic men boarded planes and changed us. ... Read more

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Bull run ‘official’ start of war

By most all accounts, everyone thought the impending Civil War likely would be decided by maybe one glorious battle. Further, most thought the North would be victorious and the rebellion would collapse with just such an event. It was now the middle of summer, and although there had been some minor skirmishes across the country, there had not been the big battle — yet. ... Read more

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We all suffer some form of poverty

What is it about people’s personal stories that can reach into us deeper than anything else? It’s like they have this uncanny ability to bring together our brains and our hearts. They make us want to get up and do something about it. ... Read more

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‘Givers, doers, planners’ needed

When I was 8 years old, my mother dressed me up in a “costume” consistent with that night’s symphony music theme and strategically placed me in the front row of the historic Missouri Theatre. My job was to encourage the audience to make a donation to the symphony. This was my humble beginning to a life of volunteerism, charitable giving and philanthropy. ... Read more

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Financial cuts would have real consequences in Missouri

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Many oppose cold medicine bill

In fighting the scourge that is methamphetamine abuse, we as Missourians are all in this together. ... Read more

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Corps’ Master Manual guides regulation of river

We’ve been fighting the Flood of 2011 for nearly three weeks now. Throughout the basin, the losses to families and communities have been wrenching and our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this unfortunate and unprecedented event. ... Read more

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Initiatives provide check on politicians

One of the checks Missouri voters have on the power of state politicians is in jeopardy: Sen. Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, is taking aim at the initiative petition, a process that allows Missourians to band together to put laws and constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot. ... Read more

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Let the children raise some funds

When tragedy strikes, children frequently do their part to raise money for the relief efforts by setting up front-yard concession stands and donating the proceeds to those in need. Indeed, news outlets all over Missouri have shared wonderful stories of how kids have been selling lemonade and baked goods to raise money to help the tornado victims in Joplin. ... Read more

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Be proactive when preparing for flooding

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The war comes a knocking

As the spring of 1861 spread across the country, so did the prospects of total war. ... Read more

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Elk compensation makes sense

While many farmers and ranchers are against it, and while Missouri Farm Bureau testified on behalf of farmers and ranchers opposing it, elk will soon return to Missouri. ... Read more

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Show-Me pay equality for women

As a little girl, I turned red then blue after swallowing a penny which got stuck in my windpipe. Immediately, my mother flipped me upside down and shook me like a rug until the penny popped out of my mouth. ... Read more

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Where have all the Matt Blunts gone?

Before New Jersey’s larger-than-life Gov. Chris Christie came onto the scene and long before protesters crowded the halls of Wisconsin’s capitol to oppose Gov. Scott Walker’s cuts to the state budget, there was Missouri’s Gov. Matt Blunt. ... Read more

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Shrinking resources worsen poverty

Nearly 1 in 6 people living in rural America fell below the poverty line in 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Taking a closer look at Northwest Missouri, rural poverty is a serious issue for thousands of families. ... Read more

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Several reasons for Western’s budget challenge

The Board of Governors at Missouri Western State University soon will have to make a difficult decision regarding tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year. I’d like to explain why we think a significant tuition increase is unavoidable. I also want to assure the community Western will remain one of the state’s most affordable public universities. ... Read more

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‘Non-elections’ discourage involvement

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Have you given up your opportunity to vote for write-in candidates for certain local boards, such as the Board of Education or the Fire Protection District? ... Read more

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St. Joseph mosque open to all

A hearty thank-you to the 400-plus new friends, neighbors, guests and supporters of our new mosque who joined us last Saturday for the opening of the Islamic Center of St. Joseph. ... Read more

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At Heartland, health care doesn’t wait till you get sick

Let’s be honest, the high cost of health care is hurting Missouri’s families. That’s why I was pleased to visit an award-wining facility in St. Joseph that’s on the cutting edge of medicine both in terms of costs and innovation. ... Read more

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A new nation, a divided country

The word “secession” means to withdraw. Within the course of a month after the secession of South Carolina on Dec. 20, 1860, six other Southern states seceded from the Union. These states consisted of Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. ... Read more

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Impartial judges, fair courts serve all Missourians

In his guest column Sunday, with the designed-to-be-appealing title “Protect farmers from lawsuits,” James Harris plows the same worn-out field with his unfounded rants about lawyers, Missouri courts and our state’s renowned judicial selection system. ... Read more

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Protect farmers from lawsuits

I applaud state Rep. Casey Guernsey, R-Bethany, for sponsoring HB 209, a bill that would cap awards in nuisance lawsuits against family farms and agribusinesses to the actual fair market value of damages. ... Read more

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Give St. Louis control of its police department

At first blush, I can see why most St. Joseph area residents would shrug their shoulders and say “Who cares?” about two bills in the state legislature: Senate Bill 23 and House Bill 71. ... Read more

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Foundation exists to improve lives

The oak tree. It long has been a symbol of growth, strength and stability for residents of Northwest Missouri. ... Read more

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What to expect when we ask 'Why?'

Joan Didion’s 1970 novel “Play It as It Lays” begins, “What makes Iago evil? some ask. I never ask.” In art and life, we look for motives. ... Read more

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Resolutions for Missouri public policy

Year end is a time to reflect — and to think ahead. In the holiday spirit, the Show-Me Institute has compiled a list of five New Year’s resolutions for state officials to promote better government for 2011 and beyond. ... Read more

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The fateful election of 1860

Every election, especially those involving selection of a president, carries a certain sense of urgency and anticipation. ... Read more

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Future of science is important work

Earlier this year, President Obama stated, “The quality of math and science teachers is the most important single factor influencing whether students will succeed or fail in science, technology, engineering and math.” As a seasoned educator from St. Joseph, I completely agree. ... Read more

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EPA's new ozone rules will hurt Missouri

At a time when Missouri’s unemployment rate is hovering around 9 percent, close to the national average, the government should be proposing policies and legislation that create more jobs — not eliminate them. ... Read more

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A St. Joseph view of mosques, freedom

It’s time to have a serious dialogue about Islam and religious freedom. I hope my fellow residents of St. Joseph and anyone else who reads this will find my position reasonable. ... Read more

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Service workers deserve thanks

Most of us already know that people making very little money perform some of the hardest and unrewarding — but most important — jobs in our community. ... Read more

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Most Popular

Stories
- List to reveal state’s most endangered properties
  A statewide spotlight will soon shine on one of St. Joseph’s most endangered properties.
- Late notices, May 17, 2012
- Fatal wreck closes Northeast Kansas road
  An accident that killed a Clinton County man closed a Northeast Kansas road for five hours Wednesday.
- Authorities search for suspect
  Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for a St. Joseph man after he allegedly fled from a County Club Village police officer early Wednesday morning.
- Colgan principal says teary goodbye
  Debbie Sisco spent much of Wednesday in hugs and tears. Some of the memorabilia, knickknacks and other personal items that identified the principal’s office at the Colgan Alternative Resource Center as her own was packed away in totes.
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