A party in need of a leader
The Indiana Democratic Party is not a political entity which deserves any great respect. Nor is it a force to be reckoned with in the Legislature.
With the exception of Rep. Joe Donnelly’s robust victory over Republican Richard Mourdock in the U.S. Senate race, not much good happened for Hoosier Democrats in the last election. Keep in mind that Glenda Ritz, who defeated incumbent Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, was a Republican who changed parties to seek the office of schools chief.
The end result is a state government controlled almost entirely by Republicans, who now have super majorities in both houses of the General Assembly.
The Democrats have no particular individuals around which to rally, which will make it tough to rebuild a vibrant and relevant state party. But we are impressed with new Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane, a 60-year-old Anderson attorney, whose job it will be to lead the loyal opposition and ensure that all Hoosier voices are being heard on issues big and small.
Lanane, who was featured recently in a story by CNHI Statehouse reporter Maureen Hayden, seems to be taking a constructive approach. He’s not primed for daily combat, but is willing to stand his ground. His advice to his Democrat colleagues: “Keep your chin up and stay in the fight.”
While his role is certainly limited under current state Senate configuration, it is an important role nonetheless. We urge him to follow his own advice.
Halt! Police! Drop that camera!
It was an appropriate end to an incredibly stupid law.
The U.S. Supreme Court this week upheld a lower court ruling that found Illinois’ anti-eavesdropping law violates free speech rights when used against people who tape law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
As the law was being practiced, prosecutors could file charges and seek convictions against people recording police activity. The law even set a maximum prison term of 15 years! Ridiculous.
Also worth noting is that the public has the ACLU to thank for challenging and eventually defeating this usage of the law.
The ACLU argued that the right to record police is vital to guard against abuse. Of course it is. The people of Illinois, and elsewhere, are fortunate that the courts agreed.
Cheers, jeers and tears
• Cheers to Terre Haute’s Noon Optimist Club for its continued efforts to clothe needy kids. The Clothe-A-Child program is in its 78th year and seeks to raise $45,000 in its current fund drive.
• Cheers to Keirra Porter, the 15-year-old Terre Haute sophomore hurdler, for her invitation to compete next summer in the Down Under International games in Australia. She’s now attempting to raise money for the trip, and we wish her well.
• Jeers to Republican U.S. Sens. John McCain and Lindsay Graham for their relentless efforts to besmirch U.N Ambassador Susan Rice for her early briefings to Sunday talk shows on the attacks on our Embassy in Libya. If they would spend their time and effort on more important issues, perhaps Congress could someday resolve real problems.
• Tears for Cecil Tilford, the colorful storeowner whose strong support of a local neighborhood led to him being referred to as the unofficial “mayor of Twelve Points.” Tilford, who operated a variety store on Lafayette Avenue for decades, died last week at age 87.
Reader poll results
Recently, the Reader Poll at Tribstar.com asked:
How do you expect your spending to measure up to last year’s Christmas shopping season?
Results: 237 votes were cast.
• Will spend more — 23 votes, 9.7 percent
• Will spend less — 138 votes, 58.23 percent
• Will spend about the same — 76 votes, 32.07 percent
New online reader poll
What is the best way for Congress to avoid sending the federal government off the “Fiscal Cliff'”?
To vote, visit www.tribstar.com.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news
- Opinion
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RONN MOTT: Ernie Pyle
I stepped back in time last week when I visited the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana.
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RONN MOTT: Pyle museum in Dana good way to study WWII
I stepped back in time last week when I visited the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana.
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FLASHPOINT: Legislative session reflected Hoosier priorities
The 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly came to an end just a few weeks ago with the final passage of our state’s next two-year budget.
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The celebration season
Spring has been a bit elusive at times in 2013, which is its nature.
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RONN MOTT: Frustration
For those who know me well, they can say without contradiction I am not a patient man. But in this hustle and bustle world I’ve been a part of all my adult life, I’ve had to learn a little patience. On occasion, however, I find some experiences extremely frustrating.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: MVC tourney an event worth having
It’s been a long time since the Missouri Valley Conference chose Indiana State University to host its post-season baseball tournament, but Terre Haute had never been more prepared for an event such as this.
- READERS' FORUM: May 23, 2013
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EDITORIAL: Cleaning up voter rolls
It’s not a lot of money in the big scheme of things, but the $2 million designated in the recent session of the General Assembly will begin the messy but necessary process of cleaning up Indiana’s voter registration rolls.
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READERS' FORUM: May 22, 2013
Rich history all along the river
Great work by Duke employees
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RONN MOTT: Rabid Republicans
The so-called news people at Fox News can hardly sit still long enough to report on the latest gossip or untruth about our sitting President. They can hardly contain themselves.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 21, 2013
• Great response to annual golf outing
• Doing your part on climate change
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LIZ CIANCONE: Smell of fresh air gave way to dryers
Remember when clean clothes smelled like fresh air and sunshine rather than fabric softener and dryer sheets?
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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Mark Bennett: High-profile mural connects historical dots from city to river
At 96 feet wide and 2 stories tall, the power, impact and value of the Wabash will be evident.
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EDITORIAL: Waging the ‘readiness’ campaign
Almost every Hoosier who starts college intends to finish. Unfortunately, those who arrive on campus unprepared in key academic areas are far less likely to fulfill that aspiration.
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
• Flawed reasoning on gun checks
• A hint of things yet to come?
• Are the ‘makers’ doing the ‘taking’?
• The ‘Obamination’ is finally revealed
• Pondering effects of Obamacare
• Fantasizing on the ‘Apocalypse’
• Another view of Hinduism
• Great experience for HCMS students
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FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
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RONN MOTT: Mushrooms = Hoosier happiness
Someone wrote or said a few years ago a statement that would define the word “Hoosier.” According to this urban legend, a Hoosier is somebody dribbling a basketball around the Indy 500 while eating a fried, morel mushroom. It did not define me, at the time.
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EDITORIAL: Insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
Hinduism doesn’t deserve ridicule — Shefali Purohit, Terre Haute
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RONN MOTT: Israel’s Air Force
Recently the Israeli Air Force bombed and rocketed a convoy leaving Syria going to Lebanon with rockets that were going to be used to attack Israel. It did not get there. It was destroyed.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: Dashing finish for the Sycamores
It’s always thrilling to see Indiana State University’s athletic teams do well in high-level competition, and two specific teams rose to impressive heights last weekend in the Missouri Valley Conference outdoor track and field championships.
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
Moving Deming folks sounds ‘nuts’
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
Participants rise to the challenge: I would like to write a letter congratulating all the Wabash Valley Roadrunners that competed in the One America Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
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RONN MOTT: Media merry-go-round
Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows. That isn’t a unique phrase to this writer or to this era in time. But, when it comes to the musical chairs of broadcasting, it certainly applies.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Courts see a different appearance than cops
Have you ever noticed the transformation between the arrest of an accused lawbreaker and the first appearance in court?
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
ISTEP failure exposes flaws
Community hasn’t changed its spirit
Egregious threat to nation’s defense
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
• Women’s group criticizes Bucshon
• Let’s hope this doesn’t come true
• Many get thanks for fest success
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MARK BENNETT: Life at face value: Mom’s simple advice still presents a valuable daily challenge
Most moms don’t base their advice on scientific research.
(Unless, of course, your mother is a scientific researcher. If so, carry a No. 2 pencil and take good notes.) -
EDITORIAL: Better monitoring needed to prevent local environmental messes
The nasty, hazardous messes lurking in the community raise a bottom-line, red-flag question. Could these environmental problems have been monitored and, thus, prevented?
- More Opinion Headlines
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RONN MOTT: Ernie Pyle
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Suspect in Killing of Officer Found Dead in Cell
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Today in History May 24
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Britain Braces for Possible Copycat Attacks
Today in History May 25
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Young protestor goes viral on Youtube
High Wire Spectacle Thrills Crowd in Austria
Toronto Mayor says he's not a crack head
Maine island offers lighthouse getaway
Should We Prepare for Quakes?
Lynn Kindergarten Class Rescues Ducklings
Congressional gold medal awarded to civil rights heroes
Charles Ramsey visits Kentucky
Unique Display Greets Guests At Revel Casino
Cape Cod Train Service Worries Residents
BASE jumper rides snowmobile off cliff to honor dead friend
SHOCKING: School Guard Throws Girl Down Stairs
Star Wars X-Wing Star Fighter Made of Legos
Actress Amanda Bynes Arrested in New York
Singer Psy Has An Imposter
President Obama Heckled at National Security Speech
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
More lewd photos may soon come out: Weiner
