Yesterday, I celebrated the anniversary of my entrance into and two years later my exit from the U.S. Army. I was one of those who was drafted during the turbulent Vietnam era. My induction date works well for my tendency to make puns. I marched forth on March 4th. My military experiences were varied. I underwent basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, spent about a year in Atlanta at Ft. McPherson, Georgia, served a four-month stint in Vietnam and concluded my tenure in Kansas City. As I think back on those two years in the Army, I'm reminded of what a World War II veteran told me on the eve of my induction. "They couldn't get me to do this again for a million dollars. And I wouldn't trade the experience for anything."
A Christian Nation?
A caller last evening committed a common error. He said “America is a Christian nation.” More specifically, he claimed Barak Obama was the first president to say it is not a Christian nation, I don’t know if Obama made that observation. If he did, he’s right.
Civics 101 should have taught us all that America is a land populated primarily by people whose religion is Christianity. Christianity, however, is not a state religion. We are not a Theocracy; rather, we are a Republic or, if you prefer, a Democracy.
When I reminded our caller of these basic facts, he proclaimed “Majority rules!” Again, a fundamental misunderstanding of the nation in which he lives. Our Constitution is in place to protect not only the rights of the majority, but the rights of the minority, as well.
For example, we have the right to practice our religious faith. By the same token, we have the right to not practice any faith. We have the right of free speech. And we have the right to keep our mouth shut if we prefer. Our caller should have done just that.
Promoting Diversity!
A belated note of thanks to my friend Henry Lyons and the others who were part of the King Day celebration at the Overland Park Marriott. I was flattered (really!) to receive the Olathe Chapter of the NAACP’s award for promoting diversity in the media. It was gratifying because Scott Parks and I do sincerely believe it’s important to get various views on the air. We don’t have to agree with them. Often we do not. It’s important, however, that KMBZ offers a forum where local people and groups can have their say. Someone asked me recently what I do to promote diversity. I answered frankly. I permit people to express their opinions on the radio even though they disagree with me. And I’m constantly amazed that there are so many people who are so wrong so often.
Marinovich says no!
It’s bad news for Third District Dems that former UG Mayor Carol Marinovich will not run for the U.S. House. Marinovich, whose public service I admire, would have attracted moderate Johnson County Republicans who are easily persuaded not to support their party’s nominee.
For those who observed Marinovich in office, it’s not surprising that she chose to stay out. She’s a very private person who doesn’t relish the rituals of campaigning. I voted for Marinovich when she ran for mayor. (These were non-partisan elections, by the way.)
She gets and deserves much credit for championing the successful consolidation of city and county governments, attracting the Kansas Speedway project and pushing for the attendant development. Marinovich, in my view, is one of those very few people who seek office because they genuinely want to try and make things better. And she is one of the few who actually succeeded.
Rush Recovery!
I’m pleased to know that Rush Limbaugh’s health is good and the chest pains he suffered in Hawaii do not indicate heart problems. When the news of his hospitalization hit, I couldn’t help but wonder about what the impact of his incapacitation would be. His absence from the air would deprive the conservative movement of one of its most vocal spokesmen. A broadcast calendar without Rush would be a devastating blow to the 600 or so radio stations that air his program and make it a focal point of their operation. Many folks who work with and for Limbaugh depend on him for their livelihood. And a lot of advertisers (who pay a lot of money) count on Rush to bring customers and clients to their doors. Fortunately, Mr. Limbaugh in okay. And I’m sure that he and his listeners (including this one) are in no “rush” for him to leave.
