Opinion

We may have needed a bad version of Snow White to save family values

L&T Publisher Earl Watt

As a fan of Walt Disney (the man and his vision, not the current state of the Disney corporation), I have been gravely disappointed for some time in the leadership of the company. Having bearded men dress up as princesses lasted about a day before that was halted, which at least tells me that lessons can be learned. What is at question is why the attempt was ever made in the first place.

The company that used to welcome guests with the phrase, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” now simply says, “Children of all ages,” because heaven forbid we make references to anything referencing male and female.

Messiah: miracle that tells the rest of the story

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

We’ve looked at the teachings and miracles of Jesus the Messiah, and last week we mentioned that we’d examine more in depth one particular miracle. Each miracle is a demonstration of God’s love and mercy, and reveals God through His Son. Ultimately, the greatest miracle is that Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross and redeem souls; then He was raised from the dead to sit at the right hand of the Father.

What Congress and the Trump Administration must do to defend patent rights

GUEST COLUMN, Kristen Osenga, Inventors Defense Alliance

American innovation is under attack. Across the country, it’s increasingly difficult for startups to protect their inventions from large companies that want to steal them.

It’s up to Congress and the new administration to fix the situation -- which will go a long way to achieving the president’s stated goal of boosting America’s global competitiveness.

Session winding down, but 115 bills were passed in Week 10

RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator

I don’t remember too many times in the Legislature when we have had more than 100 votes in a four-day period, but Week 10 reached and exceeded that pinnacle with a total of 115. Now, you’re probably wondering, “How is it possible to make informed judgments on that many bills, amendments, resolutions, and confirmations in such a short time?” The answer being, “It is definitely a challenge, but thanks to the hearing process, staff briefings, a lot of reading, caucuses, and actual debate, we somehow make it happen.”

From changing time to filling vacancies in final hours

GUEST COLUMN, Shannon Francis, 125th District Representative

Carol and I celebrated our 39th anniversary on Saturday. She surprised me by taking the bus from Liberal to Topeka to celebrate. She said it was nice and a much better experience than driving for six hours like I do. It was great having her up here for the weekend, but I do miss being home and sleeping in my own bed for a couple of nights. Carol makes my service in the Legislature possible. She’s always there for me – whether it’s proofing my newsletter, listening after a tough week, or letting me know what’s going on at home. I couldn’t do it without her.