Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The Plane Truth
Last week, Governor Huckabee raised eyebrows when he suggested that God had given America a “second chance” on race relations so that we might treat Hispanics better than we have treated African-Americans. Isn’t it just like the Governor to make you crazy by saying something a bit off the wall that is really worth thinking about? That is the subject of my column in today’s Democrat-Gazette.
The Governor is often right on things, such as public education and I think his leadership there could be sorely missed. Then there is the darker side of Mike. His use of the state police airplane was the subject of a weekend report and it appears that he is spending fewer hours in the friendly skies. So why does the plane transport Mrs. Huckabee at all? Why do the State Police or the Governor not keep a log of when and where the plane travels along with a statement of the business purpose of the trip?
The Governor’s background as a preacher causes him to be oblivious to the often-obvious conflicts of interest which arise in his acceptance of gifts. This is one area where the new Governor, Mike Beebe, could shine. Let’s institute an articulated policy on that airplane, and let the sun shine in on state government.
(Broadcast December 11, 2006)
The Governor is often right on things, such as public education and I think his leadership there could be sorely missed. Then there is the darker side of Mike. His use of the state police airplane was the subject of a weekend report and it appears that he is spending fewer hours in the friendly skies. So why does the plane transport Mrs. Huckabee at all? Why do the State Police or the Governor not keep a log of when and where the plane travels along with a statement of the business purpose of the trip?
The Governor’s background as a preacher causes him to be oblivious to the often-obvious conflicts of interest which arise in his acceptance of gifts. This is one area where the new Governor, Mike Beebe, could shine. Let’s institute an articulated policy on that airplane, and let the sun shine in on state government.
(Broadcast December 11, 2006)
