A kinder, gentler America
A kinder, gentler America
Small moments can say so much.
A chat I had years ago with then Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh has been in my thoughts lately.
It happened in the spring of 1992, not long before the Indiana presidential primary. Bayh and I talked after a press conference in which both he and his fellow Democrat, then Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, had talked with journalists.
At the time, Clinton was well on his way to securing the Democratic presidential nomination and, eventually, the presidency.
I had come to the press conference after snagging a ride from the airport with Clinton so I could interview him. It was the first time I’d talked with him. It didn’t take long to realize what a skilled political performer he was as he danced and parried through the interview with the smooth assurance that prompted one admiring biographer to refer to him as “The Natural” and his critics to label him “Slick Willie.”
Clinton demonstrated the same skills in the press conference, moving without any seeming effort from combative testiness to comforting consolation.
Afterward, I walked out with Bayh.
I asked him, more to make conversation than to elicit information, how he saw the campaign shaping up.
He stopped, so I did, too.
He said that the Clintons were friends of his and his wife, the now-departed Susan Bayh. When the Bayhs first had moved into the governor’s residence and Evan was only 33 while Susan still was just in her late 20s, the Clintons had been kind to them, Evan explained.
The Clintons, too, had come to power early. Bill Clinton became Arkansas’s governor when he was just 32, with Hillary only a year younger.
The shared experience of being both young and at the center of a state’s government linked the two couples. They bonded over being members of such a small club.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were friends and fellow Democrats, Evan Bayh explained to me. For those reasons and others, he wanted them to win.
I lingered, sensing there was a “but” coming.
There was.
George H.W. Bush was the incumbent president then. His wife, Barbara Bush, had been friends with Evan Bayh’s late mother, Marvella, whose husband was U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh, D-Indiana.
The two women got to know each other when their husbands, both then young politicians on the rise, arrived in Washington, D.C.
Evan Bayh was just in elementary school then.
“Barbara Bush used to babysit me when I was small,” he told me. “I know she and her husband are good people.”
He paused, then did a small, rueful headshake.
“So, how can I be that upset if the Bushes spend four more years in the White House?”
After we said our farewells, I walked away oddly heartened.
This was how elections in America ought to be, I thought—you hoped for one outcome, but you weren’t crushed if things went the other way.
That 1992 presidential election was rancorous, of course. Presidential elections always are because the stakes are high.
There were accusations of marital infidelity on both sides and broadside criticisms of each candidate’s character and courage.
But it wasn’t the exercise in existential apocalyptic dread that the last three presidential campaigns have been. No one feared that the country would self-destruct or democracy itself would die if their side lost.
The losing candidates didn’t riot or attempt to overthrow the government because the vote didn’t go their way.
In fact, when the Clintons won, Bush’s vice president, Indiana’s own Dan Quayle, offered one of the most gracious concessions I’ve ever heard.
Quayle said that if Bill Clinton and his running mate, then U.S. Sen. Al Gore, D-Tennessee, were half as good at running the country as they were at campaigning, America would be just fine.
That was 32 years ago, not all that long in the life of a grand republic.
Somehow, though, it seems like eons ago.
John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.
Undecided Voters Should Have The Opportunity To Hear From All Candidates
TELEVISED DEBATE LEAVES TWO GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES OUT
written by Johnny Kincaid
March 19, 2024
Six candidates are running in the Republican primary for Governor: Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill, and Jamie Reitenour. But, not all of the candidates will be allowed to participate in the next debate on March 26 in Indianapolis.
Campaigning has been going on for months already, and now, with under 60 days to go, the race is on to the finish line. Every handshake and opportunity to speak is of vital importance to the candidates.
That’s why there has been a statewide uproar over the upcoming Fox59 gubernatorial debate rules. To participate in the debate, candidates must have more than 5% in a poll and have raised over $100,000. The rules will prevent two candidates, Jamie Reitenour and Curtis Hill, from taking to the stage.
In a recent Facebook post, Reitenour said, “My exclusion from these important events in the democratic process is an injustice that needs to be corrected!”
Most people aren’t sure who to direct the outrage at. In the case of the March 26 debate, the rules are established by the company that owns Fox59, Nexstar Media Group. The company owns 197 television stations, and the rules are handed down from the corporate headquarters in Irving, Texas, Midtown Manhattan, and Chicago.
As a private company, Nexstar is within its rights to create a set of standards that candidates must meet to participate. However, having the right to do something does not always mean it is the right thing to do. In the crowded field of candidates, this decision could significantly impact those left off the stage.
Relying on candidate polling numbers fails to take into consideration the huge number of undecided voters. Polling shows that almost half of Hoosier Republicans have not made up their minds about who to vote for in the May primary. With that many undecided voters, a strong debate could change many minds.
If you believe that undecided voters should have the opportunity to hear from all candidates, you can contact Fox59 in Indianapolis. You can email the station’s news department at fox59news@fox59.com.
EPD Pension Board Meeting
PUBLIC NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AND SPECIAL
MEETING OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT PENSION BOARD
The Evansville Police Department Pension Board (the “Board”) will hold an Executive Session on March 19, 2024, at 8:15 a.m. The Executive Session will be held in Room 307 on the third floor of the Civic Center at 1 N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Evansville, Indiana. The Executive Session will be closed to the public for the following reason: for discussion of records classified as confidential by state or federal statute (I.C. § 5-14-1.5-6.1). Immediately following the Executive Session, the Board will conduct a Special Meeting at the same location, which is open to the public.
Richard Hubbard,
Governor proclaims March 19 as National Ag Day
INDIANAPOLIS (March 19, 2024) — Gov. Eric Holcomb has proclaimed March 19 as National Ag Day in Indiana.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities, and this sector is a large employer of Hoosiers and contributes so much to our state, both economically and socially,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Today, we not only celebrate all Hoosiers involved in any capacity, but we thank them also!”
National Ag Day, March 19, 2024, highlights agriculture’s contributions to our state and local economies and allows producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture.
Indiana is the ninth-largest agricultural-producing state in the country. The state has over 94,000 farmers, and agricultural production is valued at over $18 billion. Indiana farmers cultivate over 14.6 million acres and establish over 47,000 soil conservation practices each year which kept an estimated 1.8 million tons of soil in the farm fields.
Indiana’s top commodities are:
- Number one producer of popcorn, gourds and duck
- Number two producer of pumpkins
- Number three producer of spearmint, turkeys and total eggs
- Number four producer of peppermint and soybeans
- Number five producing state for corn and hogs
- Number six producer of watermelons
- Number ten producing state for maple syrup and hemp for floral (CBD and other cannabinoid usage)
“Indiana’s agriculture breadth is deep and wide. We have traditional row crop farmers and animal producers, we have farmers who grow popcorn for movie theaters and corn for tortilla chips, we have food manufacturers who make snack cakes that are beloved worldwide, and we have organic farmers and farmers that sell directly to restaurants and consumers,” said Don Lamb, ISDA director. “My favorite part about agriculture in Indiana is that everyone has a seat at our table. Today, we honor them and extend our gratitude.”
Rescue Dog Providing Support to Families of Fallen Soldiers
Rescue Dog Providing Support to Families of Fallen Soldiers
MARCH 19, 2024
Overcoming Abuse and Neglect, Therapy Dog ‘Blaze’ Now Serves Alongside Chaplain, Captain William Kilgore, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base
NESCONSET, New York – March 18, 2024 –The families of U.S. service members killed while on duty overseas face incomprehensible grief and stress. The same goes for the servicemen and women who support them during this unimaginable time. The men and women of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) at Dover Air Base are in charge of rendering support and honors during the dignified transfer of remains at the Dover, Delaware Air Force Base. They are the only Air Force base in America that all the fallen come through. A dog named Blaze is part of that special team, as he provides support to the families.
A unique member of the AFMAO support team, Blaze is a two-year-old rescued standard poodle gifted to Captain Kilgore by Paws of War, after being rescued by them in 2022. He now serves as a United States Air Force Base therapy dog alongside active-duty military Air Force Chaplain, Captain William Kilgore. Like many of the 5,000-plus animals, Paws of War has rescued over the last 10 years, Blaze was rescued from unspeakable conditions in an environment run by illegal breeders that severely neglected him.
Through Paws of War, Blaze underwent months of therapy, rehabilitation, training, and special care. As a result, he successfully recovered from his ailments and injuries that were a result of months of abuse and neglect. To the surprise of all involved with his rehabilitation, Blaze flourished beyond expectations and his potential as a therapy dog was soon recognized. Blaze was so effective with military staff and team members at AFMOA, it was recommended that he become a full-time member of Captain Kilgore’s team.
Blaze was fully adopted by Air Force Captain William Kilgore the on-base Chaplain at Dover Air Base in 2023, and now serves as an integral member of his support team. Captain Kilgore’s experience with therapy dogs prior to joining the military helped guide his decision to seek out and enlist Blaze.
Blaze’s mission is to “lift the spirits” of those serving on-base and aid in therapeutic and emotional support to all that require or seek it. Blaze provides comfort during times of crisis and stress at Dover. Blaze starts the day like any normal dog. But when it is time, he “goes to work” every day with Chaplain Captain Kilgore.
Throughout any given day, Blaze will attend meetings, “make the rounds” of the facility and base, interacting with base personnel and visitors alike. In addition, his main responsibility is to be present during the welcoming of families of a fallen service member, stand by the service men and women of the AFMAO during the transfer of a flag covered casket., and meet with the families of the fallen if requested by the immediate family. It is always at this moment Captain Kilgore is reminded that he made the right decision in bringing Blaze on.
“Since Blaze has joined us, every single family here for a Dignified Transfer has requested time with Blaze,” says Captain Kilgore. “Blaze has had a tremendous impact on everyone that meets him.”
Paws of War also focuses on giving back to veterans in various ways. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their mission, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to honor and support veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need. Since 2014, Paws of War has rescued more than 5000 animals, many cared for and rescued by our troops serving overseas to safety in the United States. Paws of War has provided over 950 Veterans and First Responders with service and support animals rescued from kill shelters for over 10 years and has placed over 800 animals for adoption. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.
About Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations – United States Air Force
Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is a Field Operating Agency under the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters Air Force. AFMAO provides global contingency mortuary response teams in support of Air Force and combatant command requirements, supporting both an Air Force and joint role. It is AFMAO’s mission and privilege to fulfill our nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families.AFMAO has a total force support consisting of more than 85 civilian staff and active-duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, as well as Guard and Reserve personnel. AFMAO has many community partners, which routinely include support from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Joint Personal Effects Depot, Fisher House, USO and Friends of the Fallen.
Mission: Maintain a highly trained and resilient Total Force team of professionals capable of fulfilling our nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring Dignity, Honor and Respect to our fallen while providing Care, Service and Support to their families across the DoD enterprise.
Vision: To be the benchmark by which all Mortuary Affairs and honor guard procedures, programs, readiness, resiliency and training are measured while providing the utmost honors to those who have fallen while in service to our Nation.
https://www.mortuary.af.mil
Bill Watch Update – March 18
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed HEA 1338 into law and issued the following statement:
“Today, I signed HEA 1338 to provide local government entities across our state with the ability to better control public meetings when faced with unruly, disruptive and disorderly behavior. Concerns raised regarding the provisions affecting the Office of Public Access Counselor were taken into account but ultimately, in my opinion, muted by the fact that judicial review of the office’s decisions is left untouched and that the governor retains the ability to appoint the position in the future.”
16th annual Fix a Leak Week reminds businesses to reduce water waste
WASHINGTON — Today, March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program is celebrating the 16th annual Fix a Leak Week. Minor leaks account for nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. During the third week of March each year, WaterSense and its utility, government, retail, builder, and manufacturer partners remind consumers and businesses to look for leaks and make simple repairs to save water.
“Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort,” said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill.”
Participating in Fix a Leak Week is simple. Take 10 minutes each day during Fix a Leak Week to look for leaks and save water using the following tips:
- Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is probably a leak.
- Place a drop of food coloring in the tank at the back of the toilet. If color shows up in the bowl in 5-10 minutes, there’s a leak; flush afterward to avoid staining the tank.
- If the rubber flapper in your toilet tank is more than five years old, replace it with a new one, as worn flappers can cause toilets to run or have silent leaks.
- Check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them if necessary. Leaky showerhead connections can be tightened using pipe tape and a wrench.
- Outside, check hose spigots for drips and look for broken or missing sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.
For plumbing and irrigation fixtures that cannot be repaired, EPA recommends replacing them with products that have earned the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. For more information on finding and fixing leaks, visit EPA’s Fix a Leak Week website.