Opinion Line (Dec. 12)

George Orwell wrote fiction, but 50,000 more cameras on our streets, regardless of the placement, is a step in the direction he described. Be careful what you ask for; you just might not see all the possible results.

Just when we thought President Obama couldn’t possibly do any more to damage America’s image in the world, here comes the CIA report. Nice job, Obama.

The torture documents should have never been exposed. Only a very dumb administration would dare to publish them. It seems to me that this government wants to damage and reduce the U.S. to a Third World nation with every step it takes.

Barack Obama is the Bill Buckner of the presidency.

Ironically, Obama’s best appearances have been limited to the Comedy Central network.

The Sedgwick County Commission needs to go to the Wichita City Council and ask for industrial revenue bonds to pay for property taxes. The taxpayers should not have to pay taxes on property. Every year the appraiser raises the value of our property, and our property taxes increase.

So GOP state legislators having to take a significant cut to their personal incomes would say, “It’s a spending problem, not an income problem.” Right? They wouldn’t go looking for additional income, just cut expenses – like their house payment, utilities, insurance, etc.? Could we please get real?

When our highways are undrivable and state agencies cut, leaving overwhelmed workers unable to do their jobs, Brownback and company will say, “See? Government doesn’t work,” which was their plan all along. Unfortunately, those of us who did not vote for this Legislature will suffer along with those who did.

If the American Legislative Exchange Council is successful in its drive to repeal environmental standards, how long will it be until the U.S. skies look like China’s?

If state Rep. Dennis Hedke, R-Wichita, went to 100 doctors seeking help with high blood pressure, and 97 told him to change his diet, get some exercise and take medicine while three told him to keep eating those cheeseburgers, which would he do?

Why is it after I push one for English, I still can’t understand the person on the other end?

The Wichita Symphony with the Butler Community College Concert Choir gave a marvelous performance. The Hallelujah Chorus, with all the cellphones blinking, was spellbinding. Too bad hundreds of people walked out during this sacred finale.

This story was originally published December 11, 2014 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Opinion Line (Dec. 12)."