The Friday Five

1. Steve Rose has a 12 vote grade Dennis Moore Column this week that has stirred up discussion of our favorite Congressman. While Rose's list is missing some notable votes (Association Health Plans, Taxes, Speaker of the House), it is a fairly good gauge. Personally, I would have voted the same way on 3 of the 12. Read the column and grade Moore yourself, I may cover this in more depth this week.

2. CAFTA passed this week. The trade agreement will lower trade barriers in Central America, increase US agricultural exports and help US farmers, workers, and consumers. The only noticeable loser in the deal seems to be the US sugar industry, sugar costs more in the US than any other nation on Earth and the sugar industry has fought efforts to allow US consumers access to less expensive imports.

3. John McCain reopened his PAC this week in preparation for his 2008 Presidential run. There is something funny about a guy whose number one issue is getting money out of politics opening a PAC so people can contribute more money to his campaign.

4. I want to repeat my offer to post any education reform plans anyone sends me. This should be issue number one, it is factor number one in the future success of our state and nation. Right now the Legislature and the Kansas Supreme Court seem focused on the Augenblick and Meyers study, so here is the link to that plan.

5. The S&P 500 is hitting four year highs this week, nothing to say about that, just wanted to make sure you all knew about it, have a great weekend.

Timothy Burger