Ruckus: August 23, 2012

This week: A Shaken Akin, Caught with His Pants Down, End of the Middle?, "Class" Actions.

A SHAKEN AKIN
Whatever happens between now and Thursday at 2 p.m. will be the discussion topic. The first question will deal with how the state election and the national GOP are being affected and will be directed to Woody.

CAUGHT WITH HIS PANTS DOWN
Kansas Congressman Kevin Yoder has apologized for taking a brief nude dip into the Sea of Galilee last year. He was one of several freshman members of congress who were on a fact-finding trip to Israel last August. The report of the escapade became public last weekend. Yoder is running without opposition in the fall election and no taxpayer dollars were involved.

END OF THE MIDDLE?
In a wide-ranging article, writers Steve Kraske and Dave Helling discuss the decline of moderation and compromise and the increase of partisanship and polarization in our political process. The two suggest these developments have set the country on a dangerous path.

“CLASS” ACTIONS
Classes are back in session for Kansas City, Missouri, School District scholars. Enrollment appears to be higher. A state report showed some modest gains. And a court case designed to clarify transfer policies seemed only to complicate things.

ROASTS AND TOASTS