Planned Parenthood Sues Kansas Over Funding

On Monday, Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid Missouri sued the State of Kansas over the blocking of Federal Funds to the Organization. As a provision to the 2012 budget, Governor Brownback and the Legislature diverted Federal funds that would have normally gone to Planned Parenthood and sent them to clinics across the state that do not perform abortions. At issue is a Federal rule prohibiting the use of Federal funds to pay for abortions. The State argues that by giving funds to Planned Parenthood, they are providing defacto funding for abortions because it frees up other money in the organizations budget to provide abortions. In other words, just because the actual dollars given by the Government wouldn't be used for abortions, the money still helps the organization provide all of it's services.

Other restrictions were also placed on abortion providers in the State. All clinics must receive yearly licensing including a state inspection. Abortion is outlawed after 21 weeks, unless the mother's life is in danger, or a major irreversible damage would be caused to the mother (mental issues are not an acceptable injury). Minors must get the notarized signatures of BOTH parents (with some exceptions - separation, divorce, etc). Bans private insurance companies from paying for ELECTIVE abortion without a separate rider.

Most of these provisions sound reasonable to me, with the possible exception of the special licensing. I would assume that medical facilities already have a licensing procedure of some sort. A special procedure for abortion providers would open the door to abusive practices by the state - clinic not treated fairly because of a bureaucrats opinion about abortion.

Tax dollars definitely should not be used to fund abortion, and I think the State of Kansas is right about this issue and I hope they win. Planned Parenthood, like many organizations, cares more about their agenda and money than taking care of women - they seem almost excided about providing abortions - it's very creepy. Abortion is horrible and does emotional damage to many involved. It should only be offered as a last resort when all involved understand after thoughtful consideration what is happening. And just so you know, I am not a Christian, in fact I don't believe in God at all - these views of mine are not blinded by any religious zealousness, just common sense and the view that we all have the right to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let the flaming begin!

Royals Fall to Padres

Kansas City couldn't keep the momentum going after taking a series from the Cubs, dropping game one of its series vs. San Diego 4-3. Kansas City never lead, and its comeback effort came up just short against the struggling Padres.

The Royals got off to a poor start, and found themselves in a quick 2-0 hole afterRyan Ludwick blasted a two run homer in the first. The third inning wasn't much better, as San Diego scored on a Jeff Francis wild pitch as well as a throwing error by Eric Hosmer. Despite all the mistakes, the Royals only trailed by one after six innings due to Brayan Pena's two run double. However, the offense soon stalled and the Royals never got any closer.

Jeff Francis (3-9) never got it going against the Padres, and his performance on the road this season has been downright terrible. In games away from Kansas City, Francis is 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA. Kyle Davies is ready to come off the disabled list, who has been just as bad as Francis this year. Hopefully manager Ned Yost continues to use rookie Danny Duffy, who has pitched well this year, and sends either Francis or Davies (or both) packing.

Game two against the Padres starts tonight at 9:05 p.m. Felipe Paulino (0-1) gets the start for Kansas City, as he looks to rebound from his first loss as a Royal.

Who Will Represent the Royals in the 2011 MLB All Star Game?

The 2011 MLB All Star game is approaching, and managers will be making their player selections soon. In baseball, each team must have at least one representative in the game, which means Kansas City will be sending someone to Phoenix - we just don't know who that player will be.

Several candidates are being mentioned as a possible representative for the Royals. Many experts feel Billy Butler should be in the All Star game. Butler leads the team with a .303 batting average and a .403 on base percentage. Others feel that Jeff Francoeur is deserving of a bid, and for good reason. Francoeur leads the team in home runs (10) and RBI (46).

Despite the impressive stats of both Butler and Francoeur, Alex Gordon is leading most fan polls in regards to which Kansas City player should earn the big. Gordon leads the Royals in runs and OPS, while hitting a respectable .293. He also narrowly trails Francoeur in home runs with nine. Gordon's well-rounded game certainly make him worth of a bid, but Francoeur seems to be the man to beat at this point.

Other Royals in consideration are relief pitcher Aaron Crow, centerfielder Melky Cabrera, shortstop Alcides Escobar, relief pitcher Joakim Soria, and first baseman Eric Hosmer. The results will be announced on July 3rd on TBS.

Storms Overnight Knock Out Power Again

Two waves of severe weather this morning in the Kansas City area downed trees and knocked out power again. Almost 46,000 customers had lost power according to KCPL, many of whom lost power the last time strong storms moved through the area. In the city, and older areas with mature trees and overhead power lines were the strongest hit.

For many today will be spent cutting up downed trees, or maybe buying a generator. The good news is that the weather for Monday and Tuesday looks fabulous. Get out and enjoy it!

Northwest Missouri actually got the brunt of this storm, with a brief tornado touchdown near Maryville on Sunday evening. There were also reports of cars blown off the road, and large trees down onto power lines.

Royals Beat Cubs, Win Series

The Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-3 today, giving them a rare inter-league series victory. Luke Hochevar pitched well, giving up only three runs in 5 2/3rds innings to improve his record on the season to 5-8. Joakim Soria earned another save, and has now converted 13 saves in his last 18 opportunities.

The Royals' bats were hot from the start, as Billy Butler, Alex Gordon and Jeff Francoeur all delivered RBI hits in the first inning. Gordon's RBI double in the first extended his hitting streak to 13 games, and the young outfielder has been playing at an all-star level the past month. Six Royals batters wound up reaching base in the first inning, as Kansas City quickly built a four run lead it would not relinquish.

The Cubs battled back, cutting the lead to 4-3 with runs in the third and fourth inning. However, Eric Hosmer and Chris Getz added RBI singles in the bottom of the fourth to give Kansas City a bigger cushion and fend off Chicago's comeback bid. It was the most runs the Royals have scored in a game since June 14, when they defeated the Oakland A's 7-4.

The win moved Kansas City out of last place in the AL Central, as they are now a half game better than the Minnesota Twins. The Royals will be back in action tonight, traveling to San Diego to begin a series with the Padres. Jeff Francis (3-8) will get the start for Kansas City.