FBI Embarrassed by Westboro Baptist Church Meeting

Earlier this year, Westboro Baptist Church was invited to the FBI Training Center in Quantico, VA. NPR reported last week that the meetings were for training purposes, but were discontinued this spring after the Assistant Director of the FBI found out about the program and voiced concerns about having the church on their property. There has also been some public outrage since the news broke as well.

Other controversial groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, have been invited to help with FBI training in the past. Law enforcement tries to learn as much as they can about the group and their point of view to be able to effectively deal with them and similar extremest groups in the future. This is not endorsing anyone's views, it's training. Much like learning about a serial killers thought processes to help stop the next one.

The bottom line is that the FBI trainers thought this might be helpful, and probably was. It would be better left out of the public eye, and WBC certainly doesn't deserve any more attention. But let's face it, they have not broken any laws, and their idiotic speech is protected by the First Amendment whether you like it or not.

NFL Lockout Talks Resume

After the last discussions between NFL owners and players took a step backwards, talks have reportedly resumed. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Players Association head DeMaurice Smith have been joined by several owners and players in hopes of ending the lockout.

The group will be meeting at a law firm located in Minneapolis. Some of the more well-known participants include Colts center Jeff Saturday and Giants owner John Mara. These will be the fifth set of "secret" talks between the owners and players. The talks are only scheduled to take place today, but could also extend into Friday if both groups feel it is neccessary.

While reports on how much progress the players and owners have made varies, both sides appear to be running out of time to get something done. Training camps are scheduled to open in three weeks, and the Hall of Fame Game is August 7.

Slumping Royals Drop Second Game to Padres

The Royals' series vs. the San Diego Padres got off to a bad start, as Kansas City dropped game one 4-3. Game two didn't go any better, as the Royals once again couldn't get their offense going, losing 4-2.

Kansas City has a disturbing trend this season of allowing struggling players to have a coming out party, and this game was no different. San Diego pitcher Clayton Richard (4-9), who had been winless in his last 12 starts, absolutely shut down Kansas City's offense. Kansas City got solid pitching once again from Felipe Paulino, who has slowly turned into the best pitcher on the Royals' staff. Paulino (0-2) has yet to record a victory for Kansas City, although that can largely be blamed on a lack of run support.

The lone bright spot for Kansas City offensively was Jeff Francoeur, who continues to make the best case for Kansas City's All-Star representative. Francoeur scored the Royals' first run, and hit a solo homerun in the seventh. He also flashed some defensive skill as well, throwing out Anthony Rizzo in the third inning for an outfield assist.

Kansas City wraps up its series with San Diego today at 2:35. Bruce Chen (4-1) will start for Kansas City, making his second appearance since returning from injury.

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.