KPLC Hot Topic

Cole resigns

     Calcasieu tax assessor Richard Cole announced Tuesday that he'll resign from office effective January 15th.  His resignation comes more than two months after an audit revealed he misused public funds... specifically an office credit card with 48 thousand dollars in personal expenses. Cole is also accused of writing a check for 41 hundred dollars for an expense that was not office related.  Calcasieu District Attorney John DeRosier says Cole's decision to step down is appropriate.  What's your reaction to Cole's decision to resign?

"Obama Care" Challenged

     Last Spring President Obama signed into law a move that would force all Americans to purchase health insurance.  But that part of "Obama Care" has been challenged with the latest ruling from a federal judge.  The judge in Virginia ruled that it is unconstitutional to force Americans to buy health insurance.  The Obama administration will likely appeal the ruling and it could end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.  This may be just the beginning of the legal battle over health care reform.  19 other states, including Louisiana have filed a federal lawsuit in Florida to challenge the same provision argued in Virginia.  What do you think?  Should everyone be forced to purchase health insurance? 

Build it right or go to jail.

Cameron Parish wants to get tough with residents who don't comply with building codes. The parish is considering changing its flood ordinances, to allow a judge issue fines or jail time for residents who don't bring their homes up to code. The parish says this is necessary to ensure it continues to stay in the compliance with the federal flood insurance program. Some residents say, they should be allowed to build how they want, just like the people who first settled the area. Do you agree with the proposal to toughen penalties on homeowners who fail to comply with parish building rules?

Judge Impeached

     A federal judge from Louisiana has been impeached.  Wednesday, the U.S. Senate convicted U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous on four articles of impeachment.  That makes Porteous only the eighth federal judge in history to be removed by Congress.  He was accused of accepting cash and other favors from attorneys and bail bondsmen who had business before his court.  What's your reaction to the judge's impeachment?

Textbook Talk

     They said it wasn't a debate about creationism versus evolution... But that's exactly what it was Tuesday in Baton Rouge, as the State Board of Education discussed what should be included in new science textbooks for high school students.  The Committee voted in favor of the new books, which only teach evolution.  But some religious groups and family values organizations are opposed to the new books because they do not teach creation alongside evolution.  The full Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote Thursday to accept the new books.  What do you think?  Should creationism also be included in the science books?  Or do you agree with those who feel this is simply a means of placing religion in the schools?

Agreement On Tax Cuts?

    President Obama is trying to spread some holiday cheer for millions of middle class taxpayers.  In Washington, the President said there is a framework of an agreement in place to extend tax cuts for two years, and also extend unemployment benefits that are set to expire at the end of this month for two million people.  The president said the bipartisan plan is good for the economy, and he wants to get it done this month, before Congress leaves town for the holidays.  Will lawmakers get the job done before the Christmas break?  And what do you think of the so-called bipartisan agreement on taxes and unemployment benefits?

Closing Colleges?

     Is it time to start thinking about closing some Louisiana colleges?  Thursday, some state lawmakers told the Board of Regents, that consolidating some schools could be one answer to solving the budget crisis.  Led by State Representative John Schroder, the Board of Regents was urged to come up with a new plan to deal with a nearly half billion dollar short fall for higher education in the state.  Representative Schroder suggested, "What happens if you combine UNO and SUNO? What happens if you combine universities in the Shreveport area?"  Schroder went on to say, "We have colleges in the single digit graduation rates.  That has to change now.  There needs to be some consolidations, and I would be open to it."  What about you?  Would you be open to the idea of consolidating some college campuses, and closing  some institutions, perhaps where enrollment is smaller... as a way of dealing with the budget crisis?  Or is this going too far?  Would the idea of closing campuses hurt students by limiting access to higher education?

Crimes Against The Elderly

     Are crimes against the elderly on the rise?  Within the last month, four elderly Lake Charles residents have been beaten and robbed.  In the latest case, an 85 year old woman was ambushed as she came home from church.  And just the week before, police investigated two separate robberies within three hours:  Both victims were elderly men hit in the head and robbed.  Authorities are actively looking into whether these crimes are connected, and could there possibly be more victims?  Why are we seeing such an upswing in crimes against the elderly... and how can we better protect our senior citizens from such violence?

Palin Mania

     Some say she could be our next president.  Yesterday, Sarah Palin was in Baton Rouge for a book signing for her new book, "America By Heart."  Hundreds of people waited hours for her signature.  They also had to buy the book, and get an armband ahead of time.  400 of those arm bands were passed out.  But not everyone was able to make it inside to meet the former Alaska Governor.  After about 12:15, the crowd was told Palin was leaving.  What do you think of Sarah Palin as a possible presidential candidate?  Would you vote for Sarah Palin if she ran for President?