Harris should take lessons in humility

I encourage former Mayor Harris to learn modesty from an outgoing mainland mayor. I immediately thought of Harris when reading the following excerpts in the Kansas City Star:

"Ed Eilert, who is stepping down after 24 years as Overland Park's mayor, says the city's success story is more a product of community than city spending decisions.

"Eilert's last speech to the Chamber of Commerce was emblematic of his reputation. He shunned attention for himself and shared the city's successes with others.

"'It has been my privilege, my honor to come before you and report the successes your city has enjoyed -- success made possible by your individual achievements, by your encouragement and by your commitment to the idea that together we can make good ideas become a reality.'"

There are no signs with Eilert's name on them or thousands spent on books stating how great he is.

Fruitless WMD search is proof of GOP lies

The United States has stopped the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. None found. That project was the cornerstone for the invasion, occupation and the current war in this sovereign country. Is anyone else out there outraged?

The administration -- Bush, Cheney, Powell and Rice -- all lied to the American public, and did so in advance of the November election. Yet, Bush & Co. won a second term?

The rabid, right-wing Republicans successfully impeached Bill Clinton for a consensual dalliance, costing taxpayers $50 million and eternal shame to a twice-elected president.

But this amoral, illegal and tragic war in Iraq is causing budget deficits of Shakespearean proportions, exceeding $200 billion and counting.

Please, someone tell me, what's going on here?

A question to those red states: Would you change your vote even now?

Tsunami center has a dedicated leader

I am glad to see the Star- Bulletin coming out strongly in support of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (Editorial, Jan. 13).

I have known the center's director, Chip McCreery, for 30 years -- since we were both in school at the University of Hawaii. Chip is the nicest, smartest and most dedicated person I have ever known.

There are two painful ironies at play here.

One: Chip has dedicated his entire professional life to the study of seismology. He has become the senior government official dedicated to protecting Hawaii and the Pacific region from something that hasn't happened in 40 years. When it finally does happen, it's just out of reach of the existing resources to respond in an effective manner.

Two: Chip's lovely wife Nitty is from Thailand, whose population suffered great losses of life and property in the tsunami.

Hawaii is extremely lucky to have a guy like Chip McCreery along with his team on watch 24/7/365 in defense of such a catastrophic event in Hawaii. I am lucky to have a guy like Chip as a lifelong friend.

Hemp could help solve tsunami problems

All of the areas hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami should immediately plant cannabis hemp to control erosion, to rebuild the soil and to provide the thousands of natural products that cannabis hemp can provide, all in a quick 90- to 120-day crop cycle.

Think about it: Hempseed is the most nutritious vegetarian protein on Earth. Its seeds provide delicious meal and an edible oil second to none. The oil can also be burned in simple lamps and in diesel engines with zero refining.

The stalks from hemp can be used for firewood without cutting down trees. Hemp fibers can be used for weaving strong yet soft cloth and its thatch for simple or sophisticated building products.

Hemp stalks and lime combine to make lightweight cement as was used in many old bridges and buildings in Europe. It petrifies over time into a stone.

Many basic commodities can be made with hemp, from noodles to soap, hempseed milk and, of course, safe and natural herbal medicines.

Hemp is a member of the most advanced plant family on Earth. It uses sunlight more effectively than any other plant, reaching 12-20 feet in one growing season.

It is, by far, the Earth's premier renewable plant resource to feed all of our hungers.

Let's get serious about no-steroids policy

Regarding baseball's new "get tough" policy against steroids: Ha!

Do the teams' want to really get tough and have zero-tolerance?

Then on the first offense players should be banned for life from baseball and have to forfeit all salaries.