Indiana is "front page" news again.
During last night's debate for U.S. Senator, tea party candidate Richard Mourdock said, in answering a question on abortion rights, "I came to realize that life is that gift from God. And, I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen." (i.e., no abortion) Just what we need in Congress--another Todd Akins (R-MO). Geez, this gets scarier and scarier.

At least, some good news is that an Indiana appeals court backed Planned Parenthood, ruling Indiana's bid to cut Medicaid funding is illegal. We were the first state to pass a law (in 2011) barring the organization from receiving the federal money. It may go to the Supreme Court.

Also, right here in Indiana (not that you care), a contentious race is going on for state school superintendent. Our current chief has drawn the ire of most teachers by his agenda to privatize education via private school voucher program and state takeover of "failing schools". As one consequence, college enrollment in education has plummeted, thanks in part to Supt. Bennett's "hard line" on teacher evaluations and accountability. Both he and Mourdock have the "my way or the highway" philosophy.

One more thing while I'm tackling controversial issues. This comes from the "win some, lose some" battleground. I see that a Texas judge ruled against Freedom From Religion Foundation's suit prohibiting high school cheerleaders from showing religious banners at football games (it's okay to do so). Here we have a dichotomy (at least in my humble opinion): free speech vs. separation of church and state. (I realize I'm generalizing the issue.) What do you think Judge Steve?

What would life be like without differing opinions? Again, imagine no religion, no god.