File in this in the dumb idea of the week category. The New York Times reports the federal Bureau of Reclamation has suggested building a pipeline 600 miles across Kansas to pump water from the Missouri River into reservoirs in the Denver area. 

This report comes just two weeks after fears that barge traffic on the Mississippi River below St. Louis would have to be suspended because of low river levels as a result of already low releases from upstream on the Missouri. 

It’s not Missourians fault that people chose to develop an area that’s water-poor. I’ve got a better idea – instead of stealing our water, don’t over-develop places that can’t support it. 

The following mailer went out today:

I’m a pro-life, free market Republican who believes the best days are still ahead for both our community and nation. I’ve worked as your state representative the past two years to protect taxpayers and ensure a balanced state budget. Unlike my opponent, I think your taxes are too high already, and want to find ways to encourage innovation to grow our economy and build a better future. I’ve earned a reputation as a straight-talking hard worker who is unafraid to take principled stands. I ask you to stand with me on November 6.

Vote Jay Barnes

C-SPAN tours the Governor’s Mansion:

C-SPAN’s look at our monument to America’s greatest explorers.

C-SPAN’s short look at the history of JCCC. 

C-SPAN came to town a few months back to film a number of different segments about the history of our river city. Here’s a segment on the inspirational story behind the founding of Lincoln University:

Count me in the crowd who believes Penn State’s football program should be disbanded for a while. Give all the kids a chance to transfer without having to sit out any time. And shut it down. 

Here’s a blog on how the federal government could do it for the university’s failure to report crimes on campus. I don’t think the feds should do it – because that’s not the proper role of the federal government. The NCAA, however, is a different story. If the organization is willing to suspend players and reprimand coaches for twiddly-wink stuff – this is off their charts. 

There was a great crowd last night at Thursday night live. In addition to good music and food, we had Leonard Steinman acting as security for the band and a firefighter repelling from the roof of Central Bank

The NBA playoffs are heating up and suddenly its obvious that, in many ways, Kevin Garnett represents the essence of American sports. He’s a champion who plays his heart out every night – leaving it all on the court. After lost night’s epic win and his great performance, he was asked what continues to motivate him after 17 seasons in the league, an NBA title, and hundreds of millions already earned: 

“The competition, the naysayers, the owners who talk too much. The people who don’t think a 36-year-old can do what I do. I take a lot of pride in my craft, I work really hard at my craft everyday, and I’m a true professional.” – Kevin Garnett, identifying what motivates him after taking a Game 5 win over Miami.

Reminds me of Teddy Roosevelt: 

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. 

Kevin Garnett should remind Americans why we love sports – and people who “actually strive to do the deeds” even after they’ve made it big. It’s a big part of what makes America great.

Dr. Gary Kremer Speaks to the Crowd Welcoming C-SPAN to Jefferson City

Yesterday, I had the privilege of a speaking to a crowd of history-minded Jefferson Citians as we welcomed C-SPAN to our community. The cable channel will be in town this week documenting our community’s history – including Lewis & Clark, the State Capitol, State Archives, Lincoln University, and the old MSP.

Following brief introductory remarks, Dr. Gary Kremer and historian Mark Schreiber spoke about Jefferson City history. Dr. Kremer focused on our town’s founding – and the incredible and inspiring story behind the founding of Lincoln University – while Schreiber gave a brief history of MSP. 

It just so happens that 208 years ago to the day of this event, Lewis & Clark were making their way up the Missouri near present-day Jefferson City when their keelboat snagged on a tree over the river – splitting their mast. The crew dubbed the creek near where the mast broke “Mast Creek.”