Friday Finishers Feb. 15, 2008

Friday, February 15, 2008 9:51 PM CST

Thumbs Up

A blizzard of white is in the forecast. This one’s not freezing cold, though — it’s paper. Area clerks have ordered up a sizeable number of ballots for Tuesday’s primary in anticipation of a hefty turnout. Racine will have enough ballots on hand to handle a 50 percent voter turnout — which is more than twice the turnout in the most recent presidential primary. Not to be outdone, Mount Pleasant will have enough ballots to accommodate 65 percent of eligible voters. Some of the extra interest comes because Wisconsin is still a factor in the primary decision-making process and some of it was no doubt spurred by the appearance here this week of Democratic candidate Barack Obama. More interest, more participation - and more ballots - are a good thing for this country and its political process, so this is one blizzard we’ll welcome.

Thumbs Down

The Kenosha casino/campaign finance scandal hit the front pages again this week with the indictment of Kenosha County Executive Allan Kehl on charges of taking $15,000 to $20,000 in illegal payments from a city businessman. Kehl will get his day in court, but one of the disturbing footnotes that also surfaced this week was the newspaper report that Achille “Kelly” Infusino, who has pleaded guilty to funneling illegal campaign contributions to state and federal political candidates is a full-time instructor at Gateway Technical College. He is scheduled to teach courses in retailing, marketing and selling techniques. Thank goodness it isn’t business ethics. According to the Milwaukee news reports Infusino is collecting about $73,000 for his teaching job at the Elkhorn campus as he awaits sentencing that could net him up to a year in jail and a $100,000 fine. And yet a Gateway spokesman told a reporter “we really don’t feel compelled to take any action against Mr. Infusino.” Hello, Planet Gateway. Is this really the best instruction you can give to your college students?

Thumbs Up

Cabin fever setting in? Wisconsin will do that to you. One of the cures for that, of course, is to embrace the season and get out into the out of doors. Since it’s Valentine’s week you can even blend in some romance. Bong State Recreation Area is hosting a “Return to Romance” on Saturday evening that offers a candlelit hike, a spot before a roaring fire, hot cocoa and dessert - plus violin music. All for $5 for adults and $1 for children. You need to make a reservation though by calling (262) 878-5600. If you’re looking for something you can do more on your own or with your childen, you are also in luck. Today begins the 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. The count, which runs today through Monday, tallied more than 11 million birds nationwide last year, You can shoot bird videos, take pictures or just file a report as you keep track of different species of birds. The count can take as little as 15 minutes - or much longer if you’re having winter fun. There are even some prizes and participation certificates. Just go to www.birdcount.org. One chickadee, one robin, one house finch ....

Thumbs down

To Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia for saying that torture wouldn’t be out of place for agents trying to find a bomb about to explode, and that strong methods may be acceptable to force witnesses to answer questions. During an interview with the BBC he did say these are not easy questions. Still it would be heartening if this appointed guardian of liberty showed more liberality in safeguarding people who, even his strict world, must still be innocent having not been proved guilty. And if it really is no big deal, perhaps Justice Scalia would care to try out the new waterboard ride at Guantanamo Bay.

Special Offer: Get 5 Weeks of the Journal Times for $7!