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Political flip-flops 'evolving'
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So far, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have packed in more flip-flops than a dorm full of college students heading off on Spring Break. When he was governor of Massachusetts, Romney not only supported universal health coverage, he touted a universal insurance mandate as one of his greatest accomplishments. Now, he says he's against such things. An evangelical friend showed me a 2008 letter that Obama sent her that touted his opposition to same-sex marriage. But after Obama got elected, he said his position was "evolving." Doesn't he know Evangelicals don't believe in evolution? And of course, on Wednesday, he announced he favored giving gay people the right to marry. A cynic might say these men took stands based on political calculations rather than deeply held personal beliefs. One can almost see Romney and Obama standing with wetted fingers in the air, waiting to see which way the political winds are blowing. Don't get me wrong, everybody has a right to change their mind. But, when a politician does -- particularly in a manner that benefits them politically -- it's hard not to view the change with a jaundiced eye. And before you think I'm picking on Democrats, it's worth pointing out that Ronald Reagan, that great paragon of conservative virtue, supported abortion rights when he was governor of California but then opposed them when he ran for president. Yes, there is plenty of hypocrisy to go around. Even here in the Land of Lincoln, politicians are known for their double-speak. Remember how Gov. Pat Quinn's campaign said he supported the death penalty when he was running for office, but then days after getting elected he signed legislation abolishing it? And then there was Rod Blagojevich. If doublespeak were an Olympic sport, he'd be a gold medalist. Each time a politician waffles, public trust diminishes. When does flip-flop become a lie? Well, my view on that is, well, um, evolving. Scott Reeder is an Illinois Statehouse reporter. 
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Today is Sunday, May 26, the 146th day of 2013. There are 219 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: The information called for in yesterday's Argus, in relation to thechild abandoned in Moline, by its mother two years ago, was furnished us last evening.The child was found by a Swede and has been kindly cared for.
1888 -- 125 years ago: The annual review and inspection of the Rock Island volunteerfire department took place today, and there will be a firemen's ball tonight.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Captain H.F. Young, former Mississippi river pilot, and T.W.Chapman left Rock Island today for Alaska to enter river service there.
1938 -- 75 years ago: Poppies were blooming today at the headquarters of the Rock Islandunit of the American Legion auxiliary at the Y.M.C.A. as the little red memorial flowers, which the people of Rock Island will wear in honor of veterans.
1963 -- 50 years ago: One hundred and fifty of the best show horses in Illinois and Iowaare expected to compete tomorrow for some $500 in trophies, ribbons and prize money inthe first major horse show of the season.
1988 -- 25 years ago: Moline Public Hospital presented blue ribbons to the winnersof a recent poster contest, held in conjunction with National Hospital Week. Utilizingthe theme of "You're Our Specialty," the following were grand prize winners: MindyBenson, Moline; Thao Dang, Moline; Gared Laux, Moline; John Murphy, Rock Island;Justin Pulford and Bennie Jo Starkey, Moline.
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