Leading Off (3/25/10)

1. Being “half Amish,” I had to link to this story about certain religious groups being able to opt out of that new health care bill that recently passed (not sure if you’ve heard of it). It’s not an easy thing to prove (your religious affiliation, not the bill). But if you can, you won’t have to pay any of those penalties.

2. Being “half Amish,” I’m obviously against guns (although, I did win a skeet shooting tournament recently). So I really don’t like what approximately a half dozen policemen did to a mother and her daughters at a shopping center recently. The police claim one of the daughters matched a description of a suspect who stole more than $2,000 of merchandise from Victoria’s Secret. Her daughter was working at the time. And was wearing different clothing. And the mom merely had keys on her when the policemen drew the guns. Overkill much?

3. In September 2008, regulators gave Parkland Hospital a surprise visit. They found that the hospital was “deficient,” but a month later, the officials had a change of heart and gave the hospital an “all-clear.” If you’re keeping track at home, you realize that a short time later, voters agreed to spend $1.3 billion for a new Parkland Hospital. I haven’t done the story justice here. Read it. (Also. I fail. I couldn’t find a way to work in that I’m half Amish.)