Winners

Ever heard anyone say that smoking menthols is somehow worse for you? Or that they're better off because they're smoking "ultra-lights" or "milds"? Those labels may make us feel better about the nasty crap we're sucking down, but they really don't mean a thing. Research has shown that smoking light or mild versions of cigarettes may not make a mite of difference when it comes to how black we're turning our lungs with our two-pack-a-day habits. That's why Sen. Tom Harkin is sponsoring legislation that would require tobacco manufacturers to be a bit more honest with it comes to labeling packages of smokes by eliminating the misleading wording, like "light" or "low-tar."

A culture of fear is a dangerous thing. Humans kill what they don't understand - even right here in white middle America. That's why "The Laramie Project" is such a powerful tool: The documentary play contains actual monologues from residents of Laramie, Wyo., as they look back at the torture and murder of Matthew Shepherd, and the social environment that allowed it to happen. West Des Moines should be proud that the Valley High School drama department has chosen "The Laramie Project" as its fall play, despite intense pressure from certain vocal parents who want to keep homosexuality hidden in dark corners, unexamined, a bomb that could explode at any moment. Elizabeth Hixenbaugh, a Valley senior who auditioned for the play last week, says she disagrees with the school board's decision to appease conservative parents by toning down some of the script's language, partly because teens hear those same insults ("You fag!") every day at school, and partly because the characters' authentic speech helps you understand who they really are. Still, Elizabeth and other open-minded students are proud that their school is taking on this important play. The school board and administration are trying to walk a very fine line, standing by the drama director's strong choice while attempting to smooth things over with nervous parents. This is a vitally important stand for Valley to take: Society can prevent future cruelties only when communities are willing to honestly consider just what it is about homosexuality that can evoke murderous rage in people who are so afraid to face the issue directly.

Losers

If it were up to Jim Nussle, Iowa would be the South Dakota of women's rights (read: a wasteland). As reported on KUNI public radio, Nussle's handlers said the GOP candidate for the governor's office would go so far as to ban all abortions, except those performed to save a woman's life, if he were elected. Not that his opponent, Chet Culver, is a gal's best pal, either: He supports certain chip-aways at Roe, like parental notification requirements.

Last month, he was trying to persuade Congress to build an electrified wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, claiming that such fences work dandy for cattle, so why not for Mexicans? This time, Rep. Steve King, who never ceases to embarrass us with his bigoted and just-plain-nutty antics, is taking a stand against a popular bill that seeks to ban the slaughter of wild horses for food. The bill has gained support as evidence of the horses' (most of which are found in Western states) inhumane capture and slaughter mounts. King believes the old horses are taking up valuable ag space that could be used for profitable crops. We believe King is taking up a valuable House of Representatives seat that could be used for someone with a half a cerebral cortex.

It's true, Cityview picks on Juice too often. It's just that our flesh is weak, and Juice is so ripe for the picking. This week, your local faux alternative ran this teaser across the bottom of its front-page cover: "No time to clean? Hire a maid - Celebrate Latino Heritage - page 32." CV

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