The Free Press
May 09, 2008 04:45 pm
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Thumbs down
To the U.S. Mint and the Bush administration for yet another attempted executive-branch power grab.
Article 2, Section 8 of the Constitution explicitly gives Congress the power “to coin Money (and) regulate the value thereof.” Legislation that passed the House Thursday that would change the metallic composition of the penny and nickel — a measure intended to make it cheaper to make those small-denomination coins — is being opposed by the White House in part because it only allows the Treasury Department to suggest a specific composition rather than make the decision on its own.
The measure thus reserves to Congress a power the Constitution allots to Congress. The administration should live with that fact.
Thumbs up
Recreation site shows foresight
To the volunteers, groups and government agencies behind the formation of the Blue Earth River State Aquatic Management Area near Winnebago.
The 294-acre site aquatic area was recently opened to the public. Recreational uses include fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking and hunting.
The farm was purchased for $300,000 four years ago through the collaborative efforts of the Lura Lake Association, the Department of Natural Resources, the Faribault County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, local deer hunting groups with matching funds from the Reinvest in Minnesota Program as well as money from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
It’s refreshing to see so many groups work together to make a project like this happen that will benefit area residents and their children for years to come.
Thumbs down
Miley Cyrus' achy-barey back
To the loss of innocence, or the perceived loss of it, anyway.
Many of us don’t follow the career of teenage singing and acting sensation Miley Cyrus, but young girls do. And they look to her as a role model. Parents, at least until Cyrus created a sensation recently by posing for back-baring Vanity Fair photos, have largely approved because of what had been the 15-year-old star’s wholesome image.
Sadly, many a young superstar has abandoned that wholesome image prematurely, anxious to grow up quickly in the public eye — thinking it a good career move. Cyrus may or may not be one of them. She has expressed regret, even shock, at the photographs and apologized to her fans.
We must wonder at her sincerity, however. Cyrus, herself, should be blamed for the mistake (if that’s indeed how she sees it), and also the people charged with handling her career. Could they really have been so naive to have allowed it to happen?
Thumbs down
Myanmar junta's resistance to aid is deadly
To the Myanmar government for stubbornly refusing foreign aid in helping its people.
Every delay means more suffering and loss to the people of the country devastated by a cyclone May 3. An estimated 1 million plus people need help.
Myanmar’s junta seized U.N. aid shipments, prompting the world body to suspend further help on Friday. The shipments are to resume today.
Countries across the globe, including the U.S., have stepped up and offered aid, but the Myanmar government is moving too slowly as its people die. It will not allow foreign aid workers into its country, although some Red Cross workers have been allowed in.
As bodies rot in water, the survivors wait for food and clean drinking water. It’s a horrible situation that wouldn’t have to be as horrible if Myanmar’s government acted quickly and responded to offers of help.
Thumbs down
Cabin rentals not state concern
To lawmakers who want to spend state money on a study of the rental of lakefront homes and cabins.
The state’s resort industry wants the study because they believe increased competition from those renting lakefront property is harming the resort business.
The problems for small family resorts are real and disheartening. Sky-high property values and an increase in large, luxury resorts have made resorting a risky business.
Lakeside home and cabin rentals by owners may, indeed, be a factor. But rental ordinances and requirements are a county, not state, responsibility. If landowners are dodging rental ordinances, it is up to counties to investigate and handle the issue.
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