|
Inconvenient, but worth it
The city of Austin appears to have set a positive statewide trend by passing an ordinance that puts over-the-counter cold medicine behind the counter.
The Austin City Council passed the measure in September in an effort to quell the growing methamphetamine epidemic in and around the city. (Cold... ()
Rules to live by for bicyclists and drivers Be nice and share
By Linda Lewis
It's spring, and they're sprouting all over the place! Dandelions? No, bicycles.
Just as in winter motorists need to refresh their driving skills for the conditions, so in spring they have to relearn the art of sharing the road with their "lesser" wheeled companions. And although... (Saturday, April 25, 2009)
On the contrary, use wind for energy does add up
By Jeff Cook-Coyle
Hats off to the Post-Bulletin team that prepared the Chasing the Wind section of last week's paper. As one of the wind industry professionals cited, I appreciate this opportunity to clarify some statements made by wind project opponent Kevin Hammel in a guest column on the... (Monday, April 27, 2009)
Both sides -- GOP's tax cuts have favored the rich
By Ryan Winkler
Anti-tax groups staged demonstrations in communities around Minnesota on April 15 in protest of growing tax burdens on Minnesota families. As taxpaying citizens, these Minnesotans have every right to hold government accountable for an unfair, unbalanced tax system -- and they have... (Monday, April 27, 2009)
America is paying the price for ignoring achievement gap
Speaking of financial crises and how they can expose weak companies and weak countries, Warren Buffett once famously quipped that "only when the tide goes out do you find out who is not wearing a bathing suit." So true. But what's really unnerving is that America appears to be one of those countries... (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)
U.S. rule of law best defines torture issue
By Eugene Robinson
WASHINGTON -- The many roads of inquiry into the Bush administration's abusive "interrogation techniques" all lead to one stubborn, inconvenient fact: Torture is not just immoral, but also illegal. (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)
Editorial -- Flu threat is mild, but take sensible precautions
It didn't take long for what had been called "swine flu" to mutate into what experts now are calling North American flu, a rather generic descriptor for a nasty form of influenza that has killed more than 150 people in Mexico and sickened hundreds more worldwide. (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)
David Broder -- Torture was ugly, but let's move on
WASHINGTON -- If ever there is a time for President Obama to trust his instincts and stick to his guns, that time is now, when he is being pressured to change his mind about closing the books on the "torture" policies of the past. (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)
Big slowdown in spending is overdue
Will we finally get down to the business of balancing the state budget now that all the numbers are in and initial proposals have been made by the governor, the DFL Senate and the DFL House?
 With... (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)
Begin commitment to economic change
By Dr. Chandler Harrison Stevens
In the first 100 days of the new administration, what did we accomplish?
During his 2008 campaign, our new president said that we, the people, "are the change that we have been waiting for." So what are we waiting for? (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)
Adoptees should have access to birth records
By Michael R. Tiedeman
I was born in Minneapolis and was adopted by my proud parents in Lake City when I was 3-1/2 weeks old. My mother, who was an adult geriatric nurse practitioner, diagnosed me with hearing loss a few months after I was adopted. (Thursday, April 30, 2009)
Opinion -- Swine flu still low on world's disaster scale
By Eugene Robinson
WASHINGTON -- Mexico City is one of the greatest urban agglomerations in the world, a dense and teeming mountain valley with a population of more than 20 million. Wealthy enclaves have the sleekness of Manhattan or Beverly Hills, but much of the metropolitan area is gritty and... (Thursday, April 30, 2009)
'Enhanced interrogation' What did Pelosi know and when did she
Reconciliation: The action of bringing to
agreement, concord, or harmony. -- Oxford English Dictionary
WASHINGTON -- But under Senate rules, "reconciliation" can be a means for coping with disharmony by deepening it. The tactic truncates Senate debate and curtails minority rights. The threat to use... (Friday, May 1, 2009)
Transparency in government easier said than done
By Linda P. Campbell
So maybe Hillary Clinton was right.
The celestial choirs aren't singing, and everyone isn't magically doing the right thing, and the world isn't suddenly perfect.
President Obama has, in fact, showed more willingness than his immediate predecessor to shine a light on the... (Friday, May 1, 2009)
Budget plan restores fairness to tax code
By Paul Marquart
A editorial in the April 24 Post-Bulletin makes reference to the work the DFL members of the House are doing to address our state's $6.4 billion deficit. Our plan cuts government dramatically -- more than the governor, and includes balanced revenue. (Friday, May 1, 2009)
GOP on road to nowhere
By Eugene Robinson
At this point, I'm almost ready to start rooting for the Republicans.
No, not really. There's no "mercy rule" in politics. And anyway, the increasingly bitter ideologues who control what's left of the Grand Old Party are so bereft of new ideas -- and so determined to obstruct... (Saturday, May 2, 2009)
Kathleen Parker Pro-choice president has no place at Notre Dame
WASHINGTON -- Here on planet "What About Me," principled people are so rare as to be oddities. Thus, it was a head-swiveling moment Monday when former Vatican Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon quietly declined Notre Dame's Laetare Medal. (Saturday, May 2, 2009)
David Brooks -- Could it be that geniuses simply practice more?
Some people live in romantic ages. They tend to believe that genius is the product of a divine spark. They believe that there have been, throughout the ages, certain paragons of greatness -- Dante, Mozart, Einstein -- whose talents far exceeded normal comprehension, who had an other-worldly access... (Monday, May 4, 2009)
Both SidesMedical marijuana would help many who are suffering
By Steve Murphy
This may well be the year the Minnesota Legislature passes legislation to allow seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana without fear of arrest. Despite the scare stories you may have heard, that would be a good thing for all Minnesotans. (Monday, May 4, 2009)
Leonard Pitts Jr. -- Physical artifacts disappearing
Our subject today: the end of the physical world.
Which is, yes, a tad hyperbolic, but it contains a nugget of truth. Bear with me.
 Last week, I fell into conversation with a fellow named Bud... (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
'English Plus' best for commerce, safety
By Chandler Harrison Stevens
Today is Cinco de Mayo -- meaning, in English, the "5th of May." In 1862 it was particularly significant because it was the last time an army (the French) invaded the Americas. (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
Editorial -- Medical transport brokers are bad for state
More than a few of us likely have engaged in long-distance debates with insurance companies about deductibles, co-pays, pre-authorization for medical procedures and whether we're required to use a generic version of a particular prescription drug. (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
DFL's tax reforms aim for fairness, balance
Last week I voted for the DFL-sponsored tax bill in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This bill has generated a lot of interest and many comments from Minnesotans.
 I was proud to support... (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)
George Will -- California's collapse is a cautionary tale
WASHINGTON -- California's increasingly severe and largely self-inflicted economic crisis will deepen on May 19 if, as is probable and desirable, voters reject most of the ballot measures that were drafted as part of a "solution" to the state's budget deficit. (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)
Editorial -- Ethanol in Eyota will depend on market
When push comes to shove, public officials and state agencies are reluctant to nix a big-dollar commercial development project, especially if the opposition's basic argument is perceived as being, "Not in my backyard." (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)
Editorial -- Farmers Market growth will be managed
We're pleased that the Downtown Rochester Farmers Market started its season on a high note. Saturday's event was well-attended and vendors reported strong sales. Things will only get better each week now as more fresh, locally grown produce, flowers and other goods become available. (Thursday, May 7, 2009)
Hold your breath when you're traveling in the age of pandemics
IN THE MIAMI AIRPORT -- Against the advice our vice president, I have braved the germ-infested world, forced into transit by prior commitments and surrounded by strangers who may not recently have washed their hands. (Thursday, May 7, 2009)
Early childhood, education deserves more than 1 percent
By Todd Otis
If any community in Minnesota understands the importance of education it is Rochester.
Rochester has always invested in education with the knowledge that major institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and IBM, and small and medium sized businesses, as well as schools, non-profits, and local... (Thursday, May 7, 2009)
David Brooks -- Republicans still face a long voyage home
Republicans generally like Westerns. They generally admire John Wayne-style heroes who are rugged, individualistic and brave. They like leaders -- from Goldwater to Reagan to Bush to Palin -- who play up their Western heritage. (Friday, May 8, 2009)
Ellen GoodThe point when rationing health care becomes rational
I was not surprised by the president's story. Health care reform is not just a matter of spreadsheets and patient charts. It's a repository of the personal narratives we carry around in our family hard drives. (Friday, May 8, 2009)
Is there a time when the rules should be ignored?
Each week we select a news story, letter to the editor or column that has generated a lot of discussion at Postbulletin.com and reprint some of those comments here.
Today's topic is a May 1 softball game between top-ranked Rochester Community and Technical College and Central Lakes College. Central... (Saturday, May 9, 2009)
Nothing says 'Happy Birthday!' quite like a really creepy clown
By John Kass
For the parents of young children, spring is supposed to be a joyful season, a time of parties, weddings and other celebrations.
Unfortunately, it's also a time of pressure for parents of young children. Pressure to provide dazzling entertainment for the tykes at parties, so parents can... (Monday, May 11, 2009)
Editorial -- One revoked liquor license won't end gang problem
Clearly, the Rochester City Council had no other viable options on Thursday when it voted to revoke the Westfire Grille's liquor license. This business has become the focal point of gang activity in Rochester, and we're convinced that left unchecked, the brawls in the parking lot would have turned... (Monday, May 11, 2009)
David Brooks -- Schools can defy demographic obstacles
The fight against poverty produces great programs but disappointing results. You go visit an inner-city school, job-training program or community youth center and you meet incredible people doing wonderful things. Then you look at the results from the serious evaluations and you find that these... (Monday, May 11, 2009)
Pawlenty vetoed a viable compromise
By Jeanne Poppe
Just over a week ago I voted against the House Omnibus Tax Bill. It was a $1.5 billion collection of revenue-raising strategies, some progressive, some regressive.
The bill is in conference committee working out differences with the Senate tax bill. (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)
Eugene Robinson -- Cheney is the Old Faithful of nonsense
Can't we send Dick Cheney back to Wyoming? Shouldn't we chip in and buy him a home where the buffalo roam and there's always room for one more crazy old coot down at the general store?
For the final act of his too-long public career, Cheney seems to have decided to become an Old Faithful of... (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)
Paul Krugman -- Are Harry and Louise switching sides?
Is this the end for Harry and Louise?
Harry and Louise were the fictional couple who appeared in advertisements run by the insurance industry in 1993, fretting about what would happen if "government bureaucrats" started making health care decisions. The ads helped kill the Clinton health care plan,... (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)
Editorial -- End budget staredown with compromise
The weekend brought several interesting developments in the increasingly tense philosophical debate that's playing out in St. Paul.
To recap: On one side are the DFLers who control the Legislature but lack a veto-proof majority in the House. On the other side is Gov. Pawlenty, whose "no new taxes"... (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)
Bill BoyneTime for new and effective tactics in the Middle East
In Afghanistan, in Pakistan, in Palestine, in dealing with Al Qaida our policies are wasting time, money and lives. Effective changes are possible. How about these:
1. Set up execution squads to go after Osama bin Laden and his murderous crew in the mountains of Pakistan, which are not accessible to... (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)
Editorial -- Rail plan goes public; now the hard work begins
As Rochester has lobbied for inclusion in a plan connecting the Twin Cities with Chicago via high-speed passenger rail, one persistent argument has stood in its way: "You've opposed coal trains for a decade, but you can't wait for passenger trains?" (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)
Leaning far to the right
The Post Bulletin is so far to the Christian right that it should change its name to the Christian Bulletin. A substantial amount of your paper is devoted to religious propaganda.
Anything relating to reason and critical thinking is held to a minimum, if mentioned at all. If this is your purpose,... ()
High-speed rail in Rochester is a great idea
A high-speed rail system through or to Rochester. What a great idea!
One could board a bullet train in Minneapolis and proceed at 100 miles per hour on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific rail system to Winona (a distance of 118 miles in only one hour and 11 minutes.) Then he could transfer... (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)
Taxes support necessary services
What I saw with the "tea party" tax protests, complete with revolutionary era costuming, in Rochester and other places convinced me that the participants did not appreciate the American Revolution.
The Revolution very nearly failed because Congress did not have the authority to levy taxes. It was... (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)
Wind is a 'double crop'
I support wind energy and the development of the Eyota-Viola Wind project. It will help the economy in the short term by creating jobs, and in the long term by securing energy independence for America. (Thursday, April 30, 2009)
Wind energy is coming
We feel fortunate to be a part of a group of neighbors and friends who can make a difference monetarily and environmentally, in many different areas for family, friends, community, and our earth with this wind project. (Friday, May 1, 2009)
Sertich will be missed
A note on the dismissal of Tony Sertich, executive director of Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale:
His production skills, honed in big cities, helped free RSOC musicians to concentrate on their artistry. Standing ovations have greeted this season's concerts, each of which seemed to top the... (Saturday, May 2, 2009)
State needs to pare down government workforce
It appears to me, that what our legislators are doing to balance the Minnesota budget is to increase taxes. This will only drive more businesses out of Minnesota to neighboring states that have lower taxes or incentives. (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
Obama's dangerous benevolence
Presidents since Woodrow Wilson have alternated American diplomacy between self-interest (anti-terrorist preemption), and idealism (international aid). President Obama is setting his dualistic course. (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
Reconsider aid to Israel
Our minds are on the economy now and on our taxes so this may be a good time to mention that American taxpayers give nearly $7 million to Israel EVERY DAY in non-repayable loans.
Our blind economic, political, and moral support for Israel is dysfunctional and irresponsible. American-Israeli lobbies... (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
Reconsider aid to Israel
Our minds are on the economy now and on our taxes so this may be a good time to mention that American taxpayers give nearly $7 million to Israel EVERY DAY in non-repayable loans.
Our blind economic, political, and moral support for Israel is dysfunctional and irresponsible. American-Israeli lobbies... (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
Reconsider aid to Israel
Our minds are on the economy now and on our taxes so this may be a good time to mention that American taxpayers give nearly $7 million to Israel EVERY DAY in non-repayable loans.
Our blind economic, political, and moral support for Israel is dysfunctional and irresponsible. American-Israeli lobbies... (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
No room for moderates in GOP
It is time for moderate Republicans to leave the Party.
Rush Limbaugh has now invited John McCain to leave the Republican Party. That being said, maybe all those whose views are moderate and not ultra-right should also leave the party. (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)
Child care professionals are world's underpaid, unsung heroes
Child care organizations and parents across the globe are joining together Friday to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day. This is a special day to recognize child care providers and others who work with children and are responsible for their education and care. (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)
Encourage Coleman to concede
While I understand Norm Coleman's legal right to appeal his election, recount, and court loss, at some point his right has to be weighed against the right of 5 million Minnesotans to have two senators in Congress working for us. (Thursday, May 7, 2009)
Smarty pants dismisses denim
Regarding George Will's column "Denim reigns supreme in cult of the slovenly" from April 18.
I recently was silently reviewing my octogenarian life -- that of caring friend, wife, mother, grandmother; honest, tax-paying American citizen; and sometime-poet and writer. (Friday, May 8, 2009)
Legislator needs a math lesson
Rep. Ryan Winkler said in his guest column that Minnesota's tax system is more unfair than ever; that the governor's "no new taxes" mantra has saddled Minnesota's middle class with a heavy, regressive tax burden. He said that households earning $113,000 or less pay roughly 12.3 percent of their... (Saturday, May 9, 2009)
Remember Germany's successes
A recent column by Kathleen Parker discussing President Obama's invitation to speak at the University of Notre Dame is indeed thought-provoking and requires some comment. Whether President Obama should have been invited is a matter to be decided among Roman Catholics concerned with such matters.... (Monday, May 11, 2009)
Support primary seatbelt law
As a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, and an emergency room nurse, I am urging everyone to support the primary seatbelt law for Minnesota. This law would help us become pro-active in preventing deaths, and long-term injury, to those involved in motor vehicle crashes. (Monday, May 11, 2009)
'Chasing the Wind' section was one-sided
I read with interest your "Chasing the Wind" insert from April 22. I believe it was one-sided and inaccurate.
It's like asking a new car salesman if buying a new car is a good idea. The fact that 40 percent of all generated power goes to waste wasn't mentioned. There was no interview with Dairyland... (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)
'Chasing the Wind' section was one-sided
I read with interest your "Chasing the Wind" insert from April 22. I believe it was one-sided and inaccurate.
It's like asking a new car salesman if buying a new car is a good idea. The fact that 40 percent of all generated power goes to waste wasn't mentioned. There was no interview with Dairyland... (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)
'Chasing the Wind' section was one-sided
I read with interest your "Chasing the Wind" insert from April 22. I believe it was one-sided and inaccurate.
It's like asking a new car salesman if buying a new car is a good idea. The fact that 40 percent of all generated power goes to waste wasn't mentioned. There was no interview with Dairyland... (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)
Tax changes -- selective use of what's fair?
House proposals to replace the mortgage and tax deductions with a credit have been advanced on the basis of fairness. Proponents state a mortgage interest deduction should not save more for a higher income taxpayer than for a more moderate income taxpayer. (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)
Budget needs balanced solution
In the next couple days, critical decisions will be made about the state budget. We need Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state leaders to support a balanced solution that raises revenue fairly and cuts wasteful spending. (Thursday, May 14, 2009)
Don't legislate through fear
In response to Patricia Christofferson's support of a "primary seat belt law" I offer the following: She and others of the same mind set need to re-focus on what it is that they are favoring. Any time that a governing body assumes an identity allowing it to gain more control over the people who... (Friday, May 15, 2009)
Protect families, Gov. Pawlenty
I have advice for state leaders who are struggling to fix our budget deficit.
First, protect Minnesota families, especially those hurt by the poor economy. Second, make taxes fair so the wealthy start paying their fair share -- it's the only way we can invest in a better future. (Saturday, May 16, 2009)
Certify Franken now
I strongly urge Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and Gov. Tim Pawlenty to do the correct thing and sign the election certification of Senator-elect Al Franken.
Politics aside, Sen. Franken was elected by the voters of this state and we all need for the individuals to do the right thing and follow the... (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)
All should have health insurance
I am dismayed at the beginning discussions to "reform" our ailing health care system. Most Americans and doctors favor a government-sponsored health care system similar to those of every other industrialized country in the world that puts people, not profits, first. (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)
Bipartisan rail effort commendable
I applaud Gov. Tim Pawlenty, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and our area legislators on their bipartisan support regarding a new rail corridor that will provide for our area's growth, as well as the protection of our residents. (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)
Civil unions, not marriage, for gays
If you haven't noticed lately, the tail is increasingly wagging the dog. A growing secular-liberal movement has enabled a small minority of gay-rights activists to prevail over the will of a clear majority of Americans. This is evident in their redefinition of a millennium's-old concept of marriage... (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)
Babies need dental care, too
Did you know that there is something you can do to give your baby a healthy smile even before he or she is born?
Dental hygiene during pregnancy is often overlooked and this can have a big impact on your baby's health. Dental hygiene is an important part of overall well-being for both mom and baby... (Thursday, May 21, 2009)
Stay strong in war against drugs
During the Vietnam War era, by the time I was discharged from the service America had dramatically shifted from simple beer into marijuana, hashish and cocaine. The jungle had come to America.
As I passed through class after class at Columbia University for my B.A. and then pre-med credits, many... (Friday, May 22, 2009)
'Minnesota Nice' is real in Rochester
Five weeks ago I had foot surgery that required having my foot in a cast. As I "hopped" around Rochester in my hot pink cast, I was amazed at the number of people who offered to lend a helping hand!
The many people who volunteered to open a door for me, help with my crutches, or carry a bag make... (Saturday, May 23, 2009)
Executive branch should make cuts
In response to the letter entitled "State needs to pare down government work force" the writer blames members of the Minnesota Legislature for not cutting the number of state employees.
The writer is aiming his disdain in the wrong direction. The responsibility of setting the number of state... (Thursday, May 28, 2009)
Compassion for first responders
In the aftermath of 9/11, I thought daily of the first responders who rushed into collapsing buildings to help those who were rushing out. Of course, as time goes by and daily stress mounts, I am ashamed to say I have thought less and less often of these heroes. (Friday, May 29, 2009)
U.S. Senate works against itself -- and us
Strange how the Senate works against itself and the citizens that it represents. It denies funds to close Guantanamo Prison because it didn't see a clear plan, yet the Senate never hesitated to fund the ill-planned, deceitfully promoted wars against Iraq and Afghanistan. (Monday, June 1, 2009)
Health care industry is failing America
Our health care delivery is un-American. Americans do not abandon their fellows in a moment of crisis, like the Great Depression, like World War II, like international terrorism, like the health care crisis. Rather, Americans come together and face their problems which always results in an era of... (Monday, June 1, 2009)
Population causes unclean air
In response to the May 15 letter entitled "Clean Air Should be Birthright," I would like to take issue with the author's refusal to point out the major underlying solution to clearing up our dirty air. (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)
Don't forget 'little cemetery'
Every year at our little cemetery, we gather on Memorial Day for the ceremony given by the local Veterans Administration to honor our vets and to give thanks for their service.
The people scheduled to be there never showed up! (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)
GOP policies rightly prevail
Colin Powell attacked Republican "extremists," perhaps to earn redemption for his weapons of mass destruction speech at the United Nations.
After not voting for moderate "Big Tent McCain," Powell advised Republicans to expand their tent, but disregard conservatives. Unified Democrats defeated... (Thursday, June 4, 2009)
Protect our limited fishing resources
I live close to the Willow Creek reservoir and am able to observe the number of people enjoying the area on a daily basis in all seasons.
Many young families looking for affordable quality time to spend with their kids seem to be a big part of the mix. Teaching a kid how to fish; it's just part of... (Saturday, June 6, 2009)
Greg Sellnow
Editorial Page Coordinator
Jay Johnson
Editorial Writer
Ed Fischer
Editorial Cartoonist
| 
