First I spent long moments trying to decide upon my greatest moral failing. Then I spent longer moments asking myself whether I'd really want to share that failing with an audience of millions.
So much for playing along at home.
(Monday, August 25, 2008)
David Broder -- McCain not only GOP candidate gaining ground
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- When Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, lists the November races that will swell his party's majority, New Hampshire is one of the first he brags about. (Tuesday, August 26, 2008)
George Will -- Believing is seeing for liberals like Obama
Barack Obama has made his economic thinking excruciatingly clear, so it also is clear that his running mate should have been not Joe Biden, but Rumpelstiltskin. He spun straw into gold, a skill an Obama administration will need in order to fulfill its fairy-tale promises. (Tuesday, August 26, 2008)
Olympic drama outstrips political conventions
By James Klurfeld
Like a lot of you, I've spent most of my evenings the last two weeks, late into the night, watching the summer Olympics from China.
So what should I do now that the Olympics are over? Watch the political conventions? (Tuesday, August 26, 2008)
With careful scripts, are political conventions still worth it?
At my first political convention, Adlai Stevenson unexpectedly left his vice-presidential choice to the delegates. It led to an exciting two-ballot battle but saddled him with a running mate he didn't much like. (Wednesday, August 27, 2008)
Editorial -- Brace yourself for soaring heating bills
It's late summertime, and the living's easy -- especially if you're one of those people who cringes every time you hear the air conditioner kick in.
That's not been much of a problem of late. It's been a glorious August in southeastern Minnesota, featuring sunny days, cool nights and little of the... (Wednesday, August 27, 2008)
Getting stared at while driving? It's probably just me
By Jeff Hansel
I was hit by a car earlier this month as I crossed 11th Avenue Northwest in Rochester.
The bumper struck my left shin, knocking me onto the hood of the car. (Wednesday, August 27, 2008)
Thomas Friedman -- The melting pot vs. the Great Wall
reports that there are 33 foreign-born players on the U.S. Olympic team, including four Chinese-born table tennis players, a kayaker from Britain, seven members of the track-and-field team -- as well as Lopez Lomong, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan's civil war, who was resettled in the U.S. by... (Wednesday, August 27, 2008)
Editorial -- Learn from other school district's funding woes
The Rochester School Board has dealt with its share of controversy in the past year -- the achievement gap, efficacy training, naming its new elementary school, pay raises for the superintendent's cabinet members. But we should all be grateful that we're not grappling with the problems being faced... (Thursday, August 28, 2008)
David Brooks -- Obama a man for the times
DENVER -- I flew into the airport here on Sunday and the pilot could barely land because of the fog of bad advice. Democrats are nervous because Barack Obama's polling lead has evaporated. And when Democrats are nervous, all the Santa Monica Machiavellis emerge from their fundraisers offering words... (Thursday, August 28, 2008)
Leonard Pitts Jr. -- 'Katrina's Children' wise beyond years
You cannot watch Laura Belsey's movie without ruminating upon the myriad ways we fail our young.
There are many wrenching scenes in "Katrina's Children" but arguably the most wrenching is not the girl crying because the hurricane left her so fearful of water she can no longer swim, or the boys... (Friday, August 29, 2008)
Editorial -- Wait for outcome of police investigation
Questions abound about the circumstances in which a suspect in a narcotics sting was shot and killed Tuesday in Dodge Center.
Was Mario Alejandro Molina-Campos armed? Was he in possession of illegal drugs? Was he attempting to flee when he was shot, or was he deliberately using his car as a weapon... (Friday, August 29, 2008)
Bill O'Obama's calls for 'restraint' won't win the White House
If Barack Obama somehow loses the presidential race, he might partially blame Vlad "the Assailer" Putin.
Since Russia invaded Georgia earlier this month, the world's attention has been focused on NATO's response to the brutality. On balance, the response has been tepid to say the least. President... (Saturday, August 30, 2008)
Leonard Pitts Jr. -- A promise fulfilled, a dream redeemed
He spoke of the promise before he spoke of the dream.
In the first part of the momentous speech he gave at the Lincoln Memorial, the part schoolchildren don't memorize and pundits never quote, Martin Luther King Jr. reminded a watching world that in writing the Constitution and the Declaration of... (Saturday, August 30, 2008)
Media just doing its job, giving people what they want
By Peggy Drexler
NEW YORK -- Hillary Clinton says the media pushed her out of the race. Barack Obama says the media are picking on his wife. John McCain says the media are treating him like yesterday's losing lottery ticket. (Tuesday, September 2, 2008)
Obama chose the safe route
The Democrats had themselves a successful convention -- at the price of appearing quite conventional. (Wednesday, December 31, 2008)
GOP can't solve problems while denying they exist
My first reaction to Bill Clinton's convention speech was sheer professional jealousy: Nobody, but nobody, has his ability to translate economic wonkery into plain, forceful English. In effect,... (Monday, September 1, 2008)
National energy strategy needed - now
By Lee M. Thomas
Last month, former Vice President Al Gore highlighted the triple threat embedded in our reliance on fossil fuels -- the growing strains to our economy, our environment and our national security. He issued a ringing challenge to America's leaders to generate 100 percent of our... (Wednesday, December 31, 2008)
Editorial -- One Saturday isn't too much to ask of parents
Parents, it's time to do your part to help ensure that your children receive a great education.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, anyone with an interest in the Rochester Public Schools is invited to the Rochester Education Summit, which will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University Center Rochester.This event is... (Monday, September 1, 2008)
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,... ()
Hockey rinks clutter grounds
The city fathers of Rochester must be patting themselves on their back for the first step in getting the Olmsted Fair out of town by putting the hockey rinks in the middle of the fairgrounds.
It used to be interesting to go straight through from one end to the other, which we cannot do now. We have... (Saturday, August 16, 2008)
If Iraqis pay for reconstruction, it would hasten national reco
I agree with Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., who recently said, "The Iraqi government now has tens of billions of dollars at its disposal to fund large-scale reconstruction projects. It is inexcusable for U.S. taxpayers to continue to foot the bill for projects the Iraqis are fully capable of funding... (Monday, August 18, 2008)
Rochester leaders are good stewards
As I drove to work I could not help but to think about what a nice addition the trees shrubs and plants along Highway 52 will do to beautify our city.
Rochester is lucky to have the city leaders we do -- the stewardship of the Mayo Foundation, every business, business person and citizens who work ... (Tuesday, August 19, 2008)
Follow the entire Constitution
Barry W. Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State opposes President Bush's "faith-based" initiative. I agree and appreciate Mr. Lynn's concern for the Constitution and the issue of religion. (Tuesday, August 19, 2008)
Wojcik will be responsible leader
Recently we welcomed our first child, a beautiful baby girl, into this world. As new parents we share many public safety concerns with others in Rochester. We worry about escalating gang activity and drugs, but we also worry about the crossing guard that had to jump out of the way of a driver near... (Tuesday, August 19, 2008)
Rochester leaders are good stewards
As I drove to work I could not help but to think about what a nice addition the trees shrubs and plants along Highway 52 will do to beautify our city.
Rochester is lucky to have the city leaders we do -- the stewardship of the Mayo Foundation, every business, business person and citizens who work ... (Tuesday, August 19, 2008)
Follow the entire Constitution
Barry W. Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State opposes President Bush's "faith-based" initiative. I agree and appreciate Mr. Lynn's concern for the Constitution and the issue of religion. (Tuesday, August 19, 2008)
Wojcik will be responsible leader
Recently we welcomed our first child, a beautiful baby girl, into this world. As new parents we share many public safety concerns with others in Rochester. We worry about escalating gang activity and drugs, but we also worry about the crossing guard that had to jump out of the way of a driver near... (Tuesday, August 19, 2008)
Energy crisis comprehensive approach
Thomas McClanahan's Aug. 15 column, "Energy Plans too Familiar," contains numerous inaccuracies and misunderstandings of the energy challenges the United States faces, and the comprehensive solutions Sen. Obama has offered. McClanahan sadly repeats the repeatedly debunked prescription for our energy... (Wednesday, August 20, 2008)
County needs to be up-front about Wabasha County justice center
Wabasha County commissioners Springer, Riester and Dwelle have been busy disputing all the "misinformation" regarding the criminal justice center appearing in the editorial segment of the newspapers.
Taxpayers need only digest the official reports that portray that the jail is on the budget, cuts... (Thursday, August 21, 2008)
Political ads are demeaning
As I watch television and read the printed press, I am becoming increasingly disgusted with political advertisements that emphasize and disparage the perceived shortcomings of candidates for public office. (Friday, August 22, 2008)
Family honors son, raises money for important cancer research
On behalf of the faculty and staff of The Hormel Institute, we give our deep and sincere thanks to Kurt and Brenda Potach and the hardworking "Karl Tourney" team and the many participants for such a successful cancer research fundraising golf tournament. (Saturday, August 23, 2008)
Don't minimize A-bomb's atrocity
In response to Mr. Clikeman's letter from Wednesday, I would like to say that he has a point in saying that the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings are often remembered out of context.
However, the fact that Japan's government was murdering, torturing, and raping civilians of neighboring countries does... (Monday, August 25, 2008)
Decision on Lake Shady was correct
As an actual park commissioner, I felt it my duty to respond to the letter in Aug. 14 edition of the Post-Bulletin concerning the problems at Lake Shady in Oronoco.
Tom Ryan is not a park commissioner but the superintendent of Olmsted County parks. His duties as superintendent include ensuring the... (Monday, August 25, 2008)
Yard sign complaint against Day unfounded
This is in regard to a letter critical of Sen. Dick Day's campaign for Congress in which it was alleged that the campaign was putting up signs in public rights of way.
I put the signs up for Sen. Day in Rochester, and we would never use public property. We know our campaign is doing well when the... (Tuesday, August 26, 2008)
Masque is a worthy 'extra'
For the past few years my children have been taking classes and attending plays at The Masque Youth Theatre and School in Rochester.
It has been an incredible experience for them and I have seen their confidence and self-esteem flourish. The teachers that have worked with my children have provided a... (Thursday, August 28, 2008)
The sacrifice of innocent victims
More than 60 years ago innocent human beings were vaporized in two nuclear holocausts, yet some people persist in excusing those crimes with the claim that they "saved lives."
That myth should have been buried long ago by the fact that President Truman himself expressed misgivings about the... (Friday, August 29, 2008)
Wojcik's financial expertise needed on council
I asked Michael Wojcik what he thought about property taxes in Rochester and found his answer to be refreshingly honest.
He started that anyone who claims that they will magically lower your taxes is either a fool or a liar. Taxes are often determined by items outside of the control of a city like... (Tuesday, September 2, 2008)
Deadly force is unnecessary
How many more people will it take who get shot and get killed senselessly, some of them innocent children or innocent bystanders?
No one deserves to die from the hands of a police officer, especially with the new technology of Tasers or maybe police dogs. (Wednesday, September 3, 2008)
The right things for Rochester
Rochester is a tremendous city. We have a lot of which to be proud. My family and I have had a wonderful life in this city. I have found the people of Rochester to be active, hard working, smart, and progressive. (Thursday, September 4, 2008)
Bringing job growth to Minnesota
Our Legislature made wise investments and enacted policy to create good-paying jobs throughout Minnesota. The Legislature authorized the University of Minnesota to invest in research -- estimated to create 4,800 jobs in Minnesota. The University and Mayo Genomics Partnership has proven that... (Thursday, September 4, 2008)
Two questions about Lake Shady
This is in regard to a letter to the editor by Kerry Crowley that responded to my earlier letter about the Lake Shady dam.
I have been a union construction worker for many years and I can throw OSHA standards around until I'm blue. I live in Oronoco and I have been to the dam many times. I also know... (Friday, September 5, 2008)
Working for efficient government
I am seeking re-election for Olmsted County Commissioner District 7 because I have unfinished business.
This year I have served on 23 committees. I have partnered with over 125 federal, state, county, city, township, private, non-profit, and citizen groups and individuals. Building these kinds of... (Friday, September 5, 2008)
Consumers being gouged at the pump
Gasoline prices do not reflect the current drop in crude oil. Consumers continue to be gouged by the oil companies and at the pump. The percentage drop in crude oil should reflect a consumer cost of $3 per gallon at the pump. (Saturday, September 6, 2008)
Marcoux understands city's needs
Economic and environmental changes are impacting our way of life. How we plan and respond to these changes is critical. Planning for transit and alternative modes of transportation in our future is going to be crucial. My strong background and experience in transportation planning, serving as... (Saturday, September 6, 2008)
Don't park illegally near schools
I would like to bring attention to the issues involved with parents of school-aged children parking illegally.
My mother lives across the street from an elementary school. I have noticed that when people come to pick up their children, they violate many parking laws. Many people park in front of, or... (Monday, September 8, 2008)
City pools should focus on customers
To the Post Bulletin: It is no mystery why our park and recreation department struggles for funding -- in particular, keeping the Silver Lake pool open -- when they practice such inconsistencies as closing between 6 and 7 p.m. due to low head count and turn away additional patrons, only to reopen an... (Monday, September 8, 2008)
When can law enforcement vehicles speed?
Recently, as I drove into Rochester on 12th Street Southeast, I witnessed a law enforcement vehicle driving east at an excessive rate of speed. The posted speed limit there is 40 mph. This vehicle was passing cars at a rate that I can only assume was closer to 60 mph. There were no flashing light or... (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)
Outcry over Rochester school district salaries was appropriate
Taxpayer concern for the school district's $10 million to $13 million budget shortfall and the $22 million ignored retirees' fund not yet addressed in the budget led to the public input which received extensive media attention these past weeks. I find it to be out of line that the public concern... (Friday, September 12, 2008)
Thousands of lives hang in the balance, awaiting donor organs
I would like to extend a warm thank you to Jeff Hansel and the Post-Bulletin for sharing the life and death of Alice Roberts through the series "Borrowing Time" (September 12-16). My deepest sympathies go out to the Roberts family; I hope their memories of Alice and the love of their family and... (Saturday, September 20, 2008)
We need a maverick like Pat Carr
We would like to call on Ward 4 voters to support Pat Carr. Maverick is a buzz word this election and Pat is a maverick. He doesn't go along just to get along. We need a dissenting voice of reason on the city council to balance the good ole boys courthouse gang. (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)
Why isn't gasoline down to $3 per gallon?
Gasoline prices do not reflect the current drop in crude oil. Consumers continue to be gouged by the oil companies and at the pump.
The percentage drop in crude oil should reflect a consumer cost of $3 per gallon at the pump. (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)
Don't destroy embryonic cells for research
The front-page article in the Sept. 12 Post-Bulletin brings up many questions.
It seems Mayo Research is excited about embryonic stem cells curing a congenital heart condition in a mouse. After transplanting 200,000 embryonic stem cells into the mouse, the heart function improved and new healthy... (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)
Letter writer doesn't understand efficacy
As the parent of two students at Riverside, a school that needs "all hands on deck" (whatever that means), I can only hope that Sue Nee won't be one of those sets of hands.
How fortunate that Nee was able to build a 25-year career, have three children, and have the means to stay at home with them... (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)
Big Oil is accountable to no one
Of course gas prices are manipulated. It's Nancy Pelosi's fault. It's Bush-Cheney's fault.
Big Oil sets the price because they can. It's also why no new refineries have been built. They don't need them. I think that they should drill and drill until everyone has a well in their backyard.... (Thursday, September 25, 2008)
Andy Welti dedicated to going green
The energy crisis demands that we elect legislators who strongly support the creation of green jobs; energy conservation and efficiency; renewable energy; and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Andy Welti is such a legislator. (Thursday, September 25, 2008)
Bailout's cost too hard to swallow
The Wall Street Bankers did not want regulation as long as they were making money. Now that they are in trouble, they want to change the system.
Bingo! Here's the plan. Heads, the Wall Street Bankers win. Tails, the taxpayers lose. This appears to be the solution our current leaders are coming up... (Thursday, September 25, 2008)
Preston City Council is DNR's puppet
Preston and the Department of Natural Resources want a bike trail in Carimona Valley. The Preston City Council voted to take two parcels in rural Carimona Valley by using the power of condemnation.
We believe the DNR is using the city council as its puppet. If the DNR wasn't bankrolling this trail... (Saturday, September 27, 2008)
Patriotism has become dirty word
On Aug. 18, the MCFIR held a town meeting to inform people about the Rule of Law (Constitution) concerning illegal immigration and how to stop the "illegal alien" (what the U.S. Constitution calls them) invasion in our community. Most of the attendees were concerned citizens and veterans. (Saturday, September 27, 2008)
Greg Sellnow
Editorial Page Coordinator
Jay Johnson
Editorial Writer
Ed Fischer
Editorial Cartoonist
