Excerpts from recent editorials in newspapers in the United States and abroad:
May 5
Akron Beacon Journal, on the fifth anniversary of President Bush's "Mission Accomplished" declaration:
Thursday (May 1) marked five years since President Bush landed on the deck of the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, declaring, under the banner "Mission Accomplished": "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed." On that day, the toll of American dead in Iraq stood at 140. Today, the count exceeds 4,000. That moment, the president so full of himself, has become representative of a White House arrogant, unknowing and ill-prepared.
More, the scene has become emblematic of an attitude of loose optimism. Capture Saddam Hussein, and the tide would turn. Or hold elections. Or craft a constitution. Or launch the "surge," which for all the "breathing space" achieved has yet to yield the necessary political reconciliation among Iraqis.
The strategy still amounts to waiting for Iraqis to do their part. What the Bush team failed to understand is how difficult that would prove in such a fractured country. Count the days, 1,874 since the president's carrier declaration, and you revisit the concern: What has the Iraq mission accomplished overall, with Iran emboldened, American influence diminished -- and most telling, al-Qaida and the Taliban regrouping in what has become a haven in western Pakistan, along the border with Afghanistan? ...
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On the Net:
http://www.ohio.com/editorial/opinions/18570594.html
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May 1
Houston Chronicle, on the children of the Yearning for Zion Ranch:
It's the largest custody case in U.S. history. With almost 500 children separated from their parents, members of a religious sect in West Texas, the challenge for the state courts and child welfare officials will be to strike a critical balance between ensuring each parent and child's right to due process under the law and protecting vulnerable children from immediate danger. ...
Separated from their parents, the children might be more willing to talk about whether they've been hurt. However, authorities also must ensure that lawyers appointed to represent the children have appropriate access to their young clients. Barring that, state officials might exert their own undue influence on these vulnerable youngsters, perhaps subtly encouraging them to provide questionable testimony to support the controversial decision to separate parents and offspring. ...
State officials must not shift the too-stingy resources allocated to protect those already in state care to this huge new group of children, but instead must bring new funding to bear. And the public should demand that every allegation of harm to a child receive the same urgent attention and care that have been given to the unfortunate children of the Yearning for Zion Ranch.
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On the Net:
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May 1
The Durango (Colo.) Herald, on interest rates and inflation:
As expected, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates again April 30, by another quarter of a percentage point. It is the seventh such cut since August. As The Wall Street Journal had predicted, Fed officials appear to want some "insurance against a deeper recession."
With that, however, the Fed also suggested that this might be the last such cut for the time being and that it will monitor inflation carefully. That is welcome news, for while recession is a concern, perhaps the greater need now is for increased protection against inflation. ...
Artificially low interest rates ... both encourage excess borrowing and discourage savings -- neither of which help the economy in the long run. Much of the subprime mess dragging down the housing industry stemmed from too-easy money. And much of the debt hobbling families nationwide is a reflection of our negative national savings rate.
Higher interest rates could also dampen the rising price of oil, by bolstering the sagging dollar. That alone might counter any negative effect on borrowing.
The Fed is right to take a break from its rate-cutting spree. It has done what it can to stimulate the economy and should now focus on keeping inflation in check.
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On the Net:
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May 6
St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, on a bill that would bar employers and health insurers from access to a person's genetic information:
There are times when the law has to catch up with science, and Congress took a step in that direction. By huge bipartisan majorities, lawmakers passed a bill to bar discrimination by employers and health insurers on the basis of a person's genes. The move should be applauded, even if it stops short of everything proponents wanted.
The idea of shielding people from adverse consequences when third parties have access to their genetic information has been kicking around the halls of Congress for a decade or more. But until recently the concerns seemed more theoretical than real. ...
But doctors say that thousands of patients have avoided these valuable windows into the future for fear that the information could be used against them. Research has also been stymied by the unwillingness of so many people to allow the reading of their genetic tea leaves. ...
If the bill becomes law, as is expected, it would mean that insurance companies could not consider genetic information in setting rates or in determining what benefits to offer. And employers would be barred from using genetic information in hiring, firing or compensation decisions. A violation would carry a fine up to $300,000. ...
Our genes in many ways contain hints about our vitality and mortality. Those with an unlucky draw shouldn't also have to worry about losing a job or affordable health insurance coverage just when they need it most.
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On the Net:
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article489863.ece
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May 2
The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tenn., on weapons and national parks:
The right to bear arms, as provided in our Constitution, gets as much emotional and spirited debate as does the issue of church and state. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne says he'll soon review the rule that bans loaded weapons in national parks.
The fact 51 U.S. senators, including Tennessee's Bob Corker, support lifting the ban might have something to do with his thinking. But the fact seven former directors of the National Park Service, plus the Association of National Park Rangers and other advocacy groups oppose lifting the ban should say something, too.
It's one place where people can hike, fish, drive and climb in relative peace. Bringing loaded weapons into a largely undeveloped park -- especially one that draws 9 million people a year like the Smokies -- is asking for trouble where little trouble now exists. ...
The right to bear arms was never intended to be an unrestricted, absolute right beyond the grasp of reasonable laws, any more than Freedom of Speech was meant to allow you to say anything you want at any time. The Bill of Rights is a wonderful document whose freedoms must be fought for, but there must be places in our society where loaded guns are not allowed. ...
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On the Net:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd1211
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May 1
Journal Star, Peoria, Ill., on Rev. Jeremiah Wright:
Obviously the Rev. Jeremiah Wright wants his former congregant, Barack Obama, to lose his bid for the presidency, judging by his performance of the past week. In a perverse way, it makes sense: A successful black man climbing the ladder to its very top rung -- leader of the free world -- would threaten to put the reverend out of a job railing against an unjust, racist society oppressing African-Americans. ...
In a way it's sad to see an otherwise accomplished man -- from decorated Marine fighting for his country to builder of an influential mega-church in Chicago; no one does that without smarts and savvy -- spontaneously combust the way Wright has. Sadder still for Obama, who is watching the worst nightmare of his political career unfold.
... Obama finally seemed to recognize that, doing what he did not in an otherwise inspired speech regarding Wright and race relations in America last month in Philadelphia -- officially and without equivocation disowning the minister. "Whatever relationship I had with Rev. Wright has changed as a consequence of this," said Obama, accusing Wright of "giving comfort to those who prey on hate" and calling his "rants ... appalling."
Is that enough? ...
Ultimately, the irony here is inescapable: The black man who dared be president, being undermined by the black man who dared him to hope, and to try. Maybe it's a good thing Obama is being tested now; he'll have no shortage of far more formidable challenges in the White House, should he get there.
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On the Net:
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May 4
The Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N.Y., on mortgage relief bill:
The mortgage relief -- read bailout -- legislation advancing through the House weighs in at a bloated $300 billion. That's simply too big a bill in a time of economic uncertainty, with Iraq war funding continuing to escalate.
The job for Congress on this issue is to figure out who among the legions of aggrieved homeowners and fretting lenders walked into their woe with eyes wide open, and who was irresponsibly led by lenders into taking on debt they couldn't afford.
A "relief" bill that adds up to $300 billion in taxpayer money clearly is supporting a lot of people, borrowers and lenders, who don't deserve it. The government can't afford such largesse.
The proposal would provide federal backing to homeowners who want to refinance their mortgages but don't have the money to do so.
Lenders would have to eat the losses on existing mortgages but they get a new security blanket on new ones. ...
The temptation for candidates, as it is for Congress, is to start rescuing people regardless of their responsibility for their plight.
That's a bailout. It's bad for the taxpayer and sends a message to lenders and borrowers that the government will cure every self-inflicted ill.
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On the Net:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com
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May 6
The Los Angeles Times, on racehorses:
As we explore the limits of physical performance, sports trend toward the more extreme, even if it harms rather than enhances the athlete's health. Steroids in baseball, eating disorders in prepubescent gymnasts, whatever it takes to win, until there's a public pushback that threatens the sport. Without industry reform in the near future, it's easy to imagine such a pushback against the biggest athlete of all -- the racehorse.
Saturday's (May 3) Kentucky Derby showcased the spectacular win of a potential Triple Crown winner, Big Brown, and the fatal ankle injuries of Eight Belles, coming just a year after Barbaro was euthanized from injuries suffered in the 2006 Preakness. ...
No one knows how many fatal racing injuries occur nationwide, which is troubling all by itself. How can the horse racing industry control the problem without a firm count and an analysis of what the circumstances were in each case? The most prevalent estimate is 1.5 such accidents per 1,000 race starts. That amounts to roughly two per day. As awareness grows, it's unlikely the public, ever more concerned about animal welfare, will calmly accept the death by racing injury of more than 700 horses each year. ...
For all the anthropomorphic talk about racehorses being "family" and "valiantly" striving to win or overcome injuries, the horses have no choice in this multibillion-dollar industry. The racing world would be smart to put a higher priority on reining in horse injuries and deaths, before public outrage leads to calls for more draconian controls.
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On the Net:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-horse6-2008may06,0,2830684.story
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May 6
Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the disaster in Myanmar:
Urgent steps are required to contain the aftermath of Myanmars deadly cyclone that has taken approximately 4,000 lives and left hundreds of thousands homeless and in desperate need for essentials like food and drinking water.
Already the deadliest cyclone since the 99 Indian storm that was responsible for around 10,000 lives, death figures from Myanmars tragedy could rise dramatically, and very fast, if the right sort of help fails to reach targeted areas in time.
As UN teams and aid agencies rush uninvited supplies to affected regions, Myanmars isolated, uninspired ruling junta is put to the sternest test in recent memory. Judging from the cyclones immediate aftermath, Myanmar has apparently decided not to let unexpected circumstances alter the international diplomatic status quo, even though the changed situation owes to a crying humanitarian catastrophe. Still, the international community, particularly the aid-agency bloc, is bound to act, and the armys rigidity will only make it more difficult for them to reach areas and people most in need of help in time, adding to the final death and misery. ...
Immediately, it is for countries in Myanmars neighborhood, particularly India and China, to make unconditional offers of help for the badly hit people, sidestepping political reservations in favor of the greater human good. The international medias intense scrutiny that will no doubt come with the relief effort will surely put the spot light on the ruling elite more strongly than has been the case. Its better that the generals realize that there is no way things can remain the way they used to once the immediate rush of the relief work subsides. ...
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On the Net:
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May 6
Jerusalem Post, on their Independence Day:
... This Independence Day finds some of us in a funk. The prime minister is under intense police scrutiny. Faith in the basic decency of the men and women who lead the nation has waned. The political system has been irresponsibly undermined by elected officials, judges, holy men and the media. Some in the national-religious community still feel alienated by the trauma of disengagement.
And yet a degree of perspective is in order. From 70 CE, when most Jews were exiled, until 1948, when Jewish sovereignty was regained, this land remained at the epicenter of Jewish aspirations. Absent the collective dream of a return to Zion, the Jewish people would have long ago disappeared from history. And, by the grace of God, we have returned!
The process of state-building remains incomplete - but look how far we've come. The Jewish population in 1948 was 650,000; today it's 6 million. In its first 44 months, while practically bankrupt, Israel absorbed 700,000 Jews. In just 30 years, a million Jews from the former Soviet Union were absorbed. And in the past six years Nefesh B'Nefesh has brought 15,000 olim from affluent countries to Israel.
In 1948 there were two universities, today there are eight. Hebrew is now spoken by millions. In transportation, education, tourism, industry and public health, Israel's progress has been phenomenal. Per capita, our GDP places us in the top tier of nations. ...
Sixty years on, Israel is a regional power, yet still not at peace with all its Arab neighbors. The fight against terrorism demands unrelenting vigilance. Sderot and other southern communities are under intermittent bombardment from the Gaza Strip. ... That the Jewish people have sovereignty and the chance to enjoy a civilizational renascence in this land after a millennium in exile is - quite literally - a miracle. ...
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On the Net:
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May 7
Egyptian Gazette, Cairo, Egypt, on peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel:
For the first time in long months, progress was reported to have been made in peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel. The unconfirmed reports about this progress were announced as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met ... for yet another routine photo session.
Significantly, the headway came a few hours after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left the area following a brief visit meant to set the stage for a farewell trip by U.S. President George W. Bush this month. Whether the reported breakthrough is real or false should not be an issue. What matters the most is to see such progress on the ground. ... What has remained unchanged on the ground is the Palestinians' ordeal. In fact, their tribulations have worsened over recent months. Around 1.5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip are threatened with a humanitarian disaster due to an inexorable Israeli blockade. The situation belies any talk about progress in peacemaking. Ironically, reports about this progress coincided with the Olmert government's announcement of expanding a Jewish settlement in Nablus in West Bank. Until this alleged progress is translated into acts on the ground, the only explanation for citing such headway at present is to raise false hopes ahead of Bush's upcoming visit, which is unlikely to be more than ceremonial and hailing the Jewish state on the 60th anniversary of its creation.
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On the Net:
http://www.algomhuria.net.eg/gazette/1/
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May 7
The Times, London, on Greenland's push for independence:
For most people, the first view of Greenland's icy mountains is from 36,000 feet as they cruise over the world's largest island en route to Los Angeles. It looks chillingly inhospitable: a snowscape, stretching across 836,000 square miles, with no roads, no cities and only sparse settlements along the rugged coastline, home to 57,000 hardy inhabitants. Why did Eric the Red call his discovery green?
To the early Vikings, the coast may indeed have looked verdant, as the weather in the 11th century was a lot warmer up north. The second wave of Viking colonists has found things harsher. Denmark won a court case against Norway for undisputed claim only in 1933, but seven years later Greenlanders were cut off by war, and turned to America for vital supplies. The taste for freedom grew: Greenland flexed its muscles in 1953. In 1979 it won home rule. In 1985 it stormed out of the European Community in a row over fish (still the only EU quitter). Now its Prime Minister is discussing full independence.
Greenland should stop and think of the havoc. Global tables must be rewritten for the world's newest country - the 14th largest, 24th richest, fastest melting and biggest economic magnet - as prospectors and multinationals wait for the retreating ice to reveal a Klondike of gold, platinum, diamonds, lead, zinc, oil, gas and coal. Will Greenland, with a US base at Thule, be part of Europe or America? Will it use the euro and enter the Eurovision song contest? Will it beat the Faroes at football? How will it vote at the UN? There's more than fish, ice and igloos in Nuuk. A mighty new power is set to astonish the world.
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On the Net:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading--article/article3882868.ece
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