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Editorial

Some innovation needed for Biden’s inauguration

What if you built an expensive, elaborate reviewing stand for a parade and on the big day, it overlooked an empty street? That is the question both President-elect Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump must answer within just a few weeks. Inauguration day for American presidents has been a really big deal in the past. Hundreds of thousands of people pack the area at the U.S. Capitol where the new chief executive is being sworn in. About 1,600 dignitaries are on the platform with him. Then follows an enormous parade through Washington and finally, a round of inaugural ...

Governors should be concerned

With the coronavirus coming back strong, a number of governors have already ordered new — or rather, renewed — steps to combat the disease. Most are reluctant to mandate widespread business closings, however. There are very good reasons for that. Our economy may not be able to withstand another blow like that earlier this year. A truly impressive comeback has occurred. At last report, the U.S. unemployment rate had decreased to 6.9%. That is a remarkable demonstration of the economy’s basic strength. Numbers can be deceivingly comforting, however. That 6.9% in reality means ...

Operation Warp Speed on vaccine for virus

President-elect Joe Biden is correct in making the COVID-19 epidemic his top priority. But Biden’s strategy will — thank heaven — be much different than that of incumbent President Donald Trump. Limiting the coronavirus’ spread and treating those infected by it have had to be the Trump administration’s battle plan. Whether one agrees with how the president has handled it or not, his options were limited. But give credit where it is due: Trump’s “Operation Warp Speed” regarding development and production of a vaccine against COVID was the right call. It gives Biden ...

Uniting all of us

How fortuitous it is that this week, while the attention of millions of Americans seems focused on controversy, we take time out to honor those about whom we are in complete agreement: veterans of military service. No matter how we view politics, we are united in revering the men and women who have served and do serve us in uniform. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard are the solid wall behind which our freedoms rest. They serve us not as Democrats, Republicans, Independents or adherents to any particular political philosophy. They serve us simply as Americans. It is ...

Time to check those carbon monoxide alarms in the home

As winter draws near and homes are shut up and sealed against the chill, it’s time to consider safety steps against the risk of carbon monoxide gas. “Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur almost anywhere and I hope Michiganders take this time to prepare and prevent this life-threatening issue,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in proclaiming Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Week leading up to the turning back of clocks this past Sunday morning. “Awareness about carbon monoxide safety is a top priority, and Michiganders are encouraged to learn about this poisonous gas and ...

Census needs a restart

Census Bureau officials’ claim the agency was able to collect information from 99.9% of the households in America strains credibility. It would during normal times, not to mention the middle of a deadly epidemic. If officials in several states, cities and organizations are right, the bureau simply isn’t telling the truth. In fact, some officials within it made up reports on households. A lawsuit has been filed against the bureau by the National Urban League, the states of Massachusetts, North Carolina and Texas, and assorted others with interests in the population count. ...