Excerpts of recent editorials from Indiana newspapers:
On the president’s speech at Notre Dame:
Shortly after it was announced that President Barack Obama would speak and receive an honorary degree at Notre Dame on May 17, Bishop John D’Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese said he would not be attending the graduation, citing Obama’s views on abortion and stem cell research. Pro-life groups have pledged to hold a protest near campus on graduation day leading one senior to declare that he was “embarrassed to be a Catholic.”
The Rev. John W. Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president, said Obama’s invitation doesn’t mean Notre Dame condones the president’s views and called the visit “basis for further positive engagement.”
Politics cannot be divorced from the educational process that culminates in graduation. Though Notre Dame is fundamentally a religious school, political issues are an everyday reality, as they are in all walks of life.
Some people may be bothered by the choice of speaker, but it’s good for the democratic process to listen and react to opposing views. We cannot shut ourselves into cocoons and be comfortable in our own beliefs. If freedom of speech means anything, it means to challenge and provoke and be returned in kind.
The spirit of free speech is alive and well on the campus of Notre Dame, and that should be celebrated.
– The Herald Bulletin, Anderson
On GM president’s ouster:
We found mention of the separation of powers, establishing an executive branch, a legislative branch and the judiciary. We found mention of elections. We found First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion.
But as we read through the U.S. Constitution and its accompanying 27 amendments, we found nothing about a presidential right to fire CEOs of any private firm with which a president is dissatisfied.
Maybe President Barack Obama didn’t exactly do The Donald by thumping his palm on his desk in the Oval Office, looking at General Motors President Richard Wagoner and saying, “Dick, you’re fired.” But the message was quite clear — find a new CEO or start working on those bankruptcy papers. Now.
There’s a problem when the government becomes so cozy with private business. It’s too much leverage, leverage and coziness that we find unacceptable and unconstitutional. Regulate business? Sure. The Constitution outlines the federal regulation of business, although we’d contend the less the better.
Could it be that the board of directors should have sacked Wagoner long before now? Maybe so. But that’s a decision best left with the board of directors and stockholders, not the president of the United States or one of his designees.
– The Tribune, Seymour
On dog in gymnasium during h.s. game:
Plymouth police went too far when they took a police dog into the gymnasium during a basketball game between Gary Roosevelt and Rochester high schools.
The incident happened at the March 14 Plymouth Regional. Some fans went onto the basketball court several times. The referee asked school officials for help, and the lone police officer providing security at the game called for backup. Four police officers responded, including an officer who brought a police dog.
The presence of the police dog was at best overreacting to the incident and was taken by many at the game to be a racial insult. Gary legislators said they will look into the issue, including possible litigation and possible legislation. It shouldn’t need to be taken that far.
Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter and IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress should pressure the police brass to apologize to everyone at the game. In addition, the police need training in the proper use of a police dog and in racial and cultural sensitivity. The police response was an embarrassment to the city and needs to be addressed quickly.
– The Times, Munster
Opinion
Weekly wrap - Monday, April 6, 2009
- Opinion
-
-
White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
-
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
-
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
-
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
-
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
-
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
-
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
-
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
-
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
-
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
White shouldn’t return to office
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
