Editorial

By JASON HAYES In May, the Edenville Dam failed, leading to flooding that ruined the homes and lives of many Mid-Michigan residents and forced 11,000 people to evacuate. Weeks later, as people ask why the dam failed, the evidence appears to show that both its owner and the state agency charged with regulating the dam set the conditions that caused it to rupture. The dam had survived heavier rains in the past. But on May 19, rising water levels in the Tittabawassee River and Wixom Lake scoured out a section of the dam, and water … [Read more...] about State regulators, dam owner, set conditions for flooding in mid-Michigan

They’re coming for Thomas Jefferson. Protestors in Portland, Ore., used axes and ropes to topple a statue of President Thomas Jefferson. The New York City Council is agitating to remove a statue of the author of the Declaration of Independence from its chambers. At this rate, the Sage of Monticello will be lucky if the Jefferson Memorial isn’t bulldozed and if he isn’t effaced from the nickel. Jefferson is, to use the argot of the day, the most “problematic” of the Founders. The Virginian was a slave owner who, despite his … [Read more...] about Thomas Jefferson must stand

By LEE H. HAMILTON These are uncertain, divided times for our nation. Unemployment is at mind-boggling levels, a virus we still don’t fully understand is stifling the course of ordinary life, many businesses are struggling, nationwide protests continue against systemic and deep-seated racism, and local policy makers face rising questions about policing and public safety. It’s no surprise that this is one of those rare moments of national reflection about our future course. It’s also a moment of great attention to our political … [Read more...] about We all have to make this work

If the owners of Aunt Jemima syrup can phase out a brand that’s been around since 1889 because it’s racist, certainly the Washington NFL team can get rid of the racist R-word that has only been around since 1933. Quaker Oats Company, which is in turn owned by PepsiCo, decided to abandon the familiar trademark even though it’s been around for generations because, in the company’s words, it is “based on a racial stereotype.” To put it bluntly, that stereotype is the black slave “Mammy,” who lovingly raised her white owners’ children. … [Read more...] about Racist branding

No one should have expected the reopening of America after the long COVID-19 shutdown would be seamless. More people out and about means more opportunities for exposure to the virus. And that’s what seems to be happening, as several states are reporting spikes in new COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks. At this point, the increase should serve as a reminder that common-sense safety precautions are still very much needed. But it shouldn’t lead to a resumption of the harsh stay-at-home orders that devastated the nation’s … [Read more...] about Don’t panic over virus increase

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot had big news last week — the city is opening up its iconic Lakefront Trail after months of being closed off as part of a COVID-19 lockdown. That Lightfoot kept the trail closed even after Chicago had experienced large-scale Black Lives Matter marches — thousands during the “Drag March for Change” — is one small instance of the flagrant social distancing hypocrisy across the country in recent weeks. If it’s OK for throngs of people to pack the streets, and shout and chant to protest the death of … [Read more...] about Social distancing hypocrisy

He might be correct: Donald Trump has influenced the lives of African Americans as much as any president, with the possible exception of ... Jefferson Davis. No wonder he sides so consistently with those who want to maintain statues of Confederate leaders, including Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. To refresh your memory, the South was defeated in that one. Although many people still consider it the “Lost Cause,” suggesting to this day that the Southern way of life was worth … [Read more...] about Donald Trump: American symbol

It’s not unusual for politicians and candidates for office to express their fervent and unwavering support for the Second Amendment. Now would be an ideal time for them to show the same allegiance to the First Amendment and its guarantee of a free press. Journalists across the nation are coming under attack as they go about covering the protests and unrest washing across the nation — one of the most consequential stories in recent American history. Reporters and photographers are clear-eyed in understanding their job might … [Read more...] about Police targeting journalists during protests is an assault on the First Amendment