http://www.post-gazette.com/forum/ All Opinion en-us Copyright 2012, post-gazette.com. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 23:40:06 -0500 15 http://www.post-gazette.com/includes/2007design/images/150x30pg_now_logo.gif http://www.post-gazette.com/ 144 39 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208063-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml The African Union, by not being able to agree on a secretary general, has showed new cracks in continental unity. The AU was formed 10 years ago to try to cure some of the flaws in the old Organization of African Unity. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208064-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml When legalized casino gambling was being pushed in Pennsylvania, one of its selling points was sizable tax relief for property owners. But in gambling you put your money down and take your chance -- and that also applies with public policy. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208066-110-0.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml Recent news coverage by various media has distorted two decisions by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and it is important to set the record straight. We recently changed how we support our citizen advisory council. This is now handled by existing agency staff instead of a full-time director. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207753-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml Americans who believe the United States has put enough lives and money into Afghanistan should be pleased by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's statement Wednesday that the U.S. role will be shifted from combat to training sooner than planned, to mid-2013. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207754-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml President Barack Obama has not declared war on the Roman Catholic Church, no matter what the faithful may be hearing in church. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207755-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml After a blizzard of criticism on its proposal to reinstate an asset test for food stamp eligibility, the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett decided Wednesday to replace its harsh initial standard with something humane. It was the right thing to do. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207756-110-0.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml A Post-Gazette editorial Monday concerning the pledge to discourage special interest group attack ads made by the candidates for U.S. senator in Massachusetts ("Positive Pledge," Jan. 30) claimed that the League of Women Voters was among three organizations that "have already sunk $3 million into the campaign's saturated media market." Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207531-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml Hold the coronation for populist emperor that amazingly seemed plausible after Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary. Mitt Romney is back as the front-runner in the Republican presidential race, maybe to stay, after drubbing his three rivals on more hospitable turf in Florida. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207532-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml The Obama administration wants to become more flexible in providing tourism visas, in a way that will not compromise border security. Encouraging more international travelers to visit the United States could boost the tourism business, and that could be a boon for Pennsylvania. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207533-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml Few people gave the Allegheny County Bureau of Weights and Measures a thought before former Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty started posting stickers emblazoned with his name on every gas pump in the jurisdiction. Suddenly, every customer who filled his or her own tank knew who the controller was and that his office was responsible for making sure the pumps properly measured a gallon. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207534-110-0.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml In regard to recent transit funding letters with the general theme of "I'm not near a bus line, so why should I care?" I would like to reply in three succinct points: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207213-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml Some Republicans in the state House of Representatives may threaten to make mischief with what should be a simple process of extending unemployment compensation as approved by Congress in December. We hope that doesn't happen. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207214-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml Last week, the state House of Representatives, on a vote of 193-0, passed a resolution declaring 2012 the "Year of the Bible." As usual, the underworked lawmakers never miss an opportunity to pander to the faithful, especially during an election year. Still, "good politics" in this case arises more from opportunism than anything remotely resembling piety. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207215-192.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml For years the U.S. Senate has been investigating the recruiting practices of some for-profit colleges. The businesses that run the so-called career schools depend heavily on federal student aid, cater to low-income learners and offer flexibility to those who must work while going to class. Some of the colleges also have weak graduation rates. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207216-110-0.stm?cmpid=opinion.xml I was perplexed to read the op-ed by Kathleen Jones Goldman and Ronald L. Hicks Jr. about voter ID in which they complain about misinformation from an opponent of House Bill 934 ("Voter ID Laws Are Needed," Jan. 17). Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500