Time for voters to turn up heat for decision in presidential race

The Founding Fathers intended this country to be a constitutional republic, not a direct democracy. But with today's instant communication and the nation's long-standing practice of freedom of political speech, it's time to pressure those who represent us.

Regardless of whether you support (Vice President Al) Gore or George W. Bush, we encourage our readers to take action.

If you believe Gore should concede, get online, pick up a telephone or put pen to paper. Tell everyone from the White House, the Democratic National Committee, your senators and representatives right down to the local Democratic Party to encourage Gore to concede.

If, however, you believe Bush should exit the stage, write the Republican National Committee, your senators and representatives and the local Republican Party.

-- The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind.

Dec. 5

Environment's health, wealth go hand in hand

Decades of evidence to the contrary, the argument persists that environmental protection is some kind of a job-killer, a business repellent, a bane to development and shortcut to the economic doldrums.

Early on, it was said that tough pollution rules would drive industries out of business. Then, when the cost of cutting emissions turned out to be a few percentage points of overall operating costs, it was said that companies might stay in business but would surely relocate to other cities or states -- or nations, in this age of globalized trade and global warming -- that take a more relaxed approach to regulation.

It's an appealing, simple argument, which overlooks two important complicating factors. First, environmental protection efforts create their own companies, products and jobs. Second, plenty of employers, customers and employees prefer to be in places where they can breathe the air, swim in the lakes and take a walk in a nearby woods. ...

-- Star Tribune, Minneapolis

Dec. 4