Politics and other nightmares

It has been pointed out to me that when I say that I approve this message, some might infer that I don't approve that one. Since that one is from someone else, it is obviously from someone not like me -- i.e., white, older, Midwestern, etc. I certainly did not intend to be racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic or elitist or suggest in any way that other messages do not deserve to have a place in the debate.

I'm Leo Morris, and I approved this message.

I'm Leo Morris, and I approved this message.

Yesterday, I wrote an editorial saying the mayor's proposed budget didn't go far enough in making spending cuts: "Wouldn't deeper cuts in 2009 make it easier to make cuts in 2010?" Last night, the City Council had its first go around on the budget:

It was with that fact in mind that all the council members seemed to agree a flat budget simply was not good enough.

Not to be outdone by members of Congress, who are trying to break into double-digit approval ratings by grilling greedy Wall Street tycoons, some members of the General Assembly are vowing to "get answers" at a hearing on Indiana gasoline prices. The Richmond Palladium-Item is not amused:

Religion can be harmful in the workplace:

A human resources manager was concerned for the safety of Muslim women she saw climbing steep ladders while holding their long skirts in one hand to reach their Toronto UPS work stations.

"It was terrifying. I wouldn't want to do what they were doing. It caused me great concern," Michelle Skabar told Canadian Human Rights Tribunal panel chair Karen Jensen yesterday.

May I be helpful here? Shorter skirts!

Politics corrupt everything:

Alcoholic drinks have been forbidden on Belmont University's campus since at least 1951. The small Christian school in Nashville has decided to make an exception to the rule when it hosts a presidential debate Tuesday.

Considering what a botch Washington has already made of education, this is a small comfort:

Both candidates - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama - have been quick to clarify that education is still a concern, especially considering that NCLB will have to be renewed - with changes, both agree - during the next administration. But they admit it's something that is not at the forefront of most Americans' minds.

If a man has fallen (or jumped) from the roof of a 20-story building, does it matter whether or not he acknowledges, at about the 10th floor, that he indeed seems to be in mid-flight headed toward an unpleasant landing?

Ball State University economist Michael Hicks has been among the holdouts who have insisted, for months now, that the economy had not slipped into recession. On Monday, Hicks said he's changed his mind: We're in a recession.

Birch Bayh spoke in Terre Haute and told Democrats that every vote matters, which is slightly different and more truthful than the cliche that every vote counts. He noted that he first won as U.S. senator by a margin of victory that amounted to two votes per precinct: