Time for congress to put aside bickering

December 17, 2020

There is something for both liberals and conservatives not to like about the bipartisan proposal for $908 billion in new aid to Americans suffering from the COVID-19 epidemic. It is not what is in the plan but, rather, what is not in it. Many Democrats want more aid for states included in the bill. Many Republicans want protection for companies and universities against liability lawsuits linked to the epidemic. Both provisions are in the compromise bill, but not to the extent their proponents want. Everyone involved in crafting the compromise understood it was just that ?— an ...

Americans need direct help right now

December 16, 2020

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators and representatives is pushing for enactment of a new COVID-19 relief bill, priced at about $900 billion. Both Democrats and Republicans involved in the effort say that in the spirit of compromise, some provisions they wanted were left out of the measure. One needs to be inserted, as two members of the House of Representatives — one Democrat and one Republican — recognize. It is another round of direct cash help to American families. U.S. Reps. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., have introduced legislation to ...

Pets are good gifts, but be ready for them

December 15, 2020

Each Christmas season, children (and a few adults) across the country include in their requests to Santa a dog, cat, rabbit or other living creature. They want a lovable, cuddly pet. They promise they will feed it, walk it, clean up after it, take it to the vet and love it. They have no idea how much that will cost, or how much time and attention that will mean ... they just want a pet. Some gift-givers fall for it. Then, a few weeks later, when the novelty has worn off, the first bag of pet food is empty and/or it is time for that trip to the vet ... a decision is made. ...

Support local retail for Christmas

December 14, 2020

It is no fault of billionaire Jeff Bezos that COVID-19 is the grinch who stole Christmas from many people in our communities. Bezos did not bring the virus to our country. We have no hesitation in suggesting that if he could end the epidemic by spending his entire fortune, he would do so. Still, the coronavirus has increased Bezos’ wealth greatly. He is the founder of the online marketing goliath Amazon, which has never been more popular than now. Tens of millions of Americans will do most, if not all, their holiday season shopping with Amazon and online retailers like it. They ...

Et Cetera

December 12, 2020

Kamp For Kids Overwhelming is the word to describe the results of the Kamp for Kids red bag collection last Saturday. Over 5,000 pounds of food, toys, and healthcare items were collected in Fairmont and other Martin County communities and delivered to the Fairmont Salvation Army Center to be distributed to Martin County residents. Thank you citizens of Martin County for meeting a need that has only grown due to the COVID pandemic. Thank you to the numerous volunteers and area Boy Scouts who helped collect the red bags, unload cars, and stock shelves that helped make the day a huge ...

Biden should consider Heitkamp

December 11, 2020

Perhaps the most important task facing President-elect Joe Biden is ending the fierce, sometimes vicious, partisanship that seems to rule Washington. He has an excellent opportunity to send a message in that regard while at the same time gaining a top-notch member of his Cabinet. It has been reported two people are at the top of Biden’s list as potential nominees for secretary of agriculture. One is U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio. Fudge, of Cleveland, would be a good selection. But the other candidate, former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., would be excellent. Heitkamp represents a ...