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A victory for clean air: EPA gives state OK to seek lower emissions and better fuel mileage from new vehicles; One reason the Bush administration had a poor record on the environment was its stubborn refusal to embrace a basic philosophy: Americans can reduce both harmful greenhouse gas emissions and the country’s dependence on foreign oil by driving more fuel-efficient vehicles.

So much for accountability: Nevada gets poor marks for Web site supposed to track how stimulus money is spent; Under the federal stimulus package signed into law this year, it’s estimated that $1.45 billion will be spent in Nevada. In light of this massive infusion of money, it’s essential that taxpayers are confident their dollars are being spent wisely.

A worthy cleanup effort: North Las Vegas police aid environment, recycling by going after used lead; The North Las Vegas Police Department performs a public service when it takes dangerous people off the streets, catches auto thieves or encourages participation in neighborhood watch programs.

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Where I Stand »

U.S. can’t squander the trust of Israelis

Is the United States still Israel’s best friend? That is a question I never thought would be on the lips of Americans and Israelis because, for my entire life, these two great democracies have had an inextricable relationship that was never questioned.
We dads have big jobs, and we love it
On Obama and Mideast peace, and other thoughts

Jon Ralston »

What happened to the earnest John Ensign

When I first met John Ensign in 1993 over coffee at the Country Inn on Rainbow Boulevard, the budding congressional candidate struck me as almost impossibly earnest and sincere. On the cusp of the Gingrich Revolution, Ensign presented himself as apolitical, ready to change Washington.
A governor’s race where unusual dynamics are at play
Nevada’s diminished governor

On campaign promises, the new Las Vegas city councilman is one for one, more than can be said for most silly season pledges that are forgotten after the swearing-in. Stavros Anthony used the new city hall proposal as a wedge issue with opponent Glenn Trowbridge, who seemed supportive of the concept. Anthony came out early and often against the $267 million boondoggle and pet project of the man with the Edifice Complex whose name surely will be on the building should it ever be erected: Mayor Oscar Goodman. Goodman endorsed Trowbridge and indicated that Anthony doesn’t share his values — that is, he wouldn’t be snowed by Oscar. On Wednesday, Anthony voted no on city hall. A good omen.

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Spread of hate should not be underestimated

By Rabbi Abraham Cooper and Harold Brackman

Ever since the 1960s, Americans have been accustomed to the “lone gunman” theory as an explanation of violent outbursts that traumatize society and sometimes change history. Now, just a week after America’s first black president accompanied Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel to Buchenwald, there has been another challenge to America’s sense of moral order.
Advice for graduates: Do what you love, not just what pays you the most

By Brian Till

The class of 2009 seems to have been blessed with something American graduates have severely lacked in recent years: a bit of Zen.
Upbringing works in judicial nominee’s favor

By Harry Reid

President Barack Obama’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, has an incredible background and has overcome significant challenges to get to where she is today.
With override of veto, a sigh of relief

By Elliott Parker

Unlike governor, Legislature made the most of tough situation

The governor said that increasing taxes is a bad idea, but cutting state expenditures to the extent he proposed, especially in higher education, was an even worse choice.
Bank bailout does little for those who need help most

By Tim O'Callaghan

The big bank bailout does nothing for the ones who need it most. How does that old saying go? “No good deed goes unpunished.” Perhaps more fitting for today’s mortgage crisis it should say, “No good mortgage payment history will get aid.”

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Today's editorial cartoon by Mike Smith, plus archives since 1998 »

Letters to the Editor

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Israel must protect its independence
: Regarding Brian Greenspun’s column in Sunday’s Las Vegas Sun headlined, “U.S. can’t squander the trust of Israelis”:; Continues…; Bob Jack, North Las Vegas
Don’t wait to act on global warming
: The controversy over climate change ultimately lies in the mathematics of balance. The Earth and moon orbit the sun in a relative state of balance. Too much gravitational pull or too little, and Earth is no more. Math behind carbon emissions is measurable and verifiable. The result of the effect on the environment is, however, hypothetical.; Continues…; Steven Ginther, Mesquite The writer is an independent consultant for green-building technology.
Leave climate alone; it will change at will
: Paul Krugman’s column in Tuesday’s Las Vegas Sun, “Politics over the planet,” demonstrates that he should not give up his day job as an economist. It also demonstrates that he is by no means a climate change expert.; Continues…
Fast action on climate could backfire on us
: Thomas Friedman’s column in Thursday’s Las Vegas Sun, “Despite flaws, energy bill a must,” misses the point entirely. The specifics of how to reduce fossil fuel consumption are not the issue.; Continues…; Tom Keller, Henderson
Health care reform’s costs are too high
: Has anyone wondered how it is that our government will be able to reimburse doctors and hospitals for our treatment with a national health insurance program, if it is struggling now to pay for Medicare or Medicaid?; Continues…; Mercedes H. Barris, Henderson