http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials-23800.html en-us Copyright 2009 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:47:55 GMT 2009-11-24T01:47:55Z en-us Copyright 2009 http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/thumbs-up-to-a-new-drug-tactic-412695.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Here are this week’s 
“thumbs up” and “thumbs down” selections: Thumbs up and congratulations to Middies quarterback Caleb Watkins, who was chosen as the Southwest District Division I offensive player of the year, and to Middies coach Jason Krause, who was named the division’s co-coach of the year (alongside Springfield coach Rick Robertson). Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:33:11 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/thumbs-up-to-a-new-drug-tactic-412695.html 2009-11-20T19:33:11Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-grim-lesson-from-nov-22-1963-412739.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 This is one of those anniversaries by which Americans mark time - life’s changes occurred either before or after this event - because they alter the course of history. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:55:35 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-grim-lesson-from-nov-22-1963-412739.html 2009-11-20T17:55:35Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/tracking-a-bad-laws-aftermath-410663.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 One of the myths surrounding concealed-weapon laws in Ohio and other states is that the ability for certain people to walk around with hidden handguns makes us all safer. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:45:35 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/tracking-a-bad-laws-aftermath-410663.html 2009-11-19T17:45:35Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/an-epidemic-that-can-be-controlled-408688.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Just in time for your New Year’s resolution planning pleasure, a new report reveals, sadly, what many of us already know all too well: Ohio is fat and getting fatter. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:50:51 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/an-epidemic-that-can-be-controlled-408688.html 2009-11-18T17:50:51Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-day-to-strike-back-at-cancer-406359.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 An Associated Press report last week revealed a distressing finding by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cigarette smoking by American adults rose slightly for the first time in almost 15 years, “dashing health officials’ hopes that the U.S. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:05:39 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-day-to-strike-back-at-cancer-406359.html 2009-11-17T17:05:39Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-better-way-to-pick-judges--404579.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 If you ever think about judges, it’s probably at election time when you’re asked to vote for some. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:16:37 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-better-way-to-pick-judges--404579.html 2009-11-16T17:16:37Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/tough-call-awaits-new-city-council-400842.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Just when it appeared Middletown City Council was ready to bite the proverbial bullet on the 2010 budget, it hesitated - and passed a tough decision off to the new council that will be seated in January. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:01:49 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/tough-call-awaits-new-city-council-400842.html 2009-11-13T20:01:49Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/best-of-luck-to-middies-indians-400632.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Here are this week’s “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” selections: Thumbs up to Warren County Common Pleas Judge James Flannery for the way he deals with so-called “deadbeat” fathers and mothers - the ones who neglect to pay their child support. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:14:51 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/best-of-luck-to-middies-indians-400632.html 2009-11-13T18:14:51Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/uw-talks-on-back-burner-again-398248.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 It should have come as no surprise to anyone that this month’s meeting to further discuss a merger of area United Way organizations has been postponed until next year, but we applaud the frank comments of Butler County Common Pleas Judge Michael Sage, who has been facilitating the negotiations. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:53:09 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/uw-talks-on-back-burner-again-398248.html 2009-11-12T16:53:09Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/keep-an-eye-on-cuyahoga-county-396308.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 An interesting thing happened in Cuyahoga County on Election Day last week. Voters there overwhelmingly passed Issue 6, a plan to reshape the structure of county government there. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:52:23 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/keep-an-eye-on-cuyahoga-county-396308.html 2009-11-11T19:52:23Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-grim-veterans-day-observance-394523.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 “Our thoughts are with all the families who’ve lost a loved one in this national tragedy. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:24:15 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-grim-veterans-day-observance-394523.html 2009-11-10T17:24:15Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-good-outcome-for-county-voters-392984.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Last Thursday, Nov. 5, was a disappointing evening for several Republicans who are vying to become a member of the Butler County Commission. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:44:16 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-good-outcome-for-county-voters-392984.html 2009-11-09T18:44:16Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/ohio-can-end-flap-over-voter-signups-389153.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Voter registration has long been a fairly odd, largely American custom. It is all about letting authorities who run elections know where you live, even though the people who give you your driver’s license already know. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:27:56 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/ohio-can-end-flap-over-voter-signups-389153.html 2009-11-06T19:27:56Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/mayor-must-assist-young-councilmen-389089.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 2010 may turn out to be the most challenging year of Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan’s four-year term. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:04:48 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/mayor-must-assist-young-councilmen-389089.html 2009-11-06T19:04:48Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/thumbs-up-to-i-75-job-shuttles-388645.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Here are this week’s “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” selections: Ask anyone what they think Ohio’s top issue is and the answer you’re likely to receive is: Jobs. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:48:16 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/thumbs-up-to-i-75-job-shuttles-388645.html 2009-11-06T15:48:16Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/like-football-its-your-weekend-386935.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Now that the Nov. 3 election is in the history books, it’s time to direct attention to one of those other annual rituals of November - high school football playoffs. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:06:30 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/like-football-its-your-weekend-386935.html 2009-11-05T17:06:30Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/get-ready-to-be-disappointed-by-casinos-384270.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 The casinos are coming. Voters on Tuesday reversed the decision they made on four earlier occasions and said they’d allow casino gambling in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:29 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/get-ready-to-be-disappointed-by-casinos-384270.html 2009-11-04T16:55:29Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/ward-elections-come-to-an-end-382560.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Middletown voters have said that they want a change at City Hall. By voting to shrink the size of City Council and to do away with ward representation, voters on Tuesday, Nov. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:31:54 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/ward-elections-come-to-an-end-382560.html 2009-11-04T04:31:54Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/will-ohio-miss-the-green-boat--379322.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 The debate about climate change has developed civil war elements. People claiming to speak for the Heartland are saying: Whatever impact pending legislation might have on the two coasts - where most of the political support comes from - it would be disaster for states like Ohio, which are especially dependent on coal and manufacturing. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:11:16 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/will-ohio-miss-the-green-boat--379322.html 2009-11-02T16:11:16Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-recap-of-our-endorsements-376237.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Nov. 3 is Election Day. As you prepare to go to the polls on Tuesday, here is a recap of our endorsements: Middletown City Council, 1st Ward - Incumbent Jim Armbruster, first elected in 2005, is being challenged by Gary Barge for this ward seat. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:13:54 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/a-recap-of-our-endorsements-376237.html 2009-10-30T20:13:54Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/voters-should-reject-ballot-issue-to-abolish-wards-376130.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 The proposal to abolish ward representation in Middletown should be rejected by voters next week. The way it was placed on the ballot was questionable at best and we share concerns about whether some sections of the city would be adequately represented on City Council. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:12:15 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/voters-should-reject-ballot-issue-to-abolish-wards-376130.html 2009-10-30T19:12:15Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/thumbs-up-to-a-new-va-clinic-375888.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Here are this week’s 
“thumbs up” and “thumbs down” selections: Thumbs up to some good news for Middletown and local veterans. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:03:55 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/thumbs-up-to-a-new-va-clinic-375888.html 2009-10-30T17:03:55Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/senate-should-delay-next-tax-cut-374669.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 Gov. Ted Strickland proposes filling the state’s budget gap - created when the Ohio Supreme Court rightly shot down his plan for turning racetracks into casinos - by postponing the last phase of an income tax cut. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:55:01 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/senate-should-delay-next-tax-cut-374669.html 2009-10-29T22:55:01Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/guns-layoffs-link-not-appropriate-372014.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 We sympathize with Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones and agree with his concern over a rash of shootings that occurred in Butler County over the past several days. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:54:15 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/guns-layoffs-link-not-appropriate-372014.html 2009-10-28T18:54:15Z http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/few-excuses-left-for-not-voting-367701.html?cxtype=rss_opinion_23800 One of the most welcome changes in Ohio elections has been loosening of voting laws, enabling more voters to cast their ballots before Election Day. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:23:27 GMT http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/editorials/few-excuses-left-for-not-voting-367701.html 2009-10-26T17:23:27Z