DOUTHAT: Failing to fix U.S. health care, Obamacare limps on
It seems likely that Obamacare is neither fixed nor fully paid for nor furiously opposed but simply limps along with the rest of our health care system for as long as both can limp.
Forefront
Articles
BLOW: Searching for solutions to shootings at a gun show
Most gun enthusiasts are just seeking an extra layer of protection for themselves. Most gun control advocates are just seeking an extra layer of protection for innocent lives.
SOWELL: Obama’s latest gun proposals destined to backfire
None of the things proposed by the President Obama is likely to reduce gun violence. Like other restrictions on people’s ability to defend themselves, or to deter attacks by showing that they are armed, these new restrictions can cost more lives on net balance.
BROOKS: Millennials: liberal in polls but conservative in life
On the surface, the millennial generation, having endured the financial crash and stagnant wages, looks ready to lead a big leftward push. But if you look at how millennials actually live, you certainly don’t see a progressive counterculture.
COLLINS: Trump taps anger vote, but Sanders hits true villains
Outrage is the campaign theme for both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. Sanders wants the country to rise up against the special privileges that keep making the richest 1 percent richer. Trump rocketed to the top of the polls by railing about illegal immigration.
BARLOW: Liberal yells of ‘racist’ rob the word of its meaning
What I find disgusting is when people misuse the term “racist,” because it detracts from the uniquely heinous history and nature of racism in order to morally equivocate different forms of discrimination that are, frankly, not as egregious.
MILLER: Polarization hurts both Democrats and Republicans
Political extremism and the “all or nothing” philosophy are poisoning our once-effective government and creating a close-minded population. This certainly shows in the 2016 presidential lineup.
IRELAND: Hillary’s record is short on big accomplishments
There is no doubt the former Secretary of State, senator from New York and first lady has an impressive resume of titles. But she lacks substantial and defining accomplishments.
WAGNER: Come November, Hillary could win Hoosiers’ hearts
Hillary Clinton is running a solid state-by-state campaign to be our next president, but she’s not center stage. The Republican circus side show has occupied that space.
ROOB: Mr. President, don’t go back on bipartisan HIP 2.0 deal
In the case of HIP 2.0, both the Obama and Pence administrations felt their compromise was a small price to pay for the larger goal of insuring more people. But once a deal is done, let’s keep it done.
MEREDITH: To address shortage, understand why teachers teach
Educators choose to stay in the classroom when their desire to make an impact on the next generation overcomes a desire for significant salary advancement, when collaboration is embedded in the culture of the profession, when support from administrators guides smart classroom decisions.
MASSON: Criminalizing bathrooms puts biology over biography
What makes human life more valuable than the lives of other animals? Is it the biographical life we value or is it the mere fact of human biology we find consequential?
BOEHM: Courts could draw the line on gerrymandering run amok
The challenge is to establish a test to distinguish unconstitutional infringement of voters’ rights from disparities that result from legitimate considerations or from the natural concentration of some populations. Help may be on the way.
DIETER: It sure looks like Hoosier hospitality is disappearing
The concept of Hoosier hospitality suffered some body blows in 2015, thanks largely to the person who, more than anyone, should be looking out for Indiana’s reputation: Gov. Mike Pence.
DANIELS: Attractive communities will attract talent, jobs
Young, talented people are looking for quality of life, and will choose a community with a rich lifestyle over a good job elsewhere. Indiana has seen stagnating population growth at least in part as a result of our failure to keep up with this trend.
SHABAZZ: Hogsett, Dems own Indy’s government—and its problems
With Joe Hogsett as mayor and the Democrats with control of the council by a 13-12 margin, they now have the power to put their vision into play. They also get the responsibility if things go south.
DANIELS:Pass a pay increase but put off the implementation
It’s really not surprising that the City-County Council, in an 11th-hour, post-election/pre-inauguration move, is seeking to increase the salary of council members. An accompanying proposal to raise the mayor’s pay unfortunately has been withdrawn.
BOEHM: Pay increase for Marion County pols is long overdue
The bipartisan proposal to raise the salaries of city-county councilors and the mayor was certainly reasonable. (The mayoral raise has since been withdrawn.)
DIETER: Reaping the results of what we do and fail to do
Two recent news stories would seem to have nothing to do with each other. But they represent cause and effect. Reaping what we sow.
MEREDITH: Renewed respect for teachers tops this wish list
Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is respect for all those who serve in Indiana’s public schools.