O-No! editorial worth reading

The Raleigh edition of the O-No!* has a decent editorial today about the mandate for the new Congress.

Pelosi was smart to take impeachment "off the table." Attempts to deliver payback to the Republicans for their shenanigans of the last few years -- when they virtually ignored Democrats -- would be wasted. And the American people have waited a long time for legislation that addresses their real and understandable concerns in meaningful ways.

Though I would just about kill to see the Criminal-in-Chief impeached, I believe cooler heads should prevail. Perhaps Bush will eventually be tried for crimes against humanity in the Hague, but for now, he will simply twist in the wind as the most imcompetent and corrupt American president ever.

Toward that end, Pelosi says the Democrats want a summit to talk about the direction in Iraq. Goodness knows that's overdue. She wants direct talks with North Korea as well, and a focus on terrorists beyond Iraq and Afghanistan, into Southeast Asia and Africa. Democrats intend to pass into law recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 commission, which have to do with more detailed and demanding oversight of U.S. intelligence agencies and strengthened security.

This is a smart move by soon-to-be Speaker Pelosi. I hope the NC Congressional delegation will stand squarely behind her, though I don't expect much from our Republican rubber-stampers, with the possible exception of Walter Jones.

For working people at the lower rungs of the economic ladder, the best news may be that Pelosi and Reid will push for a jump from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour in the minimum wage. This obviously is crucial if people in this wage range are to be adequately compensated for their hard work, and for attempting to avoid a need for public assistance.

Expect the free-market wackos to be out spreading lies and theories about the crushing effects of government intervention in the marketplace. And expect the Bushman to veto any Congressional action on this front. That's how it will play out, and when the Party of Greed fails to help over-ride that veto, make sure you're listening carefully for the last nail in the Republican Party coffin to be slammed home.

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O-No! is my pet name for the morphing we're now witnessing between the Charlotte Observer (O) and the Raleigh News and Observer (No) into a single state-wide monopoly. Their integration appears to be well underway, with the only thing really distinguishing their coverage is local sports trash talk. All the same, it's good to see them writing editorials with a hint of progressive spirit after singing for so long behind their right-of-center voice.