Editorial

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   President Barack Obama went to Mexico and, unlike many of his presidential predecessors, didn’t stay in a remote resort, but in the midst of Mexico City, the sprawling metropolis of 20 million.   The visit — Obama’s first stop in Latin America — and the locale — the capital where an American president hadn’t visited in 12 years — sent the signal that the United States is committed to a country that is a punching bag in American domestic politics, but an indispensable ally in a region … [Read more...] about Support Mexico

The outbreak of swine flu in Mexico is a serious matter, but it’s not a pandemic.   Not yet. It’s too early to make that determination.   What we know is that the number of confirmed cases is rising every day.   Many people are justifiably concerned about this virus. It’s a potential health threat and, if a lot of misinformation proliferates, it can cause panic.   Truly, the best protection we have against the spread of swine flu — or any other threat to our health and well-being — is a well-informed … [Read more...] about Don’t panic over the possibility of pandemic

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   One would think Barack Obama would have learned something about the limits of his personal charm at the G-20 summit in London. Even with the hated George W. Bush back in Texas, the anarchists still rage in the streets, the French and Germans still hate “Anglo-Saxon-style” capitalism, and the nations of the world still won’t take dictation — on the need for a coordinated, global stimulus — from Washington.   But Obama’s faith that his fresh attitude — more flexible and thoughtful — … [Read more...] about The Moscow delusion

By DAVID L. LITTMANN   General Motors last month filed a report with the federal government indicating the company may go bankrupt. Some will argue GM needs more federal assistance, but the sad, hard truth is this: General Motors would be in healthier shape today had it filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 statutes in late 2008.   Rather than run through its final cash reserves and consume taxpayers’ money for an increasingly indefinite period, a serious restructuring under hard-nosed Chapter 11 proceedings … [Read more...] about GM bankruptcy: End of the road or new super highway?

By RUSS HARDING   In response to Michigan’s depressed economy and sinking state revenues, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced in the State of the State address her intent to reduce the number of state agencies from 18 to eight. While the governor’s goal to make government more efficient through department consolidation is laudable, it is likely to achieve little in savings and may make it more difficult for residents and businesses to benefit from timely decisions. Government reorganization seldom addresses the real issues of … [Read more...] about Attempts at government efficiency are misguided

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   When first elected, George W. Bush aspired to be the “CEO president.” The label referred only to his (overhyped) business sensibility. President Barack Obama has become the CEO president in fact, responsible for a swath of American industry and finance.   Obama flexed his corporate muscles recently and fired General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner for failing to produce a credible reform plan for his company. Obama said the next day that “GM is announcing that Rick Wagoner is stepping aside” … [Read more...] about The CEO President

MCT News Service Fritz Henderson, CEO of General Motors.   Now that Michigan State's magical run through the NCAA men's basketball tournament is over, it is time to watch a different scoreboard. The clock is ticking on General Motors and Chrysler, now that President Barack Obama's administration has thrown down the gauntlet: Fix your broken companies soon or go bankrupt.   It is hard to argue with reality. Many taxpayers (especially those who don't live in Michigan) have grown tired of government bailouts.   The … [Read more...] about GM, Chrysler take off training wheels

By BRUCE EDWARD WALKER   When a man first veers permanently from a virtuous path, Southerners call it “breaking bad,” which is also the name of the AMC television series created by former “X-Files” producer Vince Gilligan. Currently in its second season, the show serves as a fitting metaphor for our state and federal governments’ slide down the slippery slope of Bailout Mountain and increasing intervention in the private sector — for once character Walter White breaks bad, each illegal and immoral action prompts several other … [Read more...] about Breaking bad breaking the bank

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   Now, that’s cost efficiency. It took a mere $165 million to discredit the entire $11.6 trillion edifice of bailouts, capital infusions and guarantees that have accompanied the financial meltdown.   The bonuses AIG wants to pay its employees are a pittance compared with the $170 billion it has received in government bailouts, a trifling .097 percent. But nothing so angers the gods of populism as the word "bonus" (surely some genius is formulating a suitable euphemism even as we speak). … [Read more...] about The shame of AIG

Former Gov. William Milliken did Michigan a service when he signed this state’s wetlands protections into law 30 years ago. He is still doing right by his home state in insisting those protections should stay in place.   Milliken joined many voices in opposition to a recent proposal by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She wants to scrap state wetlands oversight — and save $2.1 million — by turning over its management to the federal government.   Granholm is being penny wise but pound foolish. Wetlands are particularly valued in … [Read more...] about Protect our wetlands