Opinion in Brief

Nation/World

Unsportsmanlike

Bush-bashing? That’s so last year. With Republicans having consolidated their hold on power despite questions surrounding the conflict in Iraq, the newest sport is United Nations-bashing.
In a sharply worded editorial Monday, the Times-Dispatch called Kofi Annan a “disgrace” and suggested that U.N. secretaries general, with few exceptions, were all “stooges.”
Those who make allegations that Saddam used kickbacks from the Oil for Food program to build his palaces forget that his money came mostly from illicit trade, and that the U.N.’s power is limited by what its member countries decide to do.
Of course any charges of corruption at the U.N. must be investigated to their fullest extent, as The Washington Post said Tuesday, even if only to silence those voices who get their jollies from kicking a man while he’s down.

Virginia

Surplus of criticism

Since it was announced last month that Virginia faces up to a $1 billion surplus in the next fiscal year, some Republicans have jumped at the chance to paint Gov. Warner’s tax reform as unnecessary, demanding that the surplus be returned “to the people.”
But which people? The governor’s tax package included relief for Virginia’s poorest families, raising the minimum income level for filing taxes and eliminating the food tax on groceries. The middle class also saw relief with the elimination of the marriage penalty and an increase in the standard deduction.
Any excess money now should be saved in the case of future deficits, which remain in the state’s economic forecast. Not to mention the commonwealth’s growing need for more transportation and other services – higher education included.
There is much to be said for fiscal prudence, but that means planning for the future as well.

Richmond

Power to the mayor

A letter to the editor published in the Times-Dispatch which received the paper’s “Correspondent of the Day” designation Monday raised an important point.
Doug Wilder, the man responsible for creating Richmond’s strong mayor, has rightfully used his mandate to bring more power to the mayor’s office in the name of reform. But the mayor must exercise caution in making sure that the new power structure he creates in City Hall will outlast him.
While such strong power is welcome in the hands of a reformer, future mayors may not be so much up to the task. In increasing his power, Wilder should take care that there are enough checks and balances left to limit future potential for corruption.

VCU

Happy Holidays

Or, as one mobile phone company’s ads will tell you, Happy “Chrismahanukwanzakah.” Whether it’s Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Festivus, or just the New Year, here’s to a good old-fashioned winter holiday.
Some will light the menorah and other ceremonial candles; others will eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. Some will attend church services to remember the day Jesus was born.
But however we choose to celebrate, the joy that surrounds this holiday season in reuniting with family and friends and reflecting on the year gone by is something we can all look forward to.
And, oh yeah – the presents too.

Last words

It’s the end of the semester, and this is CT’s last issue until Jan. 20, when publication resumes for the new year. May all your days be merry and bright – until you get your final exam grades, that is. Study!