Editorials from around Ohio

By The Associated Press

Excerpts of recent editorials of statewide and national interest from Ohio newspapers: The Cincinnati Enquirer, Aug. 17

... Pocketbook issues are forcing us to change our habits in fundamental ways, reshaping how we drive, heat our homes, shop for food and run our errands. And those changes may be leading us to slow down, reflect more on lifestyle choices and perhaps even treat each other with more civility.

A host of indicators shows noteworthy changes in our choices and behavior.

This June, Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles than they did a year ago, continuing an eight-month decline in driving that beats even the energy-conserving panic of the 1970s.

What they're driving changed as well, with gas guzzlers languishing on sales lots, hybrids flying off them and motorcycle registrations up 40 percent from a decade ago. ...

A new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows traffic deaths dropped by more than 1,600 from 2006 to 2007, reaching a 10-year low. Even more encouraging, many states have posted double-digit decreases for the first part of 2008. ...

In all likelihood, a drop in gas prices would turn many of us into backsliders. But some of the changes that are taking place -- an increased use of solar power and energy-efficient appliances, for example -- will remain part of our homes and perhaps part of our consciousness no matter if our pocketbooks fatten. That makes enduring high energy costs, if not painless, at least purposeful.

On the Net: http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID/20080817/EDIT0 1/808170366/1019/EDIT

------ The Toledo Blade, Aug. 18

Not since the pop group Milli Vanilli lip-synched its way from fame to infamy has a song hit such a wrong note. This time it happened in front of a packed Olympic stadium and an estimated worldwide audience of at least 1 billion.

At first it seemed a magical moment, the culmination of the hugely spectacular opening ceremony in Beijing. In a picture of innocence, a 9-year-old girl, Lin Miaoke, appeared to sing a patriotic song as the Chinese flag was carried into the National Stadium. The cute little girl in pigtails suggested the perfect image of a benign, nonthreatening China.

Except, as it has now been revealed, it was a fake.

Lin Miaoke was only pretending to sing words that had been pre-recorded by another little girl, Yang Peiyi, 7, who wasnt considered quite cute enough, apparently because her teeth werent perfect.

The Chinese press got onto the story and the people spoke on the Internet, many of them condemning the fraud, at least until the Communist governments censors got busy to suppress them.

... The controversy was poetic justice for a government that has polished its image with a heavy hand and, unwittingly, reminded the world of the falsity at the heart of it.

On the Net:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID/20080818/OPINI ON02/998996438/-1/OPINION

------ The (Youngstown) Vindicator, Aug. 14

... When it comes to American taxpayer dollars, Iraq is a sieve.

That is why the report by the Government Accountability Office on the Iraqi governments estimated $79 billion budget surplus at the end of the year has caused such an uproar on Capitol Hill and around the nation. If there is a sucker born every day, America certainly tops the list.

The excuses from the administration for why Iraq is not being forced to pay for its own reconstruction are at once not persuasive and insulting. To contend that the Iraqis do not have the knowledge or the wherewithal to spend their own money on their own needs there are parts of the country that still lack all-day electricity supply and clean water is to beg the question, "If not now, when?" ...

Given the shaky economy -- President Bushs ridiculous contention that America has no problem, notwithstanding -- and the high price of gas, Americans are justified in asking why oil rich Iraq isnt supplying the U.S. at bargain prices, seeing as how their oil industry has been revived by American taxpayers.

The spread of democracy, the cornerstone of President Bushs foreign policy, and the fight against global terrorism do not mean that America should played for a fool by our so-called friends.

On the Net:

http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/aug/14/iraq-awash-in-oil-money-but-it 8217s-still/

------ The (Willoughby) News-Herald, Aug. 18

"Are we feeding our kids to death?"

Probably. But thats beside the point.

The Center for Closing the Health Gap has launched a campaign against childhood obesity, using billboards featuring overweight children eating fattening foods and the slogan listed above.

Enter California-based National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, which says the billboards will subject heavy children to ridicule.

Isnt that the point?

Americans havent listened to almost daily bits of advice that suggest diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle will improve quality -- and length -- of life.

We commend the The Center for Closing the Health Gap for its creative notion to point out whats wrong with society today -- and for following it up with suggestions for how to avoid these pitfalls.

These billboards could spark a dialogue that leads to meaningful change.

If nothing else, they will cause people to pay attention. And thats a good first step.

On the Net:

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2008/08/18/opinion/doc48a5f2990f d5f531749507.txt

------