Editorial

Adjusting to new realities on local, national level

Friday, November 10, 2006

Reality has begun to sink in as Republicans prepare to assume the role of loyal opposition, watching the Democrats control of the House and Senate.

Conservative talk radio will have no shortage of targets as people like U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Ted Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Barney Frank take over leadership of Congress, controlling debate and determining what laws will be sent to President Bush's desk and what issues will stay on the back burner until the next change in power.

For their part, the Democrats have vowed to use the first 100 legislative hours to pass measures such as raising the minimum wage, expanding stem cell research, allowing the federal government to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, repeal subsidies for oil companies and cutting interest rates for student loans.

But any law passed by Congress must be signed by the president, of course, or carry enough support to override a veto.

And, as we noted Thursday, more members of Congress, like Sen. Ben Nelson, are closer to the center than the ends of the political spectrum.

Harry Reid of Nevada, for example, expected to be Senate majority leader, opposed Bush's tax cuts and wants to increase the minimum wage, but as a practicing Mormon, often sides with conservatives on abortion issues.

We've yet to hear, however, much of the talk about how the new congressional leadership needs to "reach out to the opposition to build a consensus," as we did the last time the Republicans took control.


It's a time of transition in Washington, for sure, but change is also afoot locally.

Regional editor Connie Jo Discoe recalls that one of the last stories she did about 27 years ago before taking time off to raise a family was about the opening of the Ben Franklin Store in downtown McCook. Now owner Dick Mitchell is retiring and closing the store.

Both will be missed by downtown McCook and the many shoppers who counted Dick's cheerful customer service and ability to provide hard-to-find items.

Dave and Connie Stout haven't been here nearly that long, but have made numerous friends in the community through their McCook Radio Group's support of worthy causes, notably Connie's involvement with the McCook Humane Society.

They announced Thursday that the radio stations will be sold to a Wisconsin company, pending Federal Communications Commission approval. Although we don't know the Stouts' plans, we wish them well.


While it's sad to see things change, there are always new things to look forward to, such as the new ownership of the radio group, hopefully a new business to fill the space occupied by the Ben Franklin Store, and, as we noted recently, a new truck stop on North U.S. Highway 83. And, we know other businesses plan moves and expansion.

Life goes on. Those who adapt and take advantage of new opportunities can expect to do well.

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