Trump’s plan is reasonable, but …

THUMBS DOWN: President Donald Trump’s three-phased plan to get the nation back on its feet economically is a reasonable plan. The new guidelines are aimed at easing restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while holding the line in harder-hit locations. It’s a good plan, but does he mean it?

It was important that he told the governors Thursday, “You’re going to call your own shots.” But on Friday he was pressuring states with Democratic governors to hurry it up, tweeting, “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!”, “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”, “LIBERATE VIRGINIA!”

Another important element missing from his guidelines — leading the testing. The guidelines call for robust testing before phase one, but the federal government needs to lead that effort. What does Trump feel about that? “You know, the federal government shouldn’t be forced to go and do everything,” Trump told reporters Thursday.

It’s time for our country’s leader to lead.

Heads high, seniors

THUMBS UP: There are few rituals in a young person’s life more meaningful than the ones in the final few weeks of their senior year in high school. Going to prom, graduation, graduation parties are something they and their parents look forward to.

The COVID-19 virus is doing away with a lot of that for this year’s seniors. Even if the state’s stay home order is relaxed, social distancing is going to be part of our lives for a long time.

We want all our high school seniors to know that their accomplishments, even in this age of distance learning, means a lot, and we are proud of all of you.