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Pandora Papers document what was always suspected

To borrow a phrase from the movie “Casablanca,” we are shocked — SHOCKED! — to learn that rich, powerful and corrupt people hide trillions of dollars in secret bank accounts and holdings throughout the world. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists released its Pandora Papers report over the weekend. It is a detailed analysis of documents leaked by companies showing how hundreds of world leaders, billionaires, celebrities and drug dealers — and even some religious leaders — hide their mountains of cash to avoid taxes and conceal their illegal activities. ...

Being in majority doesn’t mean being in control

The current impasse in the Democratic Congressional caucus is a prime example that the party that holds the majority in Congress does not necessarily have the power to do whatever it wants. The Democrats in Congress are wrangling over the high-priced transportation and social spending bills that make up President Joe Biden’s signature legislative agenda. The transportation and infrastructure bill, totaling $1 trillion, has passed the Senate but is still awaiting passage in the House, caught up in the argument over the $3.5 trillion social spending bill that the progressives in ...

Thumbs Up/Down

Oktoberfest time THUMBS UP: It’s time for Oktoberfest, and weather willing, it will be a hot time in New Ulm this weekend. Or a cold time. Whatever, it will be a good time. Head over to Minnesota Street this morning to cheer on the Germanic-American Parade as they go down Minnesota Street to the festival area on Center Street. Then, hang around for some music and refreshment. Morgan Creek Vineyards is celebrating this event, too, and the festivities will be going strong at the Best Western Plus. As always, celebrate responsibly. Remembering George THUMBS UP: The George ...

Extinction declaration comes as no surprise

The federal government on Wednesday declared 23 species of birds, fish and other species to be extinct. It is a somber kind of declaration, to acknowledge that species that used to live on earth are no longer here. It may be somber, but it’s not exactly a surprise. These species have not been seen for years. The ivory-billed woodpecker, one of the more spectacular of the species, hasn’t been seen since 1944. The federal Endangered Species act was passed to identify species that were in trouble and help fund plans to bring them back. The act has been successful in bringing back ...

Debt limit chicken

Republicans in the Senate are playing a game of debt limit chicken, and the edge of the cliff is getting dangerously close. The federal government’s fiscal year ends on Thursday, and without a continuing resolution to allow spending for government operations, and an increase in the national debt limit, we could see a government shutdown and a disastrous default on the national debt. Republicans voted Monday night against a bill that would have funded government operations temporarily, to early December, while providing emergency funds for Hurricane Ida and other disaster relief and ...

Vaccine mandates in health care

Several states across the nation are enforcing mandates this week requiring health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. And the consequences could be a shortage of health care workers as those who resist are fired, or suspended, or quit rather than get the vaccination. It is difficult to imagine that health care workers, who are trained in the science of health and healing arts, would be so opposed to vaccinations. The vast majority are already vaccinated but a significant number are choosing not to. If a hospital or nursing home loses 5% of its staff that’s bound to ...