Capital ideals

Knives sharpened: Attacks and counterattacks continue within the Republican Party as presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry attack Mitt Romney for his alleged “vulture capitalism,” while others criticize Perry and Gingrich for not valuing the free-market system.

All of you in the Occupy movement who were calling for the 99 percent to “eat the rich,” no longer need to bother; the rich are eating themselves.

Flip a coin: A Swiss court has ordered the confiscation and return of a rare 5th century B.C. Greek coin, an octadrachm, that was illegally excavated and sold at auction in Switzerland.

Greece, one of several European Union countries struggling with crippling debt, said the coin will be on display, at least temporarily, at Crazy Aristotle’s Pawn Shop in Athens.

Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1794, President George Washington approved a measure to add two stars and two stripes to the American flag in recognition of the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union, making for a total of 15 stars and 15 stripes.

Although Washington admitted the flag was starting to look a little busy, he rejected a suggestion from First Lady Martha Washington to arrange the stripes in a gingham pattern.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, May 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Air Force One touches ground Friday morning at Boeing in Everett.
PHOTO SHOT 02172012
Editorial: There’s no free lunch and no free Air Force One

Qatar’s offer of a 747 to President Trump solves nothing and leaves the nation beholden.

Comment: Governor should veto change to mortgage interest deduction

A provision in state tax legislation would increase mortgage costs for families buying homes.

Comment: Fair’s fair; kids get 3 dolls, Trump wants 3 jets

Trump’s tariffs require austerity from Americans, except when Trump sees a shinier aircraft on the tarmac.

Comment: Welcome South African refugees, yes, but Afghans, too

There has been no good explanation why Afrikaners are admitted, when so many others are turned away.

Goldberg: Is RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement suffering irony deficiency

His pick for surgeon general is faltering because she isn’t attacking vaccines earnestly enough.

Comment: Nonprofits filling gap left by federal cuts isn’t answer

Relying solely on donors to fulfill needs means providers no longer are accountable to the people.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, May 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

The Washington State Legislature convenes for a joint session for a swearing-in ceremony of statewide elected officials and Governor Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address, March 15, 2025.
Editorial: 4 bills that need a second look by state lawmakers

Even good ideas, such as these four bills, can fail to gain traction in the state Legislature.

Welch: Local elections work best when voters prepare for task

With ballots set, now’s the time to study issues and ask candidates where they stand and what they’ll do.

Comment: U.S., China had no choice but to seek tariff offramp

Neither will admit market forces and public opinion aren’t with them. A 90-day pause was the best option.

Harrop: Lack of SALT deal could doom GOP’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

A handful of Republicans, concerned for their seats, want a tax deduction key to high-tax blue states

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.