Commentary

Comment: Israel’s democracy faces more tests ahead

Protesters, institutions and business have shown democracy’s strength, but Palestinians are still left out.

Comment: Twitter’s ‘Chief Twit’ taking gamble by not paying rent

A company that stops paying its bills — such as $14 million in back rent — takes a significant hit to reputational capital.

Comment: Lawmakers risk second lawsuit over special education

Legislative funding proposals for special education fall far short of what school districts are due.

Comment: SNAP food aid needs reforms; work mandate isn’t one

Adding older Americans to its work requirement won’t save much money and won’t prompt many to find work.

Comment: UN should call out Putin’s move of nukes to Belarus

China’s Xi, who just met with Putin, can’t be happy that Russia is escalating the stakes over Ukraine.

Comment: Republican’s patience with Trump may not be assured

Depending on which charges he faces and the reaction to them, his support could ebb, starting with independents.

Comment: We need to stop trying to beat computers at their game

We can’t match the machines on output or speed. And we shouldn’t try. Let humans do the human stuff.

Comment: Why Trump’s detour in the bosom of chaos matters

Porn star Stormy Daniels may come out of this with more integrity than Trump could ever muster.

The sun turns a deep red as it sets beyond the Port of Everett and the Olympic Mountains on a hazardously smoky evening on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Everett, Washington. Following the start of the Bolt Creek Fire and other wildfires in the region, air quality in Snohomish County was seemingly always hazardous through September and October. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Comment: Yours is not your father’s climate change

Your experience of climate change depends on your generation and that of your children and grandchildren.

The sun turns a deep red as it sets beyond the Port of Everett and the Olympic Mountains on a hazardously smoky evening on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Everett, Washington. Following the start of the Bolt Creek Fire and other wildfires in the region, air quality in Snohomish County was seemingly always hazardous through September and October. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Comment: Hydro remains key to our next ‘Great Electrification’

Moving to a carbon-free electrical grid will rely on all sources of clean energy, especially hydropower.

Comment: Legislation could threaten access to telehealth

A bill to protect consumers’ health data could inadvertently undermine teleheath services.

Comment: Arkansas makes it easier to hire kids at slaughterhouses

When teens as young as 13 were found cleaning meatpacking plants, Arkansas eased its child labor laws.

Comment: Ukraine’s fate may be decided by who leads GOP

A split among Republicans regarding continued support for Ukraine is being closed watched in Europe.

Comment: DeSantis can’t avoid taking side on Trump indictment

He risks alienating MAGA voters, but DeSantis has a slim window to step in front of GOP’s ‘beta wolves.’

Comment: This time, banking crisis won’t wreck the economy

The underlying causes of the Great Recession aren’t in place now. Expect the economy to muddle through.

Comment: Call between Xi, Zelenskyy will be awkward, pivotal

Xi, with hopes for reunification with Taiwan, will have to respect Ukraine’s desire for sovereignty.

Comment: Capitalism denuded Amazon; it can reforest it, too

Using carbon credits, Brazil’s president can help the farmers and ranchers who have been living off the rainforest.

Comment: Election fraud crew turns to polls to push message

Kari Lake asked Rasmussen for its help; they weighted a poll to produce the outcome she wanted.

Comment: Those with disabilities need housing benefit help

People with developmental disabilities often qualify for housing aid, but the process can be daunting.

Comment: Xi, Putin seeking different goals in Moscow meeting

Putin’s focus is on weapons for his war in Ukraine. Xi is looking for stability and global influence.