EDITORIALS


Exit strategy: Talks with the Taliban are needed in Afghanistan

2013-06-20 00:16:52

The only way for the United States to leave Afghanistan with dignity is through a political solution that includes the Taliban.


City for the birds: Pittsburgh's falcon followers mourn Silver Boy

2013-06-20 00:14:53

Pittsburghers thrilled to the new occupant of the falcon nest on the Cathedral of Learning, until tragedy struck last Friday.


Robed politicians: Justice O'Connor cites the judicial election problem

2013-06-20 00:04:28

Former Supreme Court Justice O'Connor tells Pennsylvanians what's wrong with electing judges.


Summit static: The G-8 meets but accomplishes little on Syria

2013-06-19 00:12:20

Meetings of global leaders are useful, but they should focus on the economy and include countries such as China and India.


Dowd's departure: The councilman takes on a worthy assignment

2013-06-19 00:10:47

City Councilman Patrick Dowd will lead the launching of Allies for Children.


Plan B access: A judge rules sensibly on emergency contraception

2013-06-19 00:07:39

The Obama administration is ending its opposition to over-the-counter sales of Plan B One-Step, now that a federal judge has acted.


Iran's 'moderate': Post-election, the U.S. must keep expectations low

2013-06-18 00:01:00

Iran's new president, Hassan Rowhani, is considered a moderate, but his moves will still be overseen by conservative ayatollahs.


Down on the farm: Congress must find the right mix in agricultural cuts

2013-06-17 00:14:52

The new farm bill takes aim at food stamps and spares wanton subsidies for the rich.


Experience counts: Corbett chooses well in filling Orie Melvin vacancy

2013-06-17 00:09:01

Gov. Tom Corbett's nomination of Judge Correale F. Stevens to the state Supreme Court makes sense on several levels.


Science and sympathy: Transplant flexibility for children is worth testing

2013-06-17 00:02:54

A 10-year-old girl's plight leads to a welcome change in organ transplant rules, pending a further review.


Asides: Father's Day, Pittsburgh Pirates and golf

2013-06-16 00:21:24

Not everybody has to talk about the weather on Father's Day -- they can talk about the Buccos and golf, too.


What a Web he weaves: Lawmaker Jesse White disappoints with cowardly commenting

2013-06-16 00:12:48

The politician turned a social media campaign on its head when he violated the rules of fair commentary by creating fictitious personas.


Nature gets the credit: Supreme Court says human genes can't be patented

2013-06-16 00:07:00

Researchers say the cost of BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing could fall as much as 75 percent.


Peduto's pilgrimage: The mayor-apparent seeks Harrisburg friends

2013-06-15 00:14:20

The Democractic mayoral nominee makes a smart decision to start early in building strong relations.


Syria misstep: Obama is wrong to provide arms to the rebels

2013-06-15 00:13:11

By arming rebels, the U.S. is once more acting in the Middle East on the basis of suspect intelligence.


Dubious war: Blacks suffer a disparity in marijuana arrest rates

2013-06-14 00:15:52

After an ACLU report, police must ask if they are enforcing marijuana laws on blacks and whites unevenly.


Formality election: Iranians go to the polls without real choices

2013-06-14 00:10:02

Iran's presidential election doesn't matter much to Americans or Iranians.


Bare minimum: CMU satirists receive the proper punishment

2013-06-14 00:07:47

CMU's naked satirists get the bare minimum sentence in a sensible compromise.


The Syria debate: The U.S. must tread carefully on arms shipments

2013-06-13 00:25:53

The two camps considering more arms shipments have no room for error.


Saving the children: Harrisburg should act to strengthen abuse laws

2013-06-13 00:23:47

In the wake of the Sandusky scandal, the Legislature considers a bill that would broaden Pennsylvania's definition of child abuse.


Patrol time: The South Side will see more police on the street

2013-06-13 00:23:08

After several false starts, South Side residents will see the police presence they were promised.


Broadway's best: These boots are more for stardom and a Tony

2013-06-12 00:14:54

Pittsburgh's own Billy Porter hears the sweet music of Tony success.


Worthwhile talks: Reasonable ties between China-U.S. are fostered

2013-06-12 00:12:53

Establishing reasonable personal relations between the leaders of what are the two single leading powers in the world was worth the time.


Keep local control: Harrisburg's plan for Port Authority is wrong route

2013-06-12 00:08:23

The Legislature has been no friend of the Port Authority, so its flawed plan is no surprise.


A blow to women: Legislature dishonestly curbs the right to choose

2013-06-11 00:06:01

Lawmakers target reproductive freedom on false pretenses.


Onward and outward: CCAC wisely looks to expand North campus

2013-06-11 00:05:34

Community College of Allegheny County has little choice but to expand its North campus.


Base of abuse: A Senate plan would curb military sexual assaults

2013-06-11 00:04:11

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has a promising bill to curb military sexual assaults by giving the cases to military prosecutors.


Taxing times: The IRS looks foolish again with expensive meetings

2013-06-10 00:08:03

The report that the Internal Revenue Service spent nearly $50 million on conferences between 2010 and 2012 should be the last straw.


Flight risk: Food safety violations take off at the airport

2013-06-10 00:07:50

Restaurants at Pittsburgh International Airport drew 270 critical violations in two years that pose risks for foodborne illnesses.


Mixed news: The economy is better but problems remain

2013-06-10 00:01:48

Modest job growth signals that the economy is not out of the woods yet.


Tackled on the play: Corbett's NCAA lawsuit is found to have no merit

2013-06-09 00:25:02

Gov. Tom Corbett's lawsuit against the NCAA on Penn State was wrong from the start, but it took a federal judge to throw it out.


Reasonable search: The Supreme Court backs taking suspects' DNA

2013-06-09 00:18:51

A divided Supreme Court sensibly ruled that DNA samples may be taken from defendants to solve other crimes.


Asides: A duck at the Point, lions at the bank and more

2013-06-09 00:04:38

A 40-foot-tall rubber duck is set to appear on Pittsburgh's rivers on Sept. 27 to start the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Festival of Firsts.


Voice of the future: The College Republicans sound off on their party

2013-06-08 00:16:40

The party's old guard heard some tough talk by the College Republicans how the GOP can revive its fortunes.


Safe at home?: A town hall meeting assesses the war on terror

2013-06-08 00:09:40

PNC and the Post-Gazette will partner in a Town Meeting June 17 featuring experts on the state of America's war on terror.


Shrinking scandal: In at least some cases, the IRS was doing its job

2013-06-07 00:08:19

A New York Times report indicates that the Internal Revenue Service had cause to question Tea Party groups.


Don't go there: County council should leave hiring alone

2013-06-07 00:07:52

Allegheny County Council members are overstepping their bounds by demanding a say in key hirings.


Obama and China: The president must be ready for a crucial encounter

2013-06-07 00:04:00

The meetings between the U.S. and Chinese presidents will do much to chart the course between two world giants.


Save the art: Pittsburgh has a couple lessons for Detroit

2013-06-06 00:22:57

Detroit's leaders should reject selling off artistic treasures to pay down the city's debt.


Rice on security: Obama chooses a close aide with much experience

2013-06-06 00:21:39

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice will bring experience to the job of national security adviser.


Editorial: Pittsburgh's iconic fountain makes welcome return

Editorial: Pittsburgh's iconic fountain makes welcome return

2013-06-06 00:05:26

After a three-year absence and $9.6 million renovation, the Point State Park fountain returns to kick off the Three Rivers Arts Festival.


On time, on track: Riders will soon be able to monitor their buses

2013-06-05 01:22:59

The Port Authority will improve customer communication with technology that lets them track the movement and location of their buses.


Turkey's unrest: A pivotal, democratic nation is wracked by violence

2013-06-05 01:22:45

As Turkey's role in the Middle East grows and its standing as a Muslim democracy rises, the country also faces internal strife.


Nuke 'em, Harry: Reid should break the minority's filibuster grip

2013-06-05 01:22:32

The minority Senate Republicans have held up too many appointments.


Kerry's pursuit: The secretary is undaunted in seeking peace talks

2013-06-04 00:15:28

It's an uphill battle, so far with no success, but Secretary of State John Kerry is trying to secure a new round of Middle East peace talks.


Holding pattern: The attorney general is hobbled by controversy

2013-06-04 00:06:39

Attorney General Eric Holder has become a growing political liability for President Barack Obama.


UPMC-Highmark: An unusual cause for the next health director

2013-06-04 00:02:23

Karen A. Hacker, who will become Allegheny County health director in September, should get involved in the UPMC-Highmark battle.


Squandered aid: A U.S. fund in Africa suffered from poor oversight

2013-06-03 00:13:20

U.S. officials failed to monitor a special aid fund to Africa, and now other overseas relief could fall victim.


Guns and threats: Terror suspects should be barred from buying guns

2013-06-03 00:05:09

It's hardly surprising: The NRA wants to protect the freedom of people on terror-watch lists to buy guns.


Final forfeit: The Jim Thorpe suit may end up burying his fame

2013-06-03 00:02:02

The town that has honored Jim Thorpe and upheld his lasting fame may lose his earthly remains.


Full-time flop: In June, the Legislature punts on the big issues

2013-06-02 00:08:42

Even with the Republicans in charge, the Legislature delays action on transportation funding, pension reform and ending the liquor monopoly.


Asides

2013-06-02 00:07:07

Sen. Casey grapples, Sen. Toomey soars and the Jersey Shore returns.


Bus stop blues: The Port Authority's latest cuts raise a concern

2013-06-02 00:02:33

The Port Authority must ensure that riders with mobility problems are not harmed by its plan to cut the number of stops.


Covering college: Congress must keep school loans affordable

2013-06-01 00:15:16

President Obama and Congress must intervene to keep interest rates from doubling on new subsidized student loans.


Home of genius: The August Wilson house deserves a resurrection

2013-06-01 00:06:44

Now that the boyhood home of playwright August Wilson is on the National Register, Pittsburghers must support the campaign to revive it.


The pope impresses: Francis continues to reject wealth and privilege

2013-05-31 00:12:55

Pope Francis I reminds the world with acts and symbolism that money and status can be destructive forces.


Welcome choice: Obama considers James Comey to head the FBI

2013-05-31 00:03:46

The prosecutor in the Bush Justice Department would be a worthy nominee by President Obama to run the FBI.


History in the remaking: The Frick center renovation deserves support

2013-05-31 00:01:05

The Frick Art & Historical Center is planning a $15 million expansion that will enhance its status as a Pittsburgh showcase.


Steel's future: The Hazelwood site means renewal for Pittsburgh

2013-05-30 00:22:52

RIDC's development in Hazelwood would bring jobs, offices and housing to Pittsburgh's last brownfield site.


Policing constables: The Supreme Court sets rules that go only so far

2013-05-30 00:22:01

Although the state Supreme Court has adopted new rules governing constables, much more needs to be done to fix an unruly system.


Sour on Sweden: Even a social paradise is the scene of unrest

2013-05-30 00:02:11

It's difficult to find the reasons for the social discord in Sweden, a country that is typically ranked high for its quality of life.


No mere luxury: Liquor privatization is about much more

2013-05-29 00:04:44

Pennsylvania Democrats who put down the need for government to get out of the liquor business aren't listening to what the people want.


Saving Syria: The best intervention is to bring parties to the table

2013-05-29 00:01:51

Nations that want to see an end to the bloody civil war in Syria must put pressure on all elements to sit down at a peace conference.


The road ahead: It will take vision to build high-speed rail

2013-05-29 00:01:24

President Barack Obama has a bold vision for creating high-speed rail across the country, but he'll have to get Congress to go along first.


Pedaling uphill: Law to keep bicyclists safe must be better enforced

2013-05-28 00:09:22

More citations should be issued to drivers who don't observe new bicyclist law.


Food for life: Nutrition aid is a critical component for survival

2013-05-28 00:04:57

The United States can make a difference in saving children's lives around the world by bolstering its food aid.


Still hiking: Boy Scouts take a first step toward tolerance

2013-05-28 00:04:21

The Boy Scouts of America take a half step toward tolerance of gays.


Back to the old spirit: Memorial Day's roots have a lesson for today

2013-05-27 00:11:15

How do Americans rediscover the spirit of Decoration Day?


Press gang: Fox reporter is the latest to have his work targeted

2013-05-27 00:09:09

The Obama administration's harassment of the press targets a Fox News reporter.


On the move: Immigration reform gets a bipartisan boost at last

2013-05-27 00:05:50

The Senate Judiciary gives a bipartisan boost to immigration reform.


After the storm: Safe rooms need to be mandated in perilous places

2013-05-26 00:23:56

Americans share the tragedy and have a right to ask that people in vulnerable places protect themselves.


Asides: New additions to Pittsburgh

2013-05-26 00:19:56

New residents, new leadership plans and a new bike trail connection.


Moving target: Corbett has a new excuse to resist Medicaid plan

2013-05-26 00:08:21

The Corbett administration rejects a positive, independent opinion on Medicaid expansion.


Obama's vision: Deeds, not words, are needed for a new policy

2013-05-25 00:09:57

The president's attempt to recast U.S. national security policy for his second term was a good effort; now let's see action.


Tell us more: Housing Authority plan is free of key details

2013-05-25 00:05:48

Until the executive director discloses more details, it will be impossible for the public to evaluate whether he is reaching the goals.


Kid stuff: Celiac disease shouldn't be stricken from shows

2013-05-24 00:11:46

A successful online petition targeting Disney is not a victory for kids with celiac disease in the long run.


Comparison misfires: Terrorist attack in U.K. is no argument for guns

2013-05-24 00:07:02

A horrendous crime in London does not refute gun control in Britain -- overall, the British are safer.


Worm in the Apple: Senate hearing shows why tax laws must change

2013-05-24 00:02:57

Corporate avoidance of taxes is the best argument for why tax laws need to be changed.


History lesson: Pa. and N.Y. to share a copy of the Bill of Rights

2013-05-23 00:26:38

Pennsylvania and New York agree to share a copy of the Bill of Rights to put on public display.


Guarded elections: Iran's old guard limits presidential choices

2013-05-23 00:22:19

Iran's Guardian Council guards against the possibility of more democracy in the country.


Fresh promise: Peduto clears a big hurdle toward becoming Pittsburgh's mayor

2013-05-23 00:21:41

Democrats decide Bill Peduto is the best bet to be the city's next top official.


Myanmar maturity: White House meeting with general is not premature

2013-05-22 00:10:12

President Obama is right to encourage President Thein Sein.


Super-sizing wages: Labor protests across country are food for thought

2013-05-22 00:05:27

Protests targeting wages at fast-food restaurants are a testament to a declining middle class.


More silliness on guns: Crackpot firearms bill wins too many co-sponsors

2013-05-22 00:04:15

An unconstitutional proposal has many supporters in the gun-happy state House.


More work to do: Improved state of bridges can't lull lawmakers

2013-05-21 00:15:38

Pennsylvania has fewer deficient bridges but plan to help the rest can't be stalled.


Troublesome ties: Clinton aide given a pass on lobbying connections

2013-05-21 00:10:59

Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton's deputy chief of staff at State Department, had lobbying connections that raise questions.


Too hot to handle?: Global warming pushes planet past a dreaded mark

2013-05-21 00:02:32

Thanks to humanity's addiction to fossil fuels, carbon dioxide levels are the highest they've been in at least 3 million years.


No cheers: NTSB goes too far in DUI standard proposal

2013-05-20 00:13:16

More than any other nation, the United States can't quite make up its mind if alcohol is a blessing or a curse.


Open season: Let's fix the public records law, but do it right

2013-05-20 00:03:01

Senate Bill 444 seeks to improve the state's 2009 open records law, but some provisions are good while others are a step backward.


Asides: Good news for Clairton, Brashear high school students

2013-05-19 00:19:42

An outpouring of support for Clairton students and a litany of promise for Brashear graduates.


Choose Wagner ... and other qualified candidates on Tuesday

2013-05-19 00:10:41

The Post-Gazette editorial board recaps its 18 endorsements for the May 21 primary, leading off with Jack Wagner for mayor of Pittsburgh.


What now? Obama must take a new course after scandals

2013-05-18 00:11:49

After a week of scandals, the president needs to forget politics and simply serve the public


An F on guns: State campuses forced to allow firearms

2013-05-18 00:08:37

Thanks to the Legislature, state universities find it hard to limit firearms.


Flawed symbol: What the abortion doctor's guilt really means

2013-05-17 00:15:38

The murder case of Kermit Gosnell, who performed abortions illegally in Philadelphia, has lessons for Pennsylvania.


Nigeria's test: The military is called to counter the militants

2013-05-17 00:09:40

With three territories under a state of emergency, Nigeria's armed forces are trying to put down a shadowy movement called Boko Haram.


Dam the delays: Congress finally moves on vital river infrastructure

2013-05-17 00:07:37

The U.S. Senate has reauthorized up to $12.5 billion for water projects including the repair of locks and dams.


Polish guest: An ambassador from a new ally calls on Pittsburgh

2013-05-16 00:20:37

Polish Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf visited Pittsburgh last week to highlight his country's new relations with the United States.


Voters' voice: Americans send mixed messages to their lawmakers

2013-05-16 00:10:34

U.S. voters own a share of the congressional gridlock because they send conflicting signals on the policies they want.


Chilling effect: Justice overreaches in seizing AP phone records

2013-05-16 00:05:01

A sickening feeling of deja vu pervades U.S. newsrooms now that another administration has grabbed press records to find a leaker.


Macey in District 9: The county councilman is the Dems' best choice

2013-05-15 00:11:53

The Post-Gazette editorial board endorses county Councilman Bob Macey for the Democratic nomination in District 9.


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