Columns

Local view: STEM bill needs lawmakers' support

Business and education leaders in Southwest Washington are building interest in science, technology, education and math (STEM) skills and occupations among the region's students. Building that interest will drive better performance in those subjects, lead to better jobs and lives for the students, and create a much-needed, high-quality workforce for our employers.

Milbank: Republicans' behavior recalls party's pattern in late '90s

It's beginning to feel like the late '90s all over again. Then, congressional Republicans howled themselves hoarse about Clinton administration scandals. But the indicators kept pointing to a booming economy, and support for President Bill Clinton climbed steeply through 1998 as House Republicans marched toward impeaching him.

Robinson: Juvenile Republicans seek crisis instead of consensus

With budgetary tantrums in the Senate and investigative play-acting in the House, the Republican Party is proving once again that it simply cannot be taken seriously. This is a shame. I don't share the GOP's philosophy, but I do believe that competition makes both of our major parties smarter. I also believe that a big, complicated country facing economic and geopolitical challenges needs a government able to govern.

Ambrose: Bridge collapse shows structural failures of stimulus

An 18-wheeler truck with contents reaching too high recently slammed into an overhead crossbeam on a bridge crossing the Skagit River in Washington state.

Callaghan: As special session drags on, lawmakers become scarce

The Washington Legislature has gone underground.

Sowell: Colleges all too often cave in to tactics of barbarians

An all-too-familiar scene was enacted on the campus of Swarthmore College during a meeting on May 4 to discuss demands by student activists for the college to divest itself of its investments in companies that deal in fossil fuels.

Pitts: Boy Scouts' decision on gays is nothing to celebrate

Hold your applause. As milestones go, this one is disappointing.

Camden: Obama opponents can learn a lot from Apple Cup

After viewing last year's Apple Cup as a Cougar fan in the midst of a room full of Huskies, it strikes me that would-be secessionists could learn a lot from the annual intrastate rivalry. That's saying quite a bit about the position on the outer ring of craziness of those petitioning the White House to leave the Union, considering the passion that accompanies the game.

Christie's fragile friendship

Good relationship with Obama affects possible 2016 run

President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie toured the rebuilt New Jersey Shore on Tuesday and stopped by an arcade booth called Touchdown Fever. The game offered a stuffed bear to anyone who could toss a football through a tire. President Obama tried five times and missed. Gov. Christie threw the football through the tire on his first try. Obama gave him a high five. Christie then gave Obama the bear he won.

Disaster preparedness in disastrous condition

As the nation grapples with one costly natural disaster after another, Washington's politicians systematically have been cutting funds for disaster preparedness.

Other Papers Say: Hold Obama accountable for promises

The following editorial was published in last Monday's Seattle Times:

Will: Texas high court right to put muzzle on lawsuit over dog

Lord Byron was, according to one of his legion of lovers, "mad, bad and dangerous to know," but he also loved dogs, which explains his cameo appearance in a recent Texas Supreme Court opinion. It answered an interesting question in a way that shows how courts can avoid creating opportunities for trial lawyers.

Milbank: GOP, country will gain by Congress losing Bachmann

Not 72 hours after Fox News aired former Republican leader Bob Dole's suggestion that the GOP put out a "closed for repairs" sign, Michele Bachmann announced that she's going out of business. Just like that, the Republican conglomerate got an unexpected chance to shutter one of the balkiest shops in its supply chain.

Marcus: Obama must do more than just identify problems

No doubt: Barack Obama has what it takes to be a terrific law student. It's less clear those are the ingredients of a successful president.

Ambrose: Apple hearing gets to core of liberal double standard

Sen. Carl Levin, one of those liberal politicians leaving few harms unvisited as he does his big-government best to limit American possibilities, decided recently to beat up on Apple Inc., a business that helped pioneer a new computer age in this country and around the world. In its innovative quest for profits, it served us all far more than any current senator or bunch of them I can think of.