So what do you do if you’re a state lawmaker and you don’t like a decision by the attorney general? Just cut his funding. Power to the, um, elite!
Democratic lawmakers apparently have bandied the idea around of cutting Attorney General John Suthers’ budget to put an end to Colorado’s involvement in a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of federal health reform legislation, according to the website Colorado Independent.
No lawmaker has introduced the proposed cut, but top Democrats told the website it was under consideration.
Settle down there, Democrats. We happen to agree with you that an individual mandate to buy insurance is constitutional, under the commerce clause, but we think it’s a slippery slope to de-fund an independently elected member of the executive branch just because you disagree with his opinion. Rattle your sabers, if you feel the need, but don’t set that dangerous precedent. And if you’re really angry, find someone to run against him. That’s actually the American way.
Not just the United Way, the right way. Mile High United Way last week announced changes to the way it does its business, sharpening its focus on school readiness, youth success and adult self-sufficiency. The move angered some groups who have been funded by United Way because now they will receive reduced funding, or none at all. But we applaud the new focus, particularly the school readiness and youth success angles. The deplorable graduation rates in the metro area hamper our economic vitality. By funding groups that help prepare children for school and then support and motivate them once there, the United Way lifts up our struggling schools and the community.
Mail it in. The Denver Elections Division will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday at 200 W. 14th Ave., Suite 100, to seek comments on whether it should conduct the August primary by mail. We say yes. Primary-election turnouts typically are low and have allowed special interests to gain a veto over which candidates can reach the ballot. Voting by mail would broaden the pool of voters.
And a tip of our cap to … Bob Hodges, who at 91 skied for the first time last week. Paralyzed by strokes, Hodges was strapped into a sit-ski at Winter Park. Able to only use his left hand, he turned the shock-absorbing seat mounted atop skis, and the skis grabbed snow and off he went. The war veteran still inspires after all these years.
Short Takes is compiled by Denver Post editorial writers and expresses the view of the editorial board.
