Editorial voices from newspapers across the country
Editorial voices from newspapers across the United States:
The Gloversville (N.Y.) Leader-Herald
As incredible as it may seem, federal funds from one program meant to combat substance abuse are doled out based on states’ populations, not the severity of their drug epidemics.
That is simply insane.
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; and Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, both D-N.H., want to change that. They have introduced a bill to require that federal State Targeted Response Opioid Crisis Grants be awarded on the basis of need, not population.
The senators’ states are the very worst hit by the opioid crisis, with death rates far in excess of other states.
Their bill should be approved immediately in both houses of Congress. This is a situation in which delay literally means death.
Parkersburg (W.Va.) News and Sentinel
Most West Virginians would do just about anything to prevent a child being harmed, yet child abuse may be increasing in our state.
During the 2017 fiscal year, which ended June 30, the state’s 21 advocacy centers for children provided services to 3,914 youngsters, according to a published report. That was an increase of more than 400 from the preceding 12-month period.
And the actual number of child abuse victims undoubtedly is much higher than the figure reported. The 21 centers cover just 40 of our 55 counties. And a substantial number of abuse situations are never brought to the attention of people who may be able to help.
Child advocates are not certain whether the higher numbers reflect more abuse, or more children coming forward to report it.
Discussing abuse with a child can be a challenge, but it is a conversation parents, guardians or other adults close to those children must have. No child should have to suffer silently.
Mesabi (Minn.)
Daily News
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., has apologized to the citizens of Minnesota over allegations of his sexual misconduct with four women.
A rising political star in January, Franken was among a handful of progressive Democrats routinely mentioned as a viable presidential candidate in 2020. He had it what took, they said: Name recognition, solid Democratic credentials, experience in the Senate and the wit to hold his own on the debate stage and in the public light.
Fast forward to November and the senator is reeling from a scandal that he allegedly groped four women – one as comedian and three as a first-term senator or during his first campaign for Senate. Instead of building on his rising political profile, Franken is left defending his decision to stay in office three years out from his next re-election cycle.
A scandal of this sort was the worst nightmare for Minnesotans – supporters and detractors alike – after the comedian-turned-politician first ran for the U.S. Senate in 2008. He was quickly on the defensive over parodies, old jokes and raunchy comedic writings. He faced questions then on whether he could embarrass the state, the party and the voters.
Franken has proved those fears wrong over the past eight years with a solid work ethic in the Senate, and cruised to re-election in 2016. But his recent misconduct allegations threaten to undo the trust gained in Minnesota voters, and prove that his supporters and opponents were right to question if he would be a sideshow.
If Franken does in fact keep his seat through this firestorm and the Senate Ethics Committee, it will be a long road to 2020, where if he decides to seek another term, the primary and general election will be fraught with competition.
It would be wise for the senator to go back to 2008, fly well-below the radar and work in the background for his beleaguered Minnesota constituents.