Fiscal cliff notes

Famous potatoes, infamous vodka: Idaho’s U.S. Sen. Michael Crapo, R-Swaying Stance, does not plan to fight a charge of drunken driving following his arrest last week in Alexandria, Va., after running a stop light. Tests showed blood alcohol levels of 0.11 percent and 0.14 percent.

Washington, D.C.,-area police departments tailor their field sobriety tests for members of Congress. Crapo’s tests included: seeing how quickly he could vote no on a tax increase for the wealthy; with his eyes closed, bringing his outstretched hands together to accept pork; and walking a straight line over the fiscal cliff.

Got milk price supports? While Congress has dithered over a budget agreement and tax deal that would avert the so-called fiscal cliff, it has put off action on a farm bill that if not passed by Jan. 1 could result in increases in the price of milk by as much as $3 a gallon.

Even without a farm bill, the U.S. Agriculture Department said prices would not jump immediately. When the nation’s cows heard that prediction, they laughed so hard milk came out their noses.

Cliffhanger: With just days left before the end of the year, President Barack Obama assembled four congressional leaders for a last-ditch attempt to avoid the fiscal cliff. Obama said after the meeting he was optimistic that a deal could pass both houses before the new year.

Listening in, Sen. Crapo laughed so hard, alcohol came out of his nose.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, April 26

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Solar panels are visible along the rooftop of the Crisp family home on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Federal, state program will put more roofs to work

More families can install rooftop solar panels thanks to the state and federal Solar for All program.

Schwab: From Kremlin to courtroom, an odor of authoritarianism

Something smells of desperation among Putin, anti-Ukraine-aid Republicans and Trump’s complaints.

Providence hospitals’ problems show need for change

I was very fortunate to start my medical career in Everett in… Continue reading

Columnist should say how Biden would be better than Trump

I am a fairly new subscriber and enjoy getting local news. I… Continue reading

History defies easy solutions in Ukraine, Mideast

An recent letter writer wants the U.S. to stop supplying arms to… Continue reading

Comment: We can build consensus around words that matter to all

A survey finds Americans are mostly in agreement about the ‘civic terms’ they view as important to democracy.

Comment: Raising stamp prices won’t solve USPS financial woes

The consistent increases in prices is driving customers away. There are better options for the service.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, April 25

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Roads, infrastructure won’t support Maltby townhome project

Thank you to The Herald for the article regarding the project to… Continue reading

Thank you local public servant during Public Service Week

Please join me in honoring the invaluable contributions of our nation’s public… Continue reading

Comment: Women’s health was focus of Arizona’s 1864 abortion law

Its author was likely more concerned by the poisons women took than for the abortions themselves.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.