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 Thursday, May 9

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

Making adjustments to keep Social Security solvent represents only one of the issues confronting Congress. It could also correct outdated aspects of a program that serves nearly 90 percent of Americans over 65. (Stephen Savage/The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH NYT STORY SLUGGED SCI SOCIAL SECURITY BY PAULA SPAN FOR NOV. 26, 2018. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED.
Editorial: Social Security’s good news? Bad news delayed a bit

Congress has a little additional time to make sure Social Security is solvent. It shouldn’t waste it.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks to reporters during a press conference about the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Senate Democrats reintroduced broad legislation on Wednesday to legalize cannabis on the federal level, a major shift in policy that has wide public support, but which is unlikely to be enacted this year ahead of November’s elections and in a divided government. (Valerie Plesch/The New York Times)
Editorial: Federal moves on cannabis encouraging, if incomplete

The Biden administration and the Senate offer sensible proposals to better address marijuana use.

Nicholas Kristof: Biden must press Israel on Gaza relief

With northern Gaza in a ‘full-blown famine,’ the U.S. must use its leverage to reopen crossings to aid trucks.

David French: Greene, MAGA crowd not as powerful as they think

Speaker Mike Johnson and some Republicans are finding they can stand against the party’s fringe.

Jamelle Bouie: Trump will require one thing of a running mate

Most presidential candidates seek to balance the ticket; for Trump it’s loyalty and a willingness to lie.

Bret Stpehens and Gail Collins: Best and worst are yet to come

A left and right discussion of a dog shooter, protesters and hush-money allegations.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, May 8

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

Tom Burke: Don’t know much about history? Better start reading

Reading — anything — matters, but especially before an election with history-making consequences.

Where did Carolyn Hax advice column go?

Recently the Herald has replaced the Carolyn Hax column with Dear Abby.… Continue reading

Why did The Herald add an astrology column in print?

We live in times when accurate information and good science are vital.… Continue reading

Plastics are vital to health care

Regarding a recent letter warning about plastic pollution: For the past six… Continue reading

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.