Week in Review
WEEK'S END
There is no silver lining to news that International Paper will close its plant in Franklin. The mill employed about 1,100 workers. As the company explains, the closure has nothing to do with the quality and dedication of the work force but is a consequence of market conditions. Situations such as this inflict pain wherever they occur; they prove particularly devastating for communities such as Franklin and Isle of Wight. The IP mill forms a cornerstone of the local economy. The lost jobs will not be readily replaced. Businesses that depend on the patronage of International Paper's employees will suffer.If, as the bland sloganeers say, a rising tide lifts all boats, then a receding tide strands many.
Richmond's curious attitudes toward Charlotte combine envy and contempt. If the city improbably established itself as a national banking center, then the glory has waned. The crisis in the financial sector has damaged Charlotte deeply.
Tomorrow's Commentary section features a retrospective of Douglas Wilder's election 20 years ago. Cordel Faulk, a former member of the Editorial staff, held lengthy discussions with Wilder and penned the story for us -- and for you.
The week's debates between the candidates (1) for lieutenant governor and (2) for attorney general included testy moments. No gaffes were committed, however; everyone escaped unbloodied. Every four years the down-ticket offices struggle for attention. Candidates for lieutenant governor in particular must promote platforms for a position whose day-to-day duties are few. At least the attorney general serves as the state's lawyer and is responsible for managing the commonwealth's law firm. Look for our endorsements next week.
Sports columnist Paul Woody has it right. The pitiful problems with the Washington Redskins start at the top -- with Daniel Snyder, the least competent owner in the National Football League. To cite a typical mistake: Despite signs of progress, Snyder sacked coach Marty Schottenheimer so he could hire Steve Spurrier, a swank among the college ranks. Schottenheimer would have returned the Redskins to the playoffs. Spurrier flopped, as just about every commentator and barfly predicted. How dismal are things in Redskins-land? The great Joe Gibbs could not restore the team.
Even Rush Limbaugh would elevate the atmosphere of the owner's box.
Is it really possible that the UVa Cavaliers will overcome their dismal start and end the season by playing for the ACC championship? We apologize: Merely to ask the question is to invite a jinx.
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Reader Reactions
“Even Rush Limbaugh would elevate the atmosphere of the owner’s box.“...You go too far.
That hate-monger would be even less successful with his whites-only football team. He could elevate to opium-high the owner’s box with his supply of drugs, but not the team. No sir. That treacherous man best serves his flock of sheep when alone, but with his golden microphone in his Palm Beach hole.
Editorials of positiveness toward Limbaugh only shows more desire to flatter an owner of not football teams, but of America’s freedom of media. Will there someday be a headline of new owership by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp?
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