In today's pages: The power of earth, walls, and trees
The editorial board continues its American Values series with 'Powers of the earth':
Democratic states are usually depicted on political maps using the color blue, but a more logical choice would be green. On environmental issues, the Democratic presidential candidates behave not so much as individuals as they do a bloc; though they have subtle ideological differences, most are in lock step in their views on fighting global warming or reducing pollution. All are basically in accordance with the green orthodoxy preached by organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Union of Concerned Scientists or Environmental Defense. As for the Republicans ... not so much.
The GOP candidates are neither as green nor as unified as the Democrats. In part, this reflects a split in the evangelical Christian community. Though the Christian right has set positions on many major political issues, it is deeply conflicted on the environment because the Bible gives no clear guidance on it....
The board thinks that Los Angeles police officers shouldn't have to disclose their financial information.
Columnist Rosa Brooks says that barriers to stop violence in Iraq have made sectarian segregation the status quo. Kevin Morris and Glenn C. Altschuler wonder if the strike will end union labor in Hollywood. Columnist Patt Morrison wants one million more trees in L.A.
Readers react to California's healthcare plan. San Diego's Randall Smith says, "This solution doesn't even pass the laugh test. If a law were passed forcing people to buy food, would it solve the problem of hunger?"
