Opinion: In today’s pages: Value voters jump GOP ship?
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George Washington University’s Jonathan Turley makes the case for why Michael Mukasey shouldn’t become the next attorney general:
It was perhaps the most awaited moment of the confirmation hearings when Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois asked Mukasey directly about water-boarding, a now-infamous process in which an individual is strapped to a board, a towel pulled tightly across his face, and water is poured on him to cut off air and simulate drowning. Although the technique is known to have been used by the CIA on suspected terrorists, it is a clear and unambiguous act of torture under international and U.S. law. When asked about it, though, Mukasey suddenly seemed to morph into his predecessor, Alberto R. Gonzales -- beginning with a series of openly evasive answers that ultimately led to what appeared to be a lie.
Author Daniel James Brown says there are better ways to fight fire, even before it starts. Dave Zirin and Tom Krattenmaker wonder, when winning collides with religious values, which evangelical athletes would choose.
The editorial board explores the religious right’s options for throwing support behind a third party. The board also asks the EPA to save California a costly legal fight and grant the state permission to tighten clean air standards. Finally, the board laments that the city gives handouts to fired department heads just to avoid lawsuits.
Readers respond to the ongoing California fires. Ventura’s Cathy Schwemm says, ‘We know that the Santa Anas blow hot and dry in the fall and that dry chaparral plants burn. What we don’t apparently know is how to say no to campaign contributions from developers.’