Drug money: Higher fines will not deter marijuana use
From $5 to $15 to $25; how high will the Ann Arbor City Council raise the marijuana possession fine? The city has a reputation for "marijuana-friendly" laws that, unlike many of their state and federal counterparts, are not excessively taxing on those found in possession of the drug. Over the past 20 years, the fine grew from $5 to the present rate of $25. A recent proposal before the Ann Arbor City Council would raise the fine again - exacting a severe financial penalty for using a drug whose illegal status is illogical.
Overseas visitor: Meetings should focus on human rights, trade
Earlier this week, Chinese president Jiang Zemin donned a cowboy hat much like that worn by Deng Xiaoping, the last Chinese leader to visit the United States. In an attempt to win over Americans, the top Chinese communist official demanded red-carpet treatment and an official state dinner. But lying behind the pomp and circumstance are serious issues. The summit's agenda includes a dialogue about trade issues, human rights concerns and democratic ideals.
Commercialism turns Halloween into what you fear the most
It's all Hallow's Eve, so every ghost, goblin and ghoul get ready to get down and celebrate this moment's insight to the darker side of human nature that rarely rears to the surface of our collective psyche.
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