Viewsday

Good morning.

Newsday says the Lighthouse project could lead to better roads for Nassau County. And the FDA should adopt restrictions on the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, which can cause liver damage.

The Times takes a big look at what's wrong with the state senate. And the paper applauds a Supreme Court ruling, allowing states to enforce consumer protection statutes against national banks.

The Wall Street Journal plays out the political deals behind WalMart's endorsement of a piece of the Democrats' health coverage package. The paper explains why it's easy to defraud Medicare -- and by implication, any future government-run health plan. And the US government should take Pakistan up on its willingness to fight the Taliban. (subscription)

The Post says Mayor Bloomberg should have shut down summer school to teach the state senate a lesson. And the paper thinks Sen. John Sampson has been essentially shaking down Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to settle a lawsuit Sampson filed against NYC schools. Columnist Jacob Gershman attempts to sort out the state senate mess. And AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes says the senate deadlock is hurting working people.

The Daily News praises borough presidents for setting up a sensible, temporary school-control structure. And the News goes completely off the wall, calling Comptroller Tom DiNapoli a new species of jellyfish for his refusal, so far, to deny state senators their paychecks. Columnist Errol Louis wants voters to throw the bums out -- all of them.

The Times Union finds the recent Supreme Court decision in the New Haven firefighters case perplexing.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Good morning, and welcome to today's views. I apologize for my absence yesterday. I was on assignment in the wilds of Albany.

In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling, fair promotions systems for public employees remain elusive, says Newsday. And Albany is still preoccupied with partisan battles.

The Times says the New Haven firefighters decision dealt a blow to diversity in the workplace. The Senate should resist a call to weaken the House version of the carbon-capping bill. Colleges should review their policies on drinking. Binge drinking has dropped among college-age people who are not attending school.

The world -- and particularly President Obama -- are overlooking the democratic nature of the coup in Honduras, says the Wall Street Journal. The paper says newly minted Minnesota Sen. Al Franken didn't win the right way. And China backs off its Internet censorship somewhat -- a cause for celebration. (subscription)

The Post worries that the deadline has passed for renewing mayoral control of the schools. And the paper endorses Curtis Sliwa for public advocate -- he hinted on his radio show that he might run, challenging a host of contenders who have already begun campaigning. And the Post champions new tax protester "tea party" efforts.

The Daily News accuses state senators of breaking their oath of office by continuing the stalemate. And the paper calls -- for the sixth time -- for state officials to withhold senators' paychecks.

The Times Union describes the consequences of the state senate's inaction, namely $306,000 a day in business costs now that the Power for Jobs program has expired.

The Buffalo News chastizes state senators for taking their anger out on Gov. Paterson. The deadlock is a problem of senators' own making.

The Journal News believes residents should begin using a new law that allows them to consolidate local governments, in light of a high-salary report about Greenburgh firefighters.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Good morning, and welcome to this sunny Monday -- for a change.

Newsday says group home residents are receiving unfair food stamp treatment. And summer jobs for teens have not fallen victim to the economy in Nassau County, thanks to federal stimulus funds. On Sunday, the paper connected the dots between Long Island's future and the growth of Stony Brook University.

As health care reform moves forward, insurance companies must clean up their habits of putting profits before people, says the Times. Prisoners should have decent meals. And corporate subway name sponsorship will confuse riders.

Sunday, the Times said President Obama's plan to regulate the financial industry is a good start but is not transformative. The paper called for a ban on commercial whaling. US senators -- mainly Republicans -- are obstructing 21 presidential appointments. Columnist Maureen Dowd writes about South Carolina Love Guv Mark Sanford, with her usual devastating humor.

The Wall Street Journal says the US and Canada are duking it out in a trade war over an alternative fuel known as black liquor. And the paper calls Florida Gov. Charlie Crist "the Republican Barney Frank." For the Journal, this is not a compliment. (subscription)

The Post looks at the gains in New York City schools and says the State Senate is on a disastrous path if it misses tomorrow's deadline to renew mayoral control of the schools. Bernard Madoff will be sentenced today. On Sunday, the editorial page criticized the city's Department of Corrections for rampant favoritism in the jails. And the editorial board calls Albany District Attorney David Soares "DA Creampuff" for his easy plea bargain with former state Health Commissioner Antonia Novello, who used staff to do her personal errands and other crimes against taxpayers.

Crain's argues that the Atlantic Yards project is essential to Brooklyn's continued revival, even if critics say the new deal is not remunerative enough for the MTA. (subscription)

Albany the city -- not the seat of state government -- has had a great year, according to the Times Union. It won an All America City award.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Please check back Monday for another edition of The Morning View.

Have a good weekend.

--Anne Michaud

Good morning, and welcome to Thursday. Here are some views.

Newsday calls for a constitutional convention to unravel some of the issues underlying the State Senate deadlock. And the 2-percent sales tax on fast food proposed by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi is a bad idea.

The Times says the drug industry needs to contribute to the cost of health care reform. Industry has been ignoring the Clean Water Act. And the Obama administration has a new report on ways to combat illegal gun trafficking, but there are significant obstacles.

The House's cap-and-trade legislation could pass, but only because proponents claim it will defy the laws of economics, says the Wall Street Journal. The White House is trying to encroach on the offices of the Inspectors General, one of whom was fired and the other given too much power. The Journal wants the IGs to live by the rules or be abolished. (subscription)

The Post likes Gov. Paterson's get-tough approach to the State Senate, and calls on him to speed up prosecutions of bad actors like Sen. Pedro Espada. And the paper is happy that Iranian diplomats have been un-invited to US Embassies' July 4th celebrations.

The Daily News pens its fifth editorial calling on Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to refuse to pay stalled State Senators. But who's counting? Columnist Errol Louis argues that the city's intake center for homeless men should not be moved from Manhattan to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, as planned.

The Times Union puts together a sensible road map for the State Senate to move forward.

The Post-Standard calls the Republican coup in the State Senate "a deeply cynical and anti-democratic act." And the paper wants its local Senate delegation to step in and end the 31-31 tie.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Good morning, all. Here are some views on the day.

Newsday says Albany's incivility is reaching new lows. And the paper likes a new technology that would prevent convicted drunk drivers from doing it again.

The Times advocates for a new federal agency that would shield consumers from bad mortgage deals. Congress should act on a bill that would give illegal immigrant high school graduates a path to citizenship through military service or college. A prison rape prevention bill should also move forward. And there's more work to be done on equal pay for women.

The Wall Street Journal calls out two congressmen -- Barney Frank and Anthony Weiner -- for championing a bill that would lower lending standards for condo buyers. The paper condemns a lawsuit against John Yoo, the Justice Department lawyer, accusing him of violating a convicted terrorists' rights. And the Journal dislikes the growing friendship between Russia and Iran. (subscription)

The Post asks how many state senators it takes to humiliate New York. Forest City Ratner is relying too much on MTA financing for the Atlantic Yards project. Columnist Jacob Gershman says the State Senate fight has gone too far for a power-sharing compromise; he calls on Mayor Bloomberg to pick a side and end the battle. And Nassau County Exec Tom Suozzi columnizes about how the Senate fight squeezes local governments. Is it Fix Albany: The Sequel?

The Daily News says that all the bills passed in yesterday's Senate abomination should be thrown in the trash -- the governor and Assembly should refuse to honor them until the Senate puts a leadership structure in place. Columnist Bill Hammond tallies the losers in yesterday's Senate battle. Columnist Michael Goodwin says the Obama honeymoon is over.

The Democrat and Chronicle says Senate Democrats are mostly to blame for the continuing deadlock, and the paper calls for the ouster of Sen. Pedro Espada.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Good morning, everyone. Here are today's views.

Newsday says key departures from state government are fueling chaos in Gov. David Paterson's office. And the federal government should not be dictating how many auto dealerships stay open.

The Times thinks the State Senate should get back to work. Washington should focus its efforts in Afghanistan on creating a functioning army and police force to push back the Taliban. And the paper cheers the survival of the Voting Rights Act, by Supreme Court decision.

The Wall Street Journal looks forward to today's meeting of the Federal Reserve Board and wonders if the board can really curb potential inflation. The Journal offers documents (here and here) to prove that the paper was right, Ben Bernanke was wrong, about inflation and monetary policy in 2003. (subscription required)

State senators should remember the schoolchildren, who depend on an Albany vote to continue mayoral control of the city schools, says the Post. And the paper calls for eliminating the position of public advocate in city government.

The News wants Gov. Paterson to order state senators into their seats -- one of the few things the governor can do to break this impasse. The News praises city teens for higher graduation rates. And even small airline carriers should have to meet FAA standards, a lesson learned following the crash outside of Buffalo.

A lawsuit is holding up $128 million that was supposed to go toward green energy initiatives in NY, says the Times Union.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Good morning, everyone.

Newsday supports public campaign financing for the state. And Washington's overhaul of finance industry regulation should not be dominated by special interests' views.

Sunday, Newsday suggested pooling pre-kindergarten funds for teacher training or other shared benefits, rather than send the money back to Albany each year. And the Obama administration is taking steps to protect oceans.

The Times favors a "catch shares" approach to commercial fishing to prevent depletion of species. And the paper says the Port Authority should not be financing Larry Silverstein's build-out at ground zero.

Over the weekend, the Times laid out its thinking on health care reform, and whether a public health plan such as Medicare should be created to compete with the privates. More rules are needed to protect coal-mining areas in Appalachia. And the paper suggests a power-sharing strategy to put the State Senate back to work.

President Obama needs to be tougher with North Korea and Iran, writes the Wall Street Journal. His campaign promise to unclench a fist and extend a hand can't work with these rogue powers. And the Treasury's reform proposal gives credit-rating agencies a pass. (subscription)

The Post gives Gov. Paterson a dunce cap for threatening to break the Senate stalemate by calling them back into session, and by suggesting that a chief justice preside over the meeting. He's treading on separation of powers issues. Ane Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's acceptance of an endorsement by ACORN makes her a sell-out.

The Daily News prints its fourth editorial saying state senators should not be paid for their days in deadlock. Is the News gaining any traction on this point? Time will tell. Columnist Bill Hammond says state Sen. Hiram Monserrate is delusional for comparing himself to Jesus. Columnist Errol Louis says one of the worst offenders in the subprime mortgage lending debacle is back at it.

The Times Union wants the State Senate to pass a home-rule message to end neighborhood gridlock, and notes the irony.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud

Good morning, all. Here are the views on this Friday.

Newsday says more state senators should cross the aisle -- either way -- to get the session moving. And we could all use a little less drama in the skies.

The Times says President Obama's promises to fix immigration policy have not led to any results. (How long has this guy been in office, anyway?) And the paper is appalled that the Supreme Court ruled against prisoners' rights to seek post-conviction DNA testing to prove their innocence.

Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has uttered the words "flat tax" and has won the hearts and minds of the Wall Street Journal's editorial page: "Now we're getting somewhere. Having had his grand budget deal repudiated by the voters, and facing a $24.3 billion deficit only six months after raising taxes to close a $40 billion deficit, California's Governor is going back to his roots as a reformer." The paper rounds up opinion from Iran, post-election. And the Journal estimates a $1.6 trillion bill for Obama's health care reform, which won't even cover all the uninsured. (subscription)

The Post thinks CIA Director Leon Panetta should apologize for suggesting that Dick Cheney wants another attack on the U.S. And the paper likes the city budget.

The Daily News is once again on its soapbox -- for maybe the third time? -- about how much state senators are being paid to do nothing in Albany. And three of the four city comptroller candidates are "cowardly weenies" for failing to speak up for pension reform.

The Times Union ridicules Sen. Pedro Espada's claim that he should have two votes in the senate. And the paper bemoans Gov. Paterson signing a bill that locks in ticket scalping practices for another year.

The Buffalo News says Senate Democrats need to acknowledge that the Republicans now hold the majority leadership, but calls for a rotation of the Senate President position between the two parties, to break the deadlock.

The Democrat and Chronicle says the state of the local economy is one reason why the State Senate needs to get back to work.

The Post-Standard says the Senate should do as the Assembly has done and renew a mandate for insurance coverage for mental illness.

Diverting sales taxes from open space use to the general fund would reverse four decades of preservation efforts on the East End, writes columnist Karl Grossman for the Press of Manorville & The Moriches.

Reynolds Dodson wonders, in the Southampton Press, whether bicyclists and motorists can get along.

The Long Island Business News likes the recent forward momentum of the Lighthouse project.

(The Morning View is available every weekday morning, compiling opinion pieces from around New York. If you would like to receive a reminder each day, e-mail anne.michaud@newsday.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.)

-- Anne Michaud