PRAIRIE ROSES: To the North Dakota Department of Transportation for approving a vanity auto license plate that says "ISNOGOD." While that message might drive some North Dakotans to their knees (in church?), it was the right call. The department had approved plates that celebrated belief in God, such as "ILOVEGOD." As an agency of the secular state, denying a different view of the deity was a decision that would not stand constitutional scrutiny, no matter how popular the sentiment might be among North Dakotans. Indeed, it might be wise for the state - the state - to avoid any sort of religious message on vanity plates. Since an auto license plate is issued by the state, a religious message could be interpreted as the state endorsing a specific religion. That's not permitted under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
LEAFY SPURGE: To Tracy Potter, the Democratic-NPL-endorsed candidate for the U.S. Senate, for getting all hot and bothered because North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, the Republican Senate candidate, is playing a "prevent defense" and avoiding discussion of issues. Well, hello. The state senator from Bismarck has to do better than that if he intends to make even a slight dent in Hoeven's huge margin in recent polls. The governor is in the driver's seat because he's the odds-on favorite to win in November. Thus, he's driving the campaign in the direction he wants. Regarding issues, North Dakotans know Hoeven, having elected him three times as governor. They have a pretty good idea where he stands on issues. Potter is an honorable fellow, but running up against the reality of the Senate race is revealing his frustration.
PRAIRIE ROSES: To voters in the Lake Park-Audubon, Minn., School District for at last passing a school building levy after five tries. The dedication of school officials and board members - and parents who understand the crying need for the new school - wins praise. The deal is a good one in that it includes a significant chunk of federal school funding. The district also is the recipient of a tract of land where the school will be constructed. The quality of a school - teachers and buildings - cannot be understated when it comes to the future of small towns. If the school is viewed as substandard, young families will look elsewhere to get a good education for their kids. LP-A has taken a huge step in revitalizing its community. Good work by those who stuck with it so long.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
