PRAIRIE ROSES: To all those law enforcement agencies, emergency crews and volunteers who put their lives on the line in winter to rescue ice anglers and others who break through thin ice. This season is especially dangerous because ice on area lakes is thinner than usual because of unusually mild weather. But despite warnings about the danger, anglers and others have ventured onto the ice and a few have gotten into trouble. It falls on the rescue teams to save lives and property. It's tough work every year, but this year it's tougher because the ice is thin. Applause to the men and women who put themselves at risk to help others.
LEAFY SPURGE: To the person or persons engaged in a spate of car vandalism in West Fargo. Last week police received 14 calls about damage to autos by what appeared to be pellet gun shots. More reports were expected. This sort of random vandalism, while not unheard of, is, nevertheless unacceptable. Surely people know the perpetrators but are staying silent. In that regard, they are as guilty as the shooters.
PRAIRIE ROSES: To legislators in Minnesota and North Dakota who return to work this week in St. Paul and Bismarck. The elected lawmakers in both states face challenges, as always. But this year, both states are in better financial condition then they've been in years. The challenges, therefore, will be more about how to appropriate money wisely while keeping an eye on the future. The economies of both states are strong, but history tells us economic cycles can turn and reduce tax revenues. Lawmakers take a lot of abuse, but most of them are dedicated elected representatives. They want to do what's best for their state. We wish them well.
PRAIRIE ROSES: To North Dakota legislators who will force a debate on raising the state's minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 by 2009. That's not to say artificially manipulating the minimum wage is a good idea. But a debate certainly is worth having. The issues attending wage issues are complex and not readily visible. The doctrine of unintended consequences, for example, must be considered when the government tampers with the free market. All of those matters will be debated in Bismarck at the Legislature. Stimulating the debate is a good thing.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
