Three Up; Three Down

By The News Virginian Staff

Published: July 12, 2008

Three Up
Since 2002, President Bush has insisted that plans to reduce global greenhouse emissions include China and India and other large developing nations. This has drawn guffaws at the U.S. for failing to lead. This week, the Group of Eight countries agreed with Bush and that technology, not “U.S. leadership,” is key. And, by the way, the U.S. cut greenhouse emissions by 3 percent from 2000 to 2006, second only to France among the world’s largest emitters.
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Somebody apparently forgot to include nTelos on the memo about the burgeoning recession. The “little but growing telecommunications company that could” celebrated its 111th anniversary last week with news that it outpaced big-name competitors in a recently commissioned independent survey. Meanwhile, the company is continuing to expand. What downturn?
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Word of a slowdown also has been slow to reach the West End. Word got out last week that Outback Steakhouse would join the ranks of retailers and restaurants in Waynesboro’s bustling business district. Take it, at least, as a sign of hope for soon-to-come turnaround.

Three Down
The first black to run for president, the Rev. Jesse Jackson has an empty feeling down below these days largely because of his enduring proclivity for feeding on his own feet. Jackson’s rhetorical foibles are legend, but he managed a new one last week. Is Jackson’s anatomical gaffe an expression of genuine displeasure with presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama or the rearing of jealousy’s head? Do us a favor, Jesse, don’t answer.
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So Sen. Jim Webb pulls out of the Democratic veepstakes. Does that provide an avenue for GOv. Timothy M. Kaine? Not if vetters are paying attention to Virginia. Kaine’s political cred took another hit last week when the special session he called on transportation failed to produce a bill. Don’t worry, Tim. Your resume will be kept on file.
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OK, so a longtime civil rights icon – or hanger-on – wants to do some snipping. Here’s something that really hurts Barack Obama. Presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain outraised Obama by 50 percent last month, raking in $46 million to Obama’s $28 million. Don’t look now, but the Obama machine is showing signs of wear.