The Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 3
President Trump wants to disrupt the status quo. If that meant bridging differences or seeking to tame the polarization afflicting Washington, his presidency would follow a better trajectory. Instead, he appears bent on aggravating divisions. His idea of disruption includes tapping as leaders those opposed to the mission of the office they would head.
Scott Pruitt presents the prime example, a climate change denier, devoted advocate for oil and gas interests, in charge of the Environmental Protection Agency.
On Wednesday, another most dismaying nominee appeared for his Senate confirmation hearing. He is Scott Garrett, a former U.S. House member selected to lead the Export-Import Bank. There still is time to keep him from the post.
The opposition to the Garrett nomination is broad within the business community. The Ohio Manufacturers Association stresses the crucial role the bank plays for its sector, helping to open export markets. The bank assists with financing, enabling other countries to purchase American-made goods, going where commercial banks will not.
The Senate Banking Committee appears favorable to the president’s nominees for the empty board positions. The difficulty comes with the choice for the top spot. The White House and the country can do better than Scott Garrett. An organization as important as the Export-Import Bank deserves a true advocate leading the board.
Online: http://bit.ly/2yzjxSh
The Marietta Times, Nov. 2
Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials announced Tuesday that the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, has restricted the range of missiles manufactured in Iran to 1,240 miles.
Oh. Everything’s all right, then. All that worry over Iran’s missile and nuclear weapons programs was for nothing.
Pardon our sarcasm.
Analysts have said the Iranian announcement was meant to quiet concern about the country’s arms buildup. It should change nothing.
For starters, missiles capable of flying 1,240 miles from Iran can hit Israel, U.S. military bases and shipping in the region, including oil tankers on which Americans rely. Those are major worries.
Then, there is the issue of believing anything the Iranian leadership says. For years, Tehran insisted it was not engaged in an arms buildup. It was.
And the regime maintains it has not sent troops, arms and money to help terrorist organizations. It has.
At least Iran is not North Korea, where saber rattling is a way of life. That is small consolation, however. Tuesday’s announcement, on the other hand, is no reassurance at all.
Online: http://bit.ly/2yzyALw
