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A toast to this debate
Now that college is back in session locally, and in many other parts of the country as well, it seems an appropriate time to discuss whether current laws that prohibit purchase of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 serve to protect young college students or actually foster more abuse of alcohol.

Democrats for drilling
Our guess is that the Democrats who were determined to take a five-week vacation without taking up energy legislation got an earful when they got home. And what they heard was that Americans expect their congressmen to stay at their desks and work when there is serious work to be done. In this case that work includes passing legislation that allows oil companies to develop offshore resources.

Cameo concerns
Xcel Energy has every right to close old, inefficient power plants as it struggles to comply with new, alternative energy mandates from the state.

McCain roils the water
Republican presidential candidate John McCain raised eyebrows and ire last week, even among Colorado Republicans, when he told the Pueblo Chieftain newspaper that the 1922 Colorado River Compact among seven Western states may need some updating.

'Gang of Ten' plan barely rates a three
The good news is that politicians across the country and in Colorado have gotten the message from their constituents that we need to do more to support U.S. energy production.

Not so rich on the Roan
Let the finger-pointing begin, now that the bonus payments for the sale of natural gas leases on the Roan Plateau have come in far less that many people hoped and only about 5 percent of what one organization predicted.

Bigfoot exposed?
Something was revealed at a press conference in California Friday. But we’re pretty sure it wasn’t proof of Bigfoot’s existence.

An unwelcome guest for the DNC?
Here’s some news that might not be thrilling for Democratic National Convention planners.

On the road, at last
We’re well aware that the Riverside Parkway, all seven miles of which officially open to traffic later today, is opening more than a year ahead of schedule.

Airlines should cut costs for the military
U.S. airlines, facing tough economic times, are eager to make an extra buck or two by any means possible. But charging U.S. military personnel extra fees for the baggage they must take with them when heading off on military assignments — even to war zones — is beyond the pale.

Roadless insurance
When Gov. Bill Ritter endorsed the Colorado-developed plan to protect 4 million acres of roadless areas in this state, he called it an insurance policy in case President Bill Clinton’s rules for preserving roadless areas across the country were deemed invalid.

Rowland remains candidate to beat
Mesa County residents may be concerned about how the energy industry is developing in Mesa County, but not enough to turn out an incumbent county commissioner in a primary election contest.

Access and preservation boosted at Mesa Verde
Anyone who has visited Mesa Verde National Park, and that’s millions of people, knows that there is still a 45-minute drive from the park exit on U.S. Highway 160 to park headquarters and many of the spectacular Anasazi ruins.

Anguish over Anvil Points cash
We’re pleased to see a significant question regarding lease and bonus payments on the Roan Plateau has been answered.

Europe must lead on crisis in Georgia
Stern words were issued Monday. An emergency session of the United Nations Security Council was called. There was talk of embargo.

Udall abandoned promise to voters
We don’t find it offensive that 2nd District Congressman Mark Udall was at a fundraiser for his senatorial campaign when Congress voted to adjourn earlier this month without debating the most pressing issue facing the country.

Dems bend to enviros
Democrats, when arguing against increased domestic energy production, have a very predictable set of talking points. One of the key ones is that even if we were to give the oil industry the green light today there would be no production for anywhere from seven to 10 years.

'No' on Initiative 113
According to Initiative 113 supporters, including Gov. Bill Ritter, the property tax credit Colorado adopted 30 years ago as an incentive to attract the oil and gas industry here is no longer needed in today’s booming energy climate.

'Yes' on Amendment 52
State Sen. Josh Penry is upfront about the effect of Amendment 52 on Colorado’s highway needs. “This won’t solve everything,” he told The Daily Sentinel last week. But the measure will provide an estimated $90 million for highways next year, and approximately $300 million over the next five years.

The Olympic spirit?
Denver isn’t the only city that has established “protest zones” for dissidents this month. Chinese authorities have also purportedly created such zones in Beijing for the Olympic games that begin today.