Sound public policy depends on a careful calibration of competing interests, a weighing of values and variables. Good outcomes seldom come from slapping slogans on a complex problem or imposing ideological rigidities.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I had planned on moving in with a friend of mine in the next few months, but I lost hope for our move-in plans due to my friend’s lack of participation. He has all these excuses, but I don’t like excuses.
ASK THE DOCTORS
For the experts who examine trends in pews, the post-pandemic tea leaves have been hard to read with a few people going to church more often, others staying away and some still watching services online.
30 YEARS AGO
CLINTON DAILY NEWS EDITORIAL
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was out at a bar with a girlfriend of mine when we ran into a man I used to casually date. She couldn’t stop talking about how handsome he was, and she even asked me to set them up. I didn’t mention that we have a romantic history because it didn’t seem worth mentioning at the time.
Dear Doctors: I recently learned I have a small peptic ulcer. The doctor said it’s a common occurrence and not a big deal.
The United States Constitution and all the state constitutions establish legislatures and give those legislatures the authority to set their own rules. The constitutions also give lawmakers the authority to punish members for violating those rules.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have some negative history with a woman who is now back in my life through work. We worked together years ago, and it didn’t end well. I didn’t like the way she handled certain things, and I let her know how I felt. Now, here we are again, working together on a project. I wonder if I should clear the air and acknowledge that things didn’t go so well last time. Should I say that I hope we will work better this go-round or just leave it alone? As I recall it, I was the one who complained before. But I know it was awkward for both of us. — Awkward DEAR AWKWARD: If it feels potentially awkward now, you can say something positive to her about this new experience. You can tell her you look forward to working together on the project at hand. You may also recommend that you two come up with a way of working together that is mutually beneficial for both of you. If there is something specific that didn’t work before, you may want to suggest that you both agree to take a different approach this time.