Today's Opinions

Despite problems and crises at every turn, right now President-elect Barack Obama has the goodwill of the majority on his side. He will enter the Oval Office in a strong position to affect significant change, in part because of the honeymoon he’s on with the public as well as the media.

But as soon as he takes office, he could strengthen his position even more — by opening up some federal doors that the Bush administration has tightly shut.

We, the Jackie R. Tapia family, wish to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for your love, understanding and assistance, to the following professionals who cared for and assisted him during his illness:  All doctors, nurses and staff at the Centro de Salud, Dr. Michael Lopez and staff, the technicians of the Las Vegas Emergency Ambulance Services, Rocky Mountain Ambulance Services, and the many helpful and caring staff at the Alta Vista Regional Hospital.

It isn’t likely that Proposition 8 will be the final word in the debate over same-sex marriages in California. And it shouldn’t be.

The initiative passed by 52 percent of California voters alters that state’s constitution to read, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” Its passage overrules a court decision last May allowing same-sex marriage, but opponents have already filed legal challenges, contending that it should be invalidated.