Editorial: Thumbs

To the drought easing up.

It’s good news to hear a benefit of the lousy, rather wintry weather Minnesota has had through this spring. Drought experts were worried that the winter snow would run off the still-frozen ground once March arrived. But the additional snow and rain lasted after the ground thawed, helping to slake the thirst of the drought conditions. This is good for agriculture and good for our local economy. That said, we still are considered in a drought. And we need dry days so farmers can get into the fields and plant. Many are doing that this weekend.

 

To the Minnesota Senate.

The form of the education bill in the state Senate fails to repay the school shift — that loan the Legislature took from school districts under the Gov. Tim Pawlenty era. Democrats campaigned promising to pay that back and now control the House, Senate and Governor’s Office. The House version indeed pays off the loan. The Senate Democrats need to stick to their campaign promise and repay the schools. Do what’s right.

 

To the Minnesota Vikings.

The professional sports franchise with the biggest fan base in Minnesota did well Thursday in the first round of the NFL draft. They were able to get three picks and made headlines. Sports writers were saying the team had the best first round in the 32-team league. Kudos to General Manager Rick Spielman. They were in line to get the 23rd and 25th picks, then made a deal with the New England Patriots to acquire the 29th pick. They drafted Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes and Tennessee receiver Cordarrelle Patterson — all to replace the loss of, respectively, Pat Williams, Antoine Winfield and Percy Harvin.