Full Senate faces critical decision

When he was running for governor, David Ige’s mantra was that he would act "in the right way, for the right reasons."

Voters took Ige at his word, which makes his actions surrounding his nomination of development lobbyist Carleton Ching as head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources all the more disappointing.

Far from speaking openly and specifically about why he wants this nominee, Ige has slipped into his familiar role as a Senate powerbroker, meeting with his old colleagues to try to make the case. This is not the transparency he promised.

The senators voting on Ching’s nomination must decide based on qualifications, not because friends stick together. The Senate committee that refused to endorse him cited his lack of experience, knowledge and vision for this job. Will the full chamber show the same political courage?

Coca-Cola gives it the old college try

If you say it emphatically and often enough, then it can be so.

That’s the hope of Coca-Cola executives who have launched a marketing blitz to rebrand the soda as a healthy snack option.

Sugar and caffeine? That’s a neat trick, if they can make that sale.

The approach seems to be on emphasizing portion control, pointing to the new mini-cans delivering 7.5 ounces, versus 12 ounces.

And this wouldn’t be a first effort to present the soda as the elixir of health. Coke made its debut in the late 19th century with an undefined "trace" of coca extract among its ingredients. That was back in the day when folks thought cocaine was good for you.

We know better now. Or do we?