Yes, it was sold as a backstop for all the uncertainty over funding the rail project. Yes, it’s just a preliminary vote. But the 5-4 approval of a bill lifting the ban on using city general funds for rail construction still signifies a reversal of policy — and a slippery slope.

Final approval would make it possible for any shortfall for rail construction (and we’re sure that will persist) to be underwritten by city property taxpayers. Property taxes could go up sooner rather than later, money could be siphoned from city services, or both.

There’s nothing to do now but wait, and worry.

New touch-sensitive stamp over the moon

In this digital age, there’s been nothing but bad news for the U.S. Postal Service. With electronic mail increasing displacing the mail-a-letter option of a bygone era, postal traffic and the revenues supporting USPS have dropped precipitously.

Finally, there’s something shiny and new on the scene. Thanks to heat-sensitive ink, a new stamp to be issued in advance of the Aug. 21 solar eclipse depicts first the eclipse and then, at the touch of a finger, the full moon.

And they’re doing it for the regular Forever Stamp price of 49 cents. Old-school gets cool again.