How to put gksu gedit shortcut on the launcher in unity

[Jim Byrnes]

I have 12.04 on my laptop and am trying to get comfortable with Unity.

I can't figure out how to open gedit from the launcher and have it ask 
for my password so I can edit read only files.

This link seemed to be what I wanted: 
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-2042996.html

They are talking about Synaptic but I thought it may also apply to 
gedit. The last post offers this solution.

After installing Synaptic, type "syn" into the Dash and drag the 
Synaptic shortcut onto the desktop.
Open a gedit window and drop the shortcut into it, then change the Exec 
line from "synaptic-pkexec" to "gksu synaptic", save and exit.
Get rid of any previously placed Synaptic shortcut in the launcher, then 
drag the new, edited one from the desktop and position in the launcher 
as desired.
Check that clicking it brings up the authentication dialog, as it 
should. Back to normal.

The problem is when I open the Dash it covers the entire desktop and the 
is no way to drop the shortcut on it.

Is there another way to do what I need?

Thanks,  JIm