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National chains should invest more in the local community
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Many of us remember a time when the pillars of our communities owned and operated most of the businesses in town. They were often the entrepreneurs of the era, taking risks, investing in the area and becoming well-known and respected. ... Fast-forward to the present when such pillars hardly exist.
Scientific study gives fracking opponents a sensible, doable goal
Sunday, May 12, 2013
We know why pipelines and hydrofracking for gas and oil are not a good idea, but repeating that negative is not accomplishing changes. Going forward, being positive, getting active is what we need.
Bombing hysteria led to call for actions that violate our own ideals
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Now that the media have moved the Boston Marathon bombing off of the front page and replaced it with such breathtaking stories as the possibility that the Riggis of Saratoga and their 35 dogs may join the ranks of other vapid reality shows, it might be time to reflect on the mass hysteria and overreaction to the bombing.
3 reasons at our house to start a movement, change the world
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Since our three youngest children joined us through adoption from South Korea between 2002 and 2006, we’ve seen the fairly miraculous changes in their lives and the lives of their internationally adopted friends.
Harmony Mills and other historic sites deserve recognition
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Now I marvel at Harmony Mills buildings’ odd transformation, from dangerous workplace that lured immigrants with promises of good earnings, to promises of fancy living as luxury lofts.
Ultimate fighting is ultimate brutality, degrading all parties involved
Sunday, April 28, 2013
A few years ago, when one of my sons, home from college and temporarily controlling the cable remote, turned to a channel telecasting an Ultimate Fighting Championship match and said, “Hey, Dad, look at this! Pretty cool, eh?” I was instantly appalled.
Gains made by African-Americans face uncertainty over next 50 years
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Gwendolyn Grant, and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, dismisses any notion that we’ve entered a post-racial period since the nation elected and re-elected its first African-American president.
Don’t cut corners on proposals to curb corruption in Albany
Sunday, April 28, 2013
When it comes to anti-corruption, should we be cutting corners? What possible reason could we have for not ensuring that our public officials are free from corrupting influences?
Immigration reform without secure borders won’t work
Sunday, April 28, 2013
In 1986, Congress passed a large immigration bill based on a simple deal: amnesty for settled illegal aliens in exchange for stricter enforcement of the law in the future, to minimize new illegal immigration. The deal was not honored.
Washington can’t put the cart before the horse — again
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Speaking contemporaneously of futile efforts being made to prevent World War II, Winston Churchill said, “When the situation was manageable it was neglected, and now that it is thoroughly out of hand we apply too late the remedies which then might have effected a cure.” So it has been in modern America with immigration.
Rush to judgment in fast-moving stories hurts media, public
Sunday, April 28, 2013
After a tragedy like the Boston Marathon bombing, the torrent of news coverage often gives us a little extra reason to cringe.
It’s time to pursue serious ethics reform in state Legislature
Sunday, April 21, 2013
The time is ripe again, as it is every spring in Albany, for a New York state ethics overhaul. Every spring season, since at least the days of DeWitt Clinton, the state government has needed an ethical housecleaning.
Bullies, public and private, need a reminder of the rules
Sunday, April 21, 2013
We the People are tired of being trod on, so let’s put the bullies on notice to stop their treading or we’ll all join hands, stick together, and even sing Kumbaya. Maybe even not vote for them or buy their toxic lies. That’ll show them.
Trained responders share human impulse to run toward danger
Sunday, April 21, 2013
There is the world of acts and there is the world of words. And America saw both the other day when the bombs went off at the finish of the Boston Marathon.
Boy Scouts of America must defend its long-held convictions
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Corporate elites and gay activists are demanding the Scouts drop their long standing prohibition against open homosexuality within the Scouts. Changing the policy would be a drastic mistake. It would not only dramatically alter the ethos of Scouting, but would undermine the principles of being a Boy Scout.
