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New pope signals new direction for the Catholic Church
Sunday, March 17, 2013
By taking the name Francis — one of Roman Catholicism’s most humble and beloved saints — the new pope announced changes coming to Western Christianity’s largest church, a church in crisis. The cardinals, in putting their trust in Francis, were directly responding to the challenge laid out by the former Pope Benedict XVI.
Information needed on what legislative bodies are up to
Sunday, March 17, 2013
The first 2013 Schenectady County budget proposal presented to the Legislature last fall called for a larger-than-usual tax increase and triggered loud negative reactions from many, including the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce.
Foreign student helps host family see region in new, positive light
Sunday, March 17, 2013
My daughter has become quite fond of telling me how boring it is growing up in the Capital Region. Now, insert into her life a foreign exchange student from Spain, and we all get a lesson in the meaning of the word perspective.
Education needs to remain an investment in America’s future
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Aspects of recent debates about the value of a liberal arts education, its usefulness and its appropriateness strike a familiar and disturbing historical chord. Our nation’s brightest students, contemplating the dedication of four years to the highest level of cognitive challenge, are discouraged by a contingent of their elders and asked to consider something more practical.
Certain restraints on guns make sense
Sunday, March 17, 2013
As a farmer I need and keep a gun. It is a tool, like a calf-puller, kept handy and brought out when needed. And never predictably. My wife groans to see it, for it is inevitably a sign that things have taken a bad turn and there is no other remedy.
New study offers means to compare how states vote
Sunday, March 10, 2013
The divisive 2000 presidential contest, with its drawn-out tally and infamous hanging chads, delivered a wake-up call both to the electorate and to election officials that improvements were needed, even in our mature form of representative government. Twelve years later, elections are unquestionably better administered, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
False sense of security
Sunday, March 10, 2013
In the face of overwhelming evidence that new gun laws will not affect violent crime rates, Gov. Cuomo has led the way toward restricting freedoms in order to be a leader and do something.
Gov. Cuomo should quash any fracking project without regulations
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Whether accurate or not, recent stories of an epiphany by Gov. Cuomo about the dangers of fracking, the influence of his trusted confidant Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and a last-minute decision to cancel gas well permits are heartwarming. Those who are concerned about the future, however, would be wise to examine what has actually been said — and not said — by the Cuomo administration.
Coupon fine just another cash grab by state
Sunday, March 10, 2013
There are some disturbing aspects of the $100,000 fine that Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office levied against the grocery chain for allegedly not making its double coupon policy clear.
Bacterial ‘superbug’ popping up in nation’s health facilities
Sunday, March 10, 2013
To effectively combat superbugs, we need to confront the problem at hand that has allowed them to thrive — the overuse of antibiotics in health care. Studies have shown that one-third of antibiotics prescribed to patients in hospitals are unnecessary.
It’s time for state minimum wage hike
Sunday, March 3, 2013
New York’s effort, in particular, has been championed by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who proposed an increase to $8.50 an hour last year and now wants it at $9, with indexing to inflation. One would think this would be a no-brainer for our progressive state. Sadly, that’s not translating into legislative support just yet.
Schoharie County residents spread positive action vibe
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Known since early times by the indigenous people as a place of healing waters, Sharon Springs has drawn those who seek to heal body and spirit as well as a place to blossom.
Feminism’s next goal: helping women in the developing world
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The world has shrunk a great deal since 1963, and we are more aware of the suffering of women elsewhere in the world than ever before.
Choice of new pope won’t change church’s teaching, duties of faithful
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Who will be the next pope? Nobody knows, and though speculating about the future can be a pleasant form of entertainment, it’s also fruitless. Pundits don’t vote. Special-interest lobbying in the media has little or no effect. Catholic teaching develops over time, but it doesn’t fundamentally change; and Catholic life, in the end, is ordered to truth, not consensus or polling.
State is crippling schools with gap adjustment
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
The primary reason for higher school taxes is that the governor’s proposed budget shortchanges all of our schools.
