Opinion

A few months ago, the federal debt we have accumulated over the past decades crossed the $22 trillion mark. That’s a record. And it’s surely not going to be the last. According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, annual federal deficits over the next decade — the deficit is the annual figure for how much […]

For the second time in three years, property owners along the southern and eastern shores on Lake Ontario are experiencing catastrophic flooding. With lake levels nearly three feet above the 100-year average, water has once again eroded shorelines, forced the collapse of sea walls, and flooded septic systems and homes. Even people who took precautions after

This campaign season brings Ralph to mind. He was a family member who sprung surprises on many friends and acquaintances. Ralph taught and coached in high school. He led a quiet life. Lived under the radar. Enjoyed a few beers and low-key discussions about what was going on in the world. Out of the blue,

President Trump’s recent trip to Britain and Normandy brought north many stark contrasts. Contrasts between the way most people behaved during the WWII years and now. Given the number of years between then and now, there should be differences — of course. But the nature of some of the contrasts ought to give us pause.

You may not be ready for next year’s presidential and congressional elections, but in political time, they’re coming up fast. Even politicians who aren’t running for president are crafting their stump speeches. Which means that at some point you’re almost certain to hear someone announce, sternly, “I. Will. Not. Compromise.” And if you’re there in the

Well, my grandchildren, it all began many years ago with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). She got herself elected back when Donald Trump was president. AOC mounted an attack on cauliflower. She said that growing cauliflower in community gardens is a “colonial approach” and the reason communities of color oppose environmentalist movements. I forgot. You lil’ ones

I’m lucky enough these days to be in regular touch with young people — students — who are interested in public service. I find hope in their quality, energy, and motivation, and they press me to think more deeply about what it takes to pursue a life in the public realm. In trying to answer that

“I’m still ugly,” sniffed the young woman. Her words come to mind when good news about our economy emerges. They were part of a talk by a famous motivational speaker. He made a simple point: How we see reality depends on what lenses we choose to look through. For instance, when we view a cloudy

For victims of heinous crimes whose perpetrators are behind bars, parole hearings can be traumatic. The state can do more to protect victims and families of victims from undue suffering by passing Ramona’s Law. The bill extends the maximum time that certain violent felons are reconsidered for parole by the state parole board from two

It was less than 30 years ago when the Americans with Disabilities Act passed Congress and was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The law prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Since that time, many changes have been instituted and gradually, access and technology