Opinion

Politics at times is the art of the Big Lie. That thought reared its head when I saw articles about a bunch of Congress people recently. They had called a big press conference — to announce how they were getting behind the idea of the $15 minimum wage for all Americans. These politicians know absolutely […]

One reason I consider myself fortunate to have led a life in politics is that, over time, I have had a chance to work with nine presidents. From Lyndon Johnson through Barack Obama, I’ve talked policy, politics and, sometimes, the trivial details of daily life with them. Johnson was a deal-maker — always trying to

A few humble thoughts on the debacle known as Obamacare, including those of hope. Yes, hope. Indeed, the problems of Obamacare are too many to list. But here is one that stands out. Unfortunately, few of us can understand the damned thing. For proof go to healthcare.gov and find the glossary of terms used in Obamacare.

The craft beverage industry is among the fastest-growing industries in New York with nearly 900 licensed manufacturers in the state. Part of this growth has to do with the state’s focus in recent years on trying to make it easier for craft-beverage producers such as beer, cider, and liquor producers to do business in New

There are countless reasons why I feel fortunate to live Upstate. The “Summer of Hell” New York City commuters are facing is now among them. The deterioration of the city’s mass transit system has resulted in daily subway delays, overcrowded stations, riders trapped on trains, and ongoing chaotic events. The situation is adversely affecting the quality

The U.S. Senate on July 25 voted down a partial repeal of Obamacare, then an attempt at a “skinny repeal” failed in the early hours of July 28. Even though the American people voted into office many politicians who promised a full and complete repeal, many of those same lawmakers, perhaps for political reasons, are

Would you like it if your apartment building had its own court? Your neighbor could accuse you of a crime and haul you into court — where a jury could convict you and punish you. We have the equivalent of that at many of our universities. These schools have created any number of “laws” to

Sen. Mike Lee (R–Utah) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R–Kan.) recently dealt a blow to Obamacare “repeal and replace” efforts [on July 17] when they announced they would not vote for the latest version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, at press time, was trying to schedule a vote to repeal

It is we who are lucky he came here His name is Kanu. He was swabbing the floor at a Dunkin’ Donuts just before closing. I kidded him. And he hit me with a comment and a look on his face that nearly knocked me off my stool. I had watched him pluck donuts from

It is critical that state government supports New York’s small businesses. They make up the backbone of New York state by creating jobs and driving their respective local economies.  According to information from the U.S. Small Business Association in Forbes, small businesses generate 54 percent of all U.S. sales. That’s a huge portion of all sales