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Viewing the strange suicide of the West

The West seems strangely intent on committing suicide, even though it was Western Civilization that liberated mankind from its history of slavery, servitude, and poverty. The unparalleled freedom and prosperity we have enjoyed in this country are the direct result of uniquely Western — and particularly American — values, yet the Woke Left wants to return us to government-imposed serfdom under their control. Western Tradition is a set of cultural norms developed over 500 years with roots in classic Greek philosophy and Judeo-Christian beliefs. It is based on the application of ...

My two cents regarding soaring costs

This week I have a few thoughts about money, which is always an interesting subject. As editor John D’Agostino recently pointed out while our governor complains about affordability in light of rising gas, grocery, utility and car insurance costs, she ignores the fact that much of the ...

The beast finally settles in

Last July I wrote about Finian, our Maine Coon cat, and his stubborn need to be outside. For some reason he is well-behaved at the front door – as long as visitors don’t stand chatting with the storm door open. I mean, give the furry kid a break. A 10-minute open door is temptation even a well-tamed feline couldn’t resist. But who am I kidding? A well-tamed cat? There is no such animal. Dear Richard and I are the only ones who are trained in this relationship. We have learned to work around Finian’s strict schedule. His day directing us begins early. If Finian decides to ...

Separation for media, state keeps blurring

As an aspiring journalist, it’s important to know which news stations are owned by who. It’s reasonable to not want to work for a station that doesn’t tie into your beliefs. While personal opinions should have no real role in fact-based journalism, that’s just the world we live in. Every news station has its own agenda, usually determined by who owns it, which is then reflected in their reporting and coverage.   Last semester, in my Critical Analysis of Journalism class, Professor Mark Kiyak showed us a chart of roughly five individuals who own different media ...

Chautauqua Institution picks a new president

I must admit, upfront, that I am a bit biased in this matter... but I was delighted with the decision of Chautauqua Institution to hire Mark Johnson as its new President. He will be undertaking these new duties in the coming year. I first knew Mark as a kid growing up in Jamestown when we lived on Chestnut Street...he lived right down the street from us. We were good friends with his parents and, one summer, went with their family on a canoe trip to the Adirondacks. And, aside from that, how can you be against a “Johnson” from Jamestown...especially, this one? His grandfather was ...

Donating to Rural Ministry helps your neighbors

Across Chautauqua County, more families are struggling to make ends meet. Rising food prices, increased housing costs, utility bills, and other financial pressures have created a growing need for food assistance throughout our community. At Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, that need is visible every day. Through its soup kitchen and emergency food pantry, Rural Ministry provides food and support to hundreds of local residents each week. The organization serves more than 600 meals weekly and assists families, seniors, veterans, and individuals facing difficult circumstances. As the ...