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White House spectacle overshadows big fights

Commentary

What kind of desecration is being erected in our nation’s capital now? It’s all over social media; pictures of a huge frame-like structure obstructing and dwarfing the White House itself. This is a personal front row seat for Donald Trump to his 80th birthday celebration. He will be treated to a special presentation of his favorite sport (the one he participates in vicariously, not like the one he practices almost daily on the golf course) along with 5,000 invited guests. One guess as to who they will be. Once it is over, a large portion of the cost will go toward replacing ...

State inaction tolerates mayhem in prisons

Editor's corner

Detailing a surge in violence, staff assaults, overdoses, exposures and deaths inside state prisons, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association President Chris Summers declared the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to be in a “full-scale systemic ...

Visit Chautauqua Institution this summer

Commentary

CHAUTAUQUA—Progress often comes in steps rather than all at once. One encouraging step at Chautauqua Institution is particularly worth applauding. A few years ago a visitor came to Chautauqua other than by being invited by the institution. Shortly thereafter, the visitor was critical of the institution in a national forum. Never mind who the visitor was, what the visitor said, or what the forum was. None of those is important here. What is not only important but also noteworthy here is that the institution—the institution itself—has invited the visitor to give a ...

The OBSERVER’s View: State inconsistent on speed limits

The OBSERVER’s View

So much for the spirit of home rule. At last month’s town of Pomfret board meeting, it was announced the state will not be lowering the speed limit on Fredonia-Stockton Road. Pomfret town officials mentioned at a Town Board meeting earlier this year that the LoGuidice Center had requested a speed limit reduction in the area. It’s currently 55 mph near the school. Since it is a New York state-administered road, Highway Superintendent Jude Gardner forwarded their request to the state Department of Transportation. “Why they would send it to us doesn’t make any sense,” agreed ...

Trump foes blind to faults of others

Commentary

For the last 10 years I have been trying to understand why people hate everything that Donald Trump says and does. I have never been able to comprehend why some have gone out of their way to destroy not only the president, but also all the members of his family and a thriving business that ...

Last Tuesday was hit-the-road time!

Commentary

Every May I drive to Lexington, Massachusetts to celebrate my grandson’s birthday and decorate our family graves. This year was special. Malcolm was also graduating from high school and the family gathered – even more of us than usual. His grandfather drove up from New York City with ...