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The OBSERVER’s View: Special library tribute built ‘relationships’

A tradition at Anderson-Lee Library will pay tribute to a former employee who was part of the idea. This Saturday, a special one-day event in recognition of Native American Heritage Month begins at 11 a.m. at 43 Main St. “From the beginning, one of the most important parts of the program has been the opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with members of the Seneca Nation,” the library said in a statement. “This year's celebration will be especially meaningful as we gather not only to honor Native American heritage and culture, but also to remember and celebrate Huff ...

There’s no massaging some beliefs

Getting a ton of “likes” on Facebook, liberal reverend Bryan Berghoef posted, “Only a small mind would equate being a Muslim with being a jihadist” Responding, I wrote, “A discerning mind equates jihad with Islam.” Typical among liberal pastors plaguing the church and America, Berghoef’s popular remark lacked discernment. Compounding the lack of discernment, another cleric challenged my equating jihad with Islam claiming that greater jihad is internal struggle within a Muslim and lesser jihad is the outer war with infidels. A quick-witted respondent replied, “I ...

The OBSERVER’s View: One last chance to vote

Thousands of residents have already taken the time to cast their ballot during Early Voting, which was Oct. 24 through Sunday. If you have not, there’s one day left — that’s Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. That remains a heavy turnout day. Even with the Early Voting, there is a large contingent of the population that hits the polls on the traditional day. As usual, we urge residents to be part of the process. This year’s races have important implications on the future. If you’re not happy with how things are being run in Washington, Albany and here at home, complaining is not ...

Behavior always part of equation with children

It's not often that I will refer to another writer’s thinking and observation of human behaviors in print. I am going to make an exception in this case. Mark Talley of Buffalo describes, in detail, his thinking about some of today’s youth. His mother, Geraldine Talley, was one of 10 people shot to death by a white supremacist on May 14, 2022. He is also the author of “5/14 - the Day the Devil Came to Buffalo.” "My friends who are teachers see it every day. My other friends who are child psychologists who work at the office of Children and Family Services tell me that we are ...

U.S. no longer keeps an open mind with elections

This is the last weekend before the 2026 midterm elections. Most people have made up their minds already. Nevertheless, I’ll use this platform to express a few opinions about some recent controversies in an effort to urge people to think critically — logically and morally — and to vote ...

What kind of socialist are you?

Anyone paying attention to state and federal politics has heard the word socialist ad nauseam ever since the 2024 elections. While on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump called Kamala Harris a socialist at every stop. Trump continues to call his political opponents socialists. During the 2026 election cycle, many Republican candidates have called their Democratic opponents socialists. In recent primaries, even Democrats have called fellow Democrats socialists and cautioned primary voters to beware. As the phrase continues to be thrown around politically it may be helpful for ...