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Opinion

Triumphal arch, or sign of an arch enemy?

Commentary

Architecture always sends a message. So what does President Trump’s desire for a Triumphal Arch say about his authoritarian aspirations? About his regard for process, precedent, and the rule of law? First, we should look to the inspirations for the “Arc de Trump.” The form originated ...

Who can Fredonians trust with water plans?

Commentary

After a March 30 Fredonia Village Board Meeting two members of Save Our Reservoir and I had a cordial and pleasant conversation with Trustee Ben Brauchler on the steps of Village Hall. During that conversation I asked Brauchler what he thought of the water cost projections made by former ...

Have a blast, but think of the pets

Commentary

The Fourth of July is the holiday I dread most. It’s not because I am unpatriotic. It’s just that I have no taste for explosions and screeching missiles, which go on here in Dunkirk from early evening to late at night, and from mid June until the end of July. It’s also because Rocco, our ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Celebrating 250 years of America

The OBSERVER’s View

Today, we Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Our focus is what the document meant — creation of a new nation, a new set of ideals to form a more perfect union. But what the document itself says about the Founders and about what they intended for us ...

Nation currently forgetting a foundation for equality

Commentary

What shall we sing to America to celebrate our 250th birthday? “This Land is Your Land” is a good one. It’s been a staple for patriotic gatherings; we all know the first verse by heart. It sings the praises of this country’s beautiful landscapes and declares that it belongs to you ...

American war of independence was no revolution

Commentary

MECOSTA, Mich.—When this columnist was a newspaper reporter, one of the editors was fond of saying we needed to write in a way that would hold people’s attention when the kids were screaming, the dog was barking, and the television was on. Today’s column doesn’t follow that rule. So ...