News opinion 2008-04-29 Andanh.com

Our view: On care and feeding of our tourist economy Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:51:00 EDT
It's almost May, and the region's tourism industry has reason to be concerned about what the new season has in store for it.
The falling dollar may actually work to local businesses' advantage, prompting more Americans to stay home this summer while serving as a lure for those from abroad to visit this country.

Our view: Tough times everywhere Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:48:00 EDT
President Bush may still be in denial — he says the U.S. economy is not in a recession, but simply going through a period of slower growth — but those on Beacon Hill don't have the luxury of ignoring the obvious.

David Shribman: Democrats' passion for their candidates could prove costly Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:48:00 EDT
PITTSBURGH — It seems so quiet around here, and a bit lonely, too.
They're gone. Vanished. No signs in the streets, no ads on television. No irritating automatic phone calls. The whole political road show has moved on, to Indiana and North Carolina and parts beyond. To places where nobody knows your bowling score.

View from Beacon Hill: Costs key to health reform Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:38:00 EDT
BOSTON (AP) — It may be the least sexy buzz-phrase on Beacon Hill, but "cost containment" could make or break the state's landmark, and oft-scrutinized, health-care law.
Soaring enrollment in subsidized health-care plans have sent lawmakers scrambling to find more money to keep the law, which requires nearly everyone in Massachusetts be insured, from collapsing. Gov. Deval Patrick is asking for an extra $153 million to cover rising costs in the current fiscal year and observers are questioning whether the $869 million budgeted for the subsidized Commonwealth Care program in the new fiscal year, which begins July 1, is enough.

Letter: Save the trees, get rid of the beavers Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:38:00 EDT
To the editor:
First of all, I am not a "tree hugger;" but as I travel through the Tri-town area I notice an increase of stands of dead maples in areas that never had so much water. Apparently, these newly created "ponds" are the result of overprotecting the beaver population.

Letter: Legislature thwarts effort to fund schools properly Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:38:00 EDT
To the editor:
In Beverly, Hamilton, Wenham and Ipswich, the main topic of concern and conversation is overrides.
In these communities, and in many others across the state, good, caring parents are battling to save the most basic elements of quality in their public schools' curriculums including classroom size, art education, sports, computer opportunities and training, and bus transportation.

Letter: System needed to investigate complaints against police Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:07:00 EDT
To the editor:
There needs to be an independent police complaints commission set up in the U.S.
Police officers have extraordinary powers. There is nothing to my knowledge that is independent of all bodies of law enforcement.

Letter: This time liberals, courts have gone too far Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:58:00 EDT
To the editor:
I just wanted to thank your paper for informing the working-class taxpayers of the commonwealth of Massachusetts of the most outrageous and blatant act of liberalism that America has seen in government.

Dems weighing losses Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:45:00 EDT
Big Freddy was mopping his forehead with an oversized handkerchief as he came through the door.
"Warm for April," I said as he stuffed it in a pocket before settling into the seat opposite.
"Hot," Freddy said. "The word is hot, and it's too early for this kind of hot."

Letter: Council salaries could fund mayor's raise Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
Mayor Driscoll deserves to be paid a salary commensurate with the job. Not only has she done an excellent job as our mayor, but finding the money to increase the pay is easy and revenue neutral. First, eliminate the self-serving ordinance that ties the City Council salaries to that of the mayor. Second, drop their health insurance coverage. The job is part time and not deserving of health insurance coverage. Councilor Sosnowski must do a lot of driving — even at the gas prices of today — to cover the $21,000 (including health insurance) he is paid annually. And councilor, there are plenty of Salem taxpayers who would gladly walk in your shoes just to have the health insurance and would willingly waive the $8,000 annual salary. What happens with municipalities who excessively compensate their legislative body is that people stay on not to serve the city, but to serve themselves. The city could pay our mayor $100,000 annually and save $10,000 in the process.

Our view: Respect voters and roll back income tax Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:45:00 EDT
Massachusetts legislators are sounding the alarm, claiming they don't know what they'll do if the voters pass an initiative on the ballot this fall to eliminate the state income tax.
We know precisely what the legislators will do if voters vote to eliminate the tax: They'll ignore them and keep taxing us anyway.

Letter: What are we willing to pay for? Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
Dennis Ryan and Richard Feyl have written letters to The Salem News taking issue with the plea for adequate support of public schools and other public services in my letter of April 7. I agree with Mr. Feyl in commending The Salem News for presenting opinion on several sides of an issue of public interest.

Letter: Ipswich culture in danger Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
The public school system is at a critical moment of its development. The public will decide the future of free education and the importance it will have in the growth and development of our communities. Schools are not a place to house children for the day. They are public institutions that ensure the quality of life and the future of growth and prosperity in our communities. The public will either support strong communities or rely on familiar and comfortable excuses. The public money invested in the education of a young child is public money saved on social programs for young adults who the system has failed by not providing them the knowledge of opportunities that a good education can yield.

As I See It: What's this world coming to? Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:18:00 EDT
Is it just me, or are you horrified by what's going on in the world? There have been disastrous floods and tornados which have left hundreds of people homeless or dead.
Then we've seen killings at high schools and colleges. Recently there was a scare at Bridgewater State College where my grandson Ross is a freshman. We've always thought schools were a safe place — no more. The availability of firearms is something that should be seriously looked into.

Letter: Story is best choice for selectman Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:17:00 EDT
To the editor:
In these crucial economic times when American families and municipalities find themselves financially strapped, we need to continue to have a proven, common-sense selectman to keep the Town of Newbury functioning well. We need Joe Story.

Letter: Creativity is man's peculiar advantage Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:16:00 EDT
To the editor:
Creativity is the quality which has rendered to man an enormous differential advantage in the perennially competitive "battle for life" among living beings on the Earth. Man's innovations have added comfort, grace and beauty, as well as survivability, on this planet. Absent creativity, homo sapiens (that's us) would/will likely be reduced to the fate of 90 percent of living organisms which have ever inhabited our globe: extinction.

Letter: No need for senior center in Newburyport Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:15:00 EDT
To the editor:
As a soon-to-be senior I would like to express my concerns about the proposed building of a senior center in Newburyport.
First, I believe that the city cannot afford to build a free-standing structure for the needs of one group of people. We are experiencing extremely tight budget years already. The strain of supporting even the maintenance and transportation costs for such a center would adversely affect the budgets of all other city services, including education, infrastructure, planning and public safety, areas that affect the entire citizenry.

No comparison Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:13:00 EDT
To the editor:
How can anyone compare Rockport's Motif #1 to Newburyport's clam shack ("Clam shack clash builds," April 21)? Motif #1 doesn't have a shower. In fact, no one lives there.
DON POLLARD
Ne

Letter: Farmers market a great idea Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:11:00 EDT
To the editor:
Just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the farmers market at the Mall in Newburyport on Sunday. I hope that it can continue. There's nothing better for us and the farmers than locally grown.

Letter: Thanks to all who help with library programs Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:11:00 EDT
To the editor:
The Newbury Town Library has been a busy place recently and there are many people and organizations to thank for some successful programming.
First of all, thanks go to The Daily News for providing space in the paper to let people know about the programs and also for offering this venue to thank them.

As I See It: McCain Part 2: That was then (flip); this is now (flop) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:20:00 EDT
In my first article about John McCain (March 31), I wrote about how closely his policies are aligned with those of our current imperial president. It wasn't always so, but this could be John McCain's last chance to become president. If elected, he will be the oldest elected president at the age of 71. It is unlikely (never say never) that he'll mount this kind of effort at the age of 76. Completely unnoticed (or simply ignored) by the mainstream media, McCain began his transformation in 1996 to a candidate that would be more acceptable to evangelical Christians.

Our view: Income tax rollback isn't happening Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:18:00 EDT
Massachusetts legislators are sounding the alarm, claiming they don't know what they'll do if the voters pass an initiative on the ballot this fall to eliminate the state income tax.
We know precisely what the legislators will do if voters vote to eliminate the tax: They'll ignore them and keep taxing us anyway.

Letter: 'Clean Sweep' was another success Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:17:00 EDT
To the editor:
The Newburyport Parks Commission would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who took time out of their weekend to pick up trash, spread mulch and clear bags full of yard debris as part of the annual "Clean Sweep" in Newburyport. A special thank-you to the anonymous volunteer(s) who finished spreading mulch at Ayers Playground. The Clean Sweep provides residents of Newburyport with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the community by cleaning up and improving our local parks, trails and other public spaces. The Parks Commission depends heavily upon volunteers to help make our parks oustanding public spaces. The Parks Commission would also like to thank the DPW for their assistance prior to the event and for cleaning up and disposing of trash bags and debris on Clean Sweep day.

Letter: Many school snacks not good choices Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:15:00 EDT
To the editor:
Childhood obesity has become a huge epidemic in the United States and unfortunately it is also a problem within our own town. In Newburyport, there are many kids who are overweight and some who are obese. After talking with my brother, who attends the RAN Middle School, I was appalled to hear that our school system isn't doing more to prevent this problem.

Letter: Triton volunteers thanked for time, talents Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:13:00 EDT
To the editor:
As the end of the school year approaches, the volunteer coordinators would like to thank all the volunteers across the district who donated their time and talents for the benefit of our students. There are currently 1,370 volunteers in our schools. The volunteer program has steadily grown over the years in participation and scope.

Editorial cartoon by David Hitch Tuesday April 29, 2008

Airport angst Tuesday April 29, 2008
The prospect of $10.8 million in state and federal grants for upgrades at Worcester Regional Airport prompted a surprising outbreak of ambivalence at the last City Council meeting. While the airport's future remains clouded, the necessity of getting on with this badly needed infrastructure work is crystal clear.

Partnerships supported deaf studies program Tuesday April 29, 2008
It was an honor to receive the George I. Alden Excellence in Higher Education Award at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium 40th Anniversary Celebration held on April 7. This recognition wouldn't be possible without the wealth of partnerships and resources present through the consortium.

Hills came alive with April concert Tuesday April 29, 2008
On April 3, the hills of Worcester came alive and the community echoed with the sweet, melodic and, at times, lively sounds of the brilliant student performers of the Worcester Public Schools.

Politicians must vote to stop animal cruelty Tuesday April 29, 2008
I hope the Telegram & Gazette can publish the names of the Democrats and Republicans who never vote for any of the laws that will stop animal cruelty. The people in this country need to realize that these officials could help animals and they choose not to. If people knew their voting records, they would tell their friends and relatives not to vote them into office again. The politicians from Texas are some of the worst, so you can just imagine the animal abuse in that state.

The wheel deal Tuesday April 29, 2008
It's unclear at this point whether it would make sense for Worcester to court the Bicycling Hall of Fame, but the idea certainly is worth exploring.

Green marketing is not really green Tuesday April 29, 2008
The reports of Wal-Mart's green business model are greatly exaggerated. Wal-Mart unveiled a new earth month "merchandising and marketing campaign" in an official press release. While Wal-Mart claims the marketing blitz takes going green mainstream, the campaign's keystone is a massive buy of print advertisements, weighing in at nearly a third of a billion pages.

Church downplays sexual abuses woes Tuesday April 29, 2008
This letter is in response to comments made by Pope Benedict XVI regarding the sex abuse scandal in the church.

OUR VIEW: Using his talents well Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

It's good to see Fred Kalisz, who spent eight years on the New Bedford City Council followed by another eight as mayor, returning to a hands-on, service-oriented position. He has accepted the executive directorship of Parents Alliance for Catholic...

NATIONAL VIEW: Benedict issues lofty call to eliminate evil of abuse Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Pope Benedict XVI didn't raise just the issue of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. He raised the bar on how to respond to the crisis.

YOUR VIEW: Parishioners should let priests know they appreciate them Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

In The Standard-Times edition of April 15, there was a picture of a young woman carrying a sign in Washington, D.C., that said, "Catholic priests are predators." This sign was very disturbing to clergy and laity alike.

YOUR VIEW: Give back to the earth Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

At the risk of overstepping my bounds, I'd like to express a few thoughts on behalf of Mother Nature. Just recently, she received a wonderful cleansing thanks to the rallying powers of the Westport River Watershed Alliance and other organizations but...

LETTER: Photo warrants apology Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Photo warrants an apology

YOUR VIEW: Plea for turtles was misinformed, sensationalized Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Gib Brogan's op-ed, "Block fishing to protect turtles," is more a testament to his and Oceana's single-minded and virtually deranged focus on the scallop fishery. For context, this fishery accounts for less than one percent of all loggerhead turtle...

YOUR VIEW: Save money, but not at expense of local dispatch Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

This is in reference to the Dartmouth money crisis. Not having a business degree and learning everything I have through common sense, I am only voicing my option on saving some money.

NATIONAL VIEW: FDA needs help Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Janet Woodcock, director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, had reassuring news for the American people at a Senate hearing on Thursday: "We are confident the (blood-thinning drug) heparin in the United States...

Not so dirty water Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

A colleague of ours — a flyfisherman for whom the first appearance of striped bass in local waters is very near a religious experience — announced last week his son had called to report his first striper of the season.

More H-1Bs mean fewer jobs for us Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

The April 23 My View piece advocated the importation of larger numbers of foreign high-tech workers for jobs requiring education and skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM specialties) through an expansion in the number of H-1B visas...

Spoof on Hillary tested gag reflexes Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

I have yet to remove my John Edwards bumper sticker, and I am not a Hillary fanatic Ã la Thelma Goldstein, God bless her! (Ninety years old, holding a sign on a Pennsylvania street corner and checking her schedule to see if she can fit in campaign stops...

ID of officer's gender sends critical message Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

In response to the April 24 letter that expressed "dismay" over the police log item that identified the gender of an arresting officer as a female, I, for one, am glad it was published.

Why fluoridate what no one drinks? Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Does anyone, anywhere, still drink tap water? You wouldn't know it from the size of the bottled water aisle in all the local supermarkets.

Mutual aid photo is worth 1,000 words Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

During the recent frenzy over regionalization, questions were raised about Cape Cod fire departments needing ladder trucks when tall buildings are generally not allowed here.

Town's legal action a waste of money Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Citizens of the town of Barnstable, stop this idiotic waste of taxpayer money.

Pay taxes now or pay more later Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

It's probably not a recommended strategy for a political candidate to be pushing for higher taxes and fees. It's sort of like asking a drowning man if he'd like a drink of water.

It's Sandwich schools that need fixing Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:00 EST

Jennifer Tickell of Sandwich is correct ("Vote carefully if schools matter to you," My View, April 22). As a retired educator, mother and grandmother, I value our schools and the education process.

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