News opinion 2008-05-26 Andanh.com

Our view: Manchester Essex marks deliver right message Mon, 26 May 2008 06:01:00 EDT
Many school officials and teachers see the federal No Child Left Behind mandates as punitive — regulations that, while holding public schools accountable for student performance, also target some districts with heavy-handed "warnings" that can raise public alarm.

Our view: Remember their sacrifice Mon, 26 May 2008 06:01:00 EDT
The number of American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan now exceeds 4,500, and tragically the toll will continue to climb as our troops struggle to bring some semblance of peace and order to that troubled part of the world.

Letter: Saltonstall School gets favored treatment Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
To the editor:
I would like to say "Bravo" to Kathleen Ward for her courage to stand up and say what a lot of parents in Salem are feeling about the Saltonstall School.
While the rest of the Salem schools are taking drastic cuts, Saltonstall is not bearing its share of the burden. Instead, they have been given a blank check to further waste monies of the school budget.

Letter: Salem parking rules pushing this senior into retirement Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
To the editor:
I am a senior citizen who has worked in Salem for the past 23 years. I have continued to work well past so-called retirement age simply because I enjoy staying active, and as long as I am capable of doing my job, why not?

Bill Plante: Not over for Hillary yet Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
Big Freddy was folding his morning newspaper as I joined him for coffee.
"And the news is?" I asked, squeezing into my side of the booth.
"She's still in the hunt," Freddy said. "Big win in Kentucky."

Letter: Columnist has it wrong Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
To the editor:
In his May 21 column, Robert Kelly suggests that the answer to his question (why gas costs so much) lies with the pressure of environmentalists who oppose drilling for the black gold because it will hurt the antelopes and other wild animals. So, according to his view, if more drilling were allowed, that would solve the problem and we wouldn't need OPEC's oil.

Letter: Balance must be priority in any redistricting plan Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
As a former School Committee member who played a significant role in the elementary building and redistricting projects, I am dismayed at the decision to complete a piecemeal redistricting that will only impact the one school being closed.

Letter: Paying it forward Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
I was at Cove School this week where my son is finishing up his fifth-grade year. The only part of the school that is the same as when I attended some 36 years ago is the tree under which we sat on the last day of sixth grade and ate Popsicles while our teacher read our homeroom assignments for Briscoe.

Letter: Looking at cuts from kid's point of view Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
The override election is coming up fast, and before you know it, June 3 will be here! But before you vote no, take a look at what would happen from a kid's point of view if the override does not pass.

Letter: Scanlon has done a great job for schools, city Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
In her May 22 letter to the editor ("Not impressed with Scanlon's leadership style"), Ms. Zagarella writes that she enjoys living in Beverly and touts its many benefits including the fact "Beverly is a growing city that still maintains a small-town feel."

Letter: Not fair to close McKeown School Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
We had so much hope that Mayor Scanlon's plan for our schools might find money by asking city employees to accept the same insurance plan for which state employees are eligible for. After all, who wouldn't rather have to pay a little more for insurance to prevent being laid off!

Letter: Schools, city must live within their means Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
To the editor:
This letter is in opposition to the Proposition 21/2 override. I hope by now the citizens of Beverly realize that if the override passes, the additional tax is not a one-time charge, it's forever. And that does not take into account the additional tax increases we are hit with every year even though our homes have decreased in value.

Our view: Choice of senator should remain with the people Sat, 24 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT
Ted Kennedy, recently hit with a diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor, isn't going anywhere yet. And we hope the senator is able to serve out his full term, which runs through 2012.
But Massachusetts politics being what it is, speculation has already turned to what might happen should the senator resign for health reasons or worse, pass on.

Essex County Chronicles: These locals played key role in Allied effort during World War I Fri, 23 May 2008 01:04:00 EDT
Long before America officially entered World War I, many private citizens were working on behalf of her allies.
More than 3,000, including Ernest Hemingway and future Marblehead etcher-photographer Samuel Chamberlain, flocked to the fabled American Field Service, a volunteer ambulance corps that began operating in France in 1915. The corps was the brainchild of A. Piatt Andrew Jr. of Gloucester, aspiring politician, Francophile and — as it turned out — organizational genius.

My view: Honeybees' fading buzz warns of looming environmental disaster Fri, 23 May 2008 01:03:00 EDT
As we enjoy this springtime of 2008, we think about the rejuvenation of flowers, fruits and vegetables, and the greening of trees. But, there is an essential element that links these flowers, fruits and vegetables — the noble honeybee.

J.M. Winer: Remember when? Fri, 23 May 2008 01:03:00 EDT
I looked at the calendar the other day and realized that I'm close to reaching the three-quarter-century mark.
My next thought was, "It can't be. I can't be that old. Why, it wasn't that long ago that I graduated from high school."

Nelson Benton: Speaker tells it like it is Fri, 23 May 2008 00:58:00 EDT
Startling admission by House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi the other day that the decision to take away the governor's power to fill a vacancy in one of the state's U.S. Senate seats was purely political.

Our view: Time to think summer Fri, 23 May 2008 00:58:00 EDT
The first of summer's trio of holidays approaches, and this time it appears the weather will accommodate New Englanders' desire to don shorts and short-sleeved shirts and spend some quality time outdoors.

Our view: Leave video game choice to parents Fri, 23 May 2008 00:57:00 EDT
In the "Grand Theft Auto" series of video games, the player's character is a petty thug with ambition. He wants to be a bigger, badder and richer thug — guess it's good to have a goal in life.
With the player's help, the make-believe thug shoots, maims and kills his way to the top. The game is about creating maximum havoc, all within the confines of an incredibly detailed, richly realized, make-believe world.

Letter: 'We have just begun to fight!' Fri, 23 May 2008 00:57:00 EDT
To the editor:
The vote is over in Hamilton and Wenham, but the fight continues.
We, the under-represented and financially less able, discovered that there are many of us. We discovered that in numbers comes freedom; in numbers comes knowledge and strength.

Letter: Creating a demand for rice Mon, 26 May 2008 03:26:00 EDT
To the editor:
As I was reading Ms. Hanscom's letter to the editor (May 20), it came to mind that Sam's Club has done a masterful job of rice promotion. Now, while not doubting the sagacity and intelligence of the average American, it only seems obvious that Sam's has been able to sell rice to people who heretofore had never thought of a bowl of rice for dinner, thus creating a demand.

Letter: Thanks for fan letter Mon, 26 May 2008 03:24:00 EDT
To the editor:
Gee — someone wrote about me in The Daily News (letter, May 16).
I wasn't quite sure if it was good or bad, so I consulted with Mr. Webster and it was good. Now that means two things. One is that some actually read what I write. Two is that I must shop for a larger size hat. Thank you, James Hurley, your comments were much appreciated.

Letter: Grateful for Post Office food collection Mon, 26 May 2008 03:22:00 EDT
To the editor:
The board of directors and staff of Community Service of Newburyport would like to give our sincere thanks to all of the Post Office workers who collected and delivered food to our office at 31 Green St. on May 10. This annual food drive by the National Association of Letter Carriers in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service provides a tremendous amount of food for the food pantries in the city and is very beneficial in helping us make it through the summer months when food donations are low.

Letter: Thanks to a lot of help, Lucy home safe Mon, 26 May 2008 03:20:00 EDT
To the editor:
Last week our 1-year-old-plus, mixed-breed dog Lucy escaped off her collar and leash on Storey Avenue and was missing for almost three days.
Lucy was recently adopted from the NHSPCA in Stratham, and has a terrific personality and disposition. In her previous life, she was mistreated and extremely apprehensive of people and loud noises.

Letter: Honor veterans this Memorial Day Mon, 26 May 2008 03:18:00 EDT
To the editor:
Memorial Day means a lot to me. I remember as a child our teacher in school organized all of the children together at the town cemetery along with the townspeople to honor the soldiers from both world wars with flags, speeches and singing the national anthems. My part was to memorize and recite the Gettysburg Address. I also wanted to honor my father who served in both wars.

As I See It: An upriver sizzle for a surf-side read Mon, 26 May 2008 03:16:00 EDT
For a novel as entertaining as any guilty pleasure and as enlightening as any PBS "American Experience," let me recommend "City in Amber" by Jay Atkinson (2007, Livingston Press). With a caution: Along with your beverage and sunscreen, bring a fire extinguisher.

Alan Lupo: Made in USA for foreign profit Sat, 24 May 2008 03:31:00 EDT
Once upon a time, we Americans pretty much knew who ran what in this country.
You walked down the block to the corner variety store, and the guy behind the counter was the man in charge. Maybe he rented the place, but he did not answer to some chain-store headquarters in Kalamazoo.

David Shribman: Some good ideas for restoring civility to political discourse Sat, 24 May 2008 03:31:00 EDT
George McGovern and Barry Goldwater disagreed about the Vietnam War, Social Security, military spending and tax policy. But they have two things in common: They both lost election landslides that shaped their parties more than most election victories do. They also share a very good idea about how Americans should conduct their campaigns.

Bill Plante's North Shore: A political debate worthy of remembrance Fri, 23 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT
I had one of those feel-good moments on Monday of the week that those of us of a certain age sometimes have.
It came at an assembly of Triton High School's junior and senior classes brought together for a political debate over issues raised by this year's presidential election.

Letter: Cutting down tree at grave was heartless Fri, 23 May 2008 03:38:00 EDT
To the editor:
Memorial Day is fast approaching— a time for remembering our loved ones whom we have lost and visiting their graves to plant flowers, maybe place a flag — whatever to show that they are not forgotten.

Letter: Don't sell Newbury land; it's our beach Fri, 23 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT
To the editor:
The Town of Newbury should never sell the 5-acre parcel of beach and dune that borders the Parker River Refuge. This beach is the only true public beach in Newbury. Much of what is considered public beach is actually private oceanfront property that an owner could come out and say, "I don't want you sitting there." This will become much more of an issue as the beach erodes and houses become more expensive and "exclusive." There are proposals to expand the beach, but this is an uncertain activity and very expensive.

Letter: Obama not my choice for president Fri, 23 May 2008 03:34:00 EDT
To the editor:
To be president of the United States one must have very thick skin, and this is one of the many reasons why I don't think that Obama is ready or capable of handling the job of president of the United States.

Letter: Short notice on Cushing Park hearings Fri, 23 May 2008 03:32:00 EDT
To the editor:
What a surprise and shock it was to read in The Daily News on Monday evening, May 19, that Ed Cameron, chairman of the City Council's Planning and Development Committee, is "hosting" a public hearing at Cushing Park on Tuesday the 20th at 4 in the afternoon. From there, the meeting will move to City Hall at 5.

Our view: Kudos deserved for Port high school staffers, student Fri, 23 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT
It's a rare day when a chain of coincidences results in a person's life being saved.
But that's exactly what happened in Newburyport last week, when by chance 18-year-old Derek Raschke just happened to be in John Farley Clothiers to pick out a suit for the Newburyport High school prom.

Status of Cushing Park needs another look Thu, 22 May 2008 03:38:00 EDT
To the editor:
Recently Mayor John Moak asked the city attorney to determine if the city could build a senior center at Cushing Park. He also asked if approval under Article 97 of the Amendment of the Massachusetts Constitution would be required.

As I See It: It's not about the party, it's about the people Thu, 22 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT
Ah, it's the political season and I can smell hypocrisy in the air. I've been hearing for weeks now about how Hillary Clinton has to get out of the race. After all, it's for the good of the party. This recommendation has come from several sources, including the mainstream media's talking heads that deliver the pre-packaged news and George McGovern, a former Clinton supporter who recently turned tail and defected to Obama. I really hate to be the one to point this out to those so much more politically astute than myself, but it isn't about the Democratic Party. It's about the people. The process of electing the next president belongs to the people and that is exactly what is in jeopardy.

Letter: Department worked out fair solution to water bill Thu, 22 May 2008 03:34:00 EDT
To the editor:
When my home in Newburyport was rented out for 10 years, the water meter was not read during that time. The water bills were sent to me, but I didn't notice they were based on "estimated" usage. When I moved back into the house last year and finally had the meter read, the bill was over $2,800. I really didn't know what to expect, since the house had been empty for at least two years, but at other times it was occupied by up to four people.

Letter: Thanks for contributing to tea fundraiser Thu, 22 May 2008 03:32:00 EDT
To the editor:
Merrimac Old Home Days sends special thanks to Cottage Gardens for wonderful flowers, the Senior Center for space and A Piece of Cake for donating gorgeous and delicious desserts for the first annual Tea for Girls and Dolls Fund Raiser held May 3. Dawn and Ericka Ackerman are also thanked for the photo shoot.

Memorial Day Monday May 26, 2008
Beginning in 1866, in the wake of a devastating civil war, Americans have paused each spring to remember their war dead and rededicate themselves to the principles of liberty and union. On this day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, including more than 4,000 who have died in battle or support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and call to mind the many thousands who remain in harm's way.

Hubbardston needs to pass Prop 2 1/2 override Monday May 26, 2008
The town of Hubbardston is facing an extensive financial crisis. Informational meetings, open to all voting Hubbardston residents, were held at the Hubbardston Center School and the senior center. Proposals for a Proposition 2 1/2 override to ease the crisis were hotly debated.

Bates Observatory will not be forgotten Monday May 26, 2008
Reporter Brad Miner did a great job announcing the restoration of Bates Observatory (Telegram & Gazette, March 26).

U.S. makes too many dumb decisions Monday May 26, 2008
Health care costs are higher in the United States than in any other place in the world, yet the health of our citizens ranks 25th. We spend more on national defense than all the rest of the world combined, yet we live in such fear that millions of people feel they need to own guns to protect themselves.

High fructose corn syrup offers benefits Monday May 26, 2008
An article, "Latest diet books" (Telegram & Gazette, May 19) may mislead consumers about high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, and several fruit juices all contain the same simple sugars.

Time for women to step up as equals Monday May 26, 2008
Sen. Barack Obama may be intelligent as a senator of Illinois, but he has no experience to run the White House or be president.

Cemeteries allow planting hosta Monday May 26, 2008
This letter is in response to last year's column by Dianne Williamson about families feeling bereft by cemetery rules against planting trees and shrubs at family graves.

Injudicious slap Monday May 26, 2008
Courts go to great lengths to ensure jurors don't have biases that could lead to inequitable sentences - but what safeguards are there against judges, charged with enforcing impartiality and equal justice under the law, who harbor deeply corrosive biases that may affect their judgment?

In Flanders Fields Monday May 26, 2008
In Flanders fields the poppies blow

The quotable voice Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00 EST

"This is someone who could be just feeling bad for himself. He has been away from home for a long time, but all he expresses is gratitude for being given the opportunity."

NATIONAL VIEW: Always looking out for the other guy Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00 EST

Robert Michael "Mike" Snell, West Point Class of '66, was one those very rare people you get to meet.

YOUR VIEW: Today we remember Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00 EST

On Memorial Day we remember them, every one

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