News opinion 2008-07-21 Andanh.com

Our view: Problems in Hamilton PD need thorough airing Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:31:00 EDT
Though it's difficult to determine who's in the right and who's in the wrong, or even who did what at this point, there's no question the Hamilton Board of Selectmen has a big problem on its hands.
Last week's revelations about an outside report that revealed deep fissures within the town's Police Department, and the filing of a lawsuit by veteran Officer Michael Marchand alleging mistreatment by Chief Walter Cullen and others, were disturbing to say the least.

Our view: It shouldn't be this difficult Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
There are indications that a majority of the Peabody City Council has finally grown tired of the obstructionism that has long kept that community from achieving its potential.
Voting 8-3 at their last meeting, members took the unusual step of removing a matter from one of the council subcommittees without waiting for that panel's recommendation. Their action allows the Bonfanti administration to seek state funds for the purchase of a parcel of land on Walnut Street that could potentially become a key link in a new urban greenway running along the North River canal.

Essex County Chronicles: Salem camera shop's customers got plenty of abuse, and loved it Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
This past week, a group of more than 40 people gathered at the Ipswich Historical Society to recall the life and photographic work of the late Pete Zaharis.
Zaharis, who died last September, is the subject of a current exhibit at the Historical Society. Curated by Stephanie Gaskins, the show features photographs of Ipswich people, places and events taken by Zaharis, along with a small collection of his personal effects.

Our view: Phantom turtles have lots of clout Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
The elusive Blanding's turtle could turn out to be a potent weapon for those opposed to growth of any kind.
They're hard to find — and state wildlife officials won't say where they've been seen for fear of attracting poachers. But the very fact they might be in the vicinity of a particular piece of property is apparently enough to stop any development proposal in its tracks.

My view: Too much spending, too little belt-tightening Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
To the editor:
Today, I write out of concern for the state of the Massachusetts economy.
Within the past couple of weeks, the Legislature passed into law the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriation Act that, in my view, is unsustainable and unaffordable. The Legislature increased the budget by an exorbitant 5.3 percent over last year, which in real numbers is an increase of close to $1.5 billion. Incredibly, the final budget recommendation had more funding in it than what was proposed by the governor, House and Senate. This should be of grave concern to every citizen of the commonwealth.

A bridge shrouded in secrecy Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:58:00 EDT
It's an old and dated movie now, almost campy. But buried somewhere in those Hollywood-style Roman suits of armor and the outlandishly sharp jawbones of Kirk Douglas is a message that rings true today.

Letter: Rethink all-year paid parking Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:57:00 EDT
To the editor:
Regarding the article about the all-year paid parking at the waterfront:
A number of residents that live in the downtown area do not have driveways and depend on parking on the street and the waterfront. When there are festivals and activities downtown we lose our spots by our houses to visitors who don't want to pay to park. When there is a snow emergency, residents park at the waterfront.

Letter: Don't mess with Electoral College Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:57:00 EDT
To the editor:
I find it ironic that the commonwealth of Massachusetts and five other states think that presidential candidates and voters should not have equal protection under the law with this phony National Popular Vote law. How?

Letter: Thanks to hospital's birth center Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:57:00 EDT
To the editor:
Proven again that the professionalism and experience are top notch: Thank you to all the hard-working nurses and doctors at Anna Jacques birthing center. My wife and I were blessed with another darling little boy on July 12. And yet again we were blessed with quick action, informative personnal and fabulous results, taking away with us not only a beautiful baby but wonderful memories and wonderful friendships.

Letter: What was the cost of governor's tour? Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:56:00 EDT
To the editor:
Much has been made of Gov. Deval Patrick's visit to Amesbury this past Wednesday night. Such that, as a resident of Amesbury, I was fortunate enough to receive a phone call the previous Tuesday from the town, reminding me that he was coming! The governor visited Amesbury as part of a statewide "summer tour." The Daily News reported on Wednesday that Patrick's purpose for his statewide tour is to "offer citizens a chance to ask questions and talk about issues."

As I See It: Things that I wonder about Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:56:00 EDT
I continue to wonder at what I see around me. I am continually told that manufacturers are utilizing conservation measures to improve their profits, but are also continually increasing the amount of packaging on their products despite the increasing dearth of places in which to dispose of packaging.

Physical therapists improve elders' health Monday July 21, 2008
The article "Staying young while growing old" (Telegram & Gazette, June 30), highlighted many ways individuals over the age of 65 can improve their health through activity.

More oil won't solve our energy dilemma Monday July 21, 2008
More drilling will not bring down the price of oil. It will only increase profits for the big oil companies that already receive obscene profits. Drilling on coastal areas will damage economies that depend on tourism and also, potentially damage fisheries which are in dire need of protection.

Four-day school week will save energy costs Monday July 21, 2008
With the cost of fuel rising dramatically nationwide, some school districts plan to eliminate classes every Monday to come up with extra transportation money. The 700-student MACCRAY District west of Minneapolis will save $65,000 it needs to fill its bus tanks.

Lone Star progress should inspire energy plans here Monday July 21, 2008
Faced with a ravenous appetite for electricity, Texas these days is finding that one answer to its energy needs is literally blowing in the wind. Given the potential offered by this renewable energy resource, its efforts illustrate just how important is the Patrick administration's support for Cape Wind and other renewable energy projects.

Pension rip-offs Monday July 21, 2008
The case of a Boston firefighter who took part in a national bodybuilding competition while collecting a tax-free disability pension sparked an outcry for public-pension reform, with good reason. The rip-off was stunningly bold.

Don't repeat past mistakes on highway infrastructure Monday July 21, 2008
Last year, a commission appointed to study Massachusetts' long-term transportation needs turned heads when it found a nearly $20 billion funding gap over the next 20 years - and that was just to maintain existing assets. But the perils of a severely underfunded transportation infrastructure became far more real to most Americans a few months later, with the fatal collapse of an interstate highway bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

NATIONAL VIEW: Double-secret donations Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

President Bush has a new "don't ask, don't tell" policy. It involves his presidential library. Fundraising for the library is going on — in secret, we are told, shielded even from the president himself. According to White House press secretary Dana...

LETTER: Gambling online: Protect minors and make it fair Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Gambling online: Protect minors and make it fair

LETTER: Hold polluters of Keith area responsible Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Hold polluters

quotable Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

"One of our goals is to offer world-class service locally, and that's really one of the things we set out for from the beginning with this project: to offer something that we feel is a technological advantage that historically we haven't been able to get...

State needs to equalize taxation of pensions Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:25 EST

At what point will the Massachusetts Legislature decide that retired citizens not collecting a public pension need tax relief? Since Cape Cod has a large senior and retired population, the legislators from the Cape should carry the ball.

Note the irony in saying abortion should be safe Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:25 EST

Your "Light in dark corners" editorial in the July 18 Cheers & Jeers states, "Abortion is legal. It is also supposed to be safe." That's ironic, since the sole purpose of abortion is to kill.

No one wants your sweat-stained pillows Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:25 EST

As a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans, I am compelled to write with regard to some who "donate" to our Thrift Shop.

Support bill toughening penalties for child rape Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:25 EST

Thank you for your July 16 article "Measure increases child rape penalties.

Flunking ABCs of budget compromise Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:25 EST

I'd like to dispel some of the budget myths disseminated in recent weeks by the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee (DYRSC).

Off the shelf Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:25 EST

It comes too late to help Cape Cod towns, where school enrollments are declining, but Massachusetts Treasurer Tim Cahill is making good on his comments at a Cape Cod Times editorial board last year that school construction costs are way higher than they...

Oh, what a 'Knight'! Batman rakes in $155M Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:46:29 -0400
The joker was wild this weekend as "The Dark Knight" took in a record-setting $155.3 million to surpass Spider-Man III for the biggest three-day film opening. ...

Safety at risk as recklessness goes unpunished Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:32:34 -0400
Two Ashland 19-year-olds allegedly speed down a narrow residential road and pass one another like something out of a racing video game. A crash occurs. One teen lives;...

Lightning strikes 10 on Dorchester field Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:09:20 -0400
Terrified soccer spectators say it is a "miracle" no one was killed at Franklin Field in Dorchester yesterday when a fierce blast of lightning hit nine men and one...

Experts: Steer clear of trees during storms Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:08:56 -0400
Yesterday's terrifying lightning strike is prompting experts to remind people to head indoors during thunderstorms and avoid hudling under trees. Lightning kills...

Voyeurs steering toward car crash Web site Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:27:34 -0400
Impaled on a Massachusetts Turnpike guard rail that lanced his Mitsubishi Eclipse, a 22-year-old man's life ended in an instant, but images from his gruesome death live...

Man runs to honor wife, daughters Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:22:43 -0400
PLAINVILLE, Conn. - Dr. William Petit Jr. was among the 3,500 runners and walkers who braved sweltering temperatures yesterday to help raise money in honor of the physician's...

Sean P. O'Malley joins pope in Australia Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:16:21 -0400
SYDNEY, Australia - Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of the Boston archdiocese traveled with several hundred young parishioners to Australia and yesterday stood alongside Pope...

Deval Patrick pushing plan to diversify state economy Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:09:28 -0400
Hanging high in the chambers of the Massachusetts House of Representatives is the wooden sculpture of a cod fish - a silent reminder of what was once the backbone of state's...

Marshfield dog beats the pants off competition in Iams duathlon Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:57:46 -0400
For a cold dip in a hotel shower and a plate of filet mignon, a Marshfield Labrador retriever ran his heart out yesterday in Manhattan's 95-degree heat and saturating...

3 women in the "priesthood," out of the church Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:19:26 -0400
An activist group hoping to pressure the Roman Catholic Church into dropping its long-standing prohibition barring women from the priesthood ordained three women yesterday. ...

The Monday Morning Briefing Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:40:27 -0400
Turns out Barack Obama's upcoming Hub birthday bash may not be in the friendliest of venues. Jim Apteker, who owns the State Room where Obama will be charging $1,000...

Tropical storm departs without a hitch Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:38:06 -0400
Don't cancel that trip to the beach, vacationers: Tropical Storm Cristobal is forecast to part company with the East Coast today and head for the open Atlantic. ...

Anglican bigs urged to solve challenges Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:21:00 -0400
CANTERBURY, England - The head of the Anglican Communion said yesterday that the global fellowship faces "one of the most severe challenges" in its history, and...

Christian Poles who aided Jews during WWII honored Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:37:12 -0400
WARSAW, Poland - Wanda Bulik was only 18 when a conductor approached her on a train during the height of World War II and asked her to take care of an abandoned 3-year-old...

Kangaroo attacks Aussie elderly woman Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:13:30 -0400
SYDNEY, Australia - An elderly woman was attacked by a large kangaroo on a farm in Australia and was lucky to be alive after a pet dog leaped to her aid, her son said. ...

Afghan officials: U.S.-led forces mistakenly killed 9 police Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:08:22 -0400
KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S.-led troops and Afghan forces killed nine Afghan police yesterday, calling in air strikes and fighting on the ground for four hours after both sides...

Chinese Dir