News opinion 2008-07-31 Andanh.com

Our view: Tough case yielded fair verdict Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:30:00 EDT
Both judge and jury appear to have reached reasonable conclusions regarding Kathie DeFelice's level of responsibility in the death of her former boyfriend.
DeFelice, 48, admitted to stabbing William Olsen Jr. of Danvers in her Lynn apartment on Oct. 30, 2006. Her defense was that she suffered from battered women's syndrome as the result of years of abuse by Olsen, who had been arrested three times on domestic violence charges and had five restraining orders issued against him during their stormy, seven-year relationship. She also maintained that the stabbing took place in the course of an assault by Olsen.

Our view: Cell phones require cell-phone antennas Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:30:00 EDT
Yet another lawsuit has been filed over the placement of antennas by the providers of cellular telephone service. This one involves the Marblehead Planning Board's recent approval of eight new antennas — in addition to the dozen already there — on top of the water tank on Tower Way off Village Street.

Our view: Athletic fees getting out of hand Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:30:00 EDT
These are trying times for teams competing in the Northeastern Conference and Cape Ann League.
In Gloucester, boosters had committed $65,000 in each of the past two years to support high-school athletic programs. But in another sign of these tough fiscal times, they're having difficulty raising money and had given the district only half what they pledged for the fiscal year that ended June 30, and are making no promises for the fall.

Letter: Our view of Salem COA different from Bollen's Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:41:00 EDT
To the editor:
A tip of the hat to Salem Council on Aging/Community Service Director Doug Bollen on the outstanding journalistic talents displayed in his "My view" column in the Thursday, June 19, edition of The Salem News.

Letter: In defense of 'Mamma Mia!' Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:26:00 EDT
To the editor:
I am proud that we live in a country where each man, woman and child is able to express their opinion, and I am usually content to let them do so. However, I feel that I would be remiss in not responding to Andrew Diskes' recent letter to the editor regarding the new film "Mamma Mia!"

Letter: Police need to crack down on dangerous drivers Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:26:00 EDT
To the editor:
Last Thursday's paper reported that a 56-year-old man bicycling along Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead was taken to the hospital after a motorist making a left turn onto Community Road "drove into" him.

Letter: Release of Doucette was 'disgraceful' Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:25:00 EDT
To the editor:
Once again, reasonable people are left bewildered and infuriated with our judicial system ("Man paroled in 1987 murder now facing rape charge," Saturday, July 26). What other response is possible when a career criminal who was serving a life sentence for murder, and whose resume includes two home invasions, is set free on parole and has now been charged with rape?

Our view: Power plant decision good news for region Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:40:00 EDT
Word that Salem Harbor Station will continue producing electricity for the indefinite future is, on balance, good news for our region.
There was a lot more than good jobs and economic activity to be lost had Dominion decided it was in its best financial interest to simply close the plant, rather than invest the additional money needed to comply with the more stringent environmental regulations due to take effect within the next several years.

As I See It: On the meaning of patriotism Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:38:00 EDT
America was an idea born in revolution, given structure by the Bill of Rights and the Constitution and transformed through two centuries of domestic challenges and military struggle. In this era of Middle Eastern military conflict and economic meltdown, one might ask, can we as Americans raise critical questions about our government's policies without fear of being maligned by those who label us unpatriotic?

Letter: Disappointed officials missed anniversary Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:37:00 EDT
To the editor:
Amesbury Housing celebrated our 60th birthday on July 27. We had a great occasion for the event. I want to thank past employees and Ray Cynewski, a former board member, and a former mayor, David Hildt, for coming. We sent out invitations to all our Municipal Council members and officials from our state that never came. When they can't come to our senior citizen event that was very important to them on their special day and not being there with them.

Letter: Good news about church weathervane Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:36:00 EDT
To the editor:
I was so relieved to read in the Rev. Nancy Haverington's letter to The Daily News editor on Thursday, July 24, that the rooster weathervane removed from First Parish Church in Newbury had not been sold. The rumor thankfully was just that, a rumor! The July 2008 newsletter that presented the activities, plans and brainstorming ideas neglected to address the matter of the weathervane. Hence that outrageous rumor!

ASA thanks its volunteers and the community Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:35:00 EDT
To the editor:
Every Saturday morning during the summer nearly 500 children from Amesbury and the surrounding communities come to Woodsom Farm to enjoy the game of soccer. Amesbury Soccer Association's summer recreational program and our fall/spring travel program would not be possible without our 80-plus volunteer coaches, parents and players who enjoy the camaraderie and sportsmanship that go along with a team sport such as soccer. The volunteers line our fields, coach the children and work in the snack trailer each week. Anyone who joins us at Woodsom Farm Fields on a Saturday morning can feel the spirit of soccer community thriving in Amesbury.

Letter: We ARE as thick as bricks Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:42:00 EDT
To the editor:
I am responding to David Strand's letter, "Are we thick as bricks?" (July 28). The answer is, "Yes, we are." The reason that Newburyport is drawing in an ever increasing number of visitors is because of our brick buildings and our brick sidewalks. But the most important reason that we are becoming an international draw is because of unity of design throughout our downtown. Unlike other American cities full of hodge-podge architecture, our city is stunning in its consistency of style. Brick in itself, I might add, is just a medium like concrete or macadam or wood. It alone, in itself, is not reflective of our downtown. There are many contemporary buildings made of brick. When this derelict city chose to remake itself and create a new birth, it chose the Federalist Period (when the city was its wealthiest, I might add). It is this architectural style that every building needs to integrate into. It is because of this integration that people in awe of our city speak of Newburyport with its brick structures and brick sidewalks. What they are seeing is not present anywhere else in New England!

LETTER: Now that's entertainment! Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Now that's entertainment!

LETTER: Protect charter school option for students Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Protect charter school option

LETTER: Never mind about the status quo Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Never mind

NATIONAL VIEW: Title IX ensures equality in education Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Recent efforts by federal agencies to verify university compliance with Title IX are under scrutiny. Some claim Title IX compliance reviews are a "new" way to apply the law to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, but this law has...

YOUR VIEW: Paul Walsh Field not safe for sports activities Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

As a member of Wasted Away, a local environmental action group involved with the Keith Middle School, New Bedford High School and Paul Walsh Field sites, I would like to clarify some information stated in the newspaper Tuesday in a report written by Joe...

OUR VIEW: U.S. must act on debt before it's too late Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

As of today, the national debt stands at more than $9.5 trillion and is growing at a rate of nearly $1.8 billion per day. Those are inconceivable sums so, we should examine it in terms that are easier to understand.

LETTER: 3rd EyE is positive, home-grown tradition Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

3rd EyE a positive, home-grown

Clearing the air Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Freshman Selectman Brent Putnam has fresh eyes for the Falmouth High School building fiasco, and he doesn't like what he sees.

Officer in shooting served as a role model to cadets Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Sitting at my laptop more than 1,100 miles away and reading Cape Cod Times online, I was astounded to read that a Yarmouth police officer was involved in a fatal shooting.

Why was Brazilian man still in the United States? Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

As I read the morning paper concerning the death of Mr. Martins after a police chase, two facts jumped out at me: He was an illegal (undocumented) alien, and he had numerous previous run-ins with the law, between 2002 and 2008, and was on probation.

Cape needs to explore new alternatives to wind Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

In reference to Carl Borchert's letter printed on July 28, "bottom line" is the fact that Cape Wind will be a blight on Nantucket Sound: ugly, noisy (for people will hear it and see the lights) and antiquated.

One man's dump picking is another's freecycling Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

The Brewster selectmen are scheduled to vote Aug. 4 on an administrative recommendation to "increase enforcement" of the no-picking policy for the transfer station.

Police shooting victim's nationality not germane Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Your headline on July 29, regarding the shooting of an illegal immigrant with a long criminal record, stated that "Gunfire felled Brazilian man.

It's nonsense to suggest race motivated shooting Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

It is always a sad time when a young person dies tragically as Andre Martins did this week. However distraught his girlfriend may be, it is nonsensical to call it a racially motivated action by the police.

Food pricing bill not a good deal Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

In response to a My View on July 28 on House Bill 4966, "An Act Relative to Clear and Conspicuous Disclosure," Chriss Flynn, president of the Massachusetts Food Association, said the bill will provide consumers with the most accurate pricing by allowing...

Staying together, for the children Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:10 EST

The tent was so big I was listening for calliope music — or maybe displays of baby lambs and prize-winning vegetables.

Alleged murderer caught in N.Y., family safe Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:45:46 -0400
The four kids taken with their mother in Lynn were found safe in New York last night, while cops arrested their father for the murder of a woman who tried to stop him from...

Sal DiMasi, Thomas Petrolati raked in $42G as eye bill stalled Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:41:10 -0400
House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and his second-in-command hauled in a combined $42,000 in two days from eye doctors and their lobbyists as a law that would hurt their business...

Friend's ultimate sacrifice Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:40:44 -0400
Sabinio Stpruex says he witnessed his close pal's stabbing death early yesterday just as she desperately tried to dial 9-1-1 to save another friend's life....

Search for Rockefeller expands Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:22:49 -0400
As "hundreds" of tips flooded in on the whereabouts of accused kidnapper-father Clark Rockefeller, Boston cops took their search to "America's Most Wanted"...

Six Flags New England seeks taller thrill rides Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:11:08 -0400
AGAWAM - The rides may be getting more extreme at Six Flags New England. City officials in Agawam are considering a zoning change that would allow the amusement park to...

One-time hero charged in stabbing death Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:03:07 -0400
A Roxbury man once hailed as a hero when he was acquitted of stabbing a man to death 14 years ago is back up on murder charges in the stabbing death of man Tuesday night. ...

Boston, you've really got mail Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:59:21 -0400
Bostonians are taking their love affair with e-mail into the bedroom, the bathroom and - look out! - the highway. According to a new America Online survey, 44 percent...

New Senate bailout gives Pike $800M Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:20:13 -0400
Senators reached a last-minute, $800 million compromise to rescue the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority from years of fiscal mismanagement last night. "We did the...

Bullion affords secrecy for dad Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:17:02 -0400
His preference for gold bullion could be another sign that alleged kidnapper Clark Rockefeller has his sights on fleeing overseas, where trading in the precious metal is more...

Anger, not love, likely fueled kidnaps Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:12:21 -0400
One dad, a middle-aged wannabe blue blood, shoved a social worker and abducted his daughter in an SUV in the Back Bay, allegedly headed for a lavish getaway yacht. The other,...

NYC police hold man accused of taking 4 kids, mom Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:19:16 -0400
NEW YORK - New York City police have arrested a man accused of abducting his wife and four children from a Massachusetts apartment where another woman was found fatally stabbed. "We...

Senator refutes horse whispers Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:18:28 -0400
As the turf battle between the state's feuding racetracks turns nastier, Sen. Scott P. Brown has alerted ethics officials that his daughter is co-owner of a horse with...

World beat is sweet Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:59:33 -0400
It was a multicultural day at camp yesterday for Hub kids who took a musical spin through the Caribbean, West Africa and Brazil. The worldly lesson at Camp Harbor View...

More charges filed vs. Sen. James Marzilli Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:50:09 -0400
Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone yesterday defended a controversial decision not to pursue sex charges in a case against state Sen. James Marzilli even though a clerk...

Judge: Julie Donaldson's beau can't go Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:39:52 -0400
A Suffolk Superior Court judge yesterday refused to set free the allegedly abusive boyfriend of Channel 7 sports reporter Julie Donaldson as disturbing details of a past beating...

Fewer Bay Staters take up smoking Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:36:06 -0400
There are fewer smokers in Massachusetts, and public health officials say they hope to drive the number even lower by helping more people quit. The Centers for Disease...

Retirement panel mum on firefighter disability ca$es Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:31:55 -0400
City retirement officials yesterday refused to respond to criticism from the fire commissioner over 20 firefighters who have been hauling in full pay tax-free while their...

Greaney to quit as SJC's senior justice Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:17:09 -0400
John M. Greaney, senior justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, is stepping down in December to teach at Suffolk University Law School, departing just four months shy of his...

No sanctuary for those who flout law Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:43:56 -0400
When Jason Beatrice took his 4-year-old to the bathroom at the Raynham Market Basket, he didn't know he was about to enter the bizarro world of Massachusetts immigration...

MBTA's the heavy Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:46:52 -0400
Hillary Chabot's story about MBTA employees taking home vehicles has had an immediate effect (July 29). Within hours of reading her story, I observed, while walking from...

Setbacks for shield law Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:45:16 -0400
This was not a good week for the press - more important, it was not a good week for the public, which relies on journalists to stay informed about the good, the bad and the...

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