News opinion 2008-08-01 Andanh.com

Letter: Democracy demands simple voting process Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
To the editor:
If, as The Salem News claimed in a recent editorial ("Same-day voter registration a bad idea," Thursday, July 24), our forefathers "intended that the people would be an active and informed electorate, citizens who studied and understood the matters at hand before they cast their ballots," then someone since would have done what other democratic countries do with their elections — made them national holidays.

Our view: Two bridge closures one too many Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
It's unfortunate state highway officials haven't been able to act with the same alacrity as the Topsfield Highway Commission when it comes to fixing local bridges.
The Asbury Street Bridge over the Ipswich River has been closed to heavy trucks for several years due to its advancing age and deteriorating condition. When bids for the job came in higher than expected, Topsfield's highway bosses quickly scaled back on the project by removing repairs to another bridge from the bid request. That got them a price more to their liking and they're going to get the work done this summer and fall.

Our view: Weir deal cements tie between Salem and SSC Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
The loss of one of the Salem's last major manufacturing concerns could turn into a plus for the city based on the tentative plans Salem State College unveiled recently for use of the former Weir Valve property at the corner of Canal Street and Loring Avenue.

Letter: Bridge, road repairs require adequate financing Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
To the editor:
Your editorials of July 22 appear to be written by two different people who never talk to each other.
The one headlined "Bridge problems shrouded in secrecy," states, "It's well known that Massachusetts has mishandled the maintenance of its highways and bridges for years. As news of the Big Dig's enormous financial burden gets worse, and the link between that financial fiasco and poor maintenance on the rest of the state's roadways becomes clearer, we as citizens are left to wonder what our government has left unfixed...."

Letter: Hamilton firefighters need help with building project Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
To the editor:
We have been meaning to write this letter of thanks to our local public safety agencies that have come to our aid more than once in life-threatening circumstances.
We don't have to look far for heroes. We see them every day — they are always there for us putting their lives on the line for you and me. We owe them our eternal gratitude for what they and their families go through for us.

Nelson Benton: Legislators show shoppers the love Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:01:00 EDT
Retailers were celebrating this week as Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a bill suspending the state sales tax on many items the weekend of Aug. 16-17. Though some say the commonwealth can ill afford the lost revenue, lawmakers were clearly anxious to give consumers some sort of break. The only local legislator to vote against it was Rep. Mary Grant, D-Beverly. Even freshman Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, who'd opposed the sales-tax holiday in April, switched her vote, perhaps fearing it could become an issue in the fall when she faces off against Republican John Blaisdell.

Swimming in the mighty Merrimack Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:40:00 EDT
It's been a rite of passage for Newburyport boys for generations. Anyone who has grown up in the city has heard the tales of kids jumping into the Merrimack River — off the bridges, off the old docks, and more recently, off the boardwalks.

Bill Plante's North Shore: Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:39:00 EDT
It rained again last night.
Has anyone told the weatherman it's July?
The lawns should be taking on a nice tan. Instead they're as green as ... oh, let it go.
This is New England, not the Gulf of Mexico, and this much rain is, well ... too much.

Letter: Get involved to help Democrats win Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:38:00 EDT
To the editor:
I believe that if I do not become involved in the presidential election in an active, positive, creative, financial and militant way, I would be unpatriotic. I am a patriot. I believe in these United States of America. My beliefs are mine and they will differ from yours and there will be tremendous similarities too.

Letter: Lions Club grateful for bank's support of Homecoming race Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:37:00 EDT
To the editor:
On behalf of the Newburyport Lions Club, I would like to thank The Provident Bank for its primary sponsorship of the Yankee Homecoming Race for the fifth year in a row. In addition to its significant financial support, the bank has, each year, supplied a team of approximately 20 Provident volunteers to help at the race registration area and to distribute T-shirts to runners. The Provident Bank's sponsorship is critical in making this race a reality and helping us in our goal to support eye research in Massachusetts.

Letter: Squatting or sensible seating? Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:36:00 EDT
To the editor:
I am wondering why our beautiful main thoroughfare of Newburyport, High Street, is littered with beach chairs, plastic patio chairs, folding chairs, and I even saw a leather recliner out there a day or so ago. That probably sounds like a reasonable question and it would be if I weren't a resident. We all know the long-awaited parade concluding Yankee Homecoming will be traveling down our historical street and people from all over the city are "marking" their territory for the big event. But the $64,000 question is why is it acceptable to litter the sidewalks with an assortment of chairs and the such, and assume you are able to claim your parade seat so far in advance? Not to mention (but I will) that many of the chairs are roped together creating a barrier! I could be overly sensitive (one eyebrow is raised and with a perplexed look on my face), but the barrier suggests that you can't sit on the grass in between the chairs roped together, walk through them or even put your chair there the day of the big parade. I guess I'm supposed to have my living room set delivered somewhere along High Street a good week in advance in an effort to have the most comfortable, ideally located seats for the big parade.

Letter: Thanks to volunteers for Lake Gardner help Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:35:00 EDT
To the editor:
I would like to publicly thank an outstanding group of volunteers who recently gave up part of their precious summer Saturday to help conduct a (semi) scientific survey of the overly exuberant and invasive weeds in Lake Gardner, Amesbury. Invasive weeds are a pervasive and challenging problem in many.of our local waterways. Increasing weed density in Lake Gardner is continuing to be a more severe problem, adversely impacting both recreational use, wildlife habitat and to some extent the long-term viability of the lake. The causes and potential solutions for this problem are varied and complex.

Popular vote would enfranchise the electorate Friday August 1, 2008
I take issue with the ahistorical, abusive arguments Chris Sinacola offered against H678 ("National popular vote faces a bumpy road," Telegram & Gazette, July 11).

Please fight to save Providence St. station Friday August 1, 2008
I agree with the recent letter in the People's Forum concerning the razing of the old Providence Street fire station. What a shame, and also a bad idea.

Late press secretary did an incredible job Friday August 1, 2008
Tony Snow, as I understand, was a great father, husband and compassionate human being.

Elderly invisible to general public Friday August 1, 2008
The older you get, the more you become invisible.

The race canard Friday August 1, 2008
Barack Obama's repeated insertion of race into this presidential campaign is starkly at odds with the themes of change, hope and unity that lifted him to prominence on the American political scene. It is disturbing that any candidate in 2008 would play the race card.

Wheels of progress Friday August 1, 2008
In the summer of 1980, 36 bicyclists set off from Sturbridge for Cape Cod, intent on fresh air and raising some $10,200 for cancer research. From that modest beginning, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge has grown in size and strength to become the largest single annual donor to the Jimmy Fund of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, with the goal of raising $34 million this year.

Readiness Project missed chance to review Ed Reform Friday August 1, 2008
A chance to look at Ed Reform 15 years later was a great idea. Too bad the Readiness Project so thoroughly missed that chance.

YOUR VIEW: Society matron lived in world that no longer exists Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Italians say, "Only good people die." That pretty much sums up the habit we have of glorifying the dead while ignoring their faults in life, however glaring or egregious. So when society matron and Republican conservative Eileen Slocum died last week at...

YOUR VIEW: Massachusetts health care reform is at risk Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Like all legislation, the Massachusetts health care reform act of 2006 is imperfect. Mandating that people buy insurance or face a tax penalty is an abridgement of liberty, and there are too many complex interactions with the government. That said, it...

LETTER: What about a McCain/Romney ticket? Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

McCain/Romney could be ticket

OUR VIEW: District attorney has kept his word on violent crime Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Voters at every level are used to candidates making promises that they either cannot or will not deliver on once they take office.

LETTER: Wrong turn leads to trouble Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Wrong turn

LETTER: Tell reps to vote no on gun tax Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Tell reps to vote no on gun tax

NATIONAL VIEW: Indictment of a powerful Republican institution Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

One of the hazards of being both powerful and in Washington a long time is arrogance and a sense of entitlement.

YOUR VIEW: What is good in Wareham deserves recognition Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Wareham is a beautiful, diverse seaside town. We have a treasure trove of talented, decent residents, but our most precious assets are our children. We should all be their guardians and ensure that they have as harmonious a life as possible in their...

Cheers & Jeers Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Treasures that washed ashore this week; flotsam we hope the next tide carries away:

In the nation of Our Lady of Perpetually Bewildered Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Born in 1933, I spent my formative years in Queens, N.Y., at a time when the population of that borough was largely Roman Catholic.

Why worry? Phone books are obsolete now, anyway Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

I have read several articles on phone book deliveries in the Cape Cod Times, last being the Orleans safety one in your July 27 weekly news roundup.

Most sinister terrorists pose as gun-rights heroes Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

A crazed gunman kills two in a Tennessee church. After our nifty Supreme Court rules that every American can own guns, even criminals are now suing for their right to carry weapons.

Media suppressing news of impeachment efforts Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

It is very damaging to our democracy that the Congress and the mass media are ignoring efforts to impeach Bush/Cheney and other members of the most corrupt, murderous administration in U.S. history.

Armchair quarterbacks blind to police concerns Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

I was dismayed after I read the glorified account of David Hill's tragic death ("'He got what he wanted,'" July 27).

Hospitals plan several changes Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

We know there is growing concern in the community about the financial losses experienced by Cape Cod Healthcare and the future of our system.

Prisoners of the prison industry Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

America has become the most imprisoned nation on Earth. Per capita, more Americans are in jail than are Cubans, Iranians, or Chinese. We have more young black men in prison than in college.

Mom begs ex, 'Please bring Snooks back' Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 -0400
The ex-wife of accused kidnapper Clark Rockefeller broke her silence yesterday, begging him to "please, please bring Snooks back" as cops investigated a tip that...

Man fights for life after throat slashed outside bar Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:46:09 -0400
An Everett man is in critical condition after his throat was slashed during an argument on an Everett street yesterday afternoon, authorities and witnesses said. "It's...

Finneran floor show may have violated house rules Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:38:01 -0400
Former House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran went from iron-fisted speaker-for-life to glad-handing State House tour guide faster than the bang of a gavel this week. The radio...

Optometrist group blasts House speaker over languishing bill Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:32:11 -0400
A state optometrist group is crying foul after a Herald story detailed a stalled bill allowing them to expand their business was held up after House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi...

Out-of-state gays on the way Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:29:06 -0400
Gay couples are booking flights to Boston after Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday signed into law a bill repealing a 1913 law that grounded same-sex marriage plans for out-of-state...

Woman charged with endangering niece Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:12:51 -0400
An East Boston woman who cops say dropped her infant niece twice outside a Taco Bell in Revere was charged yesterday with reckless endangerment of a child and drug possession. ...

Web site aids search for student loans Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:11:07 -0400
Massachusetts is launching a new state Web site to help students looking for education loans. The action follows the announcement this week by a state lending authority...

Civil rights action taken vs. Sen. James Marzilli Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:05:23 -0400
A lawyer for three women who claim state Sen. James Marzilli sexually accosted them has asked a judge to issue a civil rights injunction barring him from harassing all women...

Murder charge awaits Petitbois Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:01:24 -0400
NEW YORK - The man accused of killing a woman in Lynn, Mass., and fleeing to New York City with his four small children and their mother will be charged with murder. ...

Mom pleads: Please bring 'Snooks' back Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:47:14 -0400
Sandra L. Boss, ex-wife of accused kidnapper Clark Rockefeller, has broken her silence, pleading for him to "please please bring Snooks back." In a video posted...

NH court officer shoots himself in foot Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:25:19 -0400
MERRIMACK, N.H. - Merrimack, New Hampshire police say a Merrimack District Court officer has accidentally shot himself in the foot. Police said the unidentified officer...

Mass. launches Web site to help students get loans Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:02:10 -0400
BOSTON - Massachusetts is launching a new state Web site to help students looking for education loans. The action follows the announcement this week by a state lending...

Civil rights order sought against Mass. senator Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:59:11 -0400
BOSTON - A lawyer for three women who claim state Sen. James Marzilli sexually accosted them have asked a judge to issue a civil rights injunction barring him from harassing...

FBI: Rockefeller may have cut daughter's hair Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:43:22 -0400
Suspected kidnapper and master con artist Clark Rockefeller may have chopped off his missing daughter's shoulder-length blond hair to make her resemble a boy, the FBI...

MIT makes solar energy breakthrough Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:22:17 -0400
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say they've discovered a new way to store solar energy so that the non-polluting power can heat homes even when...

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