News opinion 2008-08-04 Andanh.com

Letter: Another fleecing of the taxpayers Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EDT
To the editor:
Bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Insanity!
They pocketed massive profits while lending many hundreds of billions of dollars to people who couldn't pay it back. Now that the mortgages are defaulting, they want the taxpayers to pay for it all.

Our view: Bay State roads safe, but expensive Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EDT
There's good news and bad news for Massachusetts in the latest report of the California-based Reason Foundation on the state of the nation's road infrastructure.
The good news, and it's nothing to sneeze at, is that the Bay State's roads are the safest to drive on anywhere. The state had the lowest fatality rate (0.785 per 100 million miles traveled) in the country. Montana, in contrast, is the most dangerous place to drive with 2.364 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled.

Letter: Split within Anglican Communion involves more than gay priests Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EDT
To the editor:
In her Saturday, July 26 front-page column headlined, "A family man drawn to priesthood," Susan Flynn reported that the Episcopal priest, Bart Stevens, felt depleted by "the controversy, some say crisis, within the Episcopal Church over a ruling that allows gays to be ordained as priests and bishops." This piece of misinformation concerning the impending split within the Anglican Communion often appears in the media.

Jim McAllister: Road and bridge work a constant in Salem Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EDT
Last Thursday's Salem News article on the Riley Plaza reconstruction project and the razing of the Salem train depot calls to mind another, earlier phase of this massive mid-20th century public works project — the construction of the North Street overpass.

Letter: Stick to three R's in summer school Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EDT
To the editor:
I appreciate the summer-school curriculum that is set up for students within the public schools in Salem, especially at the Collins Middle School. Even when as in the regular school calendar year there have been financial controversies surrounding the public schools in Salem, we as parents are grateful for the dedicated teachers who are there educating the children.

Our view: Money no object if you're the Sox or Packers Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EDT
The Red Sox will pay Manny Ramirez $7 million through the rest of the season to play in Los Angeles. The Packers are offering quarterback Brett Favre $20 million not to play at all.
It goes to show that money is no object when you have fans as rabid as those in Boston and Green Bay. Need another few million? The sky's apparently the limit in terms of how much people will pay for tickets.

Our view: Now Manny being Manny is the Dodgers' problem Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:40:00 EDT
Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez is gone, traded in a three-team deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers in return for Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay.
Well, now Manny's the Dodgers' problem. Good luck with that.

As I See It: Questions to measure how much you know about Port Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:39:00 EDT
What do you know about your city?
Here we are, with Yankee Homecoming Week, our 51st edition, over. If you didn't enjoy the festivities, I feel sorry for you, 'cause I had a ball!
If you have a moment to spare, take the time to see how much you know about your city and its citizens by answering this quiz. If you score a hundred, congratulations, and if you score only 75, read up, and observe its history. If you're scoring 50 or under, it's time to learn more about your home town. Don't cheat! Answers will be in my next column. Here goes!

Letter: Thanks for 'campkits,' food donations Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:37:00 EDT
To the editor:
Recently we sent kids from Newburyport and the surrounding seacoast towns to The Salvation Army's Camp Wonderland in Sharon for a week of overnight camping experience. They had a great time. On their behalf, we thank the residents who live at the Caldwell Farm Community in Byfield for the "campkits" they provided. Bug spray, sunscreen, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and other necessities were bagged up and given to the children as they headed off to camp.

Letter: Time to dump the bump Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:36:00 EDT
To the editor:
Remember the days when a good strong handshake meant closing a deal, congratulations, a sign of friendship, goodbye, etc.? I still do, and to me it showed a special sincerity and closeness among human beings from every walk of life. Even the spirited "high five" gesture that became popular among the younger people and during sports was done with an open hand, and basically meant the same as the old-fashioned handshake.

Letter: Policies that Democrats need to consider Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:35:00 EDT
To the editor:
As a result of a discussion of what should be emphasized in a Democratic Platform statement by the Obama Campaign team, we put forward the following for your review and comment.
r Foreign policy: It's all about the collateral damage and unintended consequences ... stupid! Two million displaced Iraqis living in limbo, 1,200,000 dead Iraqis, an occupied country in shambles with no meaningful rebuilding effort in sight, a culture destroyed, perceived and admitted war crimes, deadly tactical and strategic mistakes too numerous to count, a private, unaccountable army of thousands operating outside the law, our own economy crumbling under the weight of our military, a loss of dignity and respect throughout the world, a divided and angry electorate not seen since the Civil War, a growing divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots." We must take steps, one-at-a-time, to return to civility, world discourse, cooperation rather than unilateralism and productivity that will effectively address the real world threats of hatred, poverty and environmental disintegration; and return America to its historic position of world trust. More war is never the answer.

Millbury Street can't be two-way Monday August 4, 2008
What can package store owner Robert Largess be thinking of? No way could Millbury Street be a two-way street, for there are too many cars on the road.

Immigrants have long found solace at St. Casimir's Monday August 4, 2008
St. Casimir is both a personal ethnic and a small parish, which was suppressed by the Worcester Diocese. There's a long-standing track record of ethnic hostility to certain groups going back to the early days of the 20th century. The Vatican had to intervene by having personal parishes established to cure this ethnocentrism. It's sad to see that Bishop Robert McManus continues this unworthy tradition, particularly at a time of surging arrival of immigrants from traditionally Catholic countries w

St. Casimir vital to Lithuanian community Monday August 4, 2008
I'm 92 years old and deeply distressed by the closing of St. Casimir's Church.

A phantom menace Monday August 4, 2008
A bipartisan panel of lawmakers on Beacon Hill is recommending that the Legislature adopt a high-tech ID card system aimed at ending the practice of "phantom voting." While the abuse it aims to curb is real, what sense does it make to spend more taxpayer dollars on technologies that can't guarantee that the abuses will be curtailed?

Target: brownfields Monday August 4, 2008
A pilot program from the Patrick administration promises to be another significant step in spreading statewide the brownfields redevelopment that Worcester has used to such good effect.

Campaign reflects Leicester views Monday August 4, 2008
Shawn Sutner's article regarding the 2nd Worcester senatorial candidates appeared to indicate that Douglas A. Belanger was anti-business because of his personal stand on Wal-Mart. We realize that newspaper reports aren't a transcript and stories are edited, but I felt it important to comment, for this not only reflects on Mr. Belanger but on Leicester.

YOUR VIEW: Our collective faith can unite us Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Some weeks ago I received an invitation to have Sunday brunch at Baker Books in Dartmouth with "Sundays in America" author Suzanne Strempek Shea.

The quotable voice Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

"In repealing this law, we've sent the message loud and clear that in Massachusetts, we respect and honor all families. We've ridded our state laws of the last vestige of discrimination against same-sex couples, and we once again lead the way for...

GUEST VIEW: Tis the season for summertime civics Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Summertime may seem like an odd time to talk about civic engagement and getting involved in the governance of our communities and our state. Beaches and barbecues, vacations and suntans dominate our thinking, and this fall's elections, state and...

Water pressure Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

The most significant state aid package the Cape will ever get is buried in a bonding bill sitting on Gov. Deval Patrick's desk.

Actions in Sudan subvert China's Olympic ambitions Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

In response to your "Championship clampdown" editorial July 27, why would we be surprised with the government of China clamping down on its own citizens when this same government has financially backed the genocidal regime of Omar Bashir in the Sudan for...

Obama and Cape Wind offer energy solutions Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

The threat of global warming is real, and we need a comprehensive plan to address global warming and our energy needs.

Action on Medicare bill offers cause for hope Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

As the daughter of a doctor, I hear of and discuss many issues that pertain to medicine. The recent Medicare bill and events subsequent to its advancement are of great interest to me, especially the heroic efforts of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

It's a stinking shame about Long Pond potties Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

One of the great pleasures of summer on the Cape are its freshwater ponds. But in recent years, there has been growing concern about swimmers who relieve themselves in the ponds and the resulting effect on water quality.

Turn away from childish habit of frosting-licking Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

A thumbs down to your thumbs up in the July 25 paper on the subject of "frosting shots.

This vet still willing to stand up for the pledge Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Watching TV, I became upset when I heard that a certain "dingbat" judge said it was all right if some of our children did not stand up as they pledged allegiance to the flag. He said that, according to the First Amendment, you did not have to.

Mother's devotion helps all with autism Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00 EST

Kristopher Barbato, approaching his 20th birthday, is the joy and love of his mom's life. Janet Hart Barbato is very proud of her son and his accomplishments.

Floorlords of the dance Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:03:26 -0400
It's no wonder that Beantown becomes a hip-hop haven every August. Breakdancers are the last members of the rap community to unanimously reflect the genre's positive,...

Clark's final Ploy didn't fool anyone Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:21:23 -0400
We don't know his name, but the rest is plain to see. The front of 618 Ploy St. is largely glass, affording a literal window into the plans of a man calling himself...

Cops: Rockefeller mystery 'just begun' Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:20:14 -0400
BALTIMORE - As the man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller sits in a jail cell, his plan to add a new identity and start another new life thwarted, authorities said yesterday...

Ultimately, father was beaten at his own game Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:12:59 -0400
BALTIMORE - Clark Rockefeller was snared Saturday in the most unlikely of traps: The good citizenship of two Baltimore women and a marina manager's canny trick. ...

Experts: Ordeal tough for 'Snooks' to shake Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:12:33 -0400
Despite being back in the safety of her mother's arms, Reigh "Snooks" Storrow Mills Boss may never again trust the adult world that was supposed to protect...

Lightning bolt jolts old Lynn church, sparks steeple blaze Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:47:22 -0400
A bolt of lightning struck a church steeple yesterday, sparking a ferocious three-alarm blaze that ravaged a historic Lynn church. The roof of the First Baptist Church...

Getting in gear for la dolce vita Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:28:22 -0400
Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Fiats, oh my! Bostonians got to see and experience the wonder of vintage Italian automobiles yesterday as more than 200 Italian cars and motocycles...

14-year-old hurt at Dorchester party shooting Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:48:11 -0400
A 14-year-old was one of three teenagers hurt after a gunman opened fire at a house party in Dorchester. Cops raced to 21 Leroy St. at about 1:21 a.m. yesterday after...

The Monday Morning Briefing Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:46:57 -0400
Gov. Deval Patrick rubbed elbows with a crowd of 200 lawmakers and their families at a backyard picnic held at his vast 77-acre estate in the Berkshires yesterday. It remains...

Cops arrest suspect in armed carjacking Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:59:04 -0400
Police say a Dorchester man brandishing a loaded .45-caliber semiautomatic grabbed a bystander to use as a human shield to keep cops from taking a clear shot at him during...

A tribute to the husband and father he used to be Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:56:00 -0400
She no longer lives in this area, but her kids do, and she called because she's worried about the memories they'll have of the man who was their father. She'd...

Afghanistan situation worsens Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:43:40 -0400
There's military slang that seemingly applies to the situation on the ground in Afghanistan today. The operative acronym is FUBAR - Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition....

. . . but it could be worse Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:54:32 -0400
With less than 12 hours remaining in the two-year legislative session a staffer for House Speaker Sal DiMasi offered an update on bills the House hoped to act on before the...

Lawmakers submit a mixed bag . . . Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:52:58 -0400
It may take Gov. Deval Patrick all 10 allotted days to sort through the avalanche of paper that arrived on his desk last week. We can help, by suggesting a veto of the bill...

Progress not noted Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:50:54 -0400
Massachusetts is seeing significant decreases in the numbers of unsheltered chronically homeless individuals and those who are suffering from severe mental illness and substance...

Let T mark spot Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:49:41 -0400
In the 10 minutes it took me to get over the Longfellow Bridge on the Red Line I had an idea how to deter take-home car abuse ("Free rides for T workers," July 29). ...

Heed Savage wisdom Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:48:34 -0400
Yes, Boston City Councilor John Connolly, autism is on the rise, the population is growing, and drug companies are only too willing to sell drugs for kids and teachers want...

Pedophile walks Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:46:07 -0400
I had to read this article three times to make sure I read it and actually understood it ("Former N.Y. priest owns up to raping children in Boston," July 23). It...

Human element on Cape Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:44:53 -0400
It's hard for so many to look at another human being here in America illegally as one of us ("Illegal actions, not status, got Cape immigrant killed," July...

Won't miss Manny Ramirez Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:40:51 -0400
At the beginning of the baseball season, my 6-year-old son would rush home from school and watch the Red Sox replays on NESN, and only cheer for Manny Ramirez. I told...

Post world-tour, it's back to Earth Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:33:45 -0400
Just when you think you've got the presidential race figured out, something comes along to upend your carefully wrought conclusions. Mainstream media provided lavish...

Iraq mission partly accomplished Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:38:16 -0400
President Bush had legitimate success in Iraq to announce, but the way he chose to do it spoke volumes about how chastened this White House has become since the heady days...

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