Rex Smith: Past rigidity, spirituality seeks a home
Twice in the past two years studies have reported that the Capital Region is one of the least religious places in the country. Maybe we should blame the political climate here — hey, that's our usual...
View ArticleCasey Seiler: The boy who cried Moreland
Let's say you're a public figure of note in New York — a college president, county executive or leader of an influential policy think-tank — and you receive a call from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's...
View ArticleKathleen Parker: No offense, Heartlanders love Colbert
In selecting Stephen Colbert to replace David Letterman as host of the "Late Show," CBS has waged war on America's heartland — or so proclaims that Palm Beach font of heartland mirth, Rush...
View ArticleEditorials: Long story short
Why not just tell us?New York taxpayers finally know the extent of last year's debacle involving the contractor hired to process paper tax returns, thanks to an audit of the state Department of...
View ArticleNotable quotes of the week
"When you opened them up, it looked like someone was killed on the mattress. They were disgusting."—Albany County Executive Dan McCoy on what investigators found when they looked into a publicly...
View ArticleEditorial: So, the corruption's gone?
THE ISSUE:The budget done, the governor closes his Moreland Commission on Public Corruption.THE STAKES:Not so fast. There's a raft of unfinished business. What is the public to make of Gov. Andrew...
View Article50 years later, in awe of LBJ
Austin, TexasThe Big Four — a sitting president and three former presidents — came to praise Lyndon Baines Johnson upon the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The historic gathering was...
View ArticleMaureen Dowd: Colbert is a wit for all seasons
I don't remember much about being on Stephen Colbert's show. It all passed in a blur of fear.I remember him coming into the makeup room to remind me that he was going to be in character as a jerk. I...
View ArticleThomas Friedman: Go ahead, Vladimir, make our day
So the latest news is that President Vladimir Putin of Russia has threatened to turn off gas supplies to Ukraine if Kiev doesn't pay its overdue bill, and, by the way, Ukraine's pipelines are the...
View ArticleRichard Brodsky: No winners in demise of Moreland
Nothing good can come from a situation in which two smart guys both miss the point. The confusion and anger surrounding the demise of the Moreland Commission on Public Corruption is a consequence of...
View ArticleEditorial: Honor the assault rifle law
THE ISSUE:By April 15, owners of assault rifles must register their firearms in New York.THE STAKES:Although the impact is limited, it is part of necessary efforts to reduce gun violence. If you own...
View ArticleMedicare's data release a step toward more efficiency
The following appeared in a Chicago Tribune editorial:Federal officials released a huge trove of data Wednesday that shows what Medicare has paid to more than 880,000 doctors and other health care...
View ArticleAstorino can't deny his past
I watched in disbelief last month as Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino launched his campaign for governor and tried to reinvent his record on taxes in his home county. As someone who served on...
View ArticlePassover a story about freedom
At Passover, many Jews are consumed by food issues. For some, the question is, "What shall I serve, and how much do I need?" It's wonderful to host the celebration of the Feast of Freedom, perhaps...
View ArticleCharles Krauthammer: Embrace progressivism or just keep quiet
Washington Two months ago, a petition bearing more than 110,000 signatures was delivered to The Washington Post demanding a ban on any article questioning global warming. The petition arrived the day...
View ArticleEditorial: Put the heat on Congress
THE ISSUE:The House of Representatives balks at extending unemployment benefits.THE STAKES:The jobs aren't going to just magically appear. But Congress needs to do its part. Here's a spring break...
View ArticleEditorial: The Dutchmen made us all proud
Union College's hockey team gave the Capital Region something to cheer about throughout the long winter. Even when we longed to see the ice melt away outside, we could still look admiringly at the...
View ArticleGM chief fails to reassure angry Congress over recalls
The following is from an editorial in the San Jose Mercury News:Mary Barra, General Motors' new chief executive officer, was in a tough spot recently as she tried to explain to Congress why her...
View ArticleImprove systems to cut prices
The proposed federal investigation of this winter's high energy prices might turn up a result that would not surprise Walt Kelly's Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us."Markets for natural gas...
View ArticleDavid Brooks: Exodus and a long obedience
Monday night was the start of Passover, the period when Jews celebrate the liberation of the Israelites from slavery into freedom.This is the part of the Exodus story that sits most easily with modern...
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