Editorial: When tenure hurts kids
THE ISSUE:A judge in California has ruled that state's teacher tenure system is unconstitutional.THE STAKES:The decision goes too far, but underscores the need for more teacher accountability. In most...
View ArticleMinor misbehavior in schools should be seen as minor
The following appeared in a New York Times editorial: The "zero tolerance" disciplinary policies that swept through the country's schools beginning in the 1990s have led to millions of children each...
View ArticleAddiction a very public concern
Nearly 2,000 New Yorkers die each year from drug overdose, with heroin and prescription pain medication involved in most of those deaths. Each year, more than 400,000 New Yorkers are in need of drug...
View ArticleMake living wages in N.Y. happen
In a year when the debate over income inequality has reached fever pitch, when Thomas Piketty's "Capital in the 21st Century" has become a national best-seller and populism has swept politics from the...
View ArticleEditorial: Common Core, round 2
THE ISSUE:A new poll shows strong opinions, but not so much knowledge, about Common Core.THE STAKES:Of all things, we can't have a misinformed discussion about our children's education. It's a...
View ArticleObama needs to realize he can't control events in Iraq
The following appeared in a Los Angeles Times editorial:President Obama said Thursday that the administration was considering "all options," including military action, to help the government of Iraq...
View ArticleClergy believe in the WEA
Leaders of all faiths believe in telling the truth. Unfortunately, some clergy have mislabeled an essential part of the Women's Equality Act (WEA). Religious people who have long stood for women's...
View ArticleDavid Brooks: Views into structures of growth
Most of us are trying to get better at something. And when we think about our future progress, we tend to imagine we will improve linearly. We'll work hard at mastering some skill; we'll steadily get...
View ArticleEditorial: Find the right trail mix
THE ISSUE:A Senate bill would allow larger all-terrain vehicles on the state's trails.THE STAKES:A more-nuanced debate balancing environmental concerns against motorized, off-road tourism is needed. A...
View ArticleFind a solution to bridge woes
TEST COLUMN PUBLISHED 7-14-09 What a shame, on a number of fronts, that "Ben's Bridge" over the CSX rail yards in Selkirk has been closed to traffic. The very real health and safety concerns imposed...
View ArticleMistakes were costly for Iraq
The dissolution of Iraq is the entirely predictable result of a series of bad American decisions compounded by Iraqi government mistakes. The result is a disaster for the Iraqi and American people and...
View ArticleEditorial: Wrong-headed bill
In the bad old days, it wasn't unheard of for a police officer to walk away from a domestic violence call, reasoning that the woman would be better off with her husband than without him.That type of...
View ArticleEditorial: Keep photos accessible
A proposal in the state Senate and Assembly would prohibit police agencies from routinely releasing booking photographs made after an arrest. We know them as "mug shots." Entire Internet sites are...
View ArticleEditorial: All or nothing isn't choice
THE ISSUE:Republicans and Democrats both dig in on the Women's Equality Act.THE STAKES:Must all women's rights and protections be put on hold for this fight? We get it, and so does any New Yorker who...
View ArticleCourt's 'straw' buyers decision a victory for the public
The following appeared in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial:In a rare victory for common sense in the gun debate, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday the federal ban on "straw" purchases can be...
View ArticleThomas Friedman: The twins a continuing problem
There is much talk right now about America teaming up with Iran to push back the coalition of Sunni militias that has taken over Mosul and other Sunni towns in western Iraq and Syria. For now, I'd say...
View ArticleIt's not the time for bickering
In 2001, I had the honor of meeting a Little Leaguer from Rotterdam named Timothy O'Clair. Timothy was a bright and energetic young man who suffered from debilitating mental illnesses. When Timothy's...
View ArticleEditorial: Find a better rental deal
THE ISSUE:Albany County is considering a new lease to house the Board of Elections.THE STAKES:The $25,000-per-month, five-year rental agreement is a bad deal for taxpayers. In recent years, Albany...
View ArticleObama must resist combat role in Iraq
The following appeared in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial:Given the United States' 11 years of involvement in Iraq as an invader, occupier and, most recently, facilitator and ally, it is difficult...
View ArticleRex Smith: American values and team names
All right, sports fans, let's get ready to stand up and cheer for our favorite team.Chatanooga Chinks!Chatanooga Chinks!Rah-rah, sis-boom-bah,Go, go — Chinks!No? You're not one of those politically...
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