Don’t judge a teacher by a student’s test scores
Many eloquent people have written editorials, blogs and Facebook posts that explain a multitude of problems with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plans for education in New York. In addition to the points I’ve...
View ArticleMinimum wage plan out of touch
Regarding the minimum wage plan discussed in the editorial “Indecent wage proposal,” Feb. 5, this seems to me to fall in the same category as former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s idea...
View ArticleMake Grandeau new ethics officer
New Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has formed a six-member Assembly committee to recommend a new ethics officer for the Assembly. That’s like the commissioner of Major League Baseball appointing Alex...
View ArticleMedia doesn’t know forgiveness
It comes as no surprise the media “starchamber” pundits have eagerly got in line to cast the first stone at Brian Williams, NBC’s top-rated anchor, who was caught in what has been called “a blatant...
View ArticleKeep $8 check, and put it toward the school district
I must have read the message on my check incorrectly. Would the great state of New York actually send an $8 check to me because my school tax stayed below the 2 percent tax cap? My school district is...
View ArticleU.S. should focus on aiding Israelis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who delivered a contentious speech before Congress regarding Iran, was vilified by many in the media and by the Obama administration for accepting the...
View ArticleCut out meat for healthier society
Biting into a juicy hamburger always pleases my taste buds. However, recently I significantly lowered the quantity of meat in my diet. Why? I believe reducing meat consumption is a sustainable solution...
View ArticleToy makers ignore the deadly risks
As a mom who had breast cancer at 26, before I had kids, there are two things that scare me most: dying before my children are grown and having my kids get cancer. So I was ecstatic a few months ago...
View ArticleTime to end charter delay
Weeks after plaintiffs in a federal civil rights lawsuit won their fight to add a fifth minority legislative district in Albany County, lawmakers seem to think this is an excuse to protect their...
View ArticleVote would have nixed the plaza
As a former resident of the South End whose family was displaced by the Empire State Plaza, I read with interest the article by Paul Grondahl “Hope for 87 years, in South Mall’s shadow,” May 27. I...
View ArticleMedal properly honors Johnson’s heroism
At long last, Henry Johnson has been awarded the Medal of Honor, and this is as it should be. By recognizing Johnson’s valor of so long ago, we seek to honor him. But this award also honors America for...
View ArticleMental illness at root of church slaughter in S.C.
A horrible thing happened in South Carolina. Nine innocent people were murdered in their own church while in the act of worshiping their God. But why did it happen? Can we place the blame squarely and...
View ArticleChurch’s position not relevant
Bishop Edward Scharfenberger’s comments about the U.S. Supreme Court decision on marriage equality clearly demonstrate the irrelevancy of his institution in Albany and the rest of today’s world. Of...
View ArticleGood riddance to Confederate flag
Why must it take the horrific deaths of nine innocent people for South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to finally advocate for taking down the Confederate flag from the state Capitol building. More than 20...
View ArticleTaxi service in region a travesty
Thank you for the editorial “Improve taxi service now,” July 15. I live in Albany and travel through the Rensselaer Amtrak Station frequently. I usually park my car or get picked up, but a month ago I...
View ArticlePractice what we preach about human rights
The July 10 political cartoon with one tourist saying to another, “Oh, look, honey! Cuban security beating up a dissident! Quick! Get a snapshot!” was probably intended to express our condemnation of...
View ArticleA year of strife in America
Before you talk about police misconduct, it’s important to fix in your mind what we expect of cops in America. That is, let’s recognize that this is often a very tough job. Look no further than...
View ArticleTrickle down effect of high tech
Eric Anderson’s front-page story (“High-tech boom in upstate doesn’t include everyone,” Aug. 23), on high-tech employment in our region and those left out, points to real problems, but its headline is...
View ArticleClassic English always in style
Years ago, when I worked for a large medical facility, middle management used the phrase “my bad” instead of “I am sorry” when they made an error in dealing with me. I was irritated by that phrase then...
View ArticleThe poisonous Mr. Trump
Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States bar Muslims from entry has finally earned him open derision from within his own party. But it’s hardly the first offensive idea he has proposed in a...
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