My Turn: High court ‘truest threat’ to American democracy

BY DAVID DALEY

 During his 2005 Senate confirmation hearings, John G. Roberts Jr. introduced himself to the American people as the reasonable dad next door, who viewed his role as chief justice through our civic religion of baseball.“I will remember that it’s my job...

David Levandusky: Greenfield first responders top notch

A letter of gratitude long overdue. Our Greenfield community service workers deserve special recognition and appreciation for their outstanding professional service given to me from a car accident I had a couple months ago in Wendy’s parking lot.While...

Nancy Polan: U.S. Forest Service must protect mature and old-growth forests on public lands

A walk into an old forest is a walk into a natural cathedral surrounded by majestic trees and an amazing diversity of life. I am embraced by the cool, dim quietness and filled with wonder and a great sense of peace. We need old forests, not just...

Columnist Judy Wagner: Trees for our future, please

By JUDY WAGNER

I love trees — their shapes; their shade; the varied textures of their barks; the colors of leaves from early budding to fall glory; the soothingly steadfast hues of the evergreens. I love the sounds of wind gently stroking or fiercely lashing...

My Turn: Vaccinations, public health part of Big E

By CHRISTINE HAMP

Who doesn’t love a good combo? Milk and cookies. Peanut butter and jelly. Bacon and eggs.But how about the combination of smart public health strategy with one of the largest agricultural events in the nation? That sounds like an excellent idea to...

My Turn: A peace plan for Israelis, Palestinians

By ELIYHO MATZ

As a young and alert person growing up in Israel, my witnessing of the Israeli-Palestinian brutal conflict and constant hostilities provided my fertile mind with all sorts of dreams and thoughts. From a very early age, I began searching for possible...

Laura Briggs: We can't securitize our way out of school shootings

The other night, my kid had a nightmare about guns. I bet he wasn’t the only one, in the wake of all the publicity about the Apalachee High School shooting.The New York Times reported afterward that the Georgia school contracted with a private...

Steven William Lindsey: Walking the grounds of the old church

I drove down to see the old abolition church, also known as the Zion Korean Church on Main Street last Sunday. The white church is expected to be dismantled by the YMCA next door to make room for the their child care center. The demolition contract...

My Turn: MAGA and secession

By DAVID PARRELLA

 Following the election of 1860, the so-called fire-eaters of the planter class had a problem. Even though Lincoln was not talking about emancipation just yet, the planter class was worried about the value of their investment in the ownership of 4...

My Turn: Character, experience, and accomplishments make Harris the best choice

By MITCHELL R. GROSKY

 In the Nov. 5 election, Kamala Harris is clearly and indisputably the best candidate for president of the United States. Her character, qualifications and experience, and her accomplishments prove that she is an outstanding candidate who will be a...

My Turn: How to become truly tolerant

By WENDY GOODMAN

 In regard to the Aug. 20 letter “Liberals not so tolerant” [Recorder], I think the writer misses the point.I speak for myself and some other “liberals” who had similar “outsider” experiences. It seems if we fought for change, we are now labeled...

My Turn: A close look at the contender

By CARL DOERNER

 The German-American philosopher-historian Hannah Arendt was one of the 20th century’s wisest and respected interpreters. In her famous book, “The Origins of Totalitarianism” (1968), she wrote:“In an ever-changing, incomprehensible world the masses...

Tom Peabody: Is the U.S. doomed?

As I sit and watch news on different channels, I have lost my faith in the good old US of A. I believe former president Donald Trump will win this election, but I don’t think he can save this country anymore.My reasoning? First, and most importantly,...

Mark William Bracken: How unclaimed property can help your favorite nonprofit

National Nonprofit Day was celebrated just a few weeks ago on Aug. 17. Many people chose to acknowledge the day by volunteering at their favorite nonprofit or donating to an organization in their area. If you are looking for a unique way to contribute...

Lucy Fagella: No easy answers to knotweed problem

In response to the My Turn column “Japanese knotweed is the problem, not the solution,” [Recorder, Sept. 4], I agree. Japanese knotweed is the problem as it is choking out our native species, but saying that glyphosate is the solution is troubling.The...

John Gould: Road to Mary Lyon House could become a private driveway

As a matter of interest, there will be a public hearing by the Buckland Planning Board on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. regarding the discontinuance of Old Upper Street, location of the Major Joseph Griswold House, also known as the “Mary Lyon...

Joe Robert Parzych: Not satisfied with the two presidential candidates

I am not voting for the two candidates who are running for president this time around because it’s a big mess. In addition, there are many reasons I think it’s time for three parties, including an Independent Party to get a chance hear their voices....

My Turn: The tyranny of a CSA

By RUTH CHARNEY

My mother told me to eat my vegetables, now a CSA does.            Don’t get me wrong, I love my CSA. It’s a privilege to belong and I’ve been a member for many years. It’s a membership I would never think of relinquishing. I am a proud, boastful...

My Turn: Empowering tomorrow’s innovators — Advancing gender, racial diversity and leadership in STEM

By KELLEY BRYANT

Massachusetts is leading the charge in innovation with incubators supporting startups, drug manufacturers developing lifesaving treatments, and technology companies using AI for solutions in various sectors. Women in government are promoting...