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Sink Them All Into The High Seas

For decades, illegal drugs from all over the world—and particularly from Central and South America—have come into the United States. As decades have passed, illegal drugs have become more and more lethal. The drug trade is no mere set of commercial transactions. It is no mere set of illegal commercial transactions. It is a criminal enterprise. Yet it’s more than a mere criminal enterprise. This is an invasion of the United States of America, an invasion that has taken more lives than this country lost in any of its wars. Correction: In any of its other wars. It is ...

An Old Site Brings Ancient Knowledge To Light

There’s a place in southeastern Turkey that most people have never heard of — a windswept hilltop called Gobekli Tepe. It was built long before the pyramids, long before organized farming. And it’s important for human beings to know its story, because when the site was discovered in the 1990’s, it changed everything we thought we knew. For generations, we were told that civilization began when humans settled down to farm. Only then, the thinking went, could people build villages, develop religion, create art, and organize into more sophisticated societies. But Gobekli Tepe ...

A Lifelong Love Of Golden Smiles

A giant of the film industry died just recently, and his passing brought back a flood of memories. As I explored those moments, I realized that in a small, eye-opening way, Robert Redford changed my life. But first, a little history. Four years before I saw Redford, a date invited me to my first theater evening. I was seventeen. And thrilled. So sophisticated! The South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, Mass. was a summer destination for professional touring shows. I think the circular stage within a tent was the reason it was dubbed a “circus.” That first musical was Showboat and ...

The Difficult Decision To Downsize

When you get to be my age, if you haven’t already, you start to think about downsizing the footprint of your life. It makes common sense to do so—the kids are grown and on their own, you are tired of mowing the grass and maintaining the house, and you just don’t need as much room anymore. But, there is more to it than that. You are also becoming aware that you won’t live forever, and having things more simple in your life is good, not only for you, but for your family, for your friends and for those around you. Some of this is also health driven. Your body and back just ...

We Must Respect Rule Of Law

As a lawyer admitted to practice 41 years ago, I took an oath to uphold both the United States and New York constitutions. I have tremendous respect for, and remain committed to, the rule of law. We may not agree whether a law is fair, but there are procedures to change the laws, or create new ones. Following the law is essential to an orderly society. I take great pride knowing that I play a part. Our Constitution and amendments provide assurance that, for the most part, laws will be followed. Without this there will be chaos. The pardoning of those who participated in the assault ...

Alliance Responds To Mural Criticism

We appreciate the thoughtful discussion taking place regarding the Paint CHQ Mural Festival and the role of public art in Chautauqua County. Public art has long been recognized as a catalyst for community pride, economic vitality, and cultural vibrancy. While opinions may differ on funding and process, we would like to highlight why projects like this matter. COMMUNITY IMPACT The murals in Falconer, Sherman, Westfield, and the upcoming Dunkirk project have already sparked excitement and positive feedback from residents and visitors. Public art invites people to linger, explore, and ...