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Courageous Parishioners Just Might Prevail

On seven previous occasions over the course of the previous century, six familiar Latin words have come forth in Vatican City. In 1939, 1958, 1963, 1978 twice, 2005, and 2013. They follow white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and, beginning in 2005, the ringing of the bells in St. Peter’s Square. They come from a cardinal on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus papam.” If you’ve ever learned a Romance language, you probably don’t need a translation: “I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope.” With those ...

How To Dispose Of Medications After Take Back Day

Question: I saw in the paper that April 26th was a Prescription Take Back Day, but I didn’t get out on Saturday. What do I do with these old medications now? Answer: Thank you for thinking about how to dispose of your unused medications in a safe manner. I often speak about medications, the costs and how to obtain them, but this is the other end of the medication lifecycle. Do NOT flush your unused medications down the toilet! Those medications/ chemicals are toxic to our water table and the surrounding environment. Medications are no longer needed for many reasons: you no longer ...

May Day And Law Day

Although May first just passed, I want to introduce you to some of the significance of the day. First of all, May Day dates to around 2 A.D. It had its origins in the festivals of Europe. I recall the Campus School in Fredonia celebrating May Day. One year I attended the ceremony because my cousin was part of it. She attended the Campus School and was chosen I believe as a “flower girl”. We all gathered around a Maypole that had ribbons flowing from it. The ribbons were held by children who helped to weave them around the Maypole. It was a little dance of sorts with some ...

Having The Last Word

Having recently reread James Madison’s Journal of the Federal Convention, (the last time being in college) reminded me of the old adage that “he who speaks last, speaks first.” Ben Franklin did not speak much at the convention, but when he is recorded as having done so his remarks were usually general and positive in nature - this despite the fact that there was much disagreement and acrimony between the delegates. While members were signing the final document, Franklin “looking toward the President’s (George Washington’s) chair” observed that an image of the sun had ...

What Emergency Is Prompting Tariff Actions?

“No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Congress.” Article I, Section 10, Clause 2 of the constitution. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act allows the president to impose tariffs if he declares a national emergency under ...

We Deserve Better Than Rep. Langworthy

While I did not vote for Rep. Nick Langworthy, and never would, I am writing to ask those that did to reconsider who you vote for to represent our district. As a small business owner, I often hear conservatives say that the government should be run like a business. While I oppose this idea, I will say that if Langworthy were one of my employees, he would have been fired by now. Rep. Langworthy does not appear to understand or care that he is our employee. He would not have his job if he were not elected by NY23 to do it, and our tax dollars pay for his salary, pension/retirement, ...