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Local Commentaries

Affordability Always Makes Sense

Last weekend’s papers had the County Legislature’s Republican majority leader, Jamie Gustafson, critical of the three provisions of the “Affordability Act of 2026” introduced at the January County Legislature meeting by me as the assistant minority leader and Bob Banksoski, the minority ...

Surviving Olympic Glories

The Olympics have barely begun and I’m almost comatose. Coverage from Milan and Cortina during the afternoon, prime time, and late night have my eyeballs operating in the glued position. Holy biathlon. I’d forgotten how many events are covered. For the first time though, while watching ...

Why Young New Yorkers Can’t Afford To Live Here

Americans want to help people in need, but when government does that, about 500 billion taxpayer dollars get stolen. It’s how the system is designed, says the United Council on Welfare Fraud’s Andrew McClenahan in this new video. “You’re measuring success by the amount of money you ...

NY’s New Stance On Life

By Margot Russell This is not an argument against mercy. It is an argument against pretending that power always uses mercy carefully. There is a particular kind of dishonesty that shows up whenever assisted death is proposed by people in power. We are told this choice will remain humane, ...

Gorge Is Spectacular In Winter

CHAUTAUQUA GORGE STATE FOREST—It’s one thing to see the Chautauqua Gorge in the summertime. It’s another thing entirely to see it in the wintertime. If you haven’t seen it in the wintertime, you might consider putting it on your list. It’s spectacular. Just spectacular. High ...

The Exciting World View From The Cockpit

Those were the days. Before the savagery and idiocy of 9/11, the aviation world was calmer. More relaxed. Nicer. And w-a-a-a-a-y before, when I flew as a stewardess in the ‘60s, and ‘70s, the atmosphere allowed for lots of wonderful experiences. Every flight has a designated lead ...