Keyword: 'Opinion' | Herald Community Newspapers

Let’s be sure we don’t relive some of our history

Black History Month is a chance for us to celebrate the many contributions African-Americans have made to the country. They’ve done this despite discrimination and oppression — something even Long Island, in the past, was not immune to. more

3/1/24

At our schools, they’re cutting to the bone

My wife and I know a successful young couple who live in a spacious Manhattan apartment. They have lots of dining and entertainment options, a doorman and great views of a park. Best of all, they roll out of bed, hop on a subway and they’re at the office in a matter of minutes. They’ve got it made, yet everyone’s debating how long it will be before they move to Long Island. more

By Jack Martins | 3/1/24

Reflections on the special election

It isn’t often that a congressional race becomes the center of national attention. But that was the case in the campaign between Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip to succeed the disgraced George Santos in the 3rd Congressional District. more

By Peter King | 3/1/24

The problems with bumper-sticker governance

Bumper-sticker slogans and politics have always been inseparable, like peanut butter and jelly. Throughout the history of campaigning, politicians have employed succinct, often widely known but ambiguous sayings to seek the approval of prospective voters. But these slogans’ recent transition from catchy phrases to foundational theories of governmental policy has had negative consequences, particularly in New York. more

By Brian Curran | 3/1/24

Writing climate change into the K-12 curriculum

We are living in the midst of a climate emergency, with the expectation that conditions will significantly worsen in the near future. In January, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. In New York state, climate change is impacting the environment, society and the economy as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity. Floods are more frequent, and the growing season for crops is changing. Climate disasters have cost the northeastern United States over $80 billion since 1980. more

By Alan Singer | 3/1/24

Check your Medicare statement carefully

If a poll were to be taken, I would have to be the last person on this planet who thinks that government is a perfect institution. I respect the FBI and the CIA, and I even trust the IRS. As a senior citizen, I have always considered Medicare one of the finest agencies we have, but some new facts have emerged that have convinced me that it is a sloppy and careless government behemoth. more

By Jerry Kremer | 3/1/24

Before Nassau throws a party, let’s serve most vulnerable

The practitioners who deliver physical, speech and occupational therapy services to babies and toddlers under age 3 with disabilities and developmental delays have not gotten a raise from Nassau County in nearly three decades. As homelessness continues to grow, Nassau has slashed its funding for the Department of Social Services, and its Homeless Intervention Team has been disbanded. Yet before dealing with these issues, the county sank $10 million of federal pandemic recovery aid into its 125th-anniversary plans. more

By Siela Bynoe | 2/23/24

Crime wave prompts calls for bail reform

On Jan. 27, a New York City police lieutenant and an officer were trying to disperse a disorderly crowd outside a migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan when they were viciously attacked by several people. After the melee, seven suspected assailants were arrested. Three were charged with felony assault and robbery. Of the seven, only one, who had a previous record of disorderly conduct, was held in lieu of $15,000 bail. All of the others were set free. more

By Howard Kopel | 2/23/24

Albany’s ‘Office’-like comedy of errors

“This bar is what you spend on things that no one ever, ever needs.” That line is from an episode of the TV comedy show “The Office,” but it can easily be applied to some of the real-life decisions Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York City politicians who control Albany are considering as part of this year’s state budget negotiations. more

By Steve Rhoads | 2/23/24

It’s Library Lovers Month — borrow a book

I read “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” my first banned book, when I was 12. My friend lent me the book, and I found the good parts by the dog-eared pages. The experience did not compromise my moral compass or corrupt me in any way I can discern. I am not recommending the book for today’s 12-year-olds, because it’s a pretty boring read, but I am advocating that a broad spectrum of books be available to students who choose to read them. more

By Randi Kreiss | 2/23/24