It has always been up to the people to move the world in the right direction, stand strong against abuses and hold steady for the future of humanity and planet Earth. It is beyond beautiful what humans are capable of when they come together and commit to a cause and work for what they know i…
The Fair Share for Vermont campaign is calling for Vermont’s wealthiest residents to pay their fair share in taxes so we can build a better state for all of us.
Every year, voters elect one or more school directors to serve as trustees on their behalf. It is a great responsibility to serve. Boards ensure achievement for all students in their district, while assuring voters they receive an excellent return on their investment. What we don't hear enou…
Elayne Clift's commentary extolling "necessary acts of rebellion" brings to my mind the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, which was such an act of rebellion. And it was privately supported by millions of Americans, probably a majority, if we are to believe the polls showing former President Donald…
{image}{imagePath}//10.70.0.72/tcms_purged/rutlandherald_local/Adobe%20InDesign%20Documents/BTA/11/Images/11_01_2024_BTA_A04/f153499e-af33-11ee-99e2-00163ec2aa77/f153499e-af33-11ee-99e2-00163ec2aa77.jpg{/imagePath}{photoCredit}{/photoCredit}
We take pride in our role as watchdog. Accountability matters.
Over the past several years, the hoarding and neglect of dogs, horses and goats has repeatedly come to the attention of Vermonters through word of mouth and media coverage.
Legislators representing central Vermont unveiled a comprehensive flood relief bill today, aiming to bolster support for communities ravaged by the 2023 flooding and landslides. This omnibus legislation, tentatively titled the Flood Recovery Act, signifies a proactive Legislature seeking to …
As one who has enjoyed folk music for many decades, I want to take the time to thank and appreciate Art Edelstein for his great service to the community. As one who has enjoyed listening to the likes of Tom Rush and Joni Mitchell at the folk clubs in Cambridge, to having the pleasure of hear…
Nikki Haley’s fumbling of the slavery question reminds me of an incident I experienced while conducting a tour of the State House. I talk about abolition and Vermont’s role in the Civil War while giving these tours. One day, a gentleman from Alabama interrupted me. “Why do you Northerners al…
The Republican debate yesterday between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis demonstrated typical party avoidance of the gun-violence issue in America, despite the proximity of yet another school shooting in Perry, Iowa, on the day prior to the debate.
In the heart of Vermont, a market transformation is underway in the world of homebuilding construction, and it’s not your average headline. This isn’t just about bricks and beams; it’s about creating homes that are healthier, more energy efficient, and built to last.
This is what The Washington Post had to say recently on election integrity:
I am responding to a recent article written by lobbyist Mike Covey, and his unmistakable intolerance toward wildlife advocacy groups and its members. I felt compelled to correct misleading statements that misrepresented the values and goals of wildlife advocates. It’s OK to disagree, but the…
All Vermonters deserve a safe and affordable place to live, yet rising rents, low rental vacancy and mounting evictions are pushing an unprecedented number of Vermonters into streets, cars and dangerous living situations. Children, Vermonters with disabilities and severe medical conditions, …
Faced with an uncomfortable yet utterly conventional question about the cause of the Civil War, GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley not only blew the answer but the obligatory, next-day walk-back as well, pawning off her seemingly tone-deaf response on an alleged Democratic “operative,” lab…
On Dec. 4, I loaded my car with what I hoped would be the essentials of living on the road for a period of time. I was hesitant to purchase any type of RV for obvious reasons — in that, perhaps, I would shortly find this was not for me and have an RV I didn’t need and might not be able to sell.
As we enter the new year and leave a frightening 2023 behind, it seems a good time to consider the local lessons of the past year to prepare for what comes next — at best, a sobering prospect.
In 1983, Gloria Steinem published a book called “Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions.” Her essay collection reflected troubling issues that called for action at the time. The title of the book rings in my ears now as I contemplate outrageous acts that require rebellion again. The troubli…
Across the state, individuals are in the process of gathering signatures to run for public office, either representing their municipality or school district.
Home sharing, at its core, is about two people helping each other.
Jeb Wallace-Brodeur's photo of ice crystals in Wednesday's edition was so stunning and riveting, I just had to write once again to acknowledge his artistry. What a gift we have every day he appears on these pages capturing the treasures of our local world.
Gov. Phil Scott said what needed to be said during his State of the State address on Thursday. The four-term Republican told lawmakers of all stripes that Vermont cannot keep on the path it is on if it wants to be affordable for all Vermonters.
Vermont’s tax commissioner has released his estimate of the 2024 education tax rate. This estimate is the result of complex calculations, but perhaps the most significant factor is the total level of spending adopted by all school districts in Vermont, and based on the information Commission…
First, it is encouraging to see objective reporting on the Israeli/Gaza conflict by such Jewish journalists as Aaron Mate, Katie Halper, Max Blumenthal and Gideon Levy, as well as Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now.”
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Population Media Center, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the organization’s remarkable journey and its vital role in promoting social and cultural change worldwide. Headquartered in South Burlington, PMC has been a beacon of hope, using the…
On Nov. 28, Sen. Peter Welch released a statement calling for the then-temporary Israel/Hamas ceasefire to be extended. Thanks to Sen. Welch for his action.
Many of us place candles in our windows for Christmas as part of our holiday decorations. They add a warm glow and feeling to the season and make the houses look cheerful and inviting. Soon after New Year’s, most people take them down, along with the other decorations, returning the windows …
Thank you, John Nassivera, for an erudite and useful illumination of the close relationships between Israelis and Palestinian Arabs — genetically, linguistically and biblically.
Lately, as a way to pass time on longer car trips, I have been listening to true-crime podcasts.
This is what the Bangor Daily News in Maine had to say about a bill to require the military to use state red and yellow flag laws:
Over the last 14 years that I have been editor of The Times Argus, Claire Duke has been a regular visitor to my office and inbox.
In 2013, we lost 81 Vermonters to accidental overdoses. The next year, Gov. Peter Shumlin used his entire State of the State address to sound the alarm about what he called then “a full-blown heroin crisis,” drawing national attention for his directness and focus. What followed was six years…
It is encouraging to see recent developments in Winooski, Burlington and Montpelier taking positive steps toward granting non-U.S. citizens the right to vote in local elections. These noteworthy initiatives have taken root in various Vermont cities emphasizing democratic participation and in…
U.S. complicit
This is what the Portland Press Herald in Maine had to say about disaster preparedness becoming a policy priority:
I just finished reading the Dec. 29 edition and was more disturbed than usual by Danziger’s “cartoon.” In the guise of a cartoon, he spreads his antisemitism with a sharp knife.
The calls for a unilateral Israeli ceasefire in Gaza not only fail to see the cause of this conflict, but they also fail to recognize the agency of the people of Gaza.
For the benefit of the former governor of South Carolina:
Democrat Shenna Bellows, Maine’s secretary of state, recently decided to remove Donald Trump’s name from the ballot. I find this highly ironic. In 2020, when Ms. Bellows announced on Twitter that she had voted for Joe Biden, she included the hashtag #LetThePeopleDecide. So the people should …
After I read the answers by a number of state legislators to survey questions asked by and printed in the Rutland Herald, I wanted very much to have this commentary be helpful rather than be critical of some of the state problems legislators want to emphasize in the 2024 legislative session.…
A recent commentary by Reps. Rebecca Holcombe, of Norwich, Erin Brady, of Williston, and Monique Priestley, of Bradford, while making a few fair points about the rising cost of education, unfortunately ended with inflammatory rhetoric about independent schools and the Vermont style of school…
As we set resolutions to achieve personal goals and give back, the end of the year is a time to envision the positive changes we can bring to the world in the next 12 months. It is time for us to consider extending our influence to do the best we can by shining a light on the power of doing good.
For some, this past year has flown right by. For others, it felt as if it would never end. Let’s take a look at some of the events that helped shape the year and may have consequences for the future, shall we?
