Breaking News

Our View

Responsibility in spending is the taxpayers’ demand

We put a great deal of stock into responsibility: in our personal lives, in our duty to provide our readers with the best local coverage we can manage, and in our belief that elected officials must treat our tax dollars with the dignity and respect that our collective labor merits. Taxes aren’t just a big pot of money that sits around waiting for somebody’s whims to spend it. They are the blood, sweat and tears of those who contribute them. A tax dollar is a sweet treat unpurchased — fifty of them? That could be a new toy or game for your kid, a minor repair to your house or ...

Use the correct tool — and mindset — for the job

Increasingly, it seems as though those in power are rejecting the scalpel in favor of the hammer — entering their positions with preconceived notions and goals and then forcing the data to align with their worldviews. For example, the current administration entered power with the belief that government cannot, or should not, fix the problems of its citizens. That may be true. However, that does not change the simple fact that there were parts of the government that did work, and that by removing or defunding those elements under the belief that the whole is not worth saving, they ...

Develop a conservation mindset this Arbor Day

Arbor Day this year comes to the news that the Trump administration is seeking to fast-track the resource exploitation of public lands, as reported by The New York Times, The Hill and others — although as of this writing, the Associated Press has not yet picked up the story. Notably, this reporting is also saying that the Endangered Species Act is being disregarded while President Trump’s energy emergency declaration is in effect. The subject of energy vs. environment is complicated and emotionally charged for many people. Environmentalists strongly believe in preserving our ...

Peaceful assembly, protest is an American tradition usable by all of us

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Throughout history, protests have been the catalyst behind pivotal social movements, exposing abuse and injustice, demanding accountability and encouraging hope for a better future. The public’s ability to speak truth to power — protected by the First ...

SCI Rockview should remain open

In our increasingly polarized society, it is rare that we all agree on anything. Even topics that seem like they should be uncontroversial, like walking or biking instead of driving, frequently become politicized. In many places, choosing active or public transport is seen as a political statement instead of just a healthy and practical choice. Take paid parental leave, for example. Giving new parents time to care for their newborn and recover from childbirth seems like common sense, yet it’s frequently treated as a political flashpoint. That’s what makes the consensus on the ...

Love or hate him, attack on Shapiro’s home is a worrying sign for us all

Some things are so basic, so fundamental, that they can be difficult to write about. As of this writing, we don’t yet know why the accused man, Cody Balmer, allegedly set the Governor’s Residence on fire — with Josh Shapiro and his family inside. In our own personal travels on the internet, staff members have of course encountered a wide range of theories. One of the most classic responses we have to a major tragedy or crime is that: why? Our View is that, ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Our governor, who is Jewish, had his home set on fire in the middle of the night. On ...