For the past few years, I've been privileged to have this paper make some of my thoughts public. In the best tradition of free expression, it has also published dissenting opinions - some directed to me. These opposing views come from a specific segement of the political spectrum that I believe poses very real dangers to our democracy. For that reason, I feel I should address that segment.   Full Story

I thought that now would be the perfect time to write about the need for more federal spending to spur economic growth and reduce unemployment.   Full Story

With the signing of a new contract with Hydro-Quebec, which will provide Vermonters with a baseload supply of clean, renewable energy for 26 years, Vermonters' focus on electricity supply options has been once again renewed.   Full Story

Social Security just turned 75, and all across the country, people and senior organizations are celebrating this enormous achievement. Before President Franklin Roosevelt signed the law on Aug. 14, 1935, about half of the senior citizens in American lived in poverty. That began to change on Jan. 31, 1940, when the first monthly retirement check, for $22. 54, was issued to retired legal secretary Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vt.   Full Story

Vermont, like the rest of the country, has been forced to adjust to new fiscal realities as a result of the Great Recession. Throughout state government we have sought to rein in public spending to alleviate the strain on tax paying Vermonters who cannot afford an even greater burden. As we emerge from this economic downturn, it is critical that we maintain fiscal discipline and seek to reduce taxes so that we can maintain and create jobs in Vermont.               Full Story

It has been my custom to not revisit my previously published columns. Nor do I respond to letters sent to my editor criticizing what I had commented upon.  However, today will be an exception to my self-imposed rule.   Full Story

Recently the AP ran a story about pigeon droppings. It seems at an outdoor concert there were so many pigeons' droppings on the performers and even on their instruments - inside a tuba, that the concert had to be canceled. Tickets were hastily refunded.   Full Story