Periodically, it seems, concerned citizens of Vermont gather to revive the idea of creating an inspiring Vision for the state’s future. Last month the largely federally-funded Vermont Council on Rural Development released the draft of its “Vermont Proposition.” It draws on the ideas, they cl…
What an extraordinary legislative session 2021 has been. It was historic — the first Vermont legislative session to be conducted completely remotely during an international pandemic. And, despite those challenges, we were incredibly productive — managing to accomplish a great deal to improve…
The good news is that H.157 did not make it over the finish line last month before the Vermont General Assembly had adjourned. The bill, which passed the House, would have required construction contractors who work on residential projects over $2,500 to register with the State of Vermont’s O…
The political reality of our times is that the Republican Party has gone rogue. It is no longer an honorable opponent of the Democratic Party, one which respects the Constitution, and plays by the ethical norms of a democratic society. Instead, it has become an incipient fascist outlier. Bec…
June is Pride Month and 2021 marks the 51st celebration — a time when people come together in support of the LGBTQ community. June also marks the official opening of most Vermont State Parks and end of mud season restrictions on hiking trails throughout the state.
This past year has proven what we have long known to be true: Vermonters are resilient and know how to come together to get through tough times.
“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” – the more things change, the more they stay the same — Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, 1849
The eventuality of any income obtained by Americans is that it ends up becoming disposable income.
If you’re like me, you have found a way to develop procrastination into an art form. Why bother dealing with whatever it is you need to deal with today when you can put it off until tomorrow? Why face reality today when you can bury your head in the sand in hopes that your reality will go away?
Several years ago, a friend informed me that his daughter was not interested in attending college. Why not have her join the Navy or another branch of the military? I responded. His come-back was an absolute no — military service was far too dangerous. My next suggestion: why not law enforce…
Readers of the Journal are aware of the so-called “Eco-Resort,’’ which appeared in full color, above the fold, on page one a few months ago.
Not understood by practically anyone, unattainable to most of the world population, hated by most governments, bad for the environment, easily manipulated by a single word of a few people — welcome to the world of cryptocurrencies.
In three lawsuits currently in process, plaintiff parents ask that public funds follow their children to the school of their choice.
It’s easy to look back over the last 18 months and see all of the ways that COVID has set us back: from shuttered businesses, to the thousands of Vermonters losing their jobs, a disproportionate amount of whom were women who had to exit the workforce to care for their children.
The big lie, perpetuated by former President Trump and some of his supporters, is that our elections are not secure. These dangerous and disingenuous claims are made without evidence to support them. The former President and his supporters have filed over 60 lawsuits across the country to tr…
In a time when businesses are trying to recover from a government ordered shut-down due to COVID-19, some Vermont lawmakers look to pour more salt in their wounds by adding $100 million of increased costs onto their backs.
Monday, May 17 was Tax Day. I know the topic of taxes can spark strong reactions in Vermonters, yet taxes pay for things we like and share such as libraries, schools, roads, trash collection, and they are a valuable tool for closing the wealth gap. Taxes are part of how we each contribute to…
Editorials
April 22 was Earth Day, but if you ask many advocates for the environment and climate action, we just closed out Earth Week. This expansive approach to raising awareness about human-caused climate change and how to mitigate it is certainly appropriate, given the stakes.
On April 19, Vermont hit a new gear in the race against the coronavirus. Months after the state began its phased vaccine rollout, anyone 16 or older who lives or works in Vermont is now eligible to get the jab.
Quickly mass-producing and widely distributing a vaccine that’s effective against a novel viral pandemic is a herculean task that, fortunately, the U.S. has largely accomplished. While we’ve overcome many of the practical hurdles, we still face an intangible obstacle that continues to trip u…
Letters to the Editor
Correcting record about enforcement at eco-resort
To the Editor: In Don Keelans’ commentary ("Except for a few, we are all flatlanders," April 24), regarding the words “flatlander” and “native.” Apparently, he refuses to acknowledge the fact both terms are not only accurate but also necessary to identify specific characteristics. I’ll explain.
Food project thanks community for support
To the editor: The Vermont Press Association wishes to thank Gov. Phil Scott for his veto of S. 107 and siding with greater transparency for all Vermonters while also allowing for more time on this important issue.
To the Editor: Do we still have the virus in Vermont?
