Opinion
Mary Hall: A nightmare that continues to haunt us all
I agree with Don Michak that much more attention to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home debacle is needed, but differ from his view that the Gazette should dig into the matter now [”Dig deeper after scandalous court ruling in Soldiers’ Home case,” Gazette,...
Patrick Gabridge: EVs fire no more dangerous than gas-powered vehicles
While I certainly appreciate coverage of the local fire departments, as well as of the changes we're seeing towards EVs in the transportation sector, the article about firefighters prepping to deal with potential fires in EVs was oddly inflammatory...
Benjamin Spencer: King Street lot full of possibilities
The large vacant lot on King Street is full of possibilities. The property abuts two densely populated neighborhoods, three regional rail trails, a wide range of retail options and it is easily accessible to downtown. This stretch of King Street is...
Alayna Van Tassel: Financial literacy is crucial throughout the year, not just in April
National Financial Literacy month is recognized in April, but personal financial literacy (PFL) education should have a place in Massachusetts schools throughout the year. When thinking about building a more equitable future for our children,...
Columnist John Sheirer: If I complain about paying my taxes …
By JOHN SHEIRER
Dear Friends,As April 15 approaches, I keep hearing complaints about paying taxes. I may not support everything the government does with the tax money I pay, but I understand the basic importance of paying taxes as part of our shared civic...
Carolyn Cushing: Easthamptonites are owed thanks for cease-fire resolution
I am grateful for my follow Easthamptonites who have worked so hard with our City Council on a cease-fire resolution. It is an incredibly diverse, knowledgeable, and ever growing group. Some members have both personal and professional experience in...
Marie Lane: The emperor has no clothes
On the very same day that Karen Bercovici’s guest column was published, the WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) files were leaked. These internal messages point to the lack of scientific evidence for the gender-affirming care...
Jacob Levitt: For Northampton, Neumann is a net win
Who is the most famous professional athlete from Northampton? To me the answer is clear — Jarrod Neumann. I deeply appreciated past coverage following his success on the lacrosse field from Northampton High School to Providence College to the...
Bill Hodgeman: Northampton mourns Bill Hairston
On Friday, March 22, Bill Hairston breathed his last breath at the age of 86. Bill, an expert in addiction therapy, served as the head counselor for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs where he treated patients, supervised counselors, and...
Guest columnist Joe Blumenthal: Path from Mideast extremism to peace elusive
By JOE BLUMENTHAL
There is no more despair-inducing subject than the politics of the Middle East. Unfortunately, the war in Gaza brings that hopelessness to the politics of the U.S., particularly among Democrats who feel forced to take sides in what is an...
Guest columnist Katy Eiseman: Must stop subsidizing wood-fired energy
By KATY EISEMAN
The Massachusetts Legislature is considering a bill that would once again increase subsidies for burning wood, taking the state in the wrong direction in the name of “clean” energy.Biomass energy has been a controversial topic in Massachusetts for...
Susan Tracy: Support Ukraine funding
When Congress returns next week, funding for military aid to Ukraine will be on the table in the House. However, if Speaker Mike Johnson brings Ukraine aid up for a vote which will pass, the MAGA Republicans have threatened his tenure as...
Guest columnist Gary Michael Tartakov: What antisemitism is not
By GARY MICHAEL TARTAKOV
I have been a Jew for 83 years. Though I’ve only known it for around 78. My parents explained it to me at Christmas in 1945, as the reason that I was not going to get a Christmas tree, like my playmates, in Los Angeles. It was at the end of the...
Guest columnist Helen Seidler: Energy transition is going to take a push from everybody
By HELEN SEIDLER
In his regular column last month, Russ Vernon-Jones argued that the climate crisis affects all of humanity and that wealthier countries need to finance the use of renewable energy in poorer countries to support their development [“Solving humanity’s...
Guest columnist Dr. Stephen Frantz: Palestinian survival is not too political
By DR. STEPHEN FRANTZ
Some people, organizations and government bodies will say that it is too political or polarizing to discuss the horror of the current uninhabitable conditions in Gaza.But it is not political or polarizing when you’re asking for badly needed...
Tobias Bernecker: Good schools equals good communities
That's it.Tobias BerneckerNorthampton
James Canning: Mr. Magic, hooray
Mr. Magic, hooray! Mr. Magic’s come again with promises, hats, and tricks!Give attention to his strut and to his growl, so fierce. Oh, Mr. Magic, you’re divine! You take more than you give. But we’re so glad you’re here! Don’t worry! We’ll be fine....
Bob Nagle: State police response
On Easter I was in a mental health crisis. Trooper Novak was dispatched to the incident. Trooper Novak immediately deescalated the situation with compassion and non-confrontational demeanor. The kindness and metal health awareness of Trooper Novak...
Guest columnist John Varner: What peace must mean, at council and for Mideast
By JOHN VARNER
Freedom without responsibility is anarchy. Sadly, Amherst has been getting repeated lessons that illustrate this maxim. The most recent incident: The Town Council’s attempt to get involved in global politics by passing a resolution on the horrendous...
Tom Bodo: Northampton schools need Smith College to lead
Northampton is a city of leaders. Aside from being the hometown of one U.S. president (so far), it has repeatedly stood head and shoulders above other small cities. Its dedication to social justice, climate action, and old-fashioned good governance...
