Marty: No time for mourning – it’s all politics now
The views of many millions of Americans have boiled down to the point where simply everything is political. Fueled by distrust and hate, the demonization of the other side has taken its toll to the point where “they” – whoever “they” may be – are seen as evil personified and the cause of every problem in our complex society. Prepackaged political philosophy now instantly dominates every subject in the public arena and the attacks are so vicious it’s hard to remain unaffected or stand on the sidelines. I guess that’s the object, just stir up your base no matter the consequences.
Water Cooler: Withdraw all troops from Afghanistan in 2014?
Panelists answered the following question: Do you agree with the withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2014?
Water Cooler: Should Discovery Channel have shown wire walk live?
Ruth Erickson: “Yes, in this day and age of instant media coverage, if the TV hadn't covered it, cell phones would have shown it all over the world anyway.”
Editorial: Trustees were wise to rescind snap judgment
It was a relief to see the relatively new Hollister School District Board of Trustees reverse course on a prior snap judgment to cancel contracts with the city's recreation program for use of gyms and fields at Rancho and Maze Middle School.
Water Cooler: Do you agree with a 13-year path to citizenship?
Panelists answered the following: Do you support the 13-year path to citizenship - for the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants - included in the Senate immigration bill?
Guest View: Aromas Cares responds about oil rules
Aromas Cares for the Environment (ACE) can agree with Robert Frusetta on one thing he wrote in his Op Ed piece that ran in a recent edition of the Free Lance - we can safely develop our domestic energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. But we don't share his view that Kentucky-style environmental standards would be acceptable to the residents of San Benito County.
Marty: Park plan tempered by its high cost
San Benito County’s new 20-mile long River Parkway Master Plan has just about everything. The central focus area and Regional Park adjacent to Hollister has a community center, outdoor amphitheater, swimming pool, softball fields, basketball courts, a playground, educational gardens, an orchard, shade trees and a picnic area – among other things such as walking, biking and equestrian trails. Its biggest problem is that is has a price tag to match.
Water Cooler: Are you OK with the NSA’s use of phone records?
Panelists answered the following: Are you OK with the National Security Agency collecting records from U.S. cell phone customers for counterterrorism efforts?
