Friedrich August von Hayek set a tone for today's schools. Hayek, a well known economist and philosopher of the 1900's said so brilliantly "The mind cannot foresee its own advance." What a powerful statement. One of the goals of a good education ... [read more]

We are heading into that season again. Political campaigns, candidates, signs, slogans, and talk show appearances...soon they will all be a part of the scene. A day will not go by that we do not hear from some candidates, the banter of promises or ... [read more]

Our children and grandchildren are being crushed with future indebtedness. This is disturbing. Unfortunately, we seem to be seeing what was once usual exuberance in the economy to what is now, in the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke ... [read more]

The center of gravity in a republic, such as the United States, is the people and not the unit of government per se. All of us recall the words of Thomas Carlyle "Let each become all that he was created capable of being." We cannot say it any ... [read more]

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." This passage is from one of the greatest documents of all time in American history...the Declaration of Independence. In our modern form of Republican Democracy we hold ... [read more]

We hear much about the possibility of societal doom and gloom in the days ahead. Recently, I was invited to interview a number of graduating high school seniors . What a great experience that was for me! Any thought of doom and gloom prior to ... [read more]

President Barack Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the United States Supreme Court calling her a legal trailblazer who would embody "that same excellence, independence, integrity and passion for the law" as the man she would ... [read more]

Memorial Day will soon be here. In fact, for most of us, Memorial Day is everyday. We remember the valiant and noble sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. We remember the words of Ronald Reagan when he said "Freedom is never more than one ... [read more]

A community spoke, a response has been heard, and FEMA funding for Tri-County Hospital appears to be for forthcoming. This is a good day and good news for hundreds of people in this entire regional area. Clearly, there were many champions who ... [read more]

Most school board elections and voting on school budgets are less than a month away. Critical decisions are about to be made and the results of these decisions will impact the lives of many. The public is encouraged to get informed, the voice of ... [read more]

What is Israel to do? There are those in Washington who insist that Israel must seek negotiations with their neighbors. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has been quoted as saying that he would be happy to negotiate a peace accord but said "I just ... [read more]

By a slim vote majority, the House circumvented the apparent will of the majority of American voters. An extremely costly and what has been called "financially unsustainable" healthcare plan was approved in spite of a very skeptical American ... [read more]

The Federal government is spending money we do not have and borrowing money we can never pay back. In fact, we are borrowing from future generations, mortgaging their future, and spending it into the present. That is pure and simple, spending ... [read more]

Small businesses in America are vital to the US economy. They employ half of all private sector employees, pay 45 percent of total U.S. private payroll and employ half of all private sector employees. They are crucial to the solvency of our ... [read more]

There are several major national issues on the minds of citizens today. These issues include the state of the economy and the jobs situation. The economy this past year alone shed nearly 4 million jobs and unemployment is at 9.7 percent with a ... [read more]

Truly, a success story of American Exceptionalism! He is one of our own and we are deeply and justly proud of him. Daniel R. Gernatt Sr., a resident of Collins, New York will mark his 93rd birthday on February 7. What a significant milestone in ... [read more]

The federal government is spending money we don't have and borrowing money we can't pay back. Plans are now underway for a trillion-dollar government takeover of our health care system which , by the way, seems to be more about government than ... [read more]

On occasion, our readers have asked why in our writings we refer to the United States as a Republic. Our answer is always the same, "because that is what it is...a ... [read more]

"Gateway to the Southern Tier" is a classic statement. This is a wise and illustrative statement of fact! Indeed, much of our geographical region serves as that gateway. What magnificent regions in which to live, work, be educated, and enjoy. An ... [read more]

At this time of the year, our early ancestors may have greeted you with...Happy Cristes maesse" and "Frohe Weihnachten." But for us, we want to wish you a "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays". We thank our many readers for their holiday greetings ... [read more]

Today, we address this column to our Distinguished WW II Veterans and to ALL ... [read more]

How very precious is the Native American saying: "Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart. Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way". The joy of Thanksgiving neighborliness lives on in light of ... [read more]

Many of us recall the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." On Wednesday of this week, we pay tribute to our American ... [read more]

Collectivism is in opposition to individual prosperity and profits. It gradually snuffs out free markets and gradually depletes the private sector. A collectivist society, with an authoritarian collectivist government engaged in so called "central ... [read more]

August 10, 2009...and we will not ... [read more]

When we think of great leadership, two names come to mind immediately: Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan. Each motivated others with their vigilant zeal, authentic credibility, and virtuous courage. And that is what leadership is all ... [read more]

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher positively and enthusiastically stated "By working in an inclusive and collaborative way, we can succeed in making SUNY the finest system of higher education in the nation and a model for the world." And Chancellor ... [read more]

A new school year is about to begin and a fresh start is about unfold. President John F. Kennedy said "The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth." And to millions, an education and schooling leads to ... [read more]

We live in America where there is liberty, freedom, and hope. Every person, regardless of birth, social, or financial standing, should have the shinning opportunity for success and happiness and, to feel safe and secure from enemies both foreign ... [read more]

The current Middle East foreign policy in Washington is turning our national priorities into a tail spin. It is troubling to see how President Obama is determined to end sixty-one years of support for our good friend and ally... Israel. And ... [read more]

Everyone agrees that the healthcare system needs to be fixed. But patients must be the top priority in the process. The cost of healthcare rising at double digit rates is unsustainable and a threat to our economic competitiveness. However a ... [read more]

The Administration has it their way, there "is no war against terror" but the administration appears to have a war against a strong national defense. It has been proposed to cut the defense budget, dismantle a number of missile defense mechanisms ... [read more]

It seems it has become a tradition. Each year about this time, we feature in our column FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE a letter to the graduates. Because of an unusually high number of requests from all age groups for copies of the column entitled "To the ... [read more]

Justice David Shouter's retirement from the US Supreme Court presented President Obama with his first opportunity to appoint someone to the High Court. And he did just that... Judge Sonia Sotomayor, a federal appeals court judge for New York's ... [read more]

We remember the words of Ronald Reagan when he said "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or ... [read more]

The last 110 days have been the most revealing in the history of our Country. We have seen the growth of government and its intrusiveness in the lives of Americans like no other time in our history. The stage has been set for nationalized ... [read more]

Schools should be centers for learning par excellence. Most school board elections are to be held this year on May 19. This is a time when the voters can and should take an active role in the selection of leadership policy makers for their local ... [read more]

Free markets and the individual go hand in hand. Economic freedom and free markets cannot exist without political freedom. It is difficult to have the one without the other. The proof of this is current and is seen in the ever growing size and ... [read more]

Most Americans are aghast at the huge spending going on in Washington and the $1.75 trillion deficit ... 13 percent of our gross domestic product. This amount is unheard of in the history of America. And yet, the call is out for more "trillions" ... [read more]

This is the season when many village elections take place in New York State municipalities. And elected officials and candidates of sound character are on the minds of the voters. It was Booker T. Washington who said "Character, not circumstance, ... [read more]

Your columnists see the development of the emerging University Incubator as a stimulating long term business potential for the entire region. The growing of successful businesses are their primary focus. Business incubation and assisting ... [read more]

Currently, the mood by the leadership in Washington is to spend well over a trillion dollars on stimulus and bailouts NOW and worry about the deficit LATER. It is sheer madness to spend this staggering amount of money when there is no proof it ... [read more]

We have a new Administration at the helm in Washington and the new Congress, the 111th, is now legislatively in charge. These are critical times. The Administration and the Congress would do well to follow the prescription as provided us by that ... [read more]

It is widely judge by many that under President George Bush, the tax policy was correct. The problem was however, there was just for too much spending. And that excessive spending unfortunately will be a part of the Bush ... [read more]

On January 8, 2009 the Congress will meet in joint session to count the electoral votes of the Electoral College. There have been calls for the reform or even the abolition of the Electoral College. Such calls are not new; there have been more ... [read more]

Dear friends...many of us treasure holiday traditions. And It seems to have become a tradition for us in this column to share our Christmas gift wishes and hopes with our readers. In fact, each year we receive a number of requests for extra copies ... [read more]

One-half of this writing team was in his pre-teen years on December 7, 1941. It was early Sunday afternoon when from the small table radio in the farm family kitchen came these shocking words "we interrupt this program to bring you a special news ... [read more]

There is no question, our schools and institutions of higher learning play a most dynamic role in the vitality of every community. And the State University of New York, one of the largest public universities in the world, is one such ... [read more]

The Season of Thanksgiving lives on in light of the past and the reassuring hope for the future. Well over three and a half centuries ago, strengthened by faith and bound by a common desire for liberty, a small band of Pilgrims sought out a place ... [read more]

It seems to us, that almost everyone is in agreement that government spends too much, too often, too recklessly, and at too many levels. The issue which we can't understand is why the electorate consents to this through the ballot box. It is just ... [read more]

"It is the economy" and the government which typically affects the economy by three avenues: spending, taxing and regulating. Presidential candidate Barack Obama has proposed massive tax increases. Given the state of the current economy, this is ... [read more]

A desperately essential lifeline of health care has been preserved and a creative strategic initiative has become a reality. The Lake Erie Regional Health System of New York stands firm and bold. LERHSNY is the newly formed parent corporation of ... [read more]

The first three words of the United States Construction are "We the People". Our Country was the first in the history of the world to reverse the course of government with these three cutting edge words. It is "we the people" who determines the ... [read more]

The Presidential election is moving swiftly toward that first Tuesday in November. Momentum for the Obama/Biden ticket appears to be erratic, fumbling and tumbling. On the other hand, enthusiasm for the McCain/Palin ticket is in a buoyant, dynamic ... [read more]

It has been said that we are "known by our body of work." This seems to be true if one is young or old, male or female, rich or poor, urban or rural dweller. Such is the legacy of those of past generations as well as those of us today. And no ... [read more]

A new school year is about to begin and a new school term is about to unfold. For both students and teachers, this is a time of exploratory excitement and anticipatory exuberance. Your columnists hold the greatest respect for teachers who ... [read more]

The 2008 national political conventions are in the news today. The beginning of the Democratic Convention is only days away, and the Republican convention follows soon thereafter. It was twenty-four years ago, on August 19, 1984, in Houston, ... [read more]

Three in four likely voters – 74 percent – support offshore drilling for oil in U.S. coastal waters and more than half (59 percent) also favor drilling for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, a new Zogby International poll reveals. The ... [read more]

Most Americans are in the mainstream culturally and politically. John McCain and Barack Obama are on center stage in the American political scene. Some say McCain is a "centrist who crosses over the aisle too often" and some say that Obama is "an ... [read more]

Excellence in education begins with leadership... from the school classroom, to the front office, to the school board room. District Superintendent of Schools Guiffreda and Superintendent of Schools DiFonzo, along with any number of other fine ... [read more]

Dear Graduates and significant others in your ... [read more]

On occasion, your columnists have been asked why in our writings we refer to the United States as a Republic. Our answer is always the same, "because that is what we are...a ... [read more]

We remember the words of General George S. Patton: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn those who died; rather, we should thank God such individuals lived." Also the words of Patton... "By perseverance, study, and eternal desire, any person can ... [read more]

American exceptionalism can be, in part, tied directly to the genius of American education. And the American Constitution, without doubt one of the finest documents in the world, provided the freedom for the institutions of education to emerge. It ... [read more]

Politicians' pathological need to embellish the truth, is that what it is? Think of it: Cattle futures, billing records, travel gate, trooper gate, sniper fire in Bosnia... hmm really?, two hundred-thousand new jobs for WNY, and NAFTA "I was for ... [read more]

It is doubtful that more money can solve the problem. "High School graduation rates plummet below 50 percent in some U.S. cities" that is the headline as reported by America's Promise Alliance. That is abysmal. Nationally, only 70 percent of US ... [read more]

And the Presidential election campaign moves on. We continue to hear doctrinaire liberals call for hope and change. They mix it up with comments such as "you will get thirty-five years of experience" and the retort "it is not the past that counts ... [read more]

The Presidential election campaign is driving forward in full throttle. The leading candidates appear to be John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barak Obama along with Ralph Nader. Senator Clinton says she is "ready to start on day one," that she has ... [read more]

There are those politicians and pundits who proclaim that it is all about "change." And then there are others who say that it is "experience" that counts. The drive-by media has had a field day on such topics as: "were they real tears or were the ... [read more]

What a superb opportunity to pay tribute! It is a great American tradition and many of our local communities enthusiastically respect it and respond with genuine affirmation in support of it. To wit, we recognize those very special individuals and ... [read more]

The Presidential primaries and the election are in full throttle mode. The Democrats are determined to win at all costs, even if it means fragmenting the Party in a cultural war. Some say there is a racial divide within the Party. Others are ... [read more]

To listen to some of our noted national legislative leaders and Presidential hopefuls as well as many in the drive-by media, all is doom and gloom. It seems to some, that good news is bad news and managing the news is the way around it. From these ... [read more]

It seems that politics trumps progress and the voters want to be heard. To be a successful Presidential candidate, that individual will need to be an agent of change. America stands on the brink of epic decisions. We are now in the throws of the ... [read more]

At this time of the year, our early ancestors may have greeted you with...Happy Cristes mæsse" and "Frohe Weihnachten." But for us, we want to wish you a "Merry Christmas." We thank our many readers for their holiday greetings and for their many ... [read more]

The 110th Congress is nearly half over. The current Congressional approval rating is at an all time low at 19 percent as per the NBC/WSJ poll. What a disappointing first half of the current 110th Congress. There is grave concern that the current ... [read more]

The Season of Thanksgiving lives on in light of the past and the reassuring hope for the future. Well over three and a half centuries ago, strengthened by faith and bound by a common desire for liberty, a small band of Pilgrims sought out a place ... [read more]

They are patriots and we honor them. We pay tribute to our American veterans and to all of our current armed service personnel...THEY are the best! In the words of General George Patton "if a person does one's best, what else is there?" And in the ... [read more]

Election Day is only a little over a week away and candidates of good character are on the minds of the voters. It was Booker T. Washington who said "Character, not circumstance, makes the person." And the rank and file voters seem to ... [read more]

Freedom is precious. It has been said "People fight for freedom, and then they begin to accumulate laws to take freedoms away from themselves." Clearly what we hear today would suggest that this quotation has some validity. The carefully crafted ... [read more]

You know, teaching and leadership have much in common. We have found that one cannot speak to that which you do not know. You cannot share that which you do not feel. You cannot translate that which you do not have. And you cannot give that which ... [read more]

To JUDGE or WRITE the Law, that is the ... [read more]

A new school year is about to begin and a fresh start is about unfold. General George S. Patton Jr., said it well "It is only by doing things others have not that one can advance." And to millions, education and schooling is an opener to an ... [read more]

Ronald Reagan used to quip that government was like a baby's alimentary canal, "A voracious appetite at one end, and no sense of responsibility at the other." In our column today, we deal with the second of several critical issues...the ... [read more]

In our column today, we deal with the first of several critical issues. With respect to the War, there are those candidates that take satisfaction in owning the idea of "defeat and retreat" in Iraq and there are others who with passion wish to ... [read more]

As with public officials so it is with candidates for public office, character is everything. Helen Keller said it well: Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ... [read more]

A desperately essential lifeline of health care is preserved and a creative strategic initiative is the blueprint. Recently we were made aware through the public press and other venues regarding: "three local hospitals will take a giant step ... [read more]

"Youth is the trustee of prosperity" so said Benjamin Disraeli, a brilliant British scholar and government official of the 1800's. And his words are as relevant today as the day in which they were uttered. Hundreds of our finest young folks are ... [read more]

To the Graduates and Significant ... [read more]

Memorial Day is a time to remember. We pay grateful tribute to our American veterans and to all of our current armed service personnel. The story of America has been written, in large part, by the selfless and noble deeds of hard working and ... [read more]

Without Leadership and character no amount of money can help a school succeed. We are on the very threshold, and many school districts are facing an important vote. The results of that vote will impact the future for students, parents, the ... [read more]

Three year ago former Senator John Edwards coined the term "two Americas." Today, history is reliving itself. We can only say, 'THERE he goes again'. Now again the term "two Americas" has been floating on the airwaves and set in print in many of ... [read more]

There are those today in the drive-by media and the liberal wing of the establishment, who de-emphasize the perilous threats of Islamic fundamental fascism, over- emphasize the questionable issue of so called global warming, and at the same time, ... [read more]

April 1, ... [read more]

Political campaigns, candidates, potential candidates, signs, posters, slogans, and talk show appearances...they are all part of the current scene. Several local elections have just been held and others are only hours away, school board elections ... [read more]

The House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution rejecting President Bush's plan to redeploy more troops to Iraq. We ask, "was that the most courage they could muster? " Think about it, it would take courage to go against most of the ... [read more]

Timing is everything. In a medical emergency such as trauma cases and acute situations, Immediate care is essential. We are told that minutes or even seconds may be a matter of life or death. Immediate access to emergency treatment is essential. ... [read more]

(Your columnists* have spoken to any number of individuals... young and old, men and women, blue and white collar workers, retired and non-retirees, students, senior citizens and others ... and overwhelmingly, they agree with the position taken in ... [read more]

The new Congress, what will be its fundamental base of leadership action? Currently, the scrutinizing spotlight is sharply focused on that Congressional Body. Will the Congress make decisions based upon high moral principles drawn from the market ... [read more]

Holiday Greetings to all of our many readers. And, "thank you" too, for your many most thoughtful and cordial comments and well wishes throughout the year. "Tis the season," as they say, and we want to share with you a list of gift wishes and ... [read more]

We hope Governor Pataki does not allow his legacy to become the hasty closing of many facilities desperately needed by some of his most loyally supportive communities. As rural communities with geographic disparity, and an aging population, these ... [read more]

The recent passing of Milton Friedman, arguably the greatest economist of the 20th century, is a great lost to humanity. But his outstanding contribution lives on and his legacy is solidly intact. One of his theses was that the Great Depression ... [read more]

This is a special season of Thanksgiving. During these past days, many families gathered together to join in giving thanks. And the memories of such Thanksgivings past have become a valued cherished treasure. This is a special time to remember our ... [read more]

We pay grateful tribute to our American veterans and to all of our current armed service personnel. The story of America has been written, in large part, by the selfless and noble deeds of hard working and dedicated men and women committed to ... [read more]

(This is a continuation of a series of columns focusing on issues facing the American electorate. A portion of today's article will deal with the war against ... [read more]

(This is a continuation of a series of columns focusing on issues facing the American electorate. A portion of today's article will deal with the ... [read more]

The mid-term elections are fast approaching. And, as with SOME of our candidates, the campaign rhetoric is long on generalities and criticisms but short on specifics and lacking in solutions. And in signs of early despair, the campaigns are going ... [read more]

America stands on the brink of an epic election. And the 2006 mid -term elections are only a few short weeks away. Many of the current candidates are long on campaign rhetoric but, indeed, are short on solutions. The American public is wiser than ... [read more]

A new cycle is about to begin and a fresh start is about unfold. General George S. Patton Jr., said it so well "It is only by doing things others have not that one can advance." And to millions, education and schooling is, in part, an opener to ... [read more]

Nearly five years after 9/11, we are well into an epic, generational struggle. A struggle that pits freedom against tyranny ... hope against fear ... democracy against Islamic radicalism. The men and women of our Armed Forces are fighting with ... [read more]

There are those sources in the so called "main stream media" and the so-called company of "political extremist" that would have us believe that all is doom and gloom. And they seem to relish in that mentality. In fact, the current economic boom ... [read more]

It is shocking but true, upstate New York has experienced an accelerating exodus of young adults. From 1990 to the present, the number of 25-to-34-year -old residents in upstate New York has sharply decreased. In fact, in the 13 western counties ... [read more]

It is unbelievable. The United States Supreme Court elevated due process to al Qaeda terrorists while, at the same time, al Qaeda's terrorists continue to slaughter barbarically innocent civilians and torture their captives to death. Last week, ... [read more]

There are voices of negative pessimism out there but they lack a plan or a comprehensive message. These strident voices call for immediate "cut and run" withdrawal from Iraq, reduce spending for national defense and weaken the fabric for homeland ... [read more]

Recently, your columnists had the opportunity to speak with a number of graduating seniors in several different venues. Further, we are honored to have been invited to speak at a number of 2006 graduation commencement ceremonies. We are looking ... [read more]

Schools and school budgets have been front and center in the news media recently. In fact, one news story carried the headline "Approximately 90 percent of public school budgets are approved in New York State." Actually, 88.89 percent were ... [read more]

People at work... this is what brings vibrancy to our economy. Nearly 143.7 million people are employed in America today. Clearly, they are the driving force in our national economic scene. They are the doers, workers and earners who provide the ... [read more]

From our perspective, this is a sobering fact: our nation has become more government-dependent than ever before. The national debt is looming and over dependence is becoming a way of life. A sizable population of our people is becoming more ... [read more]

The State University of New York is the largest public university in the United States and one of the largest in the world. It has grown to include sixty-four academic institutions. It is indeed, culturally and economically, a powerful source of ... [read more]

Rolling acres of vineyards and fruit orchards, dairy stables and vegetable farms, corporate firms and family owned businesses... these are all part of the fabric of our geographical region. And then, too, there are professional offices and ... [read more]

Political campaigns, candidates and potential candidates, signs, posters, and slogans...they are all part of our daily life. Local elections are on the scene, state wide elections are front and center, Congressional and US Senatorial campaigns are ... [read more]

Recently, the New York State Education Department released some disturbing figures. Better than three in 10 students in recent classes failed to graduate from high school in four years. These figures are derived from a study tracking students who ... [read more]

President George W. Bush presented a rationally based case for national optimism in his State of the Union Message. The President presented several, what we call strategic pillars, as a framework for bolstering the security of America's position ... [read more]

Make no mistake about it, judicial philosophy must be at the heart of any Supreme Court nomination and appointment. It is that philosophy which should serve as the ultimate guide to an up or down vote on the nominee by the US Senate. It is not ... [read more]

For over two centuries, the United States has been a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. That hope is based on what was once an untested idea: citizens can successfully govern themselves through representative democracy. Democracy, as seen ... [read more]

Happy New Year to all of our readers! We are at the dawn of 2006 and 52 weeks are ahead of us in the calendar year. Each week ...each day will see something new on the ... [read more]

This column will appear in print at a time when the day light hours are the shortest and the nighttime hours seem endless. The winter season is standing on the threshold and it seems we are never quite ready for it. It is a season to rejoice, ... [read more]

In our modern form of Republican Democracy we hold certain truths to guide the ship of state including the actions of the process of judicial appointments. Some such truths would be Thomas Jefferson's values of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of ... [read more]

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create two of every three new jobs; produce 39 percent of the gross national product and invent more than half the nation's technological innovation. Over 20 million small businesses ... [read more]

Americans have access to the greatest health care system in the world. Most of us have been recipients of the system and we appreciate it when we need it. Royalty from all around the world including Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia have ... [read more]

Some have said, including a well known U. S. Senator, that they "would trust big government over big business anytime." And so we ask: If a large, intrusive government over regulating human lives is so wonderful, then why is South Korea more ... [read more]

On September 17th we celebrated Constitution Day and what a noted occasion that was and should be! President George W. Bush signed a bill on December 8th, 2004 (public law 108-447) which designates every September 17th as Constitution Day. The ... [read more]

This is shocking but true, legislating from the bench! A California federal judge on September 15 ruled that the "school district's policy and practice of teacher-lead recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance violates the Establishment Clause and is ... [read more]

R.L.H. We can't help but be disgusted with the media response to the tragedy in the Gulf. While George Bush gets another whipping because of the negligence of others, allow us to step to his defense. The finger pointing and blame shifting is ... [read more]

If one is looking for an easy, "it just will happen" solution that will win the future without work or effort, try again, you will not find it in this Column. Your columnists subscribe to what Thomas Jefferson said, "I'm a great believer in luck, ... [read more]

Make no mistake about it, judicial philosophy must be at the heart of any Supreme Court nomination. It is that philosophy which should serve as the ultimate guide to an up or down vote on the nominee by the US Senate. It is not about whether the ... [read more]

R.L.H. Ronald Reagan used to quip that Congress has never had a revenue problem, it has always been a spending problem. And it appears that He was right. Whenever taxes are raised, more spending follows, and no-one seems to know where it goes, or ... [read more]

R.L.H. Trade is defined as a mutually beneficial practice in which both parties exchange something of equal value for mutual benefit of each. One nation, as the theory goes, may provide something better and cheaper, and thereby exchanges that ... [read more]

The United Sates Supreme Court recently delivered a landmark decision in Kelso v. City of New London which has implications for every private owner of property as well as every citizen in the US. The 5-4 ruling represents a defeat for some ... [read more]

The US Labor Department report showed that employers added 78,000 new jobs in May 2005. Economists point out that the economy has added an average of 175,000 jobs a month over the past six months, up almost 14 percent from the average growth the ... [read more]

Soon, public boards of education will hold their reorganization meetings and newly elected members of Boards of Education will take their oath of office. There will be new members joining hold over board members and the new board of education for ... [read more]

Recently, your columnists entered into a dialogue of substance on a matter of considerable importance. We are happy to share that dialogue with ... [read more]

These unprecedented filibusters in the US Senate on judicial nominations are unconstitutional. While the Senate has the constitutional authority to determine its procedural rules, those rules cannot violate the Constitution itself. The ... [read more]

Recently, your Columnists had the opportunity to participate in an annual Fire Department Banquet. Indeed, what a fine occasion that was! Clearly, it brought home to us, the sincere debt of gratitude we hold for these men and women who display ... [read more]

We believe that Robert L. King, Chancellor of the State University of New York said it well when he stated: "The better educated a population, the more prosperity this state is going to enjoy." And there is research to support this statement. ... [read more]

The question of judicial supremacy and a sharp focus on constitutionalism appears to be on the cutting edge of an intense dialogue on the national scene. A true balance of power between the legislative, executive and judicial branches is the focus ... [read more]

The role of the President of the United States consists of two distinct functions first, that of Head of State and secondly, that as guardian of the Constitution through judicial appointments. And that is a matter we wish to address in this ... [read more]

The free enterprise system, social security reform, free market system and supply-side economics...these are all terms and great ideas and practices that are being bantered about in various media circles these days. And the President, in his State ... [read more]

We can't help but be entertained by those who claim that the US economy is sluggish. This well may be true for parts of the US economy such as Western New York, and most of New York State, which has yet to meet the average growth of the total ... [read more]

The schools are embedded in our culture, as are many of the assumptions we hold concerning education. Given the impact that our educational establishment has on the lives of so many... young, middle aged and senior citizens, it seems appropriate ... [read more]

It is agreed that America is the richest nation on the planet. With a third of the worlds GDP and less than five percent of the world's population, no doubt the United States is the wealthiest nation on the planet at this time, and perhaps ... [read more]

For over two centuries, the United States has been a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. That hope is based on what was once an untested idea: that citizens can successfully govern themselves through representative democracy. Democracy, as ... [read more]

This column will appear in print at a time when the day light hours are the shortest and the nighttime hours seem endless. The winter season is standing on the threshold and it seems we are never quite ready for it. It is a season, which always ... [read more]

Soon, there will be the handing over of the congressional torch and Congressman Jack Quinn, New York Congressman, will leave his office on "Capital Hill." The Congressional legacy of this great leader impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of ... [read more]

Amid all the campaign rhetoric, every politician was going to create jobs. And that left us thinking, how do politicians create ... [read more]

"The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President..." Amendment XII, ratified June 15, ... [read more]

Ronald Reagan said it well: "America needs principled leaders, not labels. A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets tough. ... [read more]

The role of the President of the United States consists of two distinct functions first, that of Head of State and secondly, that as guardian of the Constitution through judicial appointments. And that is a matter we wish to address in this ... [read more]

Recently, the Phi Delta Kappan and the pollsters at Gallup unveiled their 36th annual survey of public attitudes toward schooling. The people of the United State spend more than $500 billion a year on K-12 education-more than we spend on national ... [read more]

Recently, your columnists entered into a wholesome discussion concerning "the welfare state of decline." The result of that interesting dialogue is reported in this ... [read more]

In the past, we addressed in one form or another, the topic of free markets. The positive response from our readers showed a keen and timely interest in the subject. It would be helpful, in any further consideration of the subject, to refine and ... [read more]

Good character in leadership: does it really matter anymore? About "Character" some have responded "let us get on with real issues and forget about this character stuff." President Calvin Coolidge said it well; "Character is the only secure ... [read more]

Few Americans will ever forget the terrorist attacks of September 2001 when 3,000 citizens were killed by extremists. Many of us received a frantic phone call from a family member or friend just in time to turn on the television and watch live as ... [read more]

The term "two Americas" has been floating on the airwaves and set in print in many of our newspapers for the past several weeks. Senator John Edwards used this term in several of his speeches and statements, when he recently stated "It seems today ... [read more]

We were pleased to have received such an extraordinarily large number of enthusiastic responses to our earlier column (November 9, 2003) concerned with the topic of "Leadership." One significant and fascinating truth we have discovered is that ... [read more]

"And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was 8 years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held ... [read more]

"It's the markets, stupid." The high price of gasoline and oil can be attributed to only one factor. The market is at work. Markets allocate resources to the highest bidder and oil and gas prices are not unique from those eternal laws of supply ... [read more]

Why is America the greatest country in the world? Just ask those who risk slavery, poverty, imprisonment and even death to reach the shores and borders of the United States. No country in history gives more opportunities or has been more ... [read more]

"Two roads diverged in the woods...." and our Congress and the states have chosen the one most traveled by. Amid the media assaults on "Outsourcing" state legislatures across the land have passed anti-sourcing bills. To date there are at least 33 ... [read more]

Newspaper reports, including the OBSERVER, have highlighted that a strong economic growth period is in place. Our economy created more than 308,000 new jobs in March, the largest monthly increase since April 2000; and in the first quarter of this ... [read more]

A number of our readers have repeatedly requested that we address the topic of "strategic planning." We are happy to do ... [read more]

Ever heard of Insourcing? Neither have many other Americans. In fact, this term was our response to the absence of attention given to foreign relocation to the United States and ongoing alterations in our economy. Outsourcing dominates the ... [read more]

The schools are embedded in our culture, as are many of the assumptions we hold concerning schooling. We first addressed this issue in our Column dated January 18. Given the impact that our educational establishment has on the lives of so many, it ... [read more]

In a world with increasing competition, Globalization is inevitable. Does that mean that economic interdependence should result in political and social interdependence with specific reference to the United State Constitution? Should we allow ... [read more]

Nearly 140 million people are employed in America today. Clearly, they are the driving force in our national economy. They are the doers, workers and earners who provide the goods and services, which are so much in demand. There is an energy and ... [read more]

It is a great American tradition and many of our local communities enthusiastically respect it and respond with genuine affirmation in support of it. To wit, we recognize those special individuals who so truly exemplify the spirit of a people we ... [read more]

In our modern form of Republican Democracy we hold certain truths to guide the ship of state. Some such truths would be Thomas Jefferson's values of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness as stated in the Declaration of Independence. ... [read more]

Our schools are a most important component in our community and in the life of most of us. In fact, they are essential community institutions and we respect their heavy burden of responsibility. Indeed, schools are a part of the furniture of most ... [read more]

If all goes well, this column will appear in print early in the New Year. We are at the dawn of 2004 and slightly less then twelve months remain in the New ... [read more]

This column will appear in print at a time when the day light hours are the shortest and the nighttime hours seem endless. The winter season is standing on the threshold and it seems we are never quite ready for it. It is a season, which always ... [read more]

A positive attitude often offers the "slight edge." It determines how far one can go on the success journey and often overflows into how one acts. Often the winner's "edge" is in the attitude and not just in the aptitude. Both of your columnists ... [read more]

Over the years, from that of our childhood days to the present, we have read stories and events about inspiring people and their great successes and worthy contributions. Of some of those who have inspired us we may clip their pictures or quotes ... [read more]

If you want to be effective in what you do, there is no substitute for personal commitment. And further, if you wish to be perceived as an effective leader you must, indeed, be committed. During the past several weeks, we have been requested by a ... [read more]

Each school year, typically in late August or early September, there arrives a new generation of young children entering school for the first time. In fact, there are approximately 3 million fresh new faces in the United States arriving at the ... [read more]

"Gateway to the Southern Tier" is a classic statement; we note that it is in bold print at the top of the official stationary of the Village of Gowanda, New York. What a wise and illustrative statement of fact! Indeed, Gowanda is all that and ... [read more]

The authors of this column differ in age and somewhat in background but we differ not in our conclusion. After checking Andy's comprehensive computer files and Bob's many yellow pads of records, we conclude that the essences of the quality of life ... [read more]

It was a brilliant and sunny morning in July when two visiting nearby out-of-towners stopped by the office of the Managing Editor of a Western New York city daily newspaper. Immediately, it was apparent to these two visitors that newspaper ... [read more]