Opinion
Letter: The business of America is ... moving forward
Editor, Townsman
With the 2008 presidential campaign entering the final stretch, Americans must begin to focus on what really matters most — getting on with the business of America. It's not about profit and loss, but the resurgence of the American spirit in moving America forward to solve some of the most intractable problems of a free and industrious people.
The business of America is about facing our energy problems head on. While the Congress has dithered, the American people have made it abundantly clear that business as usual is not acceptable. When we buy a car, we are seeking smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, and we are traveling fewer miles to stretch our energy dollars further. With fewer miles driven and fewer cars on the road, we are also seeing fewer traffic related fatalities, possibly even lower than the number of Americans killed on the highways during the early 1960s.
The business of America is about fairness and equality for all its citizens, especially in providing a health care for all citizens. We each should be provided the opportunity to realize our potential and to contribute to society without the fear of becoming bankrupt due to illness or injury. Massachusetts has distinguished itself as a leader in providing health insurance coverage to nearly all of its citizens.
The business of America is about the United States regaining its leadership role in the world community by rebuilding relationships with its traditional allies, promoting peace through diplomacy and engaging in discussions with those with whom we disagree, and expanding relationships with other nations.
The business of America is about rebuilding and expanding infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century. Our citizens rely on the availability of clean water, high-speed communications and Internet access, interstate highways, bridges and electric power. But how can America maintain its competitive edge with a power transmission system that is decades old, or keep the flow of goods moving efficiently across the U.S. on a system of roads and bridges that is crumbling? How will America make the transition to renewable energy resources with a program of taxpayer subsidies that continue to support 19th-century fuels while ignoring renewable energy resources?
We have wasted too much time distracted by fear, distrust, and a government that is unable or unwilling to move us forward. We cannot wait for the Congress and the president to bring us into the 21st century; we need to do it ourselves. Let us all get down to business now.
John F. Zipeto
14 Canterbury St.
- Opinion
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Editorial: Weighty issues of fall upon us
There's no question the area needed the water. But the cool, wet, overcast weather this week brought with it the relative gloom and reality that summer is coming to a close. You know, real summer - where kids are off from school, vacations are more plentiful, the sun is out past 7:30 p.m., and the town beach is open. With the start of school next Wednesday, Sept. 1, many will devote more attention again to the issues of the day - issues that don't involve sunscreen. Among those deserving of immediate attention are the upcoming state primary, and the plan to replace Bancroft Elementary with an approximately $35 million new school.
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Letter: Our tennis courts don't compete
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Editor, Townsman:
In reference to your story about California Products, it's ironic that while Andover is home to the world's leading manufacturer of tennis court surfacing materials, our high school's courts are among the most poorly constructed and maintained in the region. -
Letter: Youth gave fresh face to Historical Society
Youth gave fresh face to Historical Society
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Editor, Townsman:
on behalf of the board of directors of the Andover Historical Society, I would like to acknowledge the youth volunteers from the Summer Volunteer Program of the South Church. For three mornings this summer, they, accompanied by counselors and chaperones, worked painting the fence in the front of the Amos Blanchard House. They withstood the heat and were pleased with what they did, as we were. - Letter: Help Iraq refugees living locally
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- Thursday, August 19, 2010
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- Thursday, August 12, 2010
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Editorial: Weighty issues of fall upon us
