Wednesday, November 19, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

HomeViewpoints

Viewpoints

BRIGHT SPOTS: Week of November 19, 2025

Standing up for healthcare and for the workers at Starbucks! Speaking out against ICE’s illegal raids and for our government to follow the law!

Bernie Sanders: An advocate of old-fashioned values

In her letter to the editor, Carol Diehl of Housatonic, Mass., writes: "Bernie Sanders is generating the kind of excitement that wins national elections and brings about social change."

Searles School decision endangers Great Barrington’s future

In her letter to the editor, Suzie Fowle writes: "The Town of Great Barrington just set a dangerous precedent: If a developer starts with an unreasonable, untenable proposal, he or she will be rewarded for scaling it back."

On Super Tuesday, March 1, a vote for Bernie Sanders

In his letter to the editor, Michael Ballon writes: "Voter turnout in primaries is traditionally low, but this year voters have something to be truly excited about."

Why I am voting for Hillary Clinton on March 1

In her letter to the editor, Tela Zasloff of Williamstown writes: "Her 24 years of experience in national and world politics have transformed Hillary into the one and only candidate who is presidential."

100 Bridge St. project too large for the neighborhood

In her letter to the editor, Nan Wile writes: “Why not (better) develop infrastructure like high speed Internet that would bring competitive businesses to town?”

Highland Woods: An amazing accomplishment!

In his letter to the editor, Van Ellet of Williamstown writes: "This has been a real community effort in almost every sense of the word, and an example of what can happen when the community comes together."

Lake Mansfield: Vehicular short-cut or community treasure?

In her letter to the editor, Sharon Gregory writes: "This recreational area is nearby town, linking walkable areas from Main Street to the Lake and incorporates a hiking trail in between. It is a unique feature."

Update on ‘Ash,’ the peregrine falcon shot in Ashley Falls

In her letter to the editor, Johanna Walton writes: “The awareness and education about such tragic issues may far outweigh the need for punishment.”

LEONARD QUART: City of flux

One wants to see some of the grit and buildings on the Bowery preserved. The street had a distinctive personality, and an aesthetic of its own.

A Sunday afternoon at Ramsdell Library

In her letter to the editor, Michelle Loubert of Housatonic writers: "The Friends of the Library provide refreshments for library visitors offering a warm, inviting atmosphere, akin to visiting the home of a good friend."

Former Eagleton employee deplores uninformed criticism of school

In her letter to the editor, Tess Hutchinson writes: "I will tell you one thing, if you think pulling kids from Eagleton and sending them to their home states and home facilities would be 'keeping them safe,' you're sorely confused." 

Rep. Pignatelli foregoes state Senate bid

In his letter to the editor, state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli writes: “In the best interest of my family and the district that I call home, it will be an honor for me to run for re-election to the House of Representatives.”

Another view of Eagleton School: Vulnerability, caring, growth

In his letter to the editor, Luke Pryjma writes: "Eagleton is a place where our society puts its trauma. We hope it is a place where that trauma can find peace and release gently. That is not always the case."

CONNECTIONS: What’s in a slogan?

Even if you think “Jeb Can Fix It” or “Cruz to Victory” are cringe-worthy, they are not as bad as “Return to Normalcy” or “Keep Cool and Keep Coolidge.”

Lulu ‘n’ Hershey

Lulu 'n' Hershey are off on vacation -- across the country, on a mission of mercy, having decided to spend their time off on a campaign to reduce gun violence in the United States.

Proposals for upgrading Lake Mansfield Road need revision

In his letter to the editor, Jonathan Hankin writes: "Lake Mansfield is, and should continue to be, a true community asset. Much of what has been explored and presented to date by the design team fails to reflect this point of view."