EDITORIAL

The winning obsession

Every four years the Summer Olympic Games inspire an increase in competitive spirit around the world. Citizens of different nations root ardently for their athletic teams to win. Even before the games begin, Americans are already motivated by an insatiable desire to win. Winning seems to be part of the national culture. More »

OPINION

Poverty Issue Missing on the Presidential Campaign Trail

Two recent reports issued on the same day told of two appalling realities. One report on poverty based on an Associated Press survey found that the poor are getting poorer, and that there are more Americans living in poverty now than at any time in the last half century. The other report from the Tax Justice Network found that the super-rich are getting richer, squirreling their money away to the tune of tens of trillions in offshore tax havens far outside the reaches of the U.S. and other nation's tax collectors. More »

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

No division among minority groups on redistricting

As an advisor to the Coalition of Color (COC), which includes Oiste, NAACP, Chinese Progressive Association, MassVote and others, I take great exception to the creation of a perception of division where none exists ("Redistricting plans divide community" Bay State Banner, July 26, 2012). More »

Beyond the "three-strike" law

The back and forth about the "three-strike" law should include another discussion that seems to be ignored. We should become more vocal and demanding of our community leaders and elected officials to put more emphasis on early childhood development centers through grade 9. More »

ROVING CAMERA

Do you believe that more judicial discretion is needed in the proposed "three strikes" bill?

As a mortal who believes in human error and that no two cases are exactly the same, I understand why Governor Patrick is pushing for the amendment to this law. More »