Letters from our Readers
Letters to the Editor: Gambling research already underway
Gambling research already underway In response to “Between the Lines: Problem gambling data collection is coming too late,” published Jan. 16-22, 2020. On January 15, 2020, the Valley Advocate published an editorial about the importance of problem gambling-related...
Letters to the editor: A note on gun terminology
A note on gun terminology In response to “A Loaded Topic: Pioneer Valley firearms community is active, but often hidden,” published January 16 – 22, 2020. I just read this article. It is an interesting way to introduce the topic to your readership which, I...
Letters to the Editor: Responses to ROE
Responses to ROE In response to “With majorities in both Houses, ROE Act could expand abortion rights in Mass,” published January 9 – 15. Mr. Fieldman’s article “With majorities in both Houses, ROE Act could expand abortion rights in Mass” is an excellent and...
Letters to the Editor: Clarifications about ranked-choice voting
Clarifications about ranked-choice voting In response to “Ranked-Choice Voting gaining speed in Mass,” published December 19-25, 2019. Thanks for your recent article about ranked choice voting (RCV). It’ll be a very important topic in Massachusetts in 2020, so it’s...
Letters to the Editor: Put the Ha back in Hanukah
Put the Ha back in Hanukah As the holiday season rolls around we have to brace ourselves for the seasonal secular humanist assault on one of our nation’s most sacred holidays. However you spell it, I’m talking about the “war” on Hanukah. Chanukah has turned into yet...
Letters to the Editor: Come together over hunger
Come together over hunger As a Kansan, I’m proud that Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Great Bend, Kansas) introduced H. Res. 189 alongside Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) to work towards bettering global nutrition with U.S. aid. It’s been introduced to recognize...
Letters to the Editor: ‘We all know how that goes’
‘We all know how that goes’ In response to “Between the Lines: Automation without oversight has deadly consequences,” published Nov. 28 – Dec. 4, 2019. Self-driving cars is a stupid technology. It assumes computers will always function well. We all know how that...
Letters to the Editor: Psychedelics on their way
On its way In response to “The Return Trip: Psychedelics may come back from the abyss of illegality,” published November 21-27, 2019. Serene, I bet we beat your state to this. — Billy Tower, Facebook comment Billy Tower, lol you’re probably right! But glad to know...
Letters to the Editor: Is an interrupted crime still a crime?
Responses to Greenfield’s Safe City Ordinance In response to “Greenfield is now a Safe City: What’s next for the sanctuary movement?” published November 14-20. Thank you for your good coverage of this issue, and your ongoing good coverage of Greenfield. I think the...
Letters to the Editor: What you can do about the climate crisis
What you can do about the climate crisis I just called Congress about the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. energyinnovationact.org. I think it is the best hope for getting us to stop putting carbon in the air! You might also night check out Citizens Climate...
Letters to the Editor: How do we get to Medicare for All?
How do we get to Medicare for All? Medicare for all is certainly the best plan which is why other developed nations have it. There are four sizable expenses that private insurance has to pay that Medicare does not. 1.) Lobbying Congress and making contributions to...
Letters to the Editor: The state isn’t listening on the Route 9 bridge
The state isn’t listening on the Route 9 bridge Are you aware the state is starting work on a two lane roundabout to replace the traffic lights at the bridge? While none of us like sitting at traffic lights, they do serve a purpose. Years ago there were public...
Letters to the Editor: Tennessee Gas project puts my neighborhood at risk
Tennessee Gas project puts my neighborhood at risk In response to “Could it happen here?: Gas explosion in Merrimack Valley hangs over new pipeline efforts,” published Oct. 3-9. I live in a neighborhood in Longmeadow. The homes are not large and luxurious as those...
Letters to the Editor: Pelosi for President — Can She Be Drafted?
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Animal cruelty is more than a ‘fluff piece’
Animal cruelty is more than a ‘fluff piece’ In response to “Between the Lines: Animal rights is the elephant in the room for the Big E,” published Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, 2019. I read your editorial on Beulah’s death at the Big E and was so touched by your thoughtful...
Letters to the Editor: ‘Joe Biden should not be our president’
‘Joe Biden should not be our president’ In response to “Between the Lines: Biden’s Electability Argument is Crumbling.” I have to say I agree with this. I don’t agree with being “mean” about it all, but objectively, Joe Biden should not be our president … It is...
Letters to the Editor: Was Gateway City Arts wrong to fire Cait Simpson over IHEG petition?
Defining ‘bad for business’ In response to “Petition directed at IHEG costs co-creator her job at Gateway City Arts,” published Sept 12 – 18. This is horrible. Gateway City Arts should be proud to have employees who stand up for the rights of musicians, artists,...
Letters to the editor: A lifetime of suffering for a moment’s diversion?
A lifetime of suffering for a moment’s diversion? It’s time for the Big E to stop featuring animal abuse as a cheap diversion. Times have changed since the early days of this festival, and most folks do not enjoy seeing wild animals living such unnatural and horrific...
Letters to the Editor: RIP Frances Crowe
RIP Frances Crowe In response to “‘An organizer to the very end’: Northampton activist Frances Crowe dies at age 100,” on Page 6. How sad to learn that we’ve lost Frances Crowe. But she had a good run, 100 years. When I heard of her death my thought was, “She lives on...
Letters to the Editor: A mayor that makes blood boil
A mayor that makes blood boil In response to “Sarno a No Show: As election looms, critics say Springfield’s mayor not there for all,” published August 22 – 28, 2019. The mayor led the charge and marched onto the Hampshire College campus to protest the decision...
Letters to the Editor: Rest in Peace and Power, Michaelann Bewsee
Rest in Peace and Power In response to “Michaelann Bewsee would not stand for injustice,” published on valleyadvocate.com on August 16, 2019. See opposite page. Who will keep nudging the warming shelters to open before it reaches zero? We will! I held her in high...
Letters to the Editor: Truman made the right decision to use nuclear weapons
Truman made the right decision to use nuclear weapons In response to “Now is the time to stop building nuclear weapons,” “Walking for a nuclear free future — for 40 years,” and “Paying homage to the nuclear resistance,” published August 8-14. There are many good...
Letters to the Editor: A straw ban could hurt the disabled community
A straw ban could hurt the disabled community In response to “Eliminating the Plastic Straw: Woman gathers support for Northampton ban,” published August 1-7, 2019. I read the article just now and want to say, while I support reducing plastic waste (the effects it...
Letters to the Editor: Undocumented Immigrants Should be Eligible for Driver’s Licenses
Undocumented Immigrants Should be Eligible for Driver’s Licenses At CISA, we are committed to strengthening local farms and to building a fair and just local food economy that serves everyone, including the people who work on farms. The Pew Research Center estimated...
Letters to the Editor: Support and advice for Alex Morse
Support and advice for Alex Morse In response to “Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse to Challenge Richard Neal for Congress,” published online July 22, 2019, at valleyadvocate.com. Godspeed Alex. Take back something for the rest of us broken folks. — Steve William Lindsey,...
Letters to the Editor: Chicopee Police and online bullying
Chicopee Police and online bullying In response to “Public Information or Public Shaming?: Some say Chicopee Police enable bullying on their Facebook page,” published July 11-17, 2019. Thank you for covering this phenomenon. I have noticed it and it’s not good for...
Letters to the Editor: Reactions to refugees at the border
Historical examples appropriate in border discussion In response to “Between the Lines: A Moral and Humanitarian Crisis at the Border,” published July 4-10, 2019. Hello, Dave. My family background is similar to yours. My parents and grandparents were refugees from...
Letters to the Editor: Three reasons not to put a biomass burning plant in Springfield, and what to do about it
Three reasons not to put a biomass burning plant in Springfield, and what to do about it In response to “Biomass isn’t Clean Energy: Springfield activists blast state plan at hearing,” published June 13-19, 2019. The state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has its...
Letters from Our Readers: Poetry by Connolly Ryan
Poetry by Connolly Ryan To an Unidentified Sunset Soloist I can’t see who it is singing her little heart out, perseverating her sweet head off, up in the attic of a red maple tree, but whoever it is belting it out like that, like there is no known limit to the...
Letters to the Editor: Burn biomass for the sake of the forest
Burn biomass for the sake of the forest In response to “‘Biomass Isn’t Clean Energy’: Springfield activists blast state plan at hearing,” published June 6 at valleyadvocate.com (see page 6). I’m Mike Leonard, Consulting Forester, North Quabbin Forestry. I have a BS...
Letters to the Editor: ‘Everyone should march for climate, for justice, and for women’s rights’
‘Everyone should march for climate, for justice, and for women’s rights’ In response to “Between the Lines: Looking to the Unexpected on Climate Change Solutions,” published May 30 – June 5, 2019. Here on the eve of my 65th birthday it seemed appropriate to send...
Letters to the Editor: Abortion Should Not Be Law of the Land
Abortion Should Not Be Law of the Land In response to “If It’s Not Your Body, It’s Not Your Business,” published May 23-29, 2019. I have never responded to any of the numerous far left pieces I read in the Advocate but this one demands a rebuttal. Ms. Levesque states...
Letters to the Editor: Support Refugee Resettlement Efforts in the Pioneer Valley
Support Refugee Resettlement Efforts in the Pioneer Valley In 2017 there were 68.5 million people that were forcibly displaced and since then that number has only been growing, according to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR). Of that number of...
Letters to the Editor: Forget the wall; plant a hedge
Forget the Wall; Plant a Hedge I think that instead of building a wall along our southern border, we should plant a hedge. And granted the cooperation of the Mexican people, finance the planting of food trees and vegetable gardens that will provide some respite to...
Letters to the Editor: It’s Time to Demand Cruelty-Free Circuses
It’s Time to Demand Cruelty-Free Circuses Shame on MGM. I was very dismayed and disappointed to see that MassMutual, now run by MGM, recently hosted Garden Bros. Circus, one of the most inhumane and dangerous circuses in the country. When MassMutual Center hosted it...
Letters to the Editor: I’ve got my own Nifty Nabber now
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Back Talk: Support Forestry in Massachusetts
Support Forestry in Massachusetts In response to “Hey! DCR! Leave Those Trees Alone,” published April 11-17. The extent of exaggeration and distortion by the anti-forestry protesters in Wendell is truly astounding. I have a degree in Forestry from UMass and over 30...
Letters to the Editor: Peace through music
A message best received through music “The Okee Dokee Brothers” wrote and perform the song: Somos Amigos (we’re friends). The video accompanying the tune showcases the duo joined by four other Mexican musicians standing on a bridge in which one might assume that...
Back Talk: Non-violence belongs in schools more than military
Non-violence belongs in schools more than the military In response to “Is High School Too Young for Military Recruitment?” published March 28 – April 3, 2019: The Soviet Union had its Young Pioneers, Hitler’s Germany had its Hitler’s Youth, the U.S. has JrROTC....
Letters to the Editor: Rep. Neal should back the Green New Deal
Welcome Back, Valley Advocate In response to “An Advocate History” and “Still at it After 45 Years,” published March 21 – 27, 2019: Thank you so much for becoming the Valley Advocate again. I had about given up on you as there was little of interest left, just...
Letters to the Editor: Venezuela could be US’s Waterloo
Hampshire College price tag comparable to most private institutions In response to: “Letters to the Editor: What’s missing from the Hampshire College discussion” (March 14-20, 2019): Hampshire College gives deep discounts and takes in diverse student pop. Hampshire...
Letters to the Editor: What’s missing from the Hampshire College discussion
What we are not talking about when we struggle over the possible loss of Hampshire College Everything I have read in the papers about the possible loss of Hampshire College has centered on the value of its creative approach to higher education, the progressive social...
Letters to the Editor: Solar and recreation can coexist
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this?...
Letters to the editor: Men must respect boundaries and be supportive
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the editor: Passing the volunteer baton
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Back Talk: Support for Eric Nakajima and thanks to the League of Women Voters
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Vote for Eric Nakajima on Sept....
Back Talk: Reactions to the Valley Advocate’s endorsement of Chelsea Kline
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Reactions to the Advocate’s...
Letters to the Editor: Why is Massachusetts putting up obstacles to solar?
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the editor: Tiny houses? How about tiny families.
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Back Talk: Joe Magrone had a marshmallow center
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Sex workers, sanctuary, and Trump’s poor decisions
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: RIP Charles Neville
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the editor: King Sarno overstepping his royal office
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Back Talk: Hurrah for ranked choice voting!
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Hope we will listen to student gun protesters
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Banning specific guns won’t work, but taking them away from violent people will
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Mixed Reaction to Amherst Rep. Leaving Democrats
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Praise for New Podcast
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...
Letters to the Editor: Offensive Language; Excellent Reporting
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our letters to the editor page. Here you’ll find reader comments on Advocate articles and other news. We collect readers’ opinions from emails, letters, Facebook comments, and comments to valleyadvocate.com. Want to get in on this? Email...E-Edition
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