Opinion

Over the last few years, the health of American democracy has come under great scrutiny. Polling routinely shows that Americans are concerned that democratic institutions aren’t working as well as they ought to be. Inevitably, this brings up the question of whether we can mend our problems or if the system of representative democracy itself […]

When facing criticism, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration has a simple playbook. Their first instinct is to dig in their heels. They insinuate that questions are being asked in bad faith. Legitimate oversight is waived off as politically motivated.  If that doesn’t work, they try to blame President Donald Trump.  Under normal circumstances, this is a

For decades after WWII, the U.S. stood across the world as a mighty colossus. We were the richest and strongest nation, and our history and institutions were the envy of all.   Naturally, the world looked to us for leadership. U.S. presidents were routinely regarded as leaders of the West or free world. The U.S. was

Many visiting Europeans are stunned by the huge number of derelict and otherwise empty buildings we have in the U.S.  Most of our cities show signs of manufacturing blight. Especially Northern and Rust Belt cities. In this state, a city does not qualify as a city unless it can show several shuttered factories, an empty

Like most Americans, I have always considered the United States an exceptional country. We possess a political system built on checks and balances, an ideal of giving voice to ordinary people across a diverse land, and a Constitution that favors finding common ground among them. Our economy, at its best, offers opportunity, rewards innovation, and

Certain areas of New York are finally making important steps in a positive direction after weeks of lockdown orders and business closures. While there is cautious optimism in the regions that started reopening May 15 — the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and North Country — we must remember there is

In their first major public action since we passed the budget in early April, Democrats in the Senate and Assembly convened a virtual hearing on May 13 for small-business owners, advocacy groups, and lawmakers to discuss the federal government’s economic response to the COVID-19 crisis. You would be hard- pressed to find a legislator who

They deserve our praise These last few months have been challenging for most everyone. Our normal routines and activities that previously provided structure have been turned upside down. The state’s educational system has faced sweeping changes and has been forced to dramatically adjust the ways in which teachers connect to their students. New York’s educators

During a recent press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that he is enlisting the help of Bill and Melinda Gates in an effort to “reimagine” the state’s education system. The governor seems to be considering some radical proposals. He dismissively referred to the idea of students sitting in a classroom and learning from a teacher

We are beginning to be able to quantify the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus health crisis, and although the numbers may seem scary, there is much we can do to ensure New York endures and, eventually, thrives.  New York State is facing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit over the next several years, with some estimates