Opinion

You know these words, but how often do you stop to think about them? “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…”  They […]

Let’s objectively see if they work For this discussion, let us set Donald Trump aside. Let us ignore him. It’s not easy, because he seems to be everywhere. Let us look at the latest U.S. policies. He will get credit for all. But the policies are really created by many people. They have been itching for

People are concerned about the direction our state is headed. We have some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., a sluggish economy, and an onslaught of corruption cases and other scandals involving taxpayer dollars. The following are some questions I am frequently asked on these important issues and some ideas on how to

We have recently gone through the big kafuffle over Trump and Putin. The biggest laugh lines were when the critics attacked the president. Because he showed disrespect for our intelligence agencies. He, and we, are supposed to genuflect before these holy institutions. Sorry, but my knees won’t allow me to genuflect, curtsy, or kneel. Nor

Back in 1883, Teddy Roosevelt wrote in essay on what it takes to be a true American citizen. He did not mince words. “The people who say that they have not time to attend to politics are simply saying that they are unfit to live in a free community,” he wrote. “The first duty of

Imagine you and your partner invite new neighbors to dinner. The woman, most beautiful, charms you. The man, however, is something different. “You should lose some weight,” he says to one of you. “I think your house needs a new coat of paint,” he snarks to your partner. “The whole neighborhood notices.” During dinner, he

Now is the perfect time for local residents and visitors to take part in the many sights, events, and activities in our area. We are really fortunate to have such great natural resources, arts and cultural activities and entertainment options right here in Central and Northern New York. It is what makes our area so

Here are a few observations that make many of us uncomfy. This year, a few billion people will have to take off their shoes to board an airplane. That is not an exaggeration. This is a lot of tootsies, bother, and nuisance. All because 17 years ago, a doofus boarded a plane wearing explosive shoes

You know the Pledge of Allegiance, probably by heart. You may recite it only occasionally, or get the chance several times a week. Sometimes, I’m guessing, you say it mechanically, and other times filled with deep meaning.  I hope it’s more often the latter, because here’s what’s remarkable about the Pledge: in a few short phrases,

Our firm has had the privilege of working with local business and civic leaders in designing some of our community’s oldest and most prestigious buildings, including Crouse College (1889), the Onondaga County Courthouse (1907), and the iconic National Grid building (1932).  Historic buildings tell stories and are integral components of our community’s identity. They also