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This commentary is by Tom Koch, a resident of Barre Town. Many commentators have claimed in recent days that “Democracy is on the ballot.” Indeed, that has become a common theme for some candidates. I submit that democracy was not on the ballot, but it is very much subject to what happens after the ballots…

This commentary is by Elijah Hawkes, director of school leadership programs at the Upper Valley Educators Institute and author of the recent book ”Woke Is Not Enough: School Reform for Leaders With Justice in Mind (2022). He lives in Middlesex. When I was a principal, I used to receive big, glossy purchasing catalogs in my…

This commentary is by J.F. Carter Neubieser, a member of the Burlington Progressive Party. There’s been a lot of discussion about public safety and concerns raised about how we are addressing it as a community. Let me start off by saying no crime is OK. It’s not OK to have your personal belongings stolen, or…

“Poor Elijah’s Almanack” is written by Peter Berger of Mount Holly, who taught English and history for 30 years. Half a century ago, my history professor showed us a photograph of Britain’s Edward VII and his wife, Queen Alexandra. They’re seated beside a broad woodland path that trails off into the distance behind them. Their…

This commentary is by Duane E. Sherwood, a retired nurse and erstwhile technical writer who lives in Winooski. Democrats this, Republicans that. Liberals this, conservatives that. Political labels have lost their meanings. The only people they serve are cynical politicians and propagandists.  Whenever someone speaks in terms of labels, they are failing to identify problems…

This commentary is by Michael Shank, a resident of Montpelier. Last month, I was asked to investigate “Why this governor doesn’t care about working-aged people?” And by governor, they meant Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.  That was the question posed to me, verbatim. And while I had some initial thoughts in response to that question, I…

This commentary is by Dan DeWalt, an artisan and activist interested in democracy and the Constitution. He writes from South Newfane. History, what could be simpler? Things happen, they get written down, we read about it.  For instance, the Boston Tea Party was an act of piracy and the revolution was a “criminal enterprise.” Not…

This week we remember that on Nov. 9-10, 1938, the Kristallnacht pogrom took place throughout Nazi Germany and its annexed countries. Also known as the “Night of Broken Glass,” the name refers to the litter of glass left in the streets after vicious attacks were implemented by Nazi leaders against Jewish businesses, places of worship,…

This commentary is by Susan Culp, a resident of Newbury. Hey, Vermonters! Taxes are high in this state, right? Yeah. Given how expensive it is to live here and pay local, education and state income taxes, one always imagines that our state leaders are wise stewards when it comes to spending our hard-earned money.  Guess…