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By ROB MOIR

The abomination of a budget bill shoved through Congress offers a glimmer of hope for the environment and efforts to fight climate change. The government will cease providing subsidies to solar industry investors. These subsidies made it profitable for investors in Boston to outbid two farming families for a 182-acre farm in Shaftsbury, Vermont, nestled between Hale Mountain and Harrington Cobble on Holy Smoke Road, a road named for its remarkable scenic view. They intend to cover the land with solar panels, generating 20 megawatts.

I wanted to write in appreciation of the beautiful My Turn by Douglas Mayo (“Overcoming obstacles,” Recorder, July 23). Thank you for sharing your story and journey of perseverance and hope and the ways you continue to live that message and share your wisdom with others. In these horrible times of cruelty from our government against vulnerable individuals, reading inspiring stories of empathy, service and compassion gives me the motivation to keep going and to do what is right. Thank you for reminding us of the humanity inside every human and the importance of recognizing how each person holds value and is deserving of respect.

The state of Massachusetts is lending new meaning to the line from Shakespeare’s history play, Henry VI, Part 2, when it comes to paying bar advocates. Also known as public defenders, these individuals are private attorneys who accept court appointments to represent defendants who cannot afford a lawyer. In Shakespeare’s play, the phrase is, “First, let’s kill all the lawyers.” The state seems to prefer, “First, let’s starve all the lawyers.”

I recently heard of a ban in Greenfield of candies being thrown off parade vehicles to kids. I approve of it wholeheartedly.

There is a key piece of information missing from the Recorder’s July 23 story regarding the administrative assistant hired to become the finance director of the Pioneer Valley Regional School District. How much is the district paying the inexperienced “only finalist interviewed,” who has no experience in a similar position, and for whom a mentor will be needed? Since the taxpayers of the district are paying the salary and associated costs, that information belongs in the story.

I’m not the best letter writer but I have a lot of people to thank.

Occasionally a masterpiece of writing is printed on the editorial page of the Recorder. Daniel Cantor Yalowitz’s July 23 column titled, “Challenges and benefits of witnessing testimony” is one such masterpiece. His column eloquently called to mind the visceral and physical experience of more than 150 individuals who recently witnessed a seminal event at Temple Israel of Greenfield. 

This week we celebrate 35 years of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes employment, accessible buildings,school support for disabled and more.

As a biology major … though I grant you, many years ago … I know some things remain irrefutable. When the numbers of any animal population exceeds the resources available to sustain a viable existence, or when the population is threatened by a new predator invading their habitat, behavior changes. Radically. Americans are suffering both afflictions.Worldwide, humans have overwhelmed the carrying capacity of the earth. Capitalism’s ethos of greed and individualism has resulted in irreversible global warming, mindless destruction of the forests, soil, and water sources, as well as producing more and more floods, fires and droughts. We seem hell-bent to prove what some scientists have long predicted; we are a short-lived species. And proving it at an increased rate thanks to the insanely regressive policies of a predator, i.e. this administration.Animals under such intense stress inevitably turn on one another. Survival becomes a matter of tooth and claw and no one is exempt from the battle. Mercy ceases to have a name. When I read about the conditions and cruelty in the American-style concentration camps, I thought, Lord, we can never say we didn’t know! The Germans falsely claimed that once but, alas, they watched. And we are watching.Many experience rising fears now that we live in a country unimaginable just six months ago. Compromised justice. A compromised Congress. A complicit Supreme Court. Peaceful protesters tear-gassed and jailed. Growing hunger, and unattended sicknesses. Blatant misogyny. Education at all levels perverted. Knowledgable federal workers fired from countless essential jobs. Brutal ICE raids.I wish I had a hopeful Disney-style conclusion to my words of near despair. As a reverent materialist, however, I must rely on our innate capacity to empathize with one another and our instinct to fight for a return to democracy.

By MITCHELL R. GROSKY

The Athol Lions Club recently celebrated its 75th year of service to our community and the nation and world beyond with a delicious dinner and a beautiful program at a Grand Gala celebration at the Williams restaurant in Gardner. There were Lions present with one or two years of experience, many with 10 or 25 years of experience and some with over 50 of experience. There were guests ranging from distinguished members of District 33A, including the District Governor Denise Andrews, to our state Rep. Susannah Whipps, who presented an official citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, congratulating and honoring the Athol Lions Club for its 75 years of service. The program was presided over by Athol Lions Club President Kimberly Emond.

By LOIS AHRENS

On June 30, just as many of her constituents and legislators were about to begin the July 4 holiday weekend, Gov. Maura Healey announced a massive $360 million plan to “re-imagine” Framingham women’s prison. The only prison for women in the state. Seemingly, she did this with no consultation with legislators who three years ago passed a bill, introduced by state Sen. Jo Comerford, calling for a 5-year moratorium on new jail and prison building. Comerford’s bill was vetoed by then Gov. Charlie Baker. The same bill has been introduced in the current session with wide support. Healey did this despite the fact that dozens of advocacy organizations throughout the state, including the Real Cost of Prisons Project, worked for years to pass the moratorium bill. She did this despite a desperate need for investments in affordable housing.

By DOUGLAS MAYO

In 1968 the world I lived in got a bit bigger. It was a time of national conflict set in motion by the calls for change. As a 9-year-old boy, I too struggled and began a personal journey for change that continues to this day.

I am writing to express my thanks and gratitude to Christie Moore and her amazing staff. With a limited budget, the Greenfield Recreation Department has provided countless recreation, socialization and support to the youth of Greenfield and surrounding towns. The Recreation Department has supported the Green River Cleanup for 22 years! Thank you Christie and staff for your kindness, dedication and commitment during these stressful times. I hope others feel the same and advocate for the recreation department and express their gratitude!

Carl Doerner’s July 7 My Turn narrative puts Iran’s recent history in a small capsule that most can comprehend [“Casualty Iran,” Recorder]. I’ve recently been watching YouTube documentaries on ancient Persia. Fascinating history. I was in the Peace Corps in Tehran in the late 60s and able to tour most corners of the country and enjoy the beauty of the country and hospitality of the locals without disturbance. The people do not need another Shah or Mullahs. They need democracy and they may get there without interference. Thanks Mr. Doerner for spotlighting Iran.

By THE REV. ANDREA AYVAZIAN

During the 1980s, the legendary Frances Crowe and I were co-chairs of the Peace Committee of the New England office of the American Friends Service Committee, based in Cambridge. Three times a year, we got into Frances’ red Datsun and drove to Cambridge to co-facilitate lengthy meetings with peace activists from all over New England.

By ISAAC MASS

I am a 14-year criminal defense attorney in private practice primarily representing indigent clients in rural Franklin County.  At first, I joked that I was like Atticus Finch, I worked for hickory nuts.  This grinding job that puts you in touch with people’s most vulnerable moments eventually loses its literary romance.  You realize that fighting for justice is simply not economically sustainable.  Passion and zeal give way to children’s college tuition and funding retirement.  Yet I still feel the call to demand justice.

On Dec. 3, 2024, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol attempted a self-coup by declaring emergency martial law. He and his wife were facing various criminal charges, and his party had only about one third of the seats in the National Assembly, the legislature. Yoon sent soldiers to the legislators’ building to prevent them from exercising their constitutional power to vote down the martial law. They still managed to vote, aided by citizens who surrounded the building to delay the soldiers. On April 4, the Constitutional Court impeached Yoon, who is currently in jail and on trial for insurrection.

By ROB OKUN

“The press is the people’s window to the truth, and we need that window to be clear and unobstructed.” — Ronald Reagan, White House briefing for the American Society of Newspaper Editors, April 17, 1986.

By DANIEL CANTOR YALOWITZ

Kudos to Temple Israel of Greenfield! Its leadership took a huge risk recently, inviting five Palestinians and Israelis to provide deeply personal sharing about their lives back home. Given the “great divide” bifurcating folks into pro and anti Israeli/Palestinian factions, all present knew they would be entering swirling controversy no matter what was spoken by whom. The full group of nine visitors included two co-organizers/coordinators, one who had lived in Palestine for 32 years and the other who resided in Israel for 11 years.

The world is a changing revolving door.  So much is negative both with people disgusted with the outcome of the election, price hikes, job layoffs, bad climate happenings. Its evident that there is a lot of negative events in our world and it can become a bad habit of complaints.

Hooray for the Friends of the Greenfield Library for their mending classes and opportunities.