The Congressional Black Caucus delivered the Obama administration and the majority Democrats a stern reminder this week that, while Wall Street may be surging again, the national employment outlook re-mains bleak, especially for minority job-seekers. The caucus is demanding that the administration do more to directly address the high unemployment rate, as well as the total number of   Full Story

Republicans and others having a field day attacking President Obama right now as he struggles with multiple crises he had little to do with creating, might check some of the commentary Ronald Reagan endured as he approached his second presidential election. During the early 1980s, the economy had tanked nearly as completely as it has today, and Democrats were beside themselves over the   Full Story

It seems that a prime driver in the popularity of the new disaster film, "2012," is that so many people hadn’t really given the idea of the end of their world much thought. Of course, we are talking the end of the human era when we say that. The physical world would go on, as would other species, such as insects and sea creatures, no doubt.   Full Story

It seems obvious that someone, or several someones, wanted to release to the public information on how much Shaftsbury and North Bennington might save money by consolidating schools - and they apparently wanted the data to get out without excessive commentary from opponents of consolidation. Fair enough, but that release might have solidified opposition in North Bennington, where the   Full Story

More Americans than politicians apparently believe would be willing to do their fair share to set the country back on a course to fiscal stability. But no one is asking, and nothing has been our response. No one asks the kind of sacrifices of Americans that they have accepted in past eras, and always responded in a positive, unselfish manner.   Full Story

Perhaps because they aren't members of an organized party, as Will Rogers said, Democrats suddenly feel the need to fight duels over whether abortion should be covered in the health care reform bill now edging through Congress. As action shifts to the Senate, after the House narrowly approved a reform plan over the weekend, senators and others are issuing line-in-the-sand statements for   Full Story

Now more than ever, those who serve in the military deserve the nation's thanks. They are the ones who volunteered to serve while the majority of their fellow Americans did not. And the number of far-flung commitments this nation has made in recent decades, for which they have had to answer the call, is overwhelming.   Full Story

Going into the Town Council races in Hoosick on Nov. 3, the challengers were given only a small chance by most observers of ousting the incumbents - longtime Hoosick Supervisor Marilyn Douglas and councilors Kevin O'Malley and Mark Cottrell. But that is exactly what happened. By decisive, if not landslide margins, Keith Cipperly defeated Mrs.   Full Story

If President Obama has learned one thing in the year since his election, we hope it is that if a politician fails to show his supporters tangible results, their initial ardor will soon cool, leading to a lack of enthusiasm at the polls. Republican victories in two gubernatorial elections (New Jersey and Virginia) on Tuesday might be a bad sign for the president and the Democrats as we move   Full Story

As many states debate or pass timid laws to combat widespread texting and cell phone use while driving a motor vehicle, the British have taken a more effective next step that is as serious as a jail sentence. That nation now treats texting while driving and being involved in a fatal crash as a serious contributing factor to the accident -- similar to the way driving while intoxicated with   Full Story

Much is being discussed among school officials concerning possible consolidations or realignments among area school districts. This is promising, because the current overly complex governance format in the Southshire needs streamlining. But isn't it time for stronger efforts to involve the public and gather input in this issue and on the various proposals?   Full Story

If Barack Obama called this fourth-quarter play, it has the look of a game changer on health care reform. Or was it Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid -- or, more likely, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has pushed hardest for true reform as the clock winds down? With a late Hail Mary play -- or was it a flea flicker or a faked field goal?   Full Story

With the insurance industry throwing out one last scare tactic salvo as Congress heads toward a decision on health care reform, it is useful to recall that several simple changes would accomplish significant cost savings immediately -- yet none of these proposals would be em-braced by the industry. All would be the target of vicious industry lobbying.   Full Story

Rush Limbaugh does not hide his egomania, and we understand it is part of his blustering pundit act, but there are times when even his ditto-headed fans should tune him out. The radio show bloviator, as most know by now, attempted to join a group of investors interested in purchasing the St. Louis Rams National Football League team.   Full Story

Does anyone feel comfortable with the pace at which jobs are returning to the economy? Well, no one should. We should be asking ourselves the question, what will happen after the traditional buying spree that is the holiday season abruptly ends in January? It could be a long, cold winter from that point.   Full Story