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I want to commend the staff at the Albany Department of General Services for the stellar gardens in Washington Park. The tulips were wonderful this year, but the annuals and palms in the Moses garden beds are truly spectacular. I live nearby and walk there frequently, and I see how much manpower, care and attention these flower beds are getting, and these aren’t the only ones. There are many more beautiful beds all over the city that DGS plants and maintains. It’s a gift to the people in Albany, and I am grateful. It is rare to see such extensive and well-maintained flower beds in any American city, and they don’t happen by accident.

Published Sept. 22, 2025

DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. All are truly American ideals. Then why is the Trump administration suing universities, bullying corporations, and mandating policy changes in our government to eliminate programs that are the very basis of our democracy?

Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” When he wrote that phrase, slavery was legal and women were not considered equal to men. Women could neither vote nor run a business, and career choices were severely limited.

However, in increments and over time, Jefferson’s statement has become more reality than dream. Slavery was abolished then segregation was outlawed. Voting rights were granted to Blacks and then extended to women. World War II began the initiative for women to work in all fields and eventually receive equal pay.

Although America is not a perfect society, it has been the guiding light for the world. When all our citizens are included, the society is stronger, smarter and happier. Will it remain that beacon for all?

The antithesis of DEI is conformity, inequality and exclusion. Should everyone look the same and believe the same things? Who sets those standards? Should there be a class hierarchy based on money, gender, religion and race? Should some people be excluded or eliminated from society because of medical conditions or age?

Ask yourself: Is eliminating DEI the American dream or the American nightmare?

Published Sept. 22, 2025

I just read through Chris Churchill’s column, “Philanthropist's idea would create a grand new city,” Sept. 2, which discusses one man's idea to combine the four local counties, and I flatly reject the idea of being a resident of Schenectady County.

We chose our home location due to many factors, but the significant one being it is semi-rural and not urbanized with the issues and politics of Albany, Troy, Schenectady proper, or even Saratoga........

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