Opinion

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Unmasking with just 33 Percent of Bronxites Vaccinated

By DAVID GREENE
  This week, we asked readers how they felt about unmasking, if fully vaccinated against COVID-19, knowing that the vaccination rate in the Bronx remains the worst in the city. As of May 24, only 33 percent of Bronxites were fully vaccinated, while 40 percent have had one shot.   “Everyone has to wear a mask because you don’t know if the next person has the coronavirus and then they give it to you. No, I can’t trust some people because I don’t know who’s vaccinated. When I’m among people, I wear the mask regardless of vaccinations or not.” Richard


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on President Joe Biden’s First 100 Days in Office

By DAVID GREENE
This week, we asked readers for their thoughts on President Joe Biden’s job performance after 100 days in office.   “Well, my expectations were pretty low because I’m old enough to remember Biden through the decades and I’m pleasantly surprised, not because I think he’s had a change of heart, but because conditions have become dire. I think the Trump interregnum was a real wake-up call for – let’s call it – the establishment, our governing pooh-bahs. They realized that they actually have to try and do something while at the same time serving their money-bag overlords. That’s their priority, not


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Op-Ed: Attacks on Synagogues Part of Pattern of Bigotry

By MICHAEL HOROWITZ
As an American Jew, I try hard not to have a persecution complex when it comes to anti-Semitic acts, like last weekend’s attacks on four synagogues in the Fieldston and Riverdale sections of the Bronx, as reported by Norwood News.    However, in retrospect, I view the attacks on these houses of worship as part of a trend that has engulfed our city, our state, and our nation ever since Donald Trump first ran for President of the United States.   Trump successfully used scapegoating, as bigots and self-seeking politicians do, to increase support for his causes and cover up


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UPDATE Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict

By DAVID GREENE
This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial, and if they feel the verdict could be a turning point in police/community relations.   “I don’t think it’s right. The government has to be more careful now, because what they did to George [Floyd] was not right, because there was discrimination. I think we’re all equal, everyone, White and Black and Spanish, all around the country, so I think the police officers have to care a little bit more about what’s going on, and do what they’re supposed to do. The verdict will help,


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Op-Ed: We Can Reduce Our Carbon Footprint on Earth Day and Beyond

By NILES NEUSBAUM
Today, April 22nd, marks Earth Day. We have reduced our carbon footprint by curtailing travel and our thermostat. We recycle. But, we can do so much more by cutting our consumption of animal meat and milk products. Yes, that..   A recent article in The Guardian argues that animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change, as well as air and water pollution, depletion of soil and water resources, and destruction of wildlife habitats. Oxford University’s prestigious Food Climate Research Network reports that solving the global warming catastrophe requires massive shift to plant-based eating. The Netflix feature, Seaspiracy, documents


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Moving the Major League Baseball All-Star Game from Georgia

By DAVID GREENE
This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the legal changes that affect voting in Georgia, and the decision by Major League Baseball to move the All-Star Game from that state.   “If you’re voting, which is a right given by this country, to be able to vote for whatever elected official you like, I don’t think that there should be any law implemented to stop it, not to just stop people from voting. Basically, that’s what they’re doing, because if you’re there for eight, nine or ten hours or however long it is, you’re not allowed to receive water? That’s


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Update: Op-Ed, Arts Flourishing at PS/MS 95, Sheila Mencher School

By Staff at PS/MS 95
Under the direction of principal, Serge Marshall Davis, the visual arts are flourishing at MS/MS 95, the Sheila Mencher School in Van Cortlandt Village. Art teacher, Stephanie Fiorino, shepherds ongoing learning and projects, and opens students’ eyes to the world of line, shape, dimension, color, texture, and form. Even during the pandemic, through blended and remote learning, Ms. Fiorino provides clear pathways to student success.   The arts program challenges the students intellectually in the classroom and puts systems in place to anticipate smooth transitions to remote learning, whenever that may occur. Its success is due, in no small part,


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Op-Ed: Rite of Spring, More than Six Decades as a Fan of the Greatest Sports Franchise

By MICHAEL HOROWITZ
  What do Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Jim “Catfish” Hunter, and Mariano Rivera have in common? They are Hall of Famers who played for the New York Yankees, the most storied franchise in sport. The Yankees, who play their home games in The Bronx, just happen to play these games in what is the world’s most famous sports stadium.   Winners of 27 World Series, The Yankees have been my team since the late-1950s. Yes, I remember watching Ryne Duren and Luis Arroyo as relief pitchers for the


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Op-Ed: Passover, An Extremely Meaningful Time of Year

By MICHAEL HOROWITZ
Passover, which started on the evening of March 27, is one of the most meaningful times of year for Jewish people throughout the world. The holiday, which will conclude on Sunday night, April 4, combines what is important for families with what is important for Jews as a distinct people.   The holiday, in a more modern context, links Jews to struggles for liberation and freedom in our country and throughout the world. On a very personal level, Passover is a time for my family and other families to get together for very special Seder meals that are very rich


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