AUGUST 16, 2010 -- AUGUST 29, 2010
FOR AND AGAINST AN ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER NEAR GROUND ZERO
It is true that many Muslims were killed on 9-11. But they were a small minority among those who killed and they were a 100% of those who did the killing.
I myself respect both Islam and Muslims. This is not about respect for them. This is about respect for the dead.
For a long time after WW2, many Germans who had no connection with Nazism felt guilty about what the Nazis had done. They did not say, "Well, we were not Nazis". In some sense, Nazi guilt was also German guilt. The Germans were right to feel embarrassed about what their countrymen had done.
The tragedy is that the Muslims proposing this mosque seem not to feel any sense of guilt for what their co-religionists did.
No one is saying that the proposers of the mosque are terrorists themselves. They are not. But they do seem to be incredibly insensitive, and they ARE making use of America's obsession with legalism.
Read the article WASHINGTON POST/Howard Kurtz: Making of a mosque mess
<>
I agree the Mosque has all the right in America to build where they want.
But why not move? New York's giving them a great nest egg to do so. This isn't about freedom of religion or America's values, for those directly affected its about emotion.
Lots of you both left and right with absolutely no say in the matter, have turned this into a political fight. None of you care about how those whom personally suffered feel, its all about your own agenda and politics.
A compromise has been tabled by New York, 'move the Mosque to another down town location and we will help foot the bill'. Seems to be an honorable and very American solution to me
Read the article DAILY BEAST/Cordoba House: "We're staying put."
It's amazing to read the comments of folks that have never set foot in NYC.
If you lived in a city, having ridden in its subways, rubbing elbows with people from all over the world, you would understand why it should no big deal to have a mosque downtown.
Actually it's necessary to lead the world and show them what is possible when intelligent people can transcend above our caricature of people different from us and demonstrate peacefully stabilizing forces of true democracy.
This is the America I want to live in.
Read the article WASHINGTON POST/Howard Kurtz: Making of a mosque mess
<>
Whilst freedom to worship as one pleases is a basic courtesy to be advanced to all folk, it does come with responsibilities. Those responsibilities demand that reciprocal rights for freedom of religion exist everywhere and are not one-sided.
Christianity has had a Reformation and most people are not ruled by their religion, rather it is moral code which is practiced and acted upon by members of Christian churches (save for the paedos of the RC church).
Islam must have a Reformation to bring it up-to-date and relevant to the 21st century - living in the 7th century is no longer and option.
Read the article WASHINGTON POST/With mosque remarks Obama purposefully walks against the traffic
<>
Two prominent Muslims explained it better than I ever could.
The director of Al-Arabiya TV, a popular Arab-language news station, Abd Al-Rahman al-Rashid, said: "I cannot imagine that Muslims want a mosque on this particular site, because it will be turned into an arena for promoters of hatred, and a symbol of those who committed the crime. . . .Some Muslims will consider that building a mosque on this site immortalizes and commemorates what was done by the terrorists who committed their crime in the name of Islam. I do not think that the majority of Muslims want to build a symbol or a worship place that tomorrow might become a place about which the terrorists and their Muslim followers boast, and which will become a shrine for Islam haters whose aim is to turn the public opinion against Islam.”
And, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, a devout Muslim and the president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, said: "this is not about religious freedom. It is about the importance of the World Trade Center site to the psyche of the American People. It is about a blatant attack on our sovereignty by people whose ideology ultimately demands the elimination of our way of life. While Imam Faisal Rauf may not share their violent tendencies he does seem to share a belief that Islamic structures are a political statement and even Ground Zero should be looked upon through the lens of political Islam and not a solely American one." Read the article THE ATLANTIC/What Obama should have said
"This is war against an idealogy".
No Zak, it isn't. Mainly because "idealogy" isn't a word. Not even for bigots like yourself. What your narrow vision fails to comprehend is that your fear has provided exactly what Al-Qaeda sought during the 911 attacks: oppression of freedom. The bigots in power who think just like you fell for it hook line and sinker with garbage like "The Patriot Act".
I know peaceful Muslims. I work with them, play golf with them, I've held their new born children. Does that constitute "conspiring with the enemy" in your scared, narrow world view? I'm glad I do not live in your world of pessimism. By most accurate counts 62 Muslims died in the 911 attacks who were not among the terrorists.
I've heard idiots say things like "we're free, for now". Where do you think the challenges to perceived American "freedoms" come from? The middle east? Take some time to think about that before spouting off some more rhetoric about the Taliban, over 7400 miles away threatening your "freedom". Then find a Westboro Baptist church sermon much closer to home. If you have any shred of intelligence you should be able to see the real and present threat.
Read the article NPR/'Ground Zero' mosque takes center stage
<>
We are America. We stand for freedom, and we are wrong if we start taking away other’s freedoms. We have to be a government of laws which overrule personal feelings. Would it be OK if a Christian church or a synagogue were built there? I doubt anyone would object. If so then we have no right to interfere with the building of a mosque. We do have the right to freedom of speech and say we don’t like it. But we don’t have the right to stop it. I can take the hurt of a mosque near ground zero. I can’t take the hurt of denying US citizens their First Amendment rights.
I think the US would be a better nation if visitors could see a mosque literally in the shadow of the new Ground Zero building. It would show the world the US is not a place of hatred but a place where peace and freedom are most important.
Read the article REUTERS/Senator reid opposes New York Muslim center site
<>
If Al Qaeda attacked us on September 11th, then why would we forbid the building of this Islamic Center ANYWHERE? Forget the role of the 1st Amendment here, which is obvious. What about the wisdom of painting all Muslims as terrorists and punishing them for acts of a relative handful of homicidal maniacs?
So what if Saudi Arabia wouldn't allow a synagogue to be built anywhere in that country, much less in Mecca? Are we actually comparing ourselves to a theocratic dictatorship? Is that out standard now? How many people know that a 9/11 memorial will be in this Center? How many even care because they're totally controlled by their hatred? This country is acting VERY stupid right now and, unfortunately, the President's fence straddling hasn't help matters
Read the article CNN/Critics say Obama's message becoming incoherent
<>
For one..it really doesn't not matter what the President thinks one way or other. This is a New York local issue..with wider implications. I can fully understand why people..and I for one..feel the way they do. One may have the right to do something but sometimes its better to do what is right rather than what one has the right to do. One has the right to speak his mind to his boss or a police officer..but sometimes the greater right is to say nothing. I may have the right to have a loud party in my back yard but the greater right is knowing my next door neighbor just buried their son and not follow through on my right to a party.
The installation of a Mosque a few blocks from the site of the greatest mass murder in US history is an insult to the survivors and families of 9/11 victims. This was not some car bomb that killed a few dozen people instantly. This wasn't some random act of gunfire that killed several people. This was a coldy planned and executed attempt to kill as many people as possible. On 9/11 the horror is not so much the dying but the manner of death of the thousands. Hundreds..died screaming..they died on fire..they died falling..and some died in all three ways.
Some had to make the choice to either burn or to jump..and there simply was no other choice available to them. The murderers of 9/11 were all Muslim and they prayed to Allah..repeating his name over and over as they screamed their fully fueled jetliners full throttle into the Twin Towers. These people may have the right but what they do is not right.
Read the article THE ROOT/The Cordoba House controversy and our rights
WEIGHING IN ON "ANCHOR BABIES'
THE PEW REPORT
All of my grandparents immigrated to America pre-Ellis Island.
.
To the right wing fanatics: I don't know their legality when they arrived here. I don't know if they became citizens. Actually, one of my aunts was born on the boat taking them to America (talk about your "anchor baby"). I do know some of their children and grandchildren fought for this country. I know that they and the second and third generations worked hard and many went on to higher education.
.
Seems to me this is the story of millions who have come to this country. Now, can you tell me should I be worried? After all, if we do away with the 14th Amendment, I and other family members and my children maybe classified as illegal offspring of illegal grandparents.
.
Please do not send me back to Germany, France, The Czech Republic, or Moravia.
Read the article TIME MAGAZINE/Dispelling "Anchor Baby" myths
<>
It makes little sense to compare the current immigration situation to pre-Ellis Island days. Where there immigration limits then? Was there even the notion of illegal immigration? What special rights/services did being a citizen bestow upon somebody? Did people even check to see if you were anything more than male when voting? The question before us is should a child that parents have entered the country illegally be conferred the rights of citizenship, not how this question was handel ed in 1850.
I do believe in the 14th amendment for a number of reason, but I do not think there is anything wrong with seeking answers to the questions outlined above, along with seeking a clear picture of how undocumented workers hurt or help local and State budgets and economies. How can we seek with in the confines of the 14th amendment to fix the problems caused (indeed if there are any) if we do not understand the problem?
Read the article TIME MAGAZINE/Dispelling "Anchor Baby" myths
<>
I came to the US as a legal immigrant (green card) 22 years ago. I became a US citizen 12 years ago. I consider myself to be fairly liberal, and have always voted democrat (except for one time when I voted none of the above).
I was very surprised to read about the numbers in this study. Having given it some serious thought, and considering the original intent of the 14th amendment, I think a reasonable way to do this would be for children to inherit the legal status of their parents.
So if you were born to parents who are US citizens then you would automatically be a citizen.
If you were born to parents who have green cards (legal permanent residents), you would automatically get a green card - which means you would automatically become a citizen if they become citizens while you are a minor. If they don't you should be able to apply for naturalization as an adult, like any other green card holder.
If you were born to parents with temporary legal visas such as the H1B, you would be given a visa to stay in the country with them until their visa expires, or until the age of 21, whichever is sooner.
If your parents were illegal, then you would inherit that status and be illegal too.
Read the article CNN/Report: 8% of newborns have undocumented parents
PEGGY NOONAN: AMERICA IS AT RISK OF BOILING OVER
Peggy says: "The country I was born into was a country that had existed steadily, for almost two centuries, as a nation in which everyone thought—wherever they were from, whatever their circumstances—that their children would have better lives than they did."
But the thing is, when you say "everyone" you ignore the vast multitude of Americans. The only people who truly felt the beliefs that you propound were the ones who felt like they were the favored members of society. Namely, the white middle to upper class. For the rest of us, the "American Dream" has always been a sad joke. It's those formerly-favored people who now feel like a disenfranchised class within our country because the real dream of most Americans--being treated equally under the law and in society--is starting to actually be achieved. That means, of necessity, the ones who used to be in power will feel relatively less empowered.
But that's good for all of us, in the long run. With civil rights for blacks and gays, with acceptance of immigrants, this new American Dream--being treated fairly by all--is slowly, slowly, becoming a reality. And that means the old favored class will have to get used to merely fair treatment rather than the exceptional treatment they've come to expect.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/America is at risk of boiling over
<>
"" But I've never seen the gap wider than it is now. I think it is a chasm."""
We are already in a civil war. It started years ago...everything but the shooting. Any number of flashpoints could heat things up. Illegal immigration.....same-sex marriage.....continuing financial collapse....judicial tyranny. We are now reaping years of "progressive" policies. Multiculturalism breeds division. Diversity leads to balkanization. And E Pluribus Unum transforms into Out of Many, Many More. Our politicians are just a lot of great guys who like to buy votes with our money. Journalists have become propagandists for the new age of government and religion. Meanwhile the government grows and grows with no end in sight.
But perhaps the worst aspect, even the cause, is that the majority of our leaders have cast off all restraint....they have lost their moorings. They no longer know right from wrong but invent false "values" so they don't have to obey a set of moral rules. Once morality is cast aside, it is a simple matter to cast of the Constitution as well. "So help me God" becomes "So help me to take yours". As result we are floating into the "chasm"...and picking up speed fast. Social justice, tolerance, fairness, "hate:....just some of the fake values that they use to berate us while they progressively pull us into their social experiments.
We are lost.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/America is at risk of boiling over
<>
"I can imagine, for instance, in the year 2020 or so, a movement in some states to break away from the union."
First, I believe this is inevitable and perhaps before 2020 if the current idiocy continues.
Second, what would be so painful? The conservatives would gravitate to Texas and the few like-minded states that exist. Everyone else could have NY, CA, MA and by all means please take the Maniacs (represented by Snowe and Collins) too.
I'm beginning to think of this as a solution rather than a problem. If the ideals of the Founders and the principles of the Constitution are to survive, they need a harbor. A national divorce seems not-so-bad...and a whole lot better than losing the entire nation to Marxism.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/America is at risk of boiling over
<>
My husband, a veteran of a war fears violent domestic strife though he can foresee its sparks possibly coming from another "Reichstag Fire" with its ensuing justification of suspension of civil liberties by those who have vowed to never waste a crisis to advance their agendas. He often reminds me and others that his fellow "vets" from Southern states would oft correct any who spoke of "civil war". " No war is ever civil" he will quote them with a grim, sorrowful look in his eyes.
Zealots seeking to utilize any means to achieve their cherished ends have traditionally been the instigators of aggressive wars foreign or domestic. The former activity is generally accepted as a last option of statecraft. The latter whether a coup d'etat, bolshevik grab or an executive order assumes the same dreaded risk. The action if not successful in destroying opposition while grasping victory has the hazard of loss. When such risks are taken domestically the furniture in the home is ruined and the casualties are family and friends.
Those who seek such confrontations risking so much on the outcomes no matter their cause are generally those who usually have never been involved in fighting a war. Those who defend against this initial aggression must abandon their higher natures to restrain the dogs of war unleashed by their opponents.
United we stand - divided we fall.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/America is at risk of boiling over
AUGUST 2 , 2010 -- AUGUST 15, 2010
AND JUSTICE KAGAN MAKES THREE WOMEN ON THE BENCH...
So---even while celebrating the confirmation of a brilliant legal scholar to the Supreme Court, the fourth woman to serve, I still have to cringe at the sexist sniping of those who oppose her. "Had no outside life", eh? As in marrying a MAN and having CHILDREN, you are implying? Like that is the only "normal" choice for a woman in this day and age? As in, "psst---she's like Ellen, ya know" in hushed tones while playing bridge at the club.
It's no surprise to me that obstinately ill-informed followers of the Republican-sanctioned traditional gender roles would also have little idea what being Dean of Harvard Law School would mean, because being brilliant also gets a woman labeled "elitist" as well as "uppity" and that other b-word. They would have rather had a Bush groupie like Harriet Miers or even former beauty contestant Mrs. Palin, who quotes Reagan so well.
This new Justice brings us one more step closer to the day when the gender of a Supreme Court nominee will be incidental, not news, which is ultimately what we all want. I am very pleased to see the significant raise in IQ of the bench with the seating of Ms. Kagan, and hope President Obama can make more wise choices in the next few years when more spaces open up.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/Senate confirms Kagan as justice in partisan vote
<>
To those who criticize this appointment: you would have backed any conservative, no matter how "inexperienced." What you don't know is that some of the best justices were not judges before ascending e.g., Earl Warren), so the argument about "lack of experience" doesn't carry water. And it's interesting to note that all of these critics are predicting exactly how Justice Kagan is going to rule on everything. There's a crystal ball that has cracked.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/Senate confirms Kagan as justice in partisan vote
<>
It is not important that "three women" are on the Supreme Court. What is important is that the women and men who serve are qualified. Kagan does not meet the qualifications but then again she does qualify as a friend of President Obama! I did not support her nomination and do not support her sitting on the bench. Perhaps it's time for term limits on the Supreme Court. Read the article THE HILL/Kagan confirmed to Supreme Court
TOLERANCE: LANDMARK DECISION ON "GROUND ZERO MOSQUE"
I see there are a number of posters out in strength on their favorite subject - ignorance. They seem to forget that part of the founding of this country was to enable people to escape from religious intolerance. So I guess we're just showing our British heritage by demonstrating how we have learned religious intolerance.
For those of you who think Islam is not a religion of peace that's okay providing you also accept that a little knowledge of history would make you realize that neither Judaism nor Christianity are religions of peace. After all, it is the same God for all of them.
Neither do followers of Islam have any exclusive claim to terrorism. Recently the Israelis unveiled a plaque commemorating the Jewish terrorism. One of the reasons why peace in Northern Ireland recently was because after 9/11 as part of the war on terror President Bush prevented Americans from giving any more support to the Christian terrorists in Northern Ireland.
To say that because the 9/11 terrorists were Muslims then all Muslims must be terrorists is ignorance of the highest order. Nobody argues that because many American murderers are Christians that all American Christians are murderers, it is beyond logic.
Timothy McVeigh professed Christianity but nobody suggested we should either close down churches or stop building them in Oklahoma.
There are millions if not billions of Muslims throughout the world. We demonize all of them we can hardly be surprised if they demonize all of us. At the moment we have more to lose than them. A better approach would be to demonstrate how to do things in the traditional American way and not in the modern bigotry of some.
Read the article BOSTON GLOBE/Hysteria over Islamic center plays into extremists' hands
<>
Just let me know when Saudi Arabia, that "Mecca" of freedom of religious expression, will allow for the construction of a Basilica and Temple in downtown Mecca.
The calls for peace, and denunciations of violence and terrorism, by Muslims, is deafening *sarcasm.*
And I think that Muslims have killed more Muslims than non-Muslims since 9/11. So did you say that Islam is a religion of peace?
I heard it eloquently summarized this evening: that Mosque would constitute a most visible victory flag for Islam (not just radical terrorists- Islam in general) if it is allowed to be built near Ground Zero.
Read the article BOSTON GLOBE/Hysteria over Islamic center plays into extremists' hands
This is insensitive to all Americans. Where is our officials upon speaking out in a respectful way and stating No Not At That Site. We are not denying a facility not be built, but again not there.
I am unaware, and may be very wrong, but could a Catholic Church for one be built in any Muslim country...Could one be built in near proximity of Mecca itself you think?
We are so Politically Correct, Diversity and Sensitive it has become absurd...Where the Hell is 'Our' sensitive, diversity ideals?...The Muslim community would object loud and clear if anyone spoke of 'Allah'...Yet we look the other way for example, if Jesus on the Cross is mocked, laughed at and scorned and shown as art in urine!
Where are our leaders? But we must be sensitive to the Muslim Community so as not to offend!...Outrageous.
Read the article BOSTON GLOBE/Hysteria over Islamic center plays into extremists' hands
TAKING SIDES IN THE ARIZONA IMMIGRATION DEBATE
You cannot get past this: Maintenance of the national borders belong to the federal government, not the states. The argument that the feds aren't living up to their responsibility is one worth debating and suing to change, but it is not one that trumps what the constitution says.
In fact, if the federal government WANTED a completely open border with a neighboring country, that would still be within their legal right to do. That is not the case of course, but unless we amend the constitution to dissolve the Union and let the states make their own foreign policy, that is what it says
Read the article DAILY BEAST/Judge blocks Arizona immigration law
<>
Stopping illegal immigration is like trying to stop the waves on the shore of an ocean. We can set up defenses, and try and keep it to a minimum, but some will get through.
What we've needed is a comprehensive immigration plan that considers the estimated 12 million illegals that are already here, and how to set them on a course for citizenship, as well as how to increase with border security.
There is no easy fix, and the AZ plan is horrible because it violates the Constitution, is an inadequate one-state plan for a national problem, and because in practical terms, neither AZ nor the feds can handle all the illegals that would be arrested under this inane plan.
If we had a legitimate two-party system in America, this could be solved, but with the Republicans always playing the "Blame DEmocrats & Wreck Obama" card, there isn't much hope for that.
Read the article DAILY BEAST/Judge blocks Arizona immigration law
<>
The Arizona law should be allowed to stand as passed. I hope that similar laws will be passed in every State.
The historical failure of our Federal Government to protect our borders, or to enforce our immigration laws, should not become a limiting factor. Illegal immigrants need to come into compliance with our laws and become tax paying Americans. Their only other option should be to leave, willingly or not. I do not express this out of bias.
My own family is multi-cultural. I am pro-immigration, indeed the grandchild of immigrants - who were proud to become American citizens and contribute to this great nation. They taught us to be proud and patriotic Americans and to make our own contributions. Immigrants have given everything good to America to help make us the great country that we are.
Still, those who emigrate here illegally and do not legally support the system by becoming taxpayers, even though they may be good people otherwise, should not be entitled to remain here, as a drain on our society.
Read the article NPR/Arizona immigration law partially blocked by judge
<>
I enjoy reading the comments on here that blame illegal immigrants for all the issues in the United States of America. Whenever there is an issue in society the weakest are always blamed. In this case it would be those who are classified as illegal immigrants.
I have been in this country illegally for the last 15 years of my life, and I’m only 22 years old. I have never stolen, used government assistance, committed tax fraud,or all those other things that illegals are blamed of doing.
Why don’t we target those people that live off the government. That use unemployment benefits as their full time job? Aren’t they abusing the system too? I love this country as if it where my own, my family came here for a better life and everyday we work hard and we thank GOD for the opportunity we have to be here. I just want those of you who make inhumane comments on here to remember that WE ARE PEOPLE! AND DESERVE TO BE TREATED AS HUMAN BEINGS!
Read the article REUTERS/Key parts of Arizona immigration law blocked
<>
I was an alien for many years before proudly becoming an American Citizen, which was probably the best thing I ever did. Before that, I always carried my Green Card and often had to provide it, to whosoever asked. these included, Employers, Doctors, Airlines, Police and Border Agents. As I was an honest and lawful resident I was honored to show my “Papers”. So why all this fuss, if you are an in the US legally, you have nothing to fear. If you are illegal, get papers or get out, it is that simple.
Read the article REUTERS/Key parts of Arizona immigration law blocked
<>
Reading the comments there is a big deal regarding documentation to prove legal residence, I do not think this should be such a big deal, I'm a legal immigrant and have carried my permanent resident card right behind my drivers license since it was issued.
I also remember being informed that I'm to carry the card with me at all times... It is one of those things you do, when going through the legal process, just like filling applications, paying the fees, submitting to biometric measures and WAITING A REALLY LONG TIME to become a citizen.
I have always said that there needs to be a more comprehensive path to citizenship and a separate non immigrant working visa (with realistic fees (not 3 months wages) and reasonable expectations of approval for qualified applicants). All the same, we (read immigrants) are the ones applying for a benefit and must subject to the required processes and restrictions... or pick another country (there are a few) to emigrate.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/Judge blocks key part of arizona anti-immigration law
<>
This ruling is disappointing. If the state law could result in "racial profiling", then the federal law could do the same thing, making any immigration law virtually unenforcable. It is a move by the left to completely open our borders. This is a big mistake. At some point, we need law and order. Get over the racial propaganda already.
Read the article WALL STREET JOURNAL/Judge blocks key part of arizona anti-immigration law
FOR SALE: AMERICA'S OLDEST FAMILY FARM
TUTTLE'S RED BARN
It seems such a tragedy to see this farm go the way of the dodo. It's almost a shame it couldn't become a community farm with volunteers in the area pitching in to grow their own food. Imagine the pride in feasting on food you yourself brought to life.
Another idea might be to convert the crop to a niche market crop, something not readily available in area farms or supermarkets without importing such as ginseng (which requires cold winters). Other crop might include capers, heirloom tomatoes, blue potatoes or white cucumbers. Even if the roadside stand doesn't get customers, they could get business from restaurants and specialty stores if they can offer something different.
If they have to sell it, they should try to sell it to other farmers. Many family farms in the mid-west have been saved in part to being sold to Amish or Mennonite families. They are dedicated to low technology farming and have pretty good business tactics.
In any event reading about another family farm going under just sounds counterproductive towards a self-sustaining community. Farming is a skill and an art that is both necessary to human survival and in this case a proud part of local history.
Read the article BOSTON GLOBE/End of a 378-year era
<>
So many good comments; some tinged with a bit of sepia and nostalgia for a world that always looks better in the imagination.
Unfortunate reality though.
If you're running animals and land you need intensive labor. That's why multi-generational extended families last longer in farming. The day starts at 4:00 am and ends around midnight. Then starts all over again. You can piece out the chores any way you want then, but nobody ever goes to bed truly blissful.
It's a labor of love; not pay. If you don't KNOW the difference between "hand-made" and "store-bought", the concept, not the words, then you really have no idea what is about to happen in Dover, NH
Read the article BOSTON GLOBE/End of a 378-year era
<>
It seems such a tragedy to see this farm go the way of the dodo. It's almost a shame it couldn't become a community farm with volunteers in the area pitching in to grow their own food. Imagine the pride in feasting on food you yourself brought to life.
Another idea might be to convert the crop to a niche market crop, something not readily available in area farms or supermarkets without importing such as ginseng (which requires cold winters). Other crop might include capers, heirloom tomatoes, blue potatoes or white cucumbers. Even if the roadside stand doesn't get customers, they could get business from restaurants and specialty stores if they can offer something different.
If they have to sell it, they should try to sell it to other farmers. Many family farms in the mid-west have been saved in part to being sold to Amish or Mennonite families. They are dedicated to low technology farming and have pretty good business tactics.
In any event reading about another family farm going under just sounds counterproductive towards a self-sustaining community. Farming is a skill and an art that is both necessary to human survival and in this case a proud part of local history.
Read the article BOSTON GLOBE/End of a 378-year era
back to home page 
read more comments from THE INDEX
© 2009-2010 Commentopia
