The Buffalo News : Opinion

We often hear in American political rhetoric that the war in Iraq is unjust, but that Afghanistan is the “good war.” It is important that we, as a nation, become aware that this is a false claim and that the war in Afghanistan has detrimental effects on Afghan civilian populations.

Freedom of religion, diversity and responsibility have been some of the fundamental religious principles for Unitarians and Universalists during the 178 years we have worshipped in Buffalo and Western New York. As the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, I have seen how the people of my church depend on their faith in these principles to live well and survive in this world.

There are encouraging economic signs that the recession, the worst since the Great Depression, is ending. While there’s been financial devastation on a global and national level, when it comes to the effects of the recession on the local economy, there is a silver lining for Western New York. Granted, the economic conditions in the Buffalo area have been bad for a long time. Yet we seem immune to many of the negative effects the rest of the country has experienced from the recession.

With Thanksgiving approaching, I wait in anticipation for the Turkey Trot. It is yet another unique Buffalo event that brings enthusiastic people together to celebrate the day—sort of like a huge family gathering before the real thing takes place in our own homes. It is a well-organized race with great support, and I’m glad to make my contribution to the YMCA.

Oct. 25 was the 65th anniversary of the battle of Samar. Taffy 3, a small group of destroyers and escort carriers, was thrust into a David-and-Goliath battle against a superior Japanese naval force, including the battleship Yamamoto. The sailors and Marines of Taffy 3 didn’t have the defeatist attitude that many Americans have today toward the war in Afghanistan.

My wife and I left a company “partial-sponsored” plan (passed along from the original employer) to join individual 2009 Medicare Advantage plans having much lower premiums and fair (but poorer) benefits.

It was Tom’s decision to die. And, paradoxically, it was Tom’s decision to preserve the lives of others.

Guess which industry, if it ceased to serve its function, would have the power to shut down America, impacting public and private sectors alike? Here’s a hint: It’s a human service industry that is generally undervalued in regard to salary and social status, yet most working parents rely on its services.

If I had . . . If I had a million . . . of anything. No, we won’t go there.