http://www.buffalonews.com Latest stories from The Buffalo News en-us Wed, 22 May 2013 12:04:43 -0400 Wed, 22 May 2013 12:04:43 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130522/OPINION/130529862/1119
Given that Congress just voted for the 37th time to overturn the Affordable Care Act, I can appreciate Einstein’s thinking on the matter. I suggest we try voting in some other representatives who might actually make some real progress.

Gary Kuechle

Williamsville ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:47 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130522/OPINION/130529864/1119
Frank Needham

Angola ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:40 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130522/OPINION/130529865/1119
We were dismayed to read the opinion of Joanne Doroshow, the executive director of the New York City-based Center for Justice and Democracy, who claims she is baffled by the editorial in favor of reforming the absolute liability standard of the Scaffold Law, as 49 other states have done. We see nothing baffling about holding people accountable for their own negligence.

Doroshow states that case law has “watered down” the absolute liability standard of the Scaffold Law. It would appear that nothing could be further from the truth. Two recent cases from New York’s highest court have significantly expanded the law.

The first case, Runner v. New York Stock Exchange from 2009, changed the standard from elevation-related, to “gravity-related,” which, as some have joked, means that if it happens on Earth, absolute liability applies.

The second, Wilinski v. 334 East 92nd Housing from 2011, established the “same height” rule, applying absolute liability even in cases of no elevation.

Finally, organizations like Doroshow’s attempt to place the blame on insurance companies, but the fact is that most insurers, many who operate nationwide, won’t write policies in New York because of the Scaffold Law. That is the fault of Doroshow, her personal injury attorney members and others who defend the Scaffold Law, not the insurers.

We endorse any and all efforts to reform the Scaffold Law in the state of New York.

Kevin T. Hassen

President, Greater Buffalo BOMA ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:36 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130522/OPINION/130529866/1119
First, the amount of free time in the classroom is dwindling if not already nonexistent, depending upon the district. Teachers have less opportunity to express their unique teaching methods and skills, traits that must be heralded as an educational value.

Second, the amount of nationwide standardized assessment is unacceptable. The current six days of two- to three-hour state testing a year from grade three on can be viewed as excessive. Classroom time is nearly completely spent preparing for these tests with little room for creativity and self-expression. Such analysis can be flawed, inaccurate, exceedingly stress-inducing and quite unnecessary for a student’s successful academic future.

This leads to my third concern of not allowing children to remain children as long as possible. We may be creating overstressed kids, families and teachers while diminishing the pure enjoyment of learning at a crucial age. Young children are natural critical thinkers who perform outside the box daily, including those with special needs. We do not need yet another set of obscure standards to demonstrate this.

School systems must allow for some classroom freedom so students may flourish along with discipline and reasonable assessment. This helps instill a love of learning while increasing academic knowledge. A return to the basics is in order, allowing children of all ages and levels to adapt, build self-esteem and become competent individuals. The Common Core Curriculum needs extreme revamping or, better yet, eradicating in order to accomplish this.

Contact your local legislators, attend lobby day in Albany on June 8 and discuss viable options with your teachers, principals, PTOs and board members.

Karen Kuehmeier Rosolowski

South Wales ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:33 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130522/OPINION/130529867/1119
Konstanty C. Witczak

Cheektowaga ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:29 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130522/OPINION/130529868/1119
Essentially, I should have a choice, but I do not. New York State taxpayers pay one of the highest school taxes in the country, but our students perform at one of the lowest rates in the country per dollar spent. It is ridiculous to assume that all students who attend private institutions come from well-off families; many families give up vacations, car purchases and home improvements to send their children to a private school, not to mention taking out loans and second jobs. The writer doesn’t seem too concerned with taking taxpayer money to subsidize his health care for the rest of his life or his tax-free pension. His real concern is not taxpayer subsidies but rather loss of public school teaching positions to private teaching positions.

Rich Neary

West Seneca ]]> Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:24 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130529944/1119
Radical, anti-government rhetoric in the ’60s led to many left-wing groups being investigated; the same desire to protect the rule of law holds true today. Those who wrap themselves up in the flag (or Bible or Second Amendment) try to place themselves above the law, then cry foul when their inflammatory rhetoric brings government attention.

Finally, I can’t help but think that the Republican leadership is whipping up this non-issue to appease its conservative wing while putting Democrats (and the next Democratic presidential candidate) on the defensive. Sore losers.

Steve Shanley

Buffalo ]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 16:16:03 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130529945/1119
Until, and unless, an enacted law has been ruled to be unconstitutional, this is not a choice to be left up to him. All citizens of Erie County, regardless of how they view the law, should be terrified of a sheriff who feels that he can pick and choose the laws he will enforce. There are many reasons that we have three separate branches of government in this country. If we allow law enforcement officers to cross over into the judiciary by declaring laws unconstitutional, what other rights are we in danger of losing?

Remember, this is an elected office where it is quite conceivable that a future sheriff may not share your views and could, if precedent is allowed in this case to be set, select laws that you care about to not enforce. This was a very chilling statement. Fortunately, we as voters can send a message in the next election that all laws need to be enforced.

Robert Stein

East Amherst ]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 16:15:52 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130529946/1119
Although, I praise Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing the SAFE Act, making New York the first state to pass safer gun laws after the Newtown school massacre, we still have to eat. Despite a quick response in comparison to other states, New York proved it was genuinely concerned about the well-being of its people. Gun control is a step in the right direction. Parents can feel safer sending their children to school with newly stipulated gun laws.

Nonetheless, it is not fair to abolish Second Amendment rights indefinitely. These rights are especially important to hunters, who are efficiently feeding their families and abiding by current gun laws. In the end, I believe strengthening background checks will keep guns away from those who should not possess them, and in turn keep them in the hands of sportsmen who utilize ethical hunting practices.

Joelle Detrick

North Collins ]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 16:15:49 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130529947/1119
The reality for us was that wonderful and caring people were providing care and comfort we were no longer able to provide. There was Diane, the registered nurse, whom our father – throughout the pain, the dementia and the drugs – said was good and knew what she was doing. Eddie, the custodian who proudly displays his dog tags over his shirt as he plays guitar for the patients on his lunch break. The biker dudes, who volunteer and talk with the vets as they feed them lunch. The wonderful women who knit afghans, the baker (blueberry crisp) and the girls who throw parties and keep things happening.

Our guess is the reuse of needles was a cost-saving measure. The reality is our experience with VA hospital has been positive. The staff are dedicated and professional; and the volunteers are great.

Charlie Cane

Orchard Park

Gary Cane

Grand Island ]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 16:15:45 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130529948/1119
The National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act, spearheaded by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, consolidates the focus of the 30-plus federal agencies that administer diabetes programs independently with little coordination or communication.

Some sobering facts:

• 26 million Americans have diabetes.

• 79 million Americans are considered prediabetic.

• One of three Medicare dollars is spent treating diabetes-related health problems – one of three!

If even half of those with prediabetes develop the disease fully, it would bankrupt the national health system, with devastating effects on our country’s overall health. Unfortunately, that is the path we are on.

What can be done? Let’s start by getting this bill passed. To learn more, visit www.aace.com/article/220. This bill costs nothing, saves tax dollars and, most importantly, can save lives. It is a bill we should all get behind.

Jeffrey Mechanick, M.D.

President, American Association

of Clinical Endocrinologists ]]> Mon, 20 May 2013 16:15:42 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/130529994/1119
Some people want an animal organization to deal with the overpopulation of feral cats, and others want to destroy these free-roaming animals. Luckily, there are those who care and want to help the community cats by taking an active role in their management. Groups such as Feral Cat Focus and Operation Pets the Spay/Neuter Clinic of WNY exist to offer help to the community. Trap, neuter and release programs allow caregivers to manage cat colonies by stopping reproduction. The groups mentioned can offer neuter appointments for as low as $20 a surgery. The first step to lowering the population of feral cats is to stop births from occurring.

Shelters, such as the SPCA, are focusing their resources on the pet overpopulation problem. Our local shelters are full of friendly animals who have been surrendered and are awaiting adoption. These organizations cannot fund their rescues and take care of the feral cat overpopulation problem. As a society, we must all take responsibility for the problems in our community. By spaying and neutering all cats, whether they be friendly or free roaming, we can take steps toward ending overpopulation. If you have free-roaming cats on your property, it is your responsibility to sterilize those animals. Do not wait for someone to fix the problem in your own back yard. If you have a homeowners association or a close neighborhood, work together to trap, neuter and release. We can make a difference, but only if you take action!

Lisa Kraus

Cheektowaga ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:41:22 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/130529995/1119
Not going to happen? A ridiculous fantasy? That’s what term limits are, as well. Does anybody really believe any politician is going to vote for limiting his time at a job where he gets full-time pay for part-time work, an A-1 health care plan, a fat pension and perks too numerous to count? There would be a better chance of seeing a winged unicorn.

Even if, by some divine miracle, term limits actually came close to being the law, do you honestly believe the armies of lobbyists that swarm our legislatures are going to allow it to pass? Lobbyists want to buy power and influence. New legislators have less power and influence than incumbents. Millions in cash and PR specialists would be working against that.

Larry Schultz

Springville ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:41:20 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/130529996/1119
Why don’t we just eliminate every bar and liquor store? Wouldn’t that solve the problem altogether? I hope you don’t want to go out to your favorite restaurant and have two glasses of your favorite liquor with your dinner. We are targeting the responsible drinkers because the judges keep giving two or three chances to the drunks, the people who will drive no matter what the legal limit is. Why do we always seem to make laws for the responsible people because we don’t know how to handle the irresponsible ones?

Lorraine Ceccarelli

Derby ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:41:17 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/130529997/1119
Paul L. Battaglia, AIA

Snyder ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:41:15 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/130529998/1119
Probably unlike most others, I am well familiar with celebrated conductor Leopold Stokowski’s recording of the work (with the Philadelphia Orchestra, as I recall), and I will offer the opinion that the BPO and Maestro JoAnn Falletta offered to listeners the same level of excitement and virtuosity. Bravo!

Barry S. Donner

North Tonawanda ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:41:13 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/130529999/1119
Over and over, defense officials and military officers have sworn that there will be no tolerance of this behavior, but it continues and has even increased. We owe the men and women who serve our country a complete shift in how these assaults are prosecuted.

Too much power is given to commanders who have little or no knowledge of the law, or investigation, or police matters. Too little incentive is given to commanders to pursue these cases, and prosecute them vigorously. In fact, some see reporting these assaults as a detriment to their own careers.

It is time to take these matters out of the hands of the military chain of command. Let’s have an independent body to investigate and prosecute all cases of reported sexual assault or rape. People who cannot be ordered to “drop it” or be transferred to some other post. People with no agenda, no stake in the military structure: civilians. Hire ex-FBI, ex-police and attorneys. Make sure their administrators do not answer to any military or Defense Department officials. Make the reports public, and have a follow-up chain, to make sure no cases get “lost.”

Our men and women serve our nation with honor and dedication, ready to lay down their lives for us all. How can we allow this antiquated, antediluvian system of the “old boy’s network” to continue? Civilian oversight is required!

Lawrence Southwick III

Amherst ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:41:10 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/130519211/1119
No, I wonder if the tragic car accident death of his son in March 2009 won’t bring out a new attitude toward teachers and the children they serve, along with a surge of energy to tackle the increasing burdens brought to bear on the backs of public school teachers. Every parent shivers at the possible premature death of his child. Paladino is no exception. “We loved him so much and he was just really starting his life,” he said in the March 30, 2009, News.

Now Paladino has the chance to give to the children of Buffalo, who are just starting their lives, a real quality education. What a precious gift to the memory of his son.

He can oppose the demeaning and self-destructive evaluation of classroom instruction based on students’ standardized test scores. He can confront local and state officials who demand obedience to laws meant to privatize public education, and demand they fund Buffalo’s public schools without compliance to their corruption. Paladino can put away the fury and meet with those representing teachers and agree that, for all of us, the kids come first. That means freeing their teachers to instruct courses without being held accountable to standards that smother learning and bring death at an early age to creative thinking.

Now, is the accounting. As a good Catholic, Paladino knows that in this life we make our own choices, and in the next we live them.

Ray Peterson

Buffalo ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:41 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/130519212/1119
If you have ever been to New York City, it is blatantly obvious that pedestrians are as big a contributor to the problem as are drivers, so why give either control? Whilst I do not have the whole solution, how about this for starters: roundabouts. The introduction of roundabouts at Kensington and Harlem in Cheektowaga has greatly improved traffic flow. Sure, there is a learning curve, but the end result is, it works.

The area around the 290 exits on the village side is large enough to accommodate a roundabout, as is the land at the Evans and Main intersection. With no left turns between these two locations, the flow will be more consistent and the pedestrian-controlled crossing might work.

While this may annoy a lot of drivers, it eliminates the middle lane, which will make up for intersection bump out. Also, some thought should be given to limiting the frequency between crossing light usage to allow a regulated traffic flow. Sure this may be annoying for pedestrians. This would balance out for the annoyance to drivers for having to go to the next roundabout and return to turn left.

Eliminating cross traffic could also improve pedestrian safety. A continuous, planted median, maybe. How about this for a starting point that addresses both Main Street users?

Peter BonSey

Snyder ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:37 -0400 http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/130519213/1119
Generations have been taught that symbolic date of 1776 as the beginning of freedom for the colonies that became the United States. The Constitution, which came later, is held dear by today’s politicians when it suits their fancy. The country for which the Constitution was written was 90 percent rural. Freedom for slaves, who were counted as three-fifths of a person for census purposes in the plantation states, was still 90 years in the future. No one considered a corporation a person. The natural resources and fertile soil provided abundance for the growing population. Problems have always arisen when certain segments have gained too much control of the wealth for themselves.

The demise of the United States as a wealthy country follows the demise of the family farm. As the percentage of money from agriculture in the GDP dwindled, the country could no longer afford its domestic factory workers. We may currently be commemorating the Civil War of 150 years ago, but that hasn’t stopped us from finding new slaves elsewhere.

Marlene Schotz

Wilson ]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:34 -0400