EDITORIAL

Rules of the game

Some people are upset that Gov. Deval Patrick signed the "three strikes" bill. Others are even profoundly angry. They mistakenly believe that the governor had a real choice. The posture of governors as leaders induces citizens to believe they have more power than the rules allow. When a bill comes to the governor's desk the options are limited. The governor can return the bill to the Legislature with suggested amendments, veto it, sign it and make it law, or do nothing. If the governor chooses the last alternative, the bill automatically becomes law without his signature after 10 days. More »

OPINION

How the economy can help or hurt President Barack Obama

GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney predictably jumped all over the July jobs report in which joblessness ticked up slightly. He called it a hammer blow for the middle-class. It's anything but that. The report also showed a jump in the number of jobs for the month. Some non-partisan economists and financial experts predict a slow but steady trend upward in the job numbers over the next few months. That's potentially a plus for Obama's re-election. More »

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ongoing debate over jazz and hip hop

To my mind, the differences between hip hop and jazz are greater than the similarities ("Hip Hop 1942 digs deeper, links jazz and hip hop," Bay State Banner, Aug. 9, 2012). More »

Roxcomp needs change

It saddens me deeply to read this article ("Employees question quality of care at Rox health center," Bay State Banner, Aug. 2, 2012). More »

History lesson on Dr. Still

What a great article ("Pioneering black doctor championed equal rights," Bay State Banner, Aug. 9, 2012). More »

ROVING CAMERA

Do you believe political campaigning has become too negative?

Yes. I'm offended by the Romney ad suggesting that people would stay home and collect assistance under Obama. I'm disappointed Obama is rising to the occasion with ads that are beneath him. More »