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You can refuse to march in Pride parades, disapprove of transgenderism and men in women’s sports, be anti-abortion, and still have some empathy for those who are struggling with personal issues. You can certainly still be aghast at this administration’s scapegoating of vulnerable peoples for political gain, its blatant attacks on rule of law and free speech, its lies and love of autocracy. You can still stand in solidarity with the Constitution and the rights that it guarantees to all citizens, not just the ones you agree with. I do not sneer at your views and, while I might disagree with them, you have a constitutional right to peaceful protest.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — It’s not every day a city finds itself facing not one, but two prospective multi-story apartment buildings to be built on the site of former churches.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — A coalition of activist groups plans to come together to protest against L3Harris KEO in Northampton, alleging that the company’s continued presence goes against a city resolution opposing the nuclear arms industry.

As a practicing attorney for the past 40 years, I am shocked and disgusted by the capitulation of nine of the largest law firms in the country to the extortionate demands of the Trump administration.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — A restructuring of the progressive New College of Florida by that state’s Republican leadership in 2023 prompted Hampshire College to offer students there a respite and opportunity to continue their studies in Amherst.

By RICHARD FEIN

The first three months of the Trump administration have caused me more angst and trepidation than any time in my 78 years on Earth. What was until recently a healthy, vibrant economy is in turmoil and decline. National security secrets have been compromised. Democratic norms and the rule of law are continuously violated. The future of our country as a constitutional democracy is at risk.

We are writing to express our enthusiasm and gratitude for Laurie Loisel’s candidacy for Ward 3 city councilor. As a former reporter and editor at the Gazette, Laurie has been an advanced student of Northampton’s complex political life for decades. Her character is ideal for public service — ethical, earnest, and conscientious. Laurie listens, asks questions, and thoughtfully considers differing viewpoints. Laurie’s civil and unflappable manner will be an invaluable asset in reaching real resolutions to difficult issues on behalf of constituents. We look forward to Laurie Loisel representing all of us in Ward 3.

By JOSEPH BLUMENTHAL

I’m sure many of your readers nodded in agreement when they read the recent letter to the editor that stated, “Donald Trump makes Richard Nixon look like the pope.” Perhaps the author is too young to remember just how awful Nixon was, or is unaware that unlike Pope Francis or John Paul II, who are models of compassion, most of the popes were deeply involved in politics and many were just as unscrupulous as Nixon and Trump.

The apartment building proposed for the corner of Hawley Street and Phillips Place in Northampton has a footprint of 11,537 square feet and a mass of 58,250 square feet, with 70 bedrooms in 5 stories. The proposed development occupies the entire site. There is no green space. All existing trees bordering the site were cut down before a permit was submitted. This is not in-fill; it’s invasion.

By CAROLYN BROWN

One of this year’s biggest Hampshire Pride sponsors is a local company that’s giving the festival plenty of dough – in more ways than one.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — Molly McGovern, the daughter of U.S. Rep. James McGovern and Lisa McGovern and sister to Patrick McGovern, died unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family, according to a statement the congressman’s family issued Thursday morning.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — With municipal elections still six months away, the winds of change are blowing through the Northampton School Committee.

By ALEXA LEWIS

NORTHAMPTON — As the weather warms up and the outdoors become lush with greenery again, Cyrus Copen is looking forward to tidying up overgrown spaces.

By SUSAN WOZNIAK

We find throughout history that there have been rulers we laugh at and rulers we respect. There are some who surprise us with their diligence and others who disappoint us because they tackle little and create less.

By JOHN SINTON

How to make sense of America’s turbulent times? In my role as historian, I tried on period costumes: togas for the death of the Roman Republic, tri-colored cockades for the French Revolution, grey military caps for the Insurrection of the Confederacy, jackboots for Hitler’s Nazi Putsch. Then, I remembered my graduate school training in Russian history and Vladimir Lenin’s grotesquely unreadable but deeply influential treatise entitled “State and Revolution.” 

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — Returning from visiting two students being held in separate detention facilities in Louisiana, U.S. Rep. James McGovern said what he saw firsthand is individuals who are being imprisoned because of their political views.

By CARRIE N. BAKER

After World War II, German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller famously said, “First they came for the socialists and I did not speak out— because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak out for me.” We are watching this happen in real time with the Trump administration.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — The City Council is once again asking the state Legislature for permission to prohibit landlords and real estate brokers from charging prospective tenants a broker’s fee to rent property in the city.

By DEB HENSON

Do you agree that it’s time for new leadership in our city? That’s why I’m running for at-large city councilor in Northampton. I want to solicit the opinions, values, and priorities of all our residents and bring your voices to the decision-making table. We can change the way our tax dollars are being spent. Please join my campaign if this notion appeals to you (www.vote4debhenson.com).