Deny, Deny Until They Die: Agent Orange and the Government Response

Deny, Deny Until They Die: Agent Orange and the Government Response BY DIANE DIMOND So, the U.S. government has finally decided to help some 2,000 Air Force personnel exposed to Agent Orange residue left over in airplanes used during the Vietnam War. They are now eligible for disability, medical and survivor benefits. “Opening up eligibility […]

The County Executive’s Corner: Fixing Procurement

By Rockland County Executive Ed Day The Office of the New York State Comptroller last week made public the findings of an audit of Rockland County’s Department of Social Services. The review of DSS operations from January 1, 2013 to last August highlighted several areas quality and efficiency, but also recommended substantive changes to improve […]

WHY NOT VOTER ID?

To the Editor, There are several items that require photo ID. I will list 13 right now off the top of my head. 1- Buy a gun. 2- Buy or rent a car. 3- Get a license for fishing and hunting. 4- Enter an airplane. 5- Prove your age at a casino. 6- Apply for […]

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR CUOMO RE: PLIGHT OF MUTE SWANS

  Dear Governor Cuomo,  For the second consecutive legislative session, the New York State Legislature has spoken on behalf of mute swans by passing a bill designed to rein in the recurring excesses of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC is charged with the responsibility of carrying out sound wildlife management practices. […]

DIMOND: Withholding a Name Won’t Stop the Next Mass Shooting

BY DIANE DIMOND  For those of us who have never lost a child to a violent crime, we cannot possibly know a grieving parent’s pain. But we know that out of pain can come a convoluted way of thinking. It isn’t easy to question the motives of a heartbroken parent who decides they hold the […]