Sunday, October 18, 2026

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JOHN BREASTED: The Great Barrington Selectboard’s credibility gap

Transparency does not require officials to reveal legal strategy. It does require them to tell voters when the town has been sued.

I WITNESS: A presidency fit for a king

Let them eat cake, indeed.

STEPHEN COHEN: Fifty years later — How things change and how they stay the same

The treatment of Epstein's victims, and the inability and unwillingness to stop those ongoing felonies, reveal many of the problems in our society, which all too often provides no justice except to those who can afford to pay for it, and no concern for victims, especially sexual assault victims.

Historical lessons to be learned

I am not predicting an American-, French-, or Russian-style revolution, but if Trump and Republicans succeed in limiting the 2026 vote by rigging the election, I do not foresee people standing by and letting that happen.

LEONARD QUART: Observations from reading The Times daily

It is a paper that cannot be skimmed, and it usually takes me more than an hour to read it, and that is with my skipping sections I have little interest in.

Analysis of Article 3 of the proposed changes to Egremont’s zoning bylaws

The town is trying to attract younger people. Younger people need to make a living. They might be professionals or want to open boutiques or be the next master chef. Why would we want to allow them do those things in our town but only if they can satisfy these crazy quilt requirements?

BRIGHT SPOTS: Week of November 19, 2025

Standing up for healthcare and for the workers at Starbucks! Speaking out against ICE’s illegal raids and for our government to follow the law!

The White House is not a stage set for self-promotion — it belongs to the American people

Donald Trump insists that the new gilded décor is meant to project “power” and “status” to foreign leaders, but real power is quiet. Real authority does not have to shout. The White House has always embodied that truth through subtle beauty.

I WITNESS: Out of touch

Charlie Brown was uniquely incapable of learning that Lucy was among the most duplicitous of playmates, just as all you, Senate Democrats, are incapable of learning that your counterparts across the aisle are the least trustworthy people on the planet.

Let’s make amends for our failure to honor George Washington’s promise

Despite the heroic actions of these 18th-century Native Americans, this country did disastrous and lasting damage to their descendants. Let’s recognize that true reconciliation will only begin when we listen, understand, and empathize.

Trump’s bad idea to replace the Affordable Care Act

Trump repeatedly says he will replace the Affordable Care Act with something better and finally announced an alternative, albeit a bad one.

STEPHEN COHEN: DOGE — The experiment that has failed

If you believe any promises coming from the Trump administration, I have a nice bridge to sell you.

The draft of proposed changes to Egremont’s zoning bylaws do not look good

It does not seem right to ask Egremonters to review and vote on these major changes during the Thanksgiving holiday period. What’s the rush?

I WITNESS: If Marjorie Taylor Greene can call ‘B.S.’ on Donald Trump, maybe you can, too

She seems to have realized that she invested a huge amount of blind faith in one of the worst people on Earth.

SHEELA CLARY: The new faithful

The successful November 4 vote on a new Monument has me thinking, unexpectedly, about the extraordinary role of an American public school.

LEONARD QUART: A few words on Zohran Mamdani’s victory

Mamdani may be young and an idealist, but he is also a skilled, charismatic politician who ran a brilliant campaign and has presented himself as a new type of leftist.

Where is our congressman?

Jeromie Whalen of South Hadley has been in the Berkshires more in the last couple of months than Neal has been in the last couple of years.