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Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Readers react to stories on threats to immigrants, college choices in the Trump era
posted on It's absolutely essential to the fabric of our communities that law abiding, peaceful people never fear their opinions resulting in their being deported. That's not American. It doesn't matter whether someone is a citizen or not. ... We now know that a legal basis does exist, which the Trump administration has repurposed outside its original intention, to revoke visas based on attempts to silence political speech it dislikes. . . . We cannot demand that [people here on visas] parrot administration talking points or be rounded up if they don't. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Kmac76 Advertisement posted on At this point, it isn't safe for foreign students to point out that Palestinians are human. Eventually, unless we oppose political censorship, it won't be safe for anyone else to say it. LR27 posted on You cannot have democracy without the rule of law. The absence of law is mob rule. If you disagree with the law regarding student visas, there is a process to change it. We don't get to pick and choose which laws we will follow based on our own personal feelings. That is called anarchy. J Q Public posted on There is no more important issue at the moment than this: If ONE SINGLE PERSON doesn't have due process and habeas corpus, then NEITHER DO YOU. Advertisement missingUBostonalways posted on Headed North I enjoyed reading George Hom Needham As a Toronto-based lawyer who assists US citizens and green card holders living in Canada, I read this article with great interest. I have always believed that attending university in Canada is a wonderful opportunity for US residents seeking post-secondary options. Leaving aside other considerations, schools like McGill offer excellent opportunities at much lower cost than comparable US schools. There is a second benefit: There are various ways to leverage the student visa into permanent residence in Canada and eventually citizenship. This is a distinct advantage for those who see the value in dual citizenship. John Richardson Toronto Trump bump? Try: 'brain drain.' We're going to lose scientists, international scholars, and our own smart young people who have good reasons to give up on this country. somervilleny posted on Students in my town have been going to Canada for college for quality, affordability, and proximity to Mass. since we moved here in mid 2000s. Smart move. Advertisement Tess McGill posted on If I were a young person, I would ABSOLUTELY flee to Canada faster than you can say 'Eh.' Trump is shredding our democracy, and Canada has a very tolerant society. Mbbs posted on It's . . . Complicated Alan Weisman's Irving Bigio Professor, Boston University College of Engineering I am an activist and these days my focus is creating a climate justice economy. [We must] center economic development efforts on reversing the climate catastrophe before it bankrupts us and make sure we start with community projects in low income and BIPOC neighborhoods that are currently the most polluted by fossil fuels. I totally think we can do this. . . . The work will never end, the polluters have lots of money and power, but the physics is on our side. Prosperity For RI Advertisement posted on Home Sweet Home Globe Magazine was right to choose Northborough as one of the Carol Grueneich Director, Northborough Senior Center Glad to see Hyde Park as a top spot. But you did not mention the recently refurbished Department of Conservation and Recreation pool, splash pad, and ice rink; the paved trails in the Stony Brook Woods; and Camp Meigs field, home to the famed 54th regiment, one of the first African American units in the Civil War. Hyde Park was the last section of Boston to be annexed (1912) and, as the saying goes, they saved the best for last. Patricia Duncan Dedham Interesting read and well-done, however, for the 'average' and/or 'normal' everyday person, the prices are from another, unreachable planet. ChahlieB posted on Why not focus on a different set of metrics, like community engagement, student happiness, walkability, public space, bike paths, diversity, arts, music, parks? None of those is going to be captured by prices alone. Jrashen posted on You forgot Wareham! A fabulous community on this side of the bridge with 57 miles of coastline, many public beaches and forests, public and private docks, great fishing, large preserves with wildlife and trails, estuaries filled with birds, and — shock! — affordable housing. We also have a diverse community, including our Cape Verdean Festival in Onset. And a lively and cute little 'downtown' with great restaurants. And if you have kids, we just built a new elementary school. We also have ... Southcoast Health and Tobey Hospital . Advertisement BvilleBound posted on Dorchester is large (6 square miles) and its neighborhoods are very diverse. ... The Ashmont/Adams Village areas are beautiful and becoming quite expensive. Savin Hill is also a lovely area (and quite expensive). Lumping all of Dorchester together is like saying Charlestown is the same as Chelsea. Remember the three Real Estate rules: location, location, and location. BostonKaren posted on CONTACT US: Write to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109-2132. Comments are subject to editing.
Boston Globe
30-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Readers write in about caring for the elderly, what's in store for colleges
Sandra Batra Needham Taking Attendance As we confront shrinking college enrollments and a looming talent shortage, we must be proactive in cultivating the next generation of STEM workers ( Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet Executive director, Science Club for Girls Advertisement I think that AI has come at the right time. With [fewer] educated workers, more productive use of AI may prevent the dive over the demographic cliff. Notmdny posted on I don't buy it. We have known for decades that the demographic cliff was coming. I've been reading articles about it since 2000 at least. And everyone understood at the time that the solution was to have a higher percentage of students attend college. That required making college less expensive and more useful. Instead, colleges have gone the other way, turning themselves into pricey resorts. Working Wizard posted on Every country that becomes more educated and more wealthy ends up having fewer children. . . . You can see this in Japan and in wealthier countries in Europe — they saw this drop in children before the US did and it had nothing to do with any economic downturn, people simply chose to have fewer children. Is this a bad thing? The world is full of people who want to come here for work and college. NicksterNH posted on [America's low birth rate] can and does lead to problems because, as the population ages, we won't have enough people working and paying taxes to support a vibrant society. This is where immigrants can help tremendously. Even temporary workers help the US because they pay taxes, including FICA, from which they may well never earn enough points to collect anything from Social Security. So, it's not just schools that will be hit by a drop in population; schools need students just as business needs workers and there's going to be a shortage of both. garymichael posted on Advertisement CONTACT US: Write to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109-2132. Comments are subject to editing.
Boston Globe
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Thoughts on the return of the college Republican
posted on As someone who was active on campus between 1968 and 1972, I felt I wasn't just learning in the classroom but on the streets of Boston, marching and protesting. I started classes in January, with Vietnam War protests growing. Then came April 4, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. got assassinated. Unrest followed across the nation's colleges and universities. During May, it seemed like most of us were waiting for another shoe to drop. The following month, it did: I went to bed on Tuesday, June 4, with Bobby Kennedy on the verge of winning California's Democratic primary, only to wake up to the news that he was dead. I entered school as your typical Boston Democrat. However, with all the violence swirling around us, I began looking at all my beliefs, questioning some of my assumptions, and began my move to the right. It is good to know that young people, especially those who support President Trump or Republican conservative ideas, are standing up and not hiding. I cheer those students today who think for themselves and are not afraid of the opinions of the other side. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Salvator Giarratani Advertisement East Boston I'm not a conservative — to put it mildly — but I hope some of these college conservatives will come to my campus, so fewer political discussions will degenerate into my fellow liberals congratulating one another for all having the same views. Advertisement Felicia Nimue Ackerman Brown University professor Trump is no conservative and his supporters shouldn't be referred to as such. A conservative in this country used to believe in free trade, not in tariffs. They used to believe in law and order, the opposite of what Trump stands for. I applaud these kids because they're right about how colleges suppress speech they disagree with — Republicans get censored on campuses across the country. But they should learn what being a true conservative really means. NicksterNH posted on I agree MAGA isn't true conservatism. But would you agree it's too much to expect college students to understand that historical political context? For them, this is the Republican Party that they've come of age knowing. Kmac76 posted on I wish that, as [college Republicans are] celebrating bringing Steve Bannon to campus, they'd be open-minded enough to bring real conservative thinkers like Bill Kristol, too. Then they could learn how to absorb and evaluate the real spectrum of political thinking. CFP3 posted on I would love to see these young people create a new branch of the GOP that adheres to the principles of democracy, integrity, and the rule of law. . . . Too many of today's youths are falling for the performance art, not the reality. user_4456472 posted on A mix of debatable views on policy matters or even general ideology creates great learning and growth opportunities on any campus. These are welcome developments, particularly if the debates are framed within common facts. The earth is not flat, and never will be! Advertisement ST505 posted on School Daze So many kids (and parents) stress about this 'life-changing decision,' but in my experience, if a student picks a school and later decides he/she does not like it, well, it's darn easy to transfer ( Tree Farmer posted on High school seniors should look around them and see how miserable people [who] are making student loan payments for 30 years are and ask themselves: Is it worth it? Enter the trades with a lower educational bar and a very high demand. The tech school guy fixing you car probably is not all that worried about student loan payments for 30 years. . . . Is it really worth going that far into debt? Uncle Fester posted on Natural Selections [In jimmybaer posted on Oh my goodness. I adore this project. Clean and unfussy. Although I do not admire the window treatments, I can understand [the need for] them. But this project is flawless. And lovely. Advertisement LeeLawrence posted on CONTACT US: Write to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109-2132. Comments are subject to editing.
Boston Globe
09-05-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Readers appreciation lesson in community learning in Jamaica Plain
posted on Learning is very important as one ages — it is known to help keep dementia at bay, and it is particularly beneficial if done with others. Many universities offer programs at very low cost for retirees/seniors. The one I belong to now is a great resource. We have classes, hold outings and parties, and do a dining trail through the Lowell area to explore the history, food, and culture of the different ethnic groups there. The program, LIRA — Learning in Retirement Association— is associated with UMass Lowell. Our classes are held there and pretty much all are hybrid, so you can attend via Zoom. Our members range in age from 50s to one who is over 100 and often attends in person! Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Margy Roeck Advertisement Dracut This is great. Doesn't have to be a high-rise either; any community, apartment complex, neighborhood, etc., can do the same. . . . I would recommend having a book club with neighbors. Something to bring neighbors together and learn more about them. GardenFan64 posted on JP@Home is a community organization that fosters the same connections as Towering Minds. It promotes enrichment and community among seniors with the aim of helping them stay in their homes in a rich and healthy way. JP, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Brookline, West Rox residents are welcome. There is a membership fee, but it's manageable. Advertisement wumberlog posted on I'm sitting here in the original Pelican Cove in Sarasota, Florida, where our ($40/year) resident-taught education programs continue. ... Past very popular courses included US Security, the American Political System, discussions of American Short Stories, and Music for All. This year there was a lecture on one man's opinion of the Best Rock Band (ever — and why), Watercolor Painting, and Flora and Fauna of Pelican Cove, Sarasota, to name a few. In the evening we have nationally known musicians nearly every week for 13 weeks. Many (but not all) residents are retired. The 'University' courses and beautiful shady campus convinced us to buy here! jmmurph47 posted on While it was enjoyable to read Salvatore Tagliareni's piece about the connections of residents living in the 30-story Jamaicaway Tower, it doesn't diminish the angst I feel whenever I view this architectural monstrosity rising high above the Emerald Necklace and Jamaica Pond. As old-timers such as myself recall, it was constructed well above the height restrictions of the area, due to the permissiveness of so many political connections that sanctioned an end-around of height limitations for this tree-lined area. Joe Galeota West Roxbury Another lifelong learning opportunity is at the University of Massachusetts Boston — the OLLI institute. OLLI stands for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and is the 'best deal in town.' Check it out! Hilarity Ensued posted on Going Underground I loved the Your Home: Renovations issue (March 30). I have one question regarding Advertisement Judy Rehfeld Epping, New Hampshire Beautiful renovation but yikes when it comes to those granite stairs to the basement. Hope that glass is reinforced and well-sealed against water intrusion. And if they'd built in any drainage down there, it would have helped a lot to mention it in the article. filmlady posted on How much does it cost to dig that deep and create the renovated basement? It must have been pretty disruptive to the neighbors. It's certainly an interesting idea. nantucketgirl37 posted on My husband who is an architect did same for us in Brookline — it's found space! brilliant22 posted on I know from experience that excavating a basement is costly. Fifteen years ago, my wife and I decided we would stay for the long haul in a modest bungalow in Central Mass., which led to a major renovation. I had the back half of my house up on 28 jacks. We excavated roughly 150 cubic yards of hardpan clay, and lowered our basement by 36 inches. I have 7-foot ceilings there with four I-beams holding up the house. . . . It was a ton of money and a ton of work. Often there is too much focus on the 'eye candy' aspect of renovations. Many readers want to know the costs, timelines, setbacks, and all of the important stuff behind the scenes that no one ever sees. jjshello posted on CONTACT US: Write to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109-2132. Comments are subject to editing. Advertisement
Boston Globe
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Essays on caring for Mom, Red Sox legend Castiglione draw reader responses
Bradford, New Hampshire To take such a difficult topic and weave such a tender story full of love is truly a credit to both [the writer] and [his] mom. Advertisement rochebull posted on I was my mother's chief caretaker during her last few years, going to her home on Cape Cod every other week. . . . The hours would be filled with a whirlwind of activity — doing the grocery shopping, cooking some meals ahead that she could just reheat, doing the cleaning and laundry, taking her to her doctors' appointments — trying, trying, trying, to do whatever I could to make her comfortable and keep her safe. . . . I wish I could hear her voice one more time. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up IAMRETIREDYAY posted on My mom was a nurse in Boston during the same era. Bad weather meant she might have to 'pull a double' rather than driving home 30 minutes away. Always in her whites, even as the director of nursing. I took pride in being allowed to polish her white shoes. We learned compassion and that end of life is inevitable. Her demise was a long one. Her body gave out but her mind didn't. That was a blessing and a curse for all of us, but she taught us how to live in the world and how to leave it. Advertisement sharkboy posted on Whole New Ballgame I really enjoyed Jamie McClellan's Perspective on Joe Castiglone and summer nights listening to Red Sox games on the radio ( Steve Soskin Tewksbury McClellan did a superb job of describing Joe Castiglione's voice and famous calls. I have had the good fortune to live next to the Castigliones for some 40 years and have heard his voice on many occasions. One Saturday at 9 a.m., I was in the driveway washing my car. I heard Joe calling a game. 'That ball is driven up the right-field line. It's going for extra bases.' A few moments later, 'Deep to left field. That should drive the runner in.' And on and on. I looked around the trees between our properties. There's Joe with his grandchildren, maybe 4, 5, 6 years old, playing wiffle ball. I smiled and said to myself, Joe Castiglione. Good guy. Jerry Morris Advertisement Marshfield A wonderful tribute! Arthur Hillman Housatonic It was a pleasure to listen to Joe do some spring training games [in March] on WEEI. I hope he comes back as an occasional play-by-play guy. Koch_Brothers posted on Transitions are always difficult and this one will be more painful than most. You can't have that comforting constant in your life yanked away without an impact. So we'll feel a little like we're missing a security blanket . . . made a little worse by the tease of hearing him call a few spring games. rrendine posted on Among the many reasons to love Joe Castiglione is this: a real New Englander, he knew how to pronounce Wareham, Worcester, Eastham, Leicester, Chatham, and Stoneham. We knew he was one of us. Sam Chapin Plymouth I will miss Joe's call of the games, but I will also miss the stories, musings, and reminiscences with which he filled the intervals that constitute the bulk of every baseball game: the relief pitcher's long walk in from the bullpen, rain delays, the manager's mound visit. . . . Joe filled these moments with recollections about everything from where to get the best Italian food in every Major League city to the obscure names of players who only made it to the majors for a cup of coffee. Over the years I wrote letters to him after the season ended, telling him how much it meant to me, sitting in my house or car in North Carolina, to connect to the game through him. Inevitably, around Thanksgiving, I would receive a handwritten note thanking me for listening. UNC65 posted on Advertisement Thanks so much for the very nice story on me. Much appreciated. Joe Castiglione Marshfield CONTACT US: Write to magazine@ or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, 1 Exchange Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109-2132. Comments are subject to editing.
