Opinions

Editorial - Ringo is 80

Opinions | Friday, July 10, 2020 | By Dan Veaner

Do you remember when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9, 1964? I do. I wasn't that hip to the music scene, but I do remember the huge excitement before and after that show, which is credited as the first salvo in what came to be known as 'The British Invasion'. Guess what? Ringo Starr (aka Sir Richard Starkey) turned 80 Tuesday.

80! It's hard to even think about rock stars turning 80 because we remember them in their youth. And unlike many rock stars, the two remaining Beatles -- Ringo and Sir Paul McCartney) have aged extremely well. Ringo celebrated Tuesday with an online 'Happy Birthday Ringo' 'Peace, Love, and Black Lives Matter' online extravaganza with someclassic performances as well as a few new ones, including a stunning performance of 'All You Need Is Love' with Sheryl Crow playing everythiing from ukulele to accordian to piano to cello to drums, and singing lead and backups herself. (In the video it begins at the 14 minute mark). Ringo even plays drums in a new online long-distance drum duet with Sheila E., playing "Come Together"... together.

Thoughts - World Wars III and IV

Opinions | Friday, July 10, 2020 | By Casey Stevens

As I dictate this week's column -- 'this just in', as they used to say in the old media days -- the Supreme Court case I have written about previously involving 'faithless electors' has been decided.

In a unanimous eight to nothing decision, for Sotomayor has recused, the Justices held that laws in 32 of the 50 States that bind electors to cast votes for the popular vote winner in presidential elections are valid and enforceable.

Letters - Casey's Take on Patriotism

Opinions | Friday, July 10, 2020 | By Fritzie Blizzard

Dear Editor, crew & especially Casey,

Despite the typos, this is one of just many superb opinion pieces. I am in 100% agreement with all you have written, Casey. I wish your writings could be posted & read nationally. I take the liberty of putting them on my Facebook page although I'm sure few, if any, except my older friends (I'm 87) would bother to read. Sadly, I feel our country is lost. Where is the true patriotism of WW2 days? Where are the guts needed to stand up to this thing who calls himself commander? Love of money & power, greed, idol worship, and 'I don't care' attitude is what it's about.

Letters - Deploring Racism and Bias in Tompkins County

Opinions | Friday, July 10, 2020 | By Lance Salisbury, Matthew Van Houten, Liam G.B. Murphy

The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office and the Tompkins County Assigned Counsel Program (which provides assistance to persons in criminal and family court matters) join together with many local lawyers to deplore the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis (and the murders of many African-American people before him), made all the worse because it was perpetrated by a person who was charged with even-handed enforcement.

We recognize it is unjust to require anyone to live in constant fear that they will be disrespected, mistreated or even killed simply because of how they appear to or are perceived by others. We understand those living with such daily fear are left bearing a constant weight that gnaws at their bodies and saps their souls. We recognize such events and fears are not things that happen elsewhere but that there are numerous incidents of systemic and implicit racism and bias that occur here in Tompkins County.

Letters - Cornell's Preventable COVID 19 Spread

Opinions | Friday, July 10, 2020 | By Ri Bornstein

Dear Editor,

I am a life-time Ithaca resident. I was raised in the country outside of town and educated in Ithaca City Public Schools. I now live and work in Ithaca.

I write to you out of urgency as Cornell University, whose campus sits on our east hill, is putting into motion a plan to bring thousands of students from around the world back to our region in a fashion that will spread the COVID 19 virus in our community.