John Babits: History can’t be erased

I left the Pioneer Valley in 1978, chasing careers in Andover, Nashua, New Hampshire, and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

My Turn: Ukraine — Prepared to fight but ready for peace

By RICHARD FEIN

Allison van der Velden: What would Medicaid cuts look like in Franklin County?

The federal government is looking to cut billions in spending to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals and corporations. They are open about this. The only way to meet their cutback goals will be to cut Medicaid. The U.S. does indeed spend a lot on health care, and it’s impossible to cut enough without touching Medicaid.

My Turn: Let’s stand together for the valley you love

By KRISTIN DEBOER

Ava Gips: Join national day of protest on April 5

There are so many outrages that President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are perpetuating that it’s hard to know what to focus on. But Rumeysa Ozturk’s arrest really affects me deeply.

From Global to Local: Resistance is alive and well

By H. PATRICIA HYNES

Pushback: The growing crowd next door

By AL NORMAN

On April 8, the Greenfield City Council’s Economic Development Committee and Planning Board will hold a hearing on zoning petitions filed by citizens to improve our regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Mike Naughton: Gerrymandering not the answer

I respectfully disagree with My Turn writer Timothy Flynn’s recommendation that Democrats “fight fire with fire” by aggressively pursuing gerrymandering in blue states [“Dems must fight fire with fire on redistricting,” Recorder, March 26]. I share his frustration with Republican gerrymandering, but you don’t fight anti-democratic forces by becoming more anti-democratic.

Nelson Shifflett: Lead and we will follow

As I desperately search for a response to President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s systematic dismantling of our government, I’m casting about for guidance, seeking someone who has a plan, hoping that a fearless politician or public figure will step forward and tell me where and when to demonstrate, which organization will effectively spend my hard-earned donations, and provide a message of hope and determination to empower me to get off the couch and do something … anything.

My Turn: The latest ‘white backlash’

My Turn: GCC and the rare Jurassic armored mud balls

By RICHARD D. LITTLE

Sarah Shevlin: Help fund lung cancer research

This year, more than 226,000 Americans will die from lung cancer — the number one cancer killer. We need to stop this. When people think of lung cancer, they relate it to smoking. That is not the case. Lung cancer does not discriminate. It happens to people who have never smoked in their life, who lived a healthy life, and struck them hard. For what? It is beyond unfair and unexplainable.

Walt Gorman: Enjoyed report on pot industry’s struggles

I had a big smile on my face after reading the March 24 story, ”The ills of a billion-dollar enterprise.” Apparently the Massachusetts cannabis industry is struggling. Good! I hope all the pot shops go outta business this year. We don’t need more druggies on our streets wandering around in a stupor.

Denise Pavao: ‘Cutting waste’ a red herring

The Trump administration’s attack on federal agencies to “end wasteful spending” is transparent. Think about it … nearly every business with more than a handful of employees deals with some amount of wasteful spending. Federal agencies are no different. But if there’s a horse overeating in the barn, you don’t burn down the barn. It’s short-sighted and financially foolish. Gutting democratic institutions weakens democracy, making it easier to consolidate power in very few hands.

Jane Shaney: Disclosure of sensitive military information ‘unacceptable’

My father was a bomber pilot in World War II, having flown a B-26 Marauder. Between June of 1944 and May of 1945 he flew over 100 missions, over 60 of which were combat missions. On a mission in January of 1945 he sustained numerous hits from antiaircraft fire over a target. He nevertheless managed to maintain his aircraft and completed his mission successfully. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a result.

Columnist Daniel Cantor Yalowitz: Now is the time to step up

By DANIEL CANTOR YALOWITZ

In the last two months, the gloves have come off. The not-so-new administration in D.C. and governmental leadership in many states across our union have shown their true colors. So, too, our court system. They are intent on doing as much damage as possible to as many individuals, organizations and systems as they can, whether legal or not.

The World Keeps Turning: Free speech is a cornerstone of America

By ALLEN WOODS

Let’s hear it for the biographers! They can sometimes be as creative as the people they profile.

My Turn: First, they came for the idea of the common good

By DONALD JORALEMON

Letter: Striking Parallels to Nazism

National news media refuse to call the Trump administration what it is. So, let’s be clear: This is a fascist regime. Under authoritarian leadership. President Donald Trump and his allies are pulling moves from the Nazi Party’s playbook.

Linda and Bill Oldach: Grosky for selectman

We support Mitch Grosky’s candidacy for Athol selectman because of his integrity and desire to help townspeople and families. He wants citizens and town officials to work together to develop reasonable solutions to the problems of our community. He is a collaborator with heart and a willingness to listen to both sides.