Editorials

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister publication of the Mountain Times. When federal agents from Trump’s “big-brother” government descended on the Pleasant Valley Farms dairy in Franklin County this past Monday, they arrested eight migrant workers in their homes and placed them immediately into the Northwest State…

By Stanley McChrystal Editor’s Note: Stanley McChrystal, who is retired from the Army, is the former commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan and the former commander of Joint Special Operations Command. He is the author of the forthcoming book “On Character: Choices That Define a Life.” This commentary was first published…

By David Moats Editor’s note: David Moats, of Salisbury, is editorial page editor emeritus of the Rutland Herald, where he won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for his editorials on Vermont’s civil union law. The festive atmosphere on the town green in Brandon during the “Hands Off” protest on April 5 did not mask the seriousness of the…

By Seth Bowden Editor’s note: Seth Bowden, Jericho, is president of the Vermont Business Roundtable. Vermont stands at a crossroads. In fact, we’ve been there for some time. Economic growth, affordability and social equity must converge to create a sustainable and prosperous future, yet the existing conditions of our communities prevent them from doing so. …

By Angelo Lynn If you’re worried that Trump’s proposed cuts to the administration of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will negatively affect the benefits you or a member of your family may receive, you should speak out. If you’re worried that privatizing the U.S. Postal Service will reduce rural delivery to your mailbox, negatively impact…

By Angelo Lynn Before Vermonters label Gov. Scott heartless for denying “children, pregnant women, disabled Vermonters, veterans, and those fleeing domestic violence” access to the motel voucher program set to expire on April 1, voters should consider the governor’s position. For the past several terms he has run on the mantra of “affordability,” not aiding…

By Tanya Marshall Editor’s note: Tanya Marshall is the Vermont State archivist, chief records officer, and director of the Vermont state archives and records administration, a division of the Vermont secretary of state.  As the days get longer and snow melts, it is fitting that this is Sunshine Week—an annual celebration of government records and…

By Jonathan Haidt Editor’s note: Jonathan Haidt is the author of “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” a 2024 book which argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a rise in mental illness. Vermont is at a critical…

By Speaker Jill Krowinski  Each legislative biennium begins with a range of issues that need to be addressed — some are straightforward, while others are extremely complex. Many are brand new, while others are perennial topics. This session is no different as we take on the work to address the pressing challenges in our state. …

By Polly Mikula Voters in the town of Killington will be asked to consider expanding its current three-member volunteer Select Board to five at Town Meeting Day this Tuesday, March 4.  The question has been on the ballot before, and the measure failed, but there may be more appetite for it this time. Unfortunately, there…

By U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders I do not often find myself in the habit of thanking Elon Musk, but he has done an exceptional job of demonstrating a point that we have made for years — and that is the fact we live in an oligarchic society in which billionaires dominate, not only our politics…

By Kevin Chu Editor’s note: Kevin Chu is the executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, an independent non-partisan organization pursuing answers to their mission question: How can we use data to support the evolution of Vermont’s economy towards a thriving future full of opportunity for all? Personal growth is universally celebrated. We encourage people…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister paper of the Mountain Times. As the nation’s increasingly discredited president continues to sow chaos at every level — domestic and international — it helps to understand what we can of his tactics. A recent piece by Jess Bidgood,…

By James Duff Lyall Editor’s note: This commentary is by James Duff Lyall, executive director of the ACLU of Vermont. The ACLU of Vermont has been defending the civil liberties of everyone who calls this state home for almost 60 years. Right now, many in our communities are understandably worried and afraid of the threat…

By  Lindsay Kurrie Editor’s note: Lindsay Kurrie is the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. This is a pivotal moment in the history of Vermont that will determine our future. It’s imperative we all realize that housing is the foundation of how we will meet this moment to create the momentum…