Letter: Lionheart accusations are just throwing spaghetti

In response to “Kerry Bedard sues Lionheart Classical Academy, claiming breach of contract,” some people throw so much spaghetti at the wall you wonder if they’re running a kitchen or a courtroom.

Letter: Lionheart lawsuit shows flaws

I am appalled but not surprised after reading the Ledger-Transcript's article, "Kerry Bedard sues Lionheart Classical Academy, claiming breach of contract."

Viewpoint: L. Phillips Runyon III – Remembering Justice David Souter once more

A couple of years ago, this paper ran an appreciation I had written about former Supreme Court Justice David Souter. It was called “Where have you gone, David Souter?” and it lamented that precious few among us have such a sharply focused vision of right and wrong – and ethical and unethical behavior – that we can always count on them when the chips are down and we need challenging decisions to be made based on the public interest, not personal agendas.

Letter: Hold EFAs to same standard

As a public school teacher for more than 35 years, I was held to task regarding my expenditures. Yes, I could order new microscopes, but I had to show how their purchase aligned with local, state or national objectives/standards.  

Letter: Children and the Arts Committee says thanks

On behalf of the 2025 Children and the Arts Committee, we would like to thank the businesses, volunteers, schools, performers, nonprofits, town employees, donors and the many organizations and individuals who helped make our 30th festival a success.

View From the River: Odette Butler – Getting to know: Nisa Simila

I was so relieved and excited to receive compliments from the community on last month’s column, where we highlighted Kelli Tourgee, The River Center’s home visitor/parent educator. Your feedback reassured me that we’re on the right track – celebrating our incredible staff and showing that our programs are led by some of the most-caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated people you’ll ever meet.

Letter: Why the flag was upside-down

Have you seen the new Visibility Bridge Brigade on the pedestrian bridge over Route 101 in Keene? This weekly event is sponsored by Monadnock Women for Action and Third Act NH and is open to the public.

Letter: Chainsaw-wielding greed

The current Musk/Trump dismantling of various government agencies is about as efficient as doing brain surgery with a grossly uncaring chainsaw. The not-so-hidden agenda is greedy pay-to-play politics, where unbridled compulsion demands more, more, more.

Viewpoint: Robert Beck – World War II’s enduring relevance

While World War II progressively diminishes in importance for many in the United States, the Great Patriotic War, in Russian parlance, continues to weigh heavily on many of Washington’s primary competitors and heretofore staunchest allies.  One only has to view the visitors' stand at this year’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow to understand the abiding hold the conflict maintains on much of the world. 

Viewpoint: State Rep. Jim Creighton – Community Conversations/Education: the foundation of American success

By STATE REP. JIM CREIGHTON

Education is the foundation upon which the United States has grown and developed into an amazing nation. It is also critical factor to building a future that sees the United States continue to improve and lead the world in solving the most-difficult challenges,

Letter: Firelight Theatre's ‘The Big Meal’ was splendid

I've loved theater ever since I sat in my mother's lap at 8 to watch Shakespeare's “Julius Caesar,” On Friday, I watched the Firelight Theatre's performance of “The Big Meal.” It was beyond fabulous; the play itself, the variety of acting demands on the cast, every minute was amazing! 

Letter: Pencils and dolls

Who deems each child has 250 pencils? Why are teachers supplementing supplies in classrooms because inadequate school budgets do not meet classroom needs? 

Viewpoint: Curtis Hamilton – Community Conversations/Unpacking the backlash against public education

By CURTIS HAMILTON

I am growing skeptical. The taxes we pay increasingly define our attitudes towards the services they support. This spring, I’ve been following the New Hampshire Legislature as they craft policy and the state’s next budget. What strikes me is the extent to which we all have vastly different relationships with the various operations of our state.

Viewpoint: Michelle Stahl – Community Conversations/The Schools and the State

By MICHELLE STAHL

On Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m., the Monadnock Center for History and Culture and Monadnock Ledger-Transcript will present a Community Conversation titled “The Schools and the State” at the Monadnock Center, 19 Grove St. in Peterborough. ConVal School Board member Curtis Hamilton of Greenfield and Republican state Rep. Jim Creighton are the “conversation starters.” Each will give a brief presentation before the remainder of the hour is devoted to questions and comments. Michelle Stahl, executive director of the Monadnock Center, will be the moderator.

Letter: VA funding is a moral responsibility

Most military recruits have not reached an age for their brains to be fully developed at the time they enlist. When we train anyone, especially those still in their formative years, to commit acts that cause moral injury, we must accept the costly long-term obligation to meet their needs afterwards.

Letter: Thanks to VITA volunteers

Thank you to our dedicated and enthusiastic Volunteer Income Tax Assistance team at The River Center.

Viewpoint: Mark Beckwith – A new debate in the culture wars

By MARK BECKWITH

Several decades ago, a national debate raged over a question that helped launch America’s ongoing culture war – who can you love?

Letter: Trump wreaks havoc on safe, legal immigration

Don’t believe a recent writer’s claim that Trump supports “an immigration process that is fair, safe and lawful” (“Take thoughtful approach on immigration,” John D. Wyndham). Instead Trump suspended, banned and reversed immigration in all legal forms, abandoning immigrants who follow the rules waiting (sometimes for years), many already here legally.

Letter: The anatomy of hate

Hate is not innate — it is taught, cultivated, and weaponized. And once unleashed, it consumes everything in its path.