Opinion

Usually, when politicians speak at dinners or make announcements during photo ops, their statements are hardly inspiring or memorable. But amid the congratulatory platitudes and awful fish puns of Mayor Bloomberg’s address at the launch of the aquarium’s “Sea Change,” he made an important point: While many cry “Cut! Cut!” during this economic crisis, Bloomberg said the multi-million dollar project was important especially now. “We’re not going to make the same mistakes of the 1970s,” when the city severely cut back on cultural and enrichment programs during a similar crisis, he said. “It took decades to recover from that.” The mayor, for one, is indeed learning from history. Aquariums, museums, libraries, live theaters, and the like (notice, Mr. Borough President, that we didn’t include intrusive rock-concert amphitheaters) are vital to any large city, but are particularly essential in the unique city of New York. This is not only because of…

The health industry’s efforts to confuse the public and discard real health care reform. “Your money or your life!” the thief demanded. Jack Benny, the comedian who made a career of extreme frugality, after a long pause replied, “I’m thinking!” invoking peels of laughter. The absurdity of placing money over life! But this seems to be the thinking of many Americans today. Money and other issues are placed on a level equal to or above the physical well being; even the lives; of themselves and their families. Countless millions spent by the insurance companies and others in the health industry have served to confuse the issue to such an extent that people would actually choose money over life. These huge corporations would water down or eliminate any real health reform that would cut into their immense profits. This is the only country in the industrialized world that does not provide…