People like to complain about the media and we understand that. Given the state of our industry these days, it’s too easy to do. (Looking at you, MSNBC, Fox News, et al.)

Congratulations to those of us who survived this most recent Storm of the Century; Stormageddon, the Snowpocalypse, the latest, biggest, baddest threat to life as we know it … or something like that.

The United Nations Convention Against Torture was ratified by the United States in 1994. Thus, Americans who torture prisoners violate international law and the laws of the United States.

By now, we are almost seven years into what historians will probably end up calling the Great Recession, the historic contraction of the global economy that rivals anything else on record.

To the Editor:

The Ecumenical Food Pantry wishes to thank the many volunteers, local farms and businesses, and donors of food and money who made it possible to pack and distribute Thanksgiving Food Baskets to 225 families in 10 towns in Lincoln County.

The massive public reaction to the tragic deaths of three black teens at the hand of white police officers has led to a national call for use of body cameras to record and prevent any future mistreatment of suspects.

As we gather to celebrate the Christmas holiday this week, each according to our own customs, we take a minute to savor the Christmas spirit.

I feel a need to respond to letter writer Craig Elliott’s rant in the Dec.18 edition where he ironically accuses Susan van Alsenoy of racism for her altogether proper denunciation of the virulent racism that is rampant in many urban police departments. (“Disgusting and racist” Page 4)

As we celebrate Christmas, and later New Year’s Eve, I would hope all would take a moment to also celebrate and remember our young men and women serving all over the world.

As we approach New Year’s Day, we find ourselves thinking about resolutions.

The most common resolutions seem to focus on our bodies. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Exercise more. Admirable goals all.

Before we descend headlong into the Christmas season, we would be remiss if we did not take a moment to mark the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, coming up this Sunday, Dec. 7.

Once again it is my great privilege to thank and recognize the members of the Miles League and the St. Andrews Auxiliary for their dedication and hard work in support of our organizations.

This has been one of the best Thanksgivings of my life and it was not because the turkey came out moist or the family got along.

It’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those about our health. Although gun violence remains the leading cause of death among young people, our most dangerous weapon is still our fork. Forty-five times as many die of chronic diseases linked to a diet containing animal products, sugar, and salt.