Your Thoughts

LETTER: Bonner Family Says, 'Thank You'

The NBA Three-Point Contest was an incredible experience for Matt and our whole family.

By Luke Bonner On Saturday, Feb. 16, my brother, Matt Bonner, competed in the NBA Three-Point Contest. It was an incredible experience for Matt and our whole family. We’ve all been proud to follow Matt’s career throughout the years—from the Concord Rec League, to the Concord Boys & Girls Club, to Concord High School, to the University of Florida, to the NBA. Seeing him participate in the Three-Point Shootout during NBA All-Star Weekend was surreal. Throughout the years, my brother, my sister and I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from everyone in New Hampshire. As such, it was great to see so many people attend the Three-Point Contest viewing party that Red River Theatres hosted. I would like to express my gratitude to all…

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Your Thoughts

OP/ED: NH Jobs, Lives in the Cross Hairs of Gun Debate

Any restriction on gun rights or the right to self-defense is absurd and unconstitutional.

By Rep. J.R. Hoell It would seem absurd to almost anyone if a group of politicians said they wanted to ban a list of controversial books or require a background check that verified the completion of some civics education before anyone could vote in an election. After all, the state and federal constitutions protect the right to free speech, regardless of where a person happens to be, and it also protects the equal right to vote in free elections for everyone who is 18 and older. Importantly, these constitutions specifically restrict the right to vote for people convicted of treason, bribery or violation of election laws, not to mention those individuals who happen to be 17 or younger. Now, the federal Constitution also protects the right …

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TELL US: What's Your Post-Fiscal Cliff Paycheck Like?

People making $50K a year who are paid twice a month are now taking home $42 less in their paychecks.

Two weeks after Congress averted the Fiscal Cliff, Concord residents have undoubtedly seen the effect of the loss of the payroll tax cut in their paychecks. If you make $50,000 a year, you are now paying about $1,000 more in federal taxes, according to CBS. For those who are paid twice each month, that amounts to about $42 less per paycheck or $84 less per month. The Wall Street Journal has a calculator to determine how much more in taxes you are now paying a year based on your salary. TELL US: How do you feel about your paycheck being a little lighter following the Fiscal Cliff deal?

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The Granite View

Voters Had Right to Know About State Rep's Criminal Past

Columnist says Stacie Laughton's decision to resign "shows a respect for the voters that was lacking during her campaign."

I have always believed that politics should be viewed as a type of community service, a path by which to help make the world in which we and future generations live a better place. I believe deeply that politicians should be true public servants, but too often our elected representatives disappoint us, putting power above the people and placing their own self-interests ahead of their elected duties. It is a non-partisan fact that politicians will sometimes do stupid, or worse, criminal, things and must be held accountable for those actions. When Rep. Todd Akin, R-MO, made a stupid statement about “legitimate rape,” I called him stupid and said he should resign. He didn’t, but his comments were public and the voters in his district were …

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Your Thoughts

What Are You Thankful For?

Health? Family? Happiness? A hearty meal? Tell us in the comment section.

It’s Thanksgiving, another day that we can cherish with family, friends, and yes, food. And there is a whole lot to be thankful for too. Personally, I’m thankful for my health, my family, great friends, and all of you for reading and supporting Concord NH Patch.  What are you thankful for this year? Family and friends? To be gainfully employed? I asked a bunch of folks what they were thankful for this year and here’s what they told us: Concord Fire Chief Dan Andrus stated, “I am thankful to live in such a beautiful place and for good health and a great family!” “What I’m thankful for is my family, and GREAT friends. Also on the list are coffee and mascara, the two staples of my existence,” noted Rebecca Kinhan of the Greater Concord …

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The Granite View

Today's Politicians Can Learn from Rudman

Columnist says the former NH Senator showed leadership on difficult issues in difficult times.

Former New Hampshire Senator Warren Rudman passed away this week at the age of 82 from complications related to lymphoma. His loss is being memorialized in papers across the country, including the New York Times, the Washington Post and many others. Rudman became an impressive presence in Washington during his two terms as Senator, serving from 1980-1993. Rudman was aggressive and confrontational at times, but was also known and respected for his willingness to work across the aisle on big issues and small and he played an important role in American history during his years in Washington. Rudman was a vocal critic of President Reagan during the Iran-Contra hearings. He served on the Senate Ethics Eommittee and led the investigation of the …

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Jennifer Horn

2:17 am on Monday, November 26, 2012

Washington Post - Nov. 20, 2012 "The Gramm–Rudman–Hollings Act was designed to trim the federal deficit, but it ultimately didn’t work, despite their best efforts."   more ›

Your Thoughts

OP/ED: The Big Picture ...

Former candidate congratulates opponents, suggests it's time to improve political dialogue.

By Ron Noyes For starters, congratulations to Chip Rice and Mary Stuart Gile for their victory in Merrimack District 27’s state representative race. I was lucky enough to meet Mary for the first time on Election Day, I look forward to having a post-election coffee with Chip. While the three of us have a fine rapport, an unfortunate climate has risen in our current state of politics.  In my race, the New Hampshire Democratic Party sent a mailer to Concord voters the day before the election with blatant distortions of my positions. I do not, in any way, attribute this to coming up short in the election.  I came up short because Gile is absolutely vibrant, dedicated to her community and Rice is steadfast in his support for Concord’s interests…

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The Granite View

Saluting Our Veterans

Columnist thanks all those who protect our nation.

The timing of this column did not allow for a salute to our military on Veterans Day, but I am a believer in saying thank you, so I will not allow the vagaries of a calendar to get in the way. We live in a nation that is seriously divided.  he results of our most recent elections certainly reflect that, with just over 2 percent of the vote between winner and loser. It seems that our political divisions run deeper each day, but I have always believed that good people can come together for a higher purpose in spite of political differences, and our men and women in uniform are the most extraordinary example of that. As a mother, I have always been profoundly grateful that there is a fighting force ready and willing to place themselves …

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Proud Conservative

10:52 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013

Registration is there if we ever need to call on citizens to serve. It's a guarantee of sorts that we will not be short of troops if the need arises. Since we cannot predict the future, it's better to be prepared than to be caught unprepared to defend the country. Will citizens voluntarily respond to an attack on our country? Some will. Some won't. And I wouldn't be so sure that the number …   more ›

POLL: Will Hurricane Sandy Help Obama?

Vote in our poll, and share your thoughts in the comments field below.

A Washington Post/ABC poll released this week showed that 80 percent of voters feel President Obama has done a good job dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Even New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie – a staunch supporter of Mitt Romney – praised Obama's response to the storm, which devastated parts of New Jersey and New York and caused serious damage in many other states, including New Hampshire. Obama also received the endorsement of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday, with Bloomberg citing Obama's handling of Hurricane Sandy as one of the main reasons he decided to support the president. Meanwhile, Romney's previous pledge to abolish FEMA hasn't helped him in the wake of the storm. What do you think? Will Hurricane …

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The Granite View

The Case for Mitt Romney

Columnist outlines why she thinks the former Massachusetts governor will win on Tuesday.

I have been digging through polling cross-tabs, Electoral College maps, political blogs and countless interviews with “experts.” More importantly, I am listening to real people who live in the real world, outside the tight little universe of political operatives and analysts: parents, business owners, teachers, police officer, retirees and veterans. And as a result, I am calling it for Mitt Romney, and I’m calling it big. I say Mitt wins it with 300-plus Electoral College votes. I give him New Hampshire by at least 3 points. And, just between you and me, I think I am being conservative here. If he wins with over 310 Electoral College votes, I won’t be surprised. The simple truth is that you can’t tell a fish it’s not wet. No matter how …

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Mike Healey

11:40 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

You would think Frances would have put a little more effort in appearing literate before claiming that it was a trait of the other side............   more ›