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Community Corner

The Voice of New Rochelle: While I Am Away

I thought it might be useful to share with you a few things that are on my mind, you know, so we can chat when I get back.

It’s that time of year, again, when I head to the surf with the grandkids. They are the core of the joy of my life, and I will give them my undivided attention as we break the waves, nosh on ice cream and toast marshmallows—well, almost.

When your occupation revolves around the development and exchange of ideas, it is a bit hard to turn it off on cue. Indeed, I am writing this under the hostile gaze of my daughter who thinks I work too much. You see, I can honestly get my head around the development and exchange part—well, almost, but I can’t turn off the ideas. They go on like an endless, unseen river. And so, I have come to what I think is a sensible little arrangement.

I will set down some ideas and concerns here, like a traveler leaving things at an airport locker. Then, next week, we can open up the safe and see where things are.

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So here goes: 

Will Mitt Romney break through and convince voters that he is person of conviction and concern? Clearly, he is a decent man of considerable talent and skill. But liberals and conservatives, even moderates, like to know what their nominee stands for and cares about. Talent is the human equivalent of any tool. In and of itself it knows no moral compass and has no goals.

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I hope you will keep your eye on New Rochelle’s wonderful new for me. I still don’t feel comfortable that your average Joe and his kids, or just a couple of kids from the neighborhood, can stroll onto the field—when it is empty—to play ball.

Here’s hoping the information flow from continues while I am away. The folks who have toiled for years have never been so close.

I am sad that Cardinal Dolan is doing the benediction at the Republican convention, but has refused to do the same for the Democrats.  He is one of the most special and genuine people I have ever met or interviewed; and while I understand that he feels the need to protect a vital church teaching—indeed, it is his responsibility as he sees it—I had hoped he would find a way to be available to all of his flock. In the long run, I think it will hurt more than help.

I am also sad at the level of anger in our great country. Barack Obama does not hate America and is not against business doing well. Likewise, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan do not want old and poor people to be swept away like some used garbage. At their core, the candidiates have different ideas about how to fix the nation’s ills. Yet, these are the narratives we have allowed to dominate the debate.

I am, at once, hopeful and worried about our next door neighbor Mount Vernon. Things seem to be upbeat, and the new school boss is world class. But a lot more than 100 people should be showing up at a meeting to curb violence. Concerned adults should at least outnumber the members of your basic gang.

Lastly, don't forget to heed the . I need you all healthy when I get back.

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