COSTLY PRISONSWhen do longer prison sentences and harsher punishments become counterproductive and financially irresponsible? For the past four decades politicians have built their careers on the get-
LEGACY THEATREThank you for highlighting the arts in Springfield [see “Upbeat arts in a down economy,” Dec. 22, by Scott Faingold]. However, one story you seem to have missed is the purcha
WHY VICTIMS SUEBishop Thomas Paprocki [see “Holy warrior,” by Bruce Rushton, Dec. 8] claims that child sex abuse victims sue bishops because of the devil’s influence and because &ldq
CHALK QUESTIONSHow can it be illegal for anyone to chalk a sidewalk? It will wash off; it is not permanent or damaging [see Cap City, p. 8]. The news report about the recent Occupy Springfield chalkin
JOY IN BEAUTYIn his 1912 tract, “The Gospel of Beauty,” Vachel Lindsay wrote, “The things most worthwhile are one’s own hearth and neighborhood.” Lindsay specifically hig
STATEHOUSE FUNA recent opinion in a local paper stated that members of the current legislature need to retire. I agree, but the voters have had the ability to retire them long before they ma
IMMIGRATION VS. JOBSRegarding “Three strikes and you’re in: Immigrants as the solution, not the problem,” by James Krohe Jr., Nov. 10: In the first decade of the 21st century (2000 t
GOOD PEOPLEI am the aunt of Jade Ostermeier [see “How did Jade and her baby die?” by Bruce Rushton, Nov. 10]. I think there should be a retraction and an apology given to Marc Fagan and Br
FAREWELL TROUT LILY I would like to add my voice to those who are bidding a sad farewell to the Trout Lily Cafe. I know of no other place that has served the community the way this unique cafe has. It
BESTS OF SPRINGFIELDThanks for an engaging, colorful, well-written “Best of Springfield,” which reminds me of all the good folks in Springfield striving to be better than good enough, and