Commentary
I have been thinking a great deal lately about a word that is flying around out there. The word is change. It is the buzz word of Obama supporters, a monosyllabic beacon of hope in an ominous, oncoming perfect storm of globalproportions. While the word evokes hopefulness in the hearts of most Democrats, it conjures up suspicion, incredulity, evendread for many Republicans.
MADDENING CAMPAIGN
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
The following letter was addressed to the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror:
This year’s sophomore class has been giving very serious consideration to the world they have inherited and have much to say that they would like the candidates for the presidential election to hear. Writing to the politician of their choice, they have asked the questions and made the observations that are important to them. In these frightening times, our young people are speaking up and want to be heard. Each of their letters has been sent to the candidate concerned, and so far they have received brief responses.
Alley’s General Store
In times of yore, one humble store
Sustained our tiny town.
‘Twas not the kind where one might find
A fancy evening gown.
Instead, our needs — from nails to seeds —
Were modest as the dickens,
And Nancy Luce had little use
For lipstick on her chickens.
These wooden walls held overalls
To fit most any size;
Editor’s note: What follows is a paper read at the leadoff session to the Living Local Harvest Festival on Sept. 26. It responds to the question: From your point of view, what do we need to think about and do to ensure that your grandchildren can live well on the Vineyard?
Art Sale for Hope
Sunday afternoon, a line of hopeful Islanders snaked from Dragonfly Gallery’s front door around the corner in Oak Bluffs. Lines outside an art gallery? In October? That’s right — with a frisson of anticipation, even competition, pulsing up and down the street’s edge. “It’s like trying to get World Series tickets,” laughed one man as he took a number.