Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book is an excellent and informative memoir written in collaboration with her deceased husband Dick Goodwin covering his behind the scenes experiences as a speechwriter for Presidents JFK and LBJ and 1960’s Presidential aspirants Senator Eugene McCarthy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In reading the book I was awestruck by the magnitude of effort that Dick Goodwin put into the task of writing speeches that “ sounded presidential “ and literally created the catchphrases of those times....such as The Great Society. Presidents and Presidential candidates when they spoke to the country in the 1960’s provided citizen voters with big ideas and thoughtful challenges. “ Ask not what your country can do for you...ask what can you do for your country”. The “ presidential “ speeches in the current 2024 race have no “ verve”, no “ punch” . Indeed there remain important issues.....issues upon which each of the 2024 candidates should be heard . Disappointedly, the media and the candidates seem to be arguing about AI generated fake photos ( or not) that depict crowd sizes at candidates’ events, or whether or not a candidate is really, really black. I would like to think that both the media and the candidates should realize that the voters deserve better! We need to know more about where each candidate stands on the real issues pertaining to the economy, abortion rights, immigration, international relations and the like. In this 2024 presidential election are there no Dick Goodwin’s writing for the candidates? It would appear not.
Reminder that every great leader needs a "word" guy behind them. If AI could be trusted to fact check thoroughly, voters could truly make an informed choice.
Thanks Ken. I'll say it again, I believe the planning board positions are lifetime once you're appointed...this NEEDS to change. Term limits are appropriate. It's obvious this developer has the necessary board members in his pocket to be able to "slide" through the approval process without any due diligence...any suggestions on how we can fix this???
So the city assumes a developer's project is completed- as proposed [landscaping, etc.] /And, the city simply accepts the same developer's characterization of houses [as unoccupied and condemnable, etc.] in another neighborhood he wishes to dramatically alter (with a 60-unit structure) and the city, rather than confirm said developer's assertions, again takes him at his word. / ???
Those Buildings on Washington St. look like crap!!! They are so close to the houses behind them. What was the city thinking???? Whose pocket is Patten filling?
I also can't believe that the Bartlett, Pontiff et al sold all those properties after they saw the monstrosity on Goodwin Ave and the ones on Washington St. They really want their office building surrounded by future slums? They are complicit in the destruction of our beautiful downtown. Since I think all the closings have taken place, will it even be possible for the Planning Board to kill this abomination of a project? I certainly hope so.
Isn’t there a saying, “You’re talking so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying”? If there isn’t, there is now. Loudness is not only a matter of volume. It also has to do with tone of voice, choice of words, and even body language. Too much of our discourse today—be it in the public square, the marketplace, or the private place—is so “loud” that we can’t hear what the other is saying. There is a need for more civility in our conversations.
For more on the DGK bk, look for Joe Donahue's interview with her @ Preservation Hall, Saratoga on WAMC. It's the next best thing to sitting down with her yourself 🙂
It's true--we need more good people who look closely and care deeply and act for the good of the community. Thank you Ken and Will for your observing eye, your investigative reporting....Patten's disgusting vulgar responses make clear how greed and power take over when we are not aware.
Laughed so hard I will be cleaning up the cereal through lunch.
Sounds like Mr Patten has something to hide.
Persist…!
Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book is an excellent and informative memoir written in collaboration with her deceased husband Dick Goodwin covering his behind the scenes experiences as a speechwriter for Presidents JFK and LBJ and 1960’s Presidential aspirants Senator Eugene McCarthy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In reading the book I was awestruck by the magnitude of effort that Dick Goodwin put into the task of writing speeches that “ sounded presidential “ and literally created the catchphrases of those times....such as The Great Society. Presidents and Presidential candidates when they spoke to the country in the 1960’s provided citizen voters with big ideas and thoughtful challenges. “ Ask not what your country can do for you...ask what can you do for your country”. The “ presidential “ speeches in the current 2024 race have no “ verve”, no “ punch” . Indeed there remain important issues.....issues upon which each of the 2024 candidates should be heard . Disappointedly, the media and the candidates seem to be arguing about AI generated fake photos ( or not) that depict crowd sizes at candidates’ events, or whether or not a candidate is really, really black. I would like to think that both the media and the candidates should realize that the voters deserve better! We need to know more about where each candidate stands on the real issues pertaining to the economy, abortion rights, immigration, international relations and the like. In this 2024 presidential election are there no Dick Goodwin’s writing for the candidates? It would appear not.
Reminder that every great leader needs a "word" guy behind them. If AI could be trusted to fact check thoroughly, voters could truly make an informed choice.
Good article. I am enjoying Goodwin’s book right now. She was awesome when she spoke in Saratoga Springs this year, just awesome!
Keep up the good work Will, I think you struck a nerve with that guy
Thanks Ken. I'll say it again, I believe the planning board positions are lifetime once you're appointed...this NEEDS to change. Term limits are appropriate. It's obvious this developer has the necessary board members in his pocket to be able to "slide" through the approval process without any due diligence...any suggestions on how we can fix this???
My guess it isn't really lifetime, but it is so hard to find people who will take the volunteer job it might as well be lifetime.
Especially when they are hand picked by the Mayor and open positions are kept secret!!!!!
So the city assumes a developer's project is completed- as proposed [landscaping, etc.] /And, the city simply accepts the same developer's characterization of houses [as unoccupied and condemnable, etc.] in another neighborhood he wishes to dramatically alter (with a 60-unit structure) and the city, rather than confirm said developer's assertions, again takes him at his word. / ???
I intend to do all I can to prevent Patten's building on Glen Street.
Those Buildings on Washington St. look like crap!!! They are so close to the houses behind them. What was the city thinking???? Whose pocket is Patten filling?
Touche!
I also can't believe that the Bartlett, Pontiff et al sold all those properties after they saw the monstrosity on Goodwin Ave and the ones on Washington St. They really want their office building surrounded by future slums? They are complicit in the destruction of our beautiful downtown. Since I think all the closings have taken place, will it even be possible for the Planning Board to kill this abomination of a project? I certainly hope so.
Unfortunately, money speaks, loudly.
Greed speaks louder!!!!
Keep up the good work, Will and Ken! You are The Fourth Estate, and you’ve always made sure the powerful behaved.
Comment is for the 1st article, ✅, spot on.
Isn’t there a saying, “You’re talking so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying”? If there isn’t, there is now. Loudness is not only a matter of volume. It also has to do with tone of voice, choice of words, and even body language. Too much of our discourse today—be it in the public square, the marketplace, or the private place—is so “loud” that we can’t hear what the other is saying. There is a need for more civility in our conversations.
For more on the DGK bk, look for Joe Donahue's interview with her @ Preservation Hall, Saratoga on WAMC. It's the next best thing to sitting down with her yourself 🙂
I was there for that one as well. Check out my story on that event:
https://kentingley.substack.com/p/doris-kearns-goodwin-and-her-box
I was there…she was just awesome!
Go, Will! Go, Ken! Keep on telling the story of this abominable man. He should be blocked from any further development opportunities in Glens Falls.
It's true--we need more good people who look closely and care deeply and act for the good of the community. Thank you Ken and Will for your observing eye, your investigative reporting....Patten's disgusting vulgar responses make clear how greed and power take over when we are not aware.