Opinion | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Bruce Burdett at a patio table outside his Bristol home, where he often works. The editor of The Sakonnet Times and Westport Shorelines is retiring this week after 45 years with East Bay Newspapers. “There’s something in all of us that likes to tell people stories, and this was my way to be able to do it,” he said.

Editorial: Sight unseen, his pen was most powerful

This has always been a special space in the local newspaper. Whether thoughtfully crafted after hours of research or thrown together on hectic deadline, the editorial is a revered tradition that … more

7/22/21

Letter: Bristol and Warren are welcoming of all faiths

“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine … more

7/22/21

Ediorial: Temple vs. schools was a loser from the start

The Bristol Warren Regional School Committee’s handling of the 2021-22 school calendar is of the more embarrassing episodes you’ll see from a local government body. It’s difficult … more

7/17/21

Letter: Repect all religions (or none at all) in schools

On Monday, July 5, I stood on the parade route of Bristol’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration . The parade was taking place on Monday as it does when July 4 lands on a Sunday — to … more

7/14/21

Letter: Why can’t they treat the Kiki like it’s in Maine?

Harlow Pond, in central Maine, measures approximately 640 acres and is bisected by a causeway of approximately 750 feet in length. A dam contains the pond at its furthest end. Harlow Pond Road … more

7/14/21

Letter: Snap out of it – We should be celebrating America

A few weeks ago I wrote a letter to the editor , my first in a long time. I thought it was important to do my small part to weigh-in on the local diatribe regarding critical race theory and its first … more

7/8/21

Letter: School committee needs to show it is truly inclusive

Dear members of the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee, I am writing to express my dismay about the refusal of the committee to take up a discussion to consider changing the opening date … more

7/8/21

Letter: Will the real America please stand up?

How can our town be so patriot, celebrate our country’s birthday with a wonder Fourth of July celebration, sit side-by-side with thousands of citizens, then turn around on July 5th and tolerate … more

7/7/21

Letter: School board insults the whole Jewish community

Last week I read that the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee has put out a clear notice that no Jews are welcome in the local schools. What else could it mean when the school board … more

7/7/21

Letter: Respect the Jewish religion and change school schedule

Though the Bristol Warren schools do not have a large Jewish population, there is a Jewish population — Jewish children, teachers and administrators. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, … more

7/1/21

Editorial: School board has been stumbling lately

It seems the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee grows more dysfunctional by the week. In yet another 5-4 decision (these are quite common lately), the committee decided it would not entertain a … more

7/1/21

Letter: Forgo those signs and get to know your neighbors

To the editor: A quick question for those displaying the “In This House We Believe” signs: Who do you think you’re talking to? In this (conservative republican) house we … more

6/28/21

Letter: Dec. 6 would be a better day to celebrate the end of slavery

Celebrating the abolition of slavery in the United States is a wonderful observance and a vivid reminder of America’s second greatest evil. The first was the wholesale killing of Native … more

6/24/21

Letter: Too many of the elderly suffered lonely deaths

Thank you to all the heroic CNAs, nurses and support staff at all long-term care facilities for working through this wretched COVID pandemic. Many of us would have been lost without … more

6/17/21

Letter: Arlene Violet is wrong on Critical Race Theory

I often read Arlene Violet’s columns in the East Bay newspapers. I usually find them interesting and informative. She is an accomplished woman – a former nun, former Rhode Island attorney … more

6/17/21

Letter: A good time to remember lessons from Dad

As Father’s Day approaches it is a good time to remember lessons learned from your Dad. Here is one of my favorites. A lesson in adaptability. In the mid-1950s growing up, my Dad worked … more

6/17/21

Letter: A letter to the Class of 2021

Years ago at a family wedding, my uncle read an excerpt from Robert Fulghum’s “All I Ever Really Needed to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten.” I liked it so much I got the poster and … more

6/16/21

Editorial: In this case, 'easier to find' is less likely to be found

Legislation before the Rhode Island General Assembly would take a swipe at both newspapers and transparency in government — two things that are intrinsically linked. House Bill 6375 and Senate … more

6/10/21

Letter: First Amendment ends with the School Committee

During a Bristol Warren Regional School Committee meeting on May 24, a father and member of the community attempted to speak during public comment. He was cut off after only two or three sentences. … more

6/3/21

Letter: School Committee needs to follow their own rules

At the Bristol Warren Region School Committee meeting held on May 27, I had planned on speaking during public comment to share my opinions on school committee member Carly Reich’s sexist and … more

5/27/21

Editorial: The public has a right to speak, good or bad

Public bodies can meet behind closed doors if they’re discussing someone’s job performance or negotiating terms of a contract. They can add things to their agenda if a majority agree to … more

5/27/21

Letter: It’s time to restore music, plus more

More than 600 Rhode Island students from grades 7 to 12 were featured in the 2021 RIMEA (Rhode Island Music Education Association) All-State Music Festival Concert, premiering on YouTube on May 2, … more

5/26/21

Letter: Generation Citizen curriculum – Parents, beware

Parents and grandparents of children attending public schools, take special notice. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a cancer that is infiltrating public schools everywhere. Traditional civics … more

5/21/21

Letter: Still waiting on an apology from school committee member

At the school committee meeting on May 17, the meeting opened with a prepared statement by school committee member Carly Reich. While I had hoped that the statement would be an apology, it included … more

5/19/21

Editorial: Bristol Warren district needs long-term fixes

The financial woes of the Bristol Warren Regional School District are structural, systemic and cannot be fixed in the next week. The school committee will soon make necessary, short-term … more

5/13/21