Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Nuclear Strategy: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/01/03/obama_presses_review_of_nuclear_strategy/

A review and upgrade of the nuclear arsenal is necessary - after all, we are not in the Cold War anymore. Nonetheless, too drastic cuts are unwise and may provide incentives for other countries to achieve 'multipolar' parity.

2. Local Governance: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/01/03/in_some_towns_town_meeting_format_is_becoming_less_popular/

Town meetings might be traditional and democratic, but modern realities obviate the need. Government needs to be efficient and professional, something town meetings cannot provide.

3. Privacy Rights: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/01/03/public_scrutiny_for_a_public_act/

I disagree - putting one's signature among many others in a petition does not elevate one to public status that justifies looser privacy protection. Moreover, having privacy guaranteed encourages many people to put their names on petitions, and facilitates the democratic process.

4. Tax Law: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/01/03/public_scrutiny_for_a_public_act/

I agree - estate taxes more often scuffle small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to save and bequeath their savings to posterity. Plus, what brilliant legislator passed a bill eliminating the tax for only one year?

5. Resolutions: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/01/03/breaking_resolutions/

I concur in part: particular resolutions such as New Year's hardly work; do not waste your time making them. On the other hand, we should not adopt a defeatist attitude, but rather strive for perfectibility, however imperfect. Make resolution itself a virtue, and do it week by week, regardless of the calendar.