Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Letter to the Editor - The Millerton News - 7-30-20

Lies in the Trump era

 

John Walters considers himself a conservative. As a liberal, that confuses me. The party of Trump seems to embody the opposite of traditional values.

I think the violence in Portland, Ore., has been greatly overblown. A two-block area around the courthouse with peaceful protest by day, and some fire-crackers and spray paint at night, is hardly the breakdown of law and order in all U.S. cities certain media outlets would have you believe. It is surely no justification for sending in federal troops, when the mayor and  governor do not want them. It seems “states’ rights” only apply in competing for face masks and ventilators.  

There were many occasions in American history when the “silent majority” has come to accept the demands of a vocal minority. Suffragettes demanding the right of women to vote immediately comes to mind. Unions demanding an end to child labor, African Americans seeking access to our public schools, gays wanting to marry, disabled folk looking to participate in daily life — all were opposed by a majority of Americans. Yet all advanced our constitutional rights. I’m hoping you are not opposed to those changes?   

It is ironic that someone so focused on obeying existing laws could support this lawless administration. Surely the self-enrichment, criminal behavior, flouting of international treaties, refusal of subpoenas, felony convictions and subsequent pardons ought to give you pause. Democratic ideals have been turned upside down, and Americans turned against each other. Is it a good thing that Trump has encouraged revival of the Klan and Nazi party? Do you know the terrifying term “Antifa” means “against Fascism?” Remember when conservatives weren’t “Pro-fa?”

And being a white guy does not presume you are racist. Black Lives Matter simply points out that over the past 400 years in America, Black lives often did not. Slavery was the foundation of capitalism here — our supply of “free” labor gave business the advantage that China now has. Since then, people of color have been terrorized, prevented from accumulating capital, kept out of neighborhoods and jobs. That was never a focus in my high school history classes.

You helped elect a non-politician to the presidency (who has proved utterly incapable of doing the job). He also is a compulsive liar, cheat, Russian pawn, friend to dictators, serial bankrupter and payer for sex. Trump is perhaps the most insecure (all about me), lazy (golf, golf, golf), ill-informed (briefings too hard), mean spirited (kids in cages), incompetent (pandemic response) man on our planet. Sorry, but Republicans have given up any sentimental claim to Old Glory. Let’s all VOTE and elect someone smart and honorable to lead us.

Leo J. Blackman 

Wassaic 

 

 

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Classifieds - July 9, 2026

Classifieds - July 9, 2026

SERVICES OFFERED

Héctor Pacay Landscaping and Construction LLC: Fully insured. Renovation, decking, painting; interior exterior, mowing lawn, garden, stone wall, patio, tree work, clean gutters, mowing fields. 845-636-3212.


Keep ReadingShow less

Firefighters’ Fourth of July

Firefighters’ Fourth of July
Photo by Nathan Miller

The Amenia Fire Co.’s Fourth of July parade, fair and fireworks extravaganza drew a crowd of over 100 people to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, peppers, fried dough and a fireworks display that carried on despite heavy rain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton gets ready for 175th anniversary celebration

The Millerton 175th Anniversary Committee's logo.

Illustration Courtesy Village of Millerton

MILLERTON — Months of planning will culminate this weekend as Millerton kicks off nine days of events celebrating the village’s 175th anniversary, with festivities running from July 11 through July 19.

Lisa Hermann, a veteran festival organizer who has been leading the planning effort for Millerton 175, said the process intensified this year as the July start date crept closer.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Dover Stone Church reopened to the public

The public entrance to the Dover Stone Church hiking trail sits on Thomas Whalen’s property along Route 22 in Dover Plains.

Photo by Lucia Iandolo

DOVER PLAINS — Dover Plains resident Thomas Whalen has reached a final settlement with the town to permanently restore public access to the Dover Stone Church hiking trail.

Whalen, who owns the property containing the only entrance to the trail, barred hikers from his land in March 2026 amid a dispute with the town over maintenance costs and safety. The closure came after the town’s license to use the trailhead — granted under a September 2024 settlement agreement, which also included a financial settlement — lapsed in October 2025 without being renewed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook sidewalk improvement’s final phase awaits additional funding

A traffic cone draws attention to a sidewalk hazard along Franklin Avenue in Millbrook on July 4, 2026. The final phase of a sidewalk-improvement project for the north sidewalk on Franklin Avenue is expected to begin by the end of the summer.

Photo by Eloise Pickering

MILLBROOK — The final phase of a three year long sidewalk-improvement project on Franklin Avenue is slated to begin later this summer with funding almost in place.

The fourth and final stage covers the north side of Franklin Avenue from Friendly Lane to Front Street. According to Millbrook Mayor Peter Doro, the focal point of the project is to improve safety and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As of Tuesday morning, July 7, a detailed funding plan for the construction has yet to be announced.

Keep ReadingShow less
Libraries, Town Halls open as cooling centers during heat wave

Community cooling centers opened across Dutchess County last week as temperatures climbed into the upper 90s, prompting officials to warn residents about dangerous heat just days before the powerful July 4 storm swept through the region.
Many libraries, town halls and community facilities offer cooling center services during heatwaves, offering air-conditioned spaces, drinking water and restrooms. Temperatures reached into the triple digits in some areas of the county on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3.

Northeast-Millerton Library, located at 28 Century Blvd., is open and air-conditioned during its normal business hours during heatwaves, offering an air conditioned space and drinking water. The North East Town Hall, at 19 N. Maple Ave., is also available during normal business hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.