Letter to the Editor - The Millerton News - 8-24-23

The demise of democracy?

Are we watching the demise of democracy in the United States of America? The mire of corruption and political divisiveness in our country is catastrophic. The rising racism with certain politicians blatantly demoralizing Blacks and Black History, Gay and Transgender people is absolutely abhorrent.

We have Ron DeSantis spewing his thinly disguised malicious rhetoric of hate. Why is DeSantis so afraid of teaching children about Black history? Wouldn’t it be righteous to show how these courageous people persevered under the most torturous circumstances? How can it be wrong to teach children about Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King to name just some.

Then we have the ex-president of the United States, Donald Trump, with more than 50 corruption charges against him, flagrantly lying and ignoring the constitution and the laws of democracy. He removed more than 300 boxes from The White House of classified documents and stored them at Mar-a-lago. The January 6th insurrection at the Capitol left 5 people dead shortly before, during, and following the event.

Many people were injured, including 138 police officers. Clearly Donald Trump was the instigator and yet this narcissistic, misogynistic, blowhard continues to be supported by the Trumpers and Trumpettes.

The level of violence towards LGBT people has increased exponentially. They are nearly 4 times more likely to be victimized than straight people. Hate filled politics are targeting LGBT people by fueling prejudice and loathing. This propagates known lies and pseudoscience that disparages gender and sexual minorities. The stereotypes abound and are dangerous.

How did the United States democracy become so dysfunctional? Part of the reason is race. Our country has been extremely slow to address the legacy of racism. The Civil Rights Act wasn’t a reality until 1964. Unfortunately the excruciatingly apathetic path towards equality for all has caused great dysfunction.

Another reason for our flawed democracy is the backlash from a group of white Americans-many from rural areas-feel their status in society is being threatened. The feelings of resentment hit a fever pitch during the Trump years.

The inequality of opportunity has contributed to the dysfunction of the United States. Blue-collar workers feel left behind by free trade in a globalized world. Automation and AI are slowly displacing workers across socioeconomic classes. People are worried about how they will survive and support their families.

The challenges facing our country are many. I can only hope we can end the terrible political divisiveness among groups of people. Our democracy is at stake.

Gretchen Gordon

Sharon

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

Dine Out for History returns with most restaurants since the pandemic

The Millerton Inn on Main Street will host the first dinner in this year's Dine Out for History series on Sunday, Jan. 18. A local history quiz including a free glass of wine will precede dinner service at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON —Diners will once again have the opportunity to support the North East Historical Society this winter while enjoying meals at local restaurants with the return of “Dine Out for History.”

Seven restaurants across Millerton and the Town of North East will be participating in this year's event, marking the highest number since the COVID-19 Pandemic shuttered the event from 2020 to 2022.

Keep ReadingShow less
Box truck crash blocks traffic outside Millerton; no injuries reported

Millerton Fire Company crews directing traffic as they waited for a tow truck large enough to haul the wrecked box truck away from a crash site on Route 44 just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club on Friday, Jan. 9.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — A crash involving a box truck and a passenger vehicle blocked traffic just outside the Village of Millerton for much of the early afternoon Friday.

North East Fire Chief Keith Roger told The News on-scene that no one was injured in the crash that occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Route 44, just south of the entrance to the Millerton Gun Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village to hear update on wastewater project, discuss law to recognize tree committee
Village of Millerton offices on Route 22
John Coston

MILLERTON – The Village of Millerton Board of Trustees will convene on Monday, Jan. 12, for its monthly workshop meeting, with updates expected on the village’s wastewater project, Veterans Park improvements and the formal recognition of a new tree committee.

The board is scheduled to receive an update from Erin Moore – an engineer at Tighe and Bond, an engineering and consulting firm – on the status of the village’s wastewater project. The presentation will focus on funding secured to date, as well as additional grant opportunities that may be pursued to support the long-term infrastructure effort.

Keep ReadingShow less
Local massage therapist suggests ditching resolutions, ‘slow it down’ in the new year

Aimée Davis in her Millerton massage studio at 65 Main St. Davis offers massage therapy, relationship coaching and reiki in her studio and through home visits.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — While many view the new year as a starting line for resolutions and new habits, Millerton-based massage therapist and relationship coach Aimée Davis suggests a different course — a marathon, not a sprint. She believes a slower, more embodied approach can lead to greater fulfillment than ticking boxes off a list.

“I’m more of a daily-moment person,” Davis said, explaining that she focuses on small, consistent practices rather than big, rushed goals. Practicing conscious living year-round allows her to forego new year’s resolutions. “I made one yesterday and I’ll make one tomorrow — I’m constantly tracking what’s coming up, what’s drifting and what I want to change.”

Keep ReadingShow less