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

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

Shaping the future of Amenia’s recreation planning

Tiffany Zezula, deputy director of the Pace Land Use Law Center of White Plains, presents early results of a survey of Amenia residents on their desires for local parks and recreation during a forum at Webutuck High School on Saturday, June 13. Residents were invited to hear a preliminary report on the ongoing study sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission to assist with charting the future of recreation and parks in Amenia.

Photo By Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Residents would like to see more amenities, programming and access at Amenia’s parks and recreational sites, according to preliminary results from a town recreation survey presented Saturday, June 13.

A status report was presented at the Webutuck High School auditorium on Saturday, June 13, by Engaging Amenia planning consultants from Pace Land Use Law Center of White Plains.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parking rules a hurdle for proposed Millerton apartments

MILLERTON — Plans for new apartments on South Center Street are facing uncertainty over parking regulations in the Village of Millerton.

The buildings have a total of four apartments located at 26-32 South Center St, though only three have been occupied in recent years. Owner Alex Magalhaes described plans to renovate the interior of the building and utilize the empty unit.

Keep ReadingShow less

Flea market seeks local vendors

Flea market seeks local vendors

MILLERTON — The North East/Millerton Climate Smart Task Force is seeking participants for a community-wide flea market set to coincide with Millerton’s 175th celebration.

The community-wide flea market will run throughout Millerton, with Eddie Collins Memorial Park serving as a central hub. Spaces at the park are available or sellers can run a sale at their own homes.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

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

Self-storage and farm market plans move forward

PINE PLAINS — The Planning Board unanimously approved the environmental review for a proposed storage facility expansion and farm stand at 2818 Church St. during its meeting Wednesday, June 10.

The property, located across from the high school, would expand the neighboring Stissing Storage business. Steve Hobson of HTWO Properties presented updated site plans that include additional storage units at the rear of the lot and a free-standing farm stand near the road.

Keep ReadingShow less
Summer art opening shows off talent at The Fountains

Artistic talent is on display at the Fountains’ Summer Art Show, which opened Thursday, June 11. The exhibition features works by several residents and drew a strong turnout of artists and guests, who were welcomed on opening day by art instructor Ellen O’Shea.

Photo By Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — There is no shortage of talent at The Fountains in Millbrook evidenced by the opening of the Summer Art Show on Thursday, June 11.

Works of several residents are on display in the Gallery for the coming weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less

Francis Lynehan

Francis Lynehan

DOVER PLAINS — Francis “Butch” Lynehan, 75, a twenty-year resident of Dover Plains, New York, formerly of Sharon, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Born Aug. 29, 1950, in Sharon, he was the son of the late William W. and Nellie (Kluun) Lynehan.

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.