Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 3-3-22

Biden shows strength in Ukraine response

President Biden’s leadership, persistence and success in unifying our European allies, facilitating the coordinated imposition of sanctions in response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is an accomplishment for which he deserves credit from the American people, as well as the appreciation of the free world.

Cavin P. Leeman

Amenia

Thank you, Millerton Highway Department

I would like to give a big thumbs up to the Millerton Highway Crew. They have always been so wonderful. That big ice storm recently brought a lot of branches down in my yard. I am 60 years old and have had heart surgery, so it takes a while to get down all of the broken limbs to the street.

But the highway crew has always done quality work and helped me out. For such a small village, Millerton has a superior highway department and civil service workers —especially during COVID — they’re always helping.

I am ashamed it has taken 17 years for me to reach out and thank them, and that I don’t know them by name.

They do the little things that make this the best village I have ever lived in — and I have lived all over the place. These guys really work their tails off!

I even tried to offer them a tip before for all of their efforts, but they refused, although they really deserve it.

Thank you doesn’t go far enough!

Wendell Bowman

Millerton

Molinaro and Russia

In the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s horrific invasion of Ukraine, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has sent out a campaign fundraising request with a statement blaming President Biden for having “a weak standing with Russia.”

In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Biden has taken a stand against Russia that is anything but weak. He has taken this stand in order to defend democracy and Ukrainian sovereignty, unlike former President Trump, who withheld Congressionally-approved assistance from Ukraine in a corrupt attempt to get the Ukrainian government to assist him with his own personal political needs.

In sharp contrast to Trump, President Biden has consistently stood with Ukraine against Russia’s predatory conduct.

What Molinaro refers to as Biden’s “weak standing with Russia” is the result of Biden’s refusal to coddle and kowtow to Putin the way our former president did.

That, in my opinion, is greatly to Biden’s credit and I think it appalling that Mr. Molinaro criticizes Biden for standing up to an international bully and war criminal.

I do not recall hearing Mr. Molinaro criticize Mr. Trump’s toadying and deferential behavior towards Putin, although Trump’s behavior was an embarrassment to this country and possibly encouraged the aggression now being visited by Putin on Ukraine.

I think Mr. Molinaro is out of sync with most New Yorkers who have great compassion for the Ukrainian people, in danger of losing their democracy.

Standing up for democratic values will, of course, place one in “a weak standing with Russia.”

Amy Rothstein

Pine Plains

Pine Plains church feeds off local support

The Pine Plains First United Presbyterian Church would like to express our sincere gratitude for the community’s past support of our previous dinners.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent precautions have changed our towns in innumerable ways and small churches are no exception, but we are slowly realizing our new normal.

Our events help us to keep open our doors for ministry to our congregation and our community. Despite diminished revenue, this year we have been able to continue to support the Community Food Locker, Willow Roots, Crop Walk, Adopt A Family, World Vision and Wreaths Across America.

We will continue with a Takeout Only format on Saturday, March 19, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Our dinner will include Corned Beef, Cabbage, Boiled Red Potatoes, Glazed Baby Carrots, Irish Soda Bread and dessert.

Reservations may be made by phoning the church 518-398-7117 or by emailing Dyan at dyanwapnick@optimum.net.

If we don’t sellout in advance, dinners may be available at the door for purchase.

Dinners are $17 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and free for those under 5 years old. Dinners are payable by cash or check at the door or Venmo in advance @FUPCPP.

As always, thank you all for your support and Bon Appetit!

With gratitude,

Jeanne Valentine-Chase

Dyan Wapnick

Dinner co-chairs, Pine Plains First United Presbyterian Church

Pine Plains