Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 4-15-21

Filibuster akin to the ‘kiss of death’

Dear editor,

I’m a full-time resident of Columbia County and, like you, a concerned citizen of this nation. I believe it’s time to eliminate the filibuster in Congress as it now exists. 

The current filibuster is too easy, allowing any senator with a gripe or a monied backer to raise a hand and scuttle legislation you and I and most of the country approve of. Given the state of hostility in the Senate, requiring 60 votes on anything is, in effect, the kiss of death. 

At the very least, the old-style filibuster that required resolve and stamina should be reinstated. But why do we need it at all?

The filibuster has a shameful history, originating in the Jim Crow era. It was used to ensure that civil rights legislation was delayed, or squelched outright. 

The filibuster is a mechanism to block progress and tie the hands of Congress, creating real and tangible pain for the citizens they are supposed to represent. Let’s cut the rope and untie their hands. Allow them to do the job they were elected to do, and if they don’t act for us, we’ll know it. 

No longer should issues we care about, that affect us, that matter, be held hostage. The Senate has got to be able to function or we all suffer. One person’s cynicism should not and cannot be allowed to derail critical legislation. A synonym for minority rule is — look it up — authoritarianism, where the consent of the governed is thrown out the window. Surely, that’s not what you or I signed up for.

Louise Pillai

Copake

The filibuster is a relic of the past and must go

Majority rule, the will of the people, has been derailed by the invention of the filibuster by southern racist senators in the 19th century. 

It means that a minority of 40% of the Senate can stop anything that the majority of Americans want and need. Like action on climate change, campaign finance reform, gun safety and voting rights — all things that are supported by large majorities of American voters. 

The filibuster was never a part of the Constitution or the original rules of the Senate. It has more than outlived its usefulness (if it ever had any). The pace of our lives and the speed of events and our problems demand swift action today.

This relic of the ancient past must go now so we can move forward and achieve real progress for today and our children and grandchildren’s future.

Bruce Thompson

Amenia

Respect our roadsides and our American Flag

Now that Spring has sprung I am walking more. A couple of observations are that our walkways and roadways need their spring cleanup.  I will start carrying a trash bag to pick up roadside debris so our beautiful area will be even more beautiful. How about you?  

Another observation worth mentioning is I see many American Flags flying that are in disrepair. Please observe the care that our flag deserves. 

If your flag has become tattered and torn, take it down and replace it with a new one.  Give the tattered flag to your nearest American Legion Post for proper disposal. (The Millerton American Legion Post 178 is the located right at 155 Route 44.) 

There is specific etiquette regarding the care of our American Flag. If  you are unaware of it, ask a Legionnaire or Google it.

Honoring our flag and our veterans is very important. God bless them and our country.

Diane Walters

Millerton