‘A year to remember’

This year has dealt us a medley of tragedy, hope, despair, optimism, pessimism, distrust, social divide, compassion, caring, hatred, intolerance, suffering and heroism — it’s been an eye opener to the evil that exists in this world. A virus was unleashed upon us from another land, though it denies such charges. I believe, researching the facts, that it was intentional. This brought out the best and the worst among us. Good and dismal political leadership, caring and uncaring individuals. 

Look at some of the details, if you have time, before rushing to judgment. Why did New York and New Jersey sustain practically half of all the deaths in the U.S. in the early days of the pandemic? Why did so many unnecessary nursing home deaths occur in New York? From what I’ve read and seen on the news, I believe there were upward of 15,000. You won’t find this number in the official  statistics, because nursing home patients were transported to hospitals and those who died later were not counted by the New York Health Commission as nursing home deaths — very politically convenient, wouldn’t you say? 

My home state has demonstrated extremely poor state and city leadership — or lack thereof. Are all of those lost lives, so many that were preventable, worth the continued political incompetence and ego trips? It’s your choice — your God to answer to. The residents of this state, along with those living in many other states, have allowed this to happen. Many of them are selfish individuals with their own self interests and political agendas, not caring about future generations. If things don’t go their way, they can always blame President Trump. 

On the bright side, I see hard-working scientists, first responders, health care workers and caring patriots holding things together. Groups and organizations are giving their time and money to help those who are truly deserving of the assistance. 

The holiday season is upon us and has transformed this year into one of improvised occasions. Still, I believe the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year will prevail and remain in the hearts of those who care for one another and this country. I will be celebrating down-scaled versions of the holidays and thanking God for his many blessings. 

There are many among us wishing to destroy our Constitution, liberty, history and independence. There are many wishing to tear down the very fabric that makes this country great. Remain vigilant. Make decisions for the good of our country and for the sake of our futures and to ensure this nation forever remains the great U.S. of A. 

God bless you, patriotic readers, and your families, and God bless our military, first responders and front line health care workers, never giving up their battles to protect our freedoms and keep us safe and healthy. Have a great holiday season, all. Remain healthy and safe. Till next time…

Millerton resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran who belongs to both the American Legion Post 178 in Millerton, N.Y., and the Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.