My View: Common sense optimism

Veteran's Corner by Larry Conklin

Spring has slowly and gratefully crept back into our lives as Punxsutawney Phil predicted. Goodbye 2024.

Daylight saving time is upon us which always messes with my mind. In retrospect I’m grateful for the opportunities, good times and support afforded me by close-knit family and close friends and for the opportunity to address military, veteran, Constitutional, national and local issues and outdoor sports and conservation to you interested readers.

You and I can disagree on occasion and that’s okay. The majority of this country sent a loud and clear message during the 2024 general election. They were not happy with the ‘status-quo’ and demanded change. Common sense and survival overcame political prejudice, power grabs and personal greed. Onward.

I predict 2025 will culminate in a gradually improving economy, personal and national safety and security and a scaled down federal government designed to work for the people as intended. Political agenda institutions will be cleaned up or eliminated. Government waste and useless jobs will eventually be gone. Most mainstream and social media, which has proven to be deceiving and lying to us for several years will reform or disappear leaving us with truthful and factual reporting.

Our Southern and Northern borders will be secured quickly, open to legal immigrants we approve of and will embrace. Our military and first responders will be compensated well and morale and recruiting become an all time high. The Pentagon will experience a long overdue housecleaning.

Most of us will become more tolerant and understanding. I know I’m being very optimistic. But I know it can happen by using common sense. Be pragmatic: listen carefully to differences of opinion, walk the streets, take public transportation, talk to police officers, veterans and fire fighters then go to the grocery store to face reality. Just one message I’d like to extend to President Trump: ‘Mr. President — just do the job this nation elected you to do.’

Gotta prepare my seasonal transition ‘things-to-do’ list. More on that next time. God bless you patriotic readers and your families. Wishing you a happy and healthful 2025.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Connecticut.

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

School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook names top-ranked scholars

Amber Concannon

Photo provided

MILLBROOK — Strong leadership skills and confidence in communication are evident contributors to Amber Concannon having earned her designation as Valedictorian of the Millbrook High School Class of 2025.

“I have truly loved my time at Millbrook,” Amber said of her Millbrook schooling that began when she was enrolled in kindergarten.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE

Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.

The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less