Editor:

When I come into Medina and drive down South Main Street, I get sick to my stomach. I used to live in a nice 2-bedroom apartment 30 years ago. Today it is run down, like many of the apartment houses on that street.

When our beautiful village has visitors what do they think? When the Brent House is complete I believe it will be spectacular. What will our visitors think coming into our town?

Trash is on the porch and around the property. Paper bags over the windows, damaged blinds, duct tape and sheets covering the windows! Go to the MAAC store on Orient and buy some, heck they will probably give you some! Why is this allowed?

If you are a landlord are you able to rent a home and not live in NY? That should not be allowed! How do you manage your property and tenants so far away? That spells disaster.

You enjoy the money, but the upkeep is obviously not a concern to yours or our village government. Our village is beautiful – our stores are truly the best! The owners take pride in their businesses and the storefronts alone are worth the walk around town.

I live next to a house that has two apartments and I open my kitchen window and look at a dilapidated, derelict ramshackle mess! The landlord started to side it a year ago and it’s still not finished, plus one of the tenants has three unlicensed cars siting in the yard! The owner of this house is a business owner in Medina. Someone is looking the other way!

I read not long ago that residents were receiving letters if their lawns were not mowed, but drive down South Avenue, Gwinn, North Avenue, East Avenue, I can go on and on. It’s gross. It’s not fair to the residents to have their property assessments so high.

Maybe we need landlords to teach social skills because some of these young kids I see have no clue how to pick up after themselves, let alone property! Or the landlords need to be taught how to manage an apartment. This could be a new committee for our village government. I will be happy to teach classes to landlords and tenants.

It’s time the village of Medina’s government to take the blinders off and take a walk up and down the streets of this village. If you are going to live here there must be guidelines to follow.

Medina needs to be stern and stand up for the residents that take pride in where they live, and if you are a clean tenants and your landlord is a slumlord there needs to be a course of action that is strictly enforced.

Sarah Y. Gonzalez

Medina

Editor,

I peruse your Op-Ed section baffled about the letters to you regarding politics and social warrior justice. I think it’s time for us to come together on something we can all agree on: The pandemic has destroyed the lives of our little ones, and we need to put them first.

Our children have suffered the worst of this pandemic and the fallout, the absence of “normal” for them which has involved school (and friends) cancelled. Then summer camp, cancelled, Then the fair… cancelled.  Now, no fireworks. Is anyone concerned about the mental health of our kids anymore?

Imagine when we were kids …  in early spring, we were nearing the Easter break, looking forward to egg hunts and candy, and afterward, back with our friends at school. By the end of June, we were excited for summer and activities. Camp, baseball and other sports, dance class, swimming and camping, and get-togethers with our friends. A summer of playing outside until the sun came down and Mom would yell out the window “DINNER!” And after waking up the next day, we looked forward to doing it all over again. This went on for decades, until 2020.

Imagine instead, we were suddenly yanked from school, but not in a “good” way. But then, looking forward to summer after this crazy three months, we were told that summer isn’t happening, either. That summer was cancelled, too. How do you think you or I would have handled that, only add in some fear and a mask and a lot of uncertainty. As children, we would have been horrified at the thought; but that is exactly what is happening to our own children today.

Imagine you’re that kid again under these Covid-19 insecurities. How do you think they feel? Suddenly, our children have lost their childhood and no one seems to notice or care. Instead of adults removing ourselves from conflict with one another, we looked away from what is most important. Working together as a community to help our children,  fighting for THEM, instead of our own self interest?

My heart breaks every time my 12-year-old says, after another last minute disappointment in a summer event now cancelled, “Mom, when is coronavirus over?” And I hang my head in shame because I don’t know what to say.

After all, for 12 years I have been in control of this child’s future. I am supposed to know the answer. But I don’t. It’s not only he who feels helpless looking to me to answer this question.  But after searching online everyday for some good news for him, anything to raise his spirits, I come up with nothing. No fireworks, no fair. No nothing. Nothing to do for summer for the first time in our country since our nation was founded. Our kids are suffering, and no one has any good news, at least not here in WNY.

Right now, our kids need warriors who will fight on their behalf. Instead of just cancelling outright whatever the county had planned as per usual, we could have had restrictions on events, had a local lawyer draw up a disclosure agreement so organizers wouldn’t be worried about getting sued after their events if someone gets Covid. We need people in charge of this county (Representatives and Senators, Mayors and Councilmen) to come up with a plan “B” instead of worrying about the upcoming election, a plan for our children to have somewhat of a normal summer to distract them from the insecurity of the nationwide lockdown.

Even outside of our government, we need individuals with resources, ideas, and courage to do what is best for our kids without a selfish agenda. We need to come together to salvage what is left of summer for them. We need volunteers (sign me up) to get the word out, think of options and listen to others, compromise and plan, plan, plan until we fill up the void left (after being shut out of the decision-making process with regard to events such as the county fair and yearly fireworks celebrations).

Yesterday, when my son said, “I love Independence Day! We get to watch the fireworks and wave the American flag!!” I didn’t have the courage to tell him they were cancelled. I couldn’t bear the disappointment any longer. I urged his dad to tell him, instead.

I’m not the only parent feeling this way. There is a silent majority out there thinking the same thing, but we can’t stay silent anymore. We have to get together and do soemthing for all of our children.

I’m all ears:  If anyone out there is just as desperate as me to “Save Summer”, please reach out to me. My email address is kennedy99kimberly@gmail.com. I can’t wait to hear from you all – all of you warriors who have children, and even those who don’t, but remember the old days of care-free summer vacation and who long to do something for the children of the community.

C’mon Orleans, I’m counting on you… And so are the children who live (and play) here!

God bless you all,

Kimberly Kennedy

Medina

Editor:

“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

That quote comes from a letter written by one of America’s founding fathers, John Adams, to his wife, Abigail. It’s a powerful comment, and filled with a good amount of foresight (a skill that President Adams developed throughout his life), but it is just slightly off from the reality today.

Back in 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence on July 2, thus beginning the domino effect by legally separating the 13 original colonies from Great Britain. But Americans have always clung to July 4 as our Independence Day; not because President Adams is incorrect in the facts as they were, but because the Fourth was when the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, was signed and approved by that same congressional body.

Why is this trip through time important, you may ask? For one thing, I find it kind of amusing that even back then, holidays were so revered by government officials. Maybe it was a statement from Adams on how a good politician is one that is distracted and not so involved in the lives of the people. But it’s more likely that President Adams recognized the profound impact such a unified act of revolution would have on not only the lives of its citizens, but also the world around it. Considering how forward-thinking the man was, I’m inclined to believe in the latter.

The men who laid the foundation for our way of life today absolutely deserve celebration and reverence, if not every day, then today especially. But, with every passing year, and with the progress and growth our nation goes through, those same men making those same decisions come into question and under scrutiny. This year more than any other, I find myself reflecting on what 244 years of fighting for independence, for liberty and for freedom does for us as a people, as a nation and as a world. And during this time, I wanted to share my thoughts with you on what I feel like these 244 years have done for us all.

It’ll be no surprise to my friends and family that I revere and love my country, and all it has given me and every other citizen. The ability for a people to self-govern and organize based on each community’s wants and needs, while still upholding the standards of democracy and liberty for their neighbors is a worthwhile quality any nation worth its salt should be striving toward. As a matter of fact, whenever I’ve approached policy being debated or voted on, I’ve always kept the Founding Fathers and their unifying principles of liberty as my guiding star when making decisions. I trust it’s what every American wants.

But in today’s climate, one can’t really look back as fondly as one might have not even ten years ago. Through the work of historians, activists and my fellow representatives, we are reminded day after day that despite the good work done by those who have come before, there is always more work to do. Bodies of government need to act more diligently in the best interest of their citizens, representatives and peacekeepers need to work alongside their communities more harmoniously, and the written law still has some ways to go before providing true tranquility and equality for all peoples. Yes, America has come very far and laid the groundwork for a whirlwind of progress across the world, but progress never stops.

I’m proud of the progress this country has made. I’m proud of the progress this country continues to make. I’m proud to serve as a representative for the 139th District, to follow in the footsteps of the great men who came before us and to continue to fight for the freedoms and liberties of the citizens of this great country.

This Independence Day, I encourage you to reflect on what it took to get us here, and thank those who fought for every freedom and liberty that you have today. And on a closing note, take a moment to think about what still needs to be fought for today. There may be a person 200 years down the road thanking you for the same thing you’re thanking the Founding Fathers for today.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Hawley represents the 139^thAssembly District which includes most of Orleans, all of Genesee and part of western Monroe counties.)

Editor:

While wholly accurate, I don’t feel Mr. Fine’s recent letter addresses the subject directly. I’m a white male, neatly dressed and of a certain age. As a result, white society infers on me white privilege. As I’m living proof of it – to deny its existence is to be either blind or foolish – or both.

White privilege means I can pass through any airport in the country and never get so much as a raised eyebrow from TSA agents. I don’t fit their profile. Likewise, if I am pulled over for a traffic violation I am not perceived in any way as being guilty of anything more than traveling a few miles over the posted speed limit. Again, I don’t fit the profile. No retail store clerk has ever followed me nor have I been observed by security personnel out of fear I’m there to shoplift.

I can walk onto any college campus in the country and not be assumed to be there as a result of some affirmative action program. I can also steal $65-billon from nearly 5,000 people (a-la Bernie Madoff) and not end up with four police officers sitting on top of me – one with a knee on my neck.

Indeed, if I am on the street and talking to a person of color a patrol officer will much more readily assume I’m the one being accosted in some way and offer assistance only to me. This actually happened to me. Incidentally, the black gentleman I was talking to was a federal circuit court judge. My privilege also means I don’t have to work twice as hard for two-thirds the pay – a reality that includes not only people of color, but half the population (women).

If I were non-white, none of this applies. If I were not white, I would spend my days knowing full well I am being viewed with some degree of suspicion – about my lifestyle, my employment, my motives, everything. It’s just not right.

Society gave me my white privilege – so society has to take it back. I can’t relinquish it on my own or by denying it exists. I do believe all men are created equal – or we’re all God’s children, if you will. I know for a fact we’re long overdue to either act like we believe that or just admit we’ve been lying to ourselves all along.

Darren D. Wilson

Lyndonville

Wants hearings over state’s Covid-19 response

Editor:

I’ll never forget receiving the briefing from NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker in early March with fellow colleagues about the dangerous potential of the coronavirus and the immediate need for emergency funding for preparation and equipment.

It was clear to me from his presentation that this virus was severely impacting countries around the world and could pose a massive threat to our state—the likes of which we have not seen in decades.

Since then, the coronavirus has indeed shaken our economy, health system and small businesses, which will leave a lasting impact for years to come. Not to forget, of course, the incalculable cost of human lives lost across our great state. But we have made adjustments in how we communicate, interact with one another, and go about our daily lives.

Our businesses have become innovative and adaptable in order to survive during this unprecedented situation. We wear our masks, social distance and sanitize our environments in order to protect one another. During the past several months, we have learned how to deal with this by working together as a strong community.

Now that the majority of upstate New York has “reopened” and proper coronavirus protection measures are in effect, I believe the time has come to move forward to help rebuild our local economy and also restore governmental balance in Albany to address issues resulting from the coronavirus.

Since March, the governor has modified hundreds of laws and implemented over 40 executive orders. Now that even he acknowledges there is no longer a need for daily updates, I have joined my colleagues in calling for him to also relinquish the extra temporary powers that were granted to him.

Additionally, my colleagues and I have written to the legislative leaders in both houses to ask them to reconvene to vote to end these powers ourselves. We believe the time has come to resume allowing our government to be a representation of the state’s 19.5 million New Yorkers through their representatives, and through the checks and balances of separation of powers as intended in our constitution.

The Legislature has a key role here. Oversight and a full review through legislative hearings are needed. Changes to laws may be necessary, and I believe the governor has a responsibility to share with the public and its representatives in the Legislature some key aspects to the decisions that were made during this crisis period so that, working together, we can better prepare our state for the future of this pandemic and its recovery.

As such, I believe we should convene public hearings to address the following concerns:

1) Economy & Small Businesses: What criteria and logic were used to determine what was or was not an essential business? Why were big box stores open, but similar small businesses not? What process was in place for businesses and organizations to appeal closure status and have an opportunity to be heard in order to present protective plans and evidence?

2) Healthcare & Nursing Homes: What safety procedures were in effect in our nursing homes?  Did these facilities have proper PPE equipment? Were these facilities required to take back patients who tested positive for coronavirus? What changes in policies have occurred to ensure that these patients remain safe during this pandemic and future outbreaks?

3) Unemployment: Why was the unemployment system unable to handle the demand for claims? What upgrades have been made to ensure that the system is fully functional for constituents going forward?

4) State Budget and Finances: With extraordinary revenue shortfalls, our budget also needs a full examination of priorities and the Legislature should be involved now with these critical decisions.

These are the questions my constituents – and New Yorkers across our state – need and deserve answers to, and I will continue working to get those answers for them. Our state government was never intended to be ruled by one person and the time has come for either the governor to relinquish these powers or the Legislature to revoke them.

I am proud to represent 134,000 people from Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties, and you deserve to have your voice heard through the legislative branch of our state government.

As always, please call my office at (716) 839-4691 or email me at norrism@nyassembly.gov if I can be of any assistance to you.

Assemblyman Michael Norris

Lockport

(Norris is the Assembly member for the 144th District, which includes portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.)

Editor:

Recently a letter writer stated that there was no systemic racism and no white privilege. I would like to try and respond.

First of all white privilege is not something you have a choice of taking or not taking; it is something society gives you. It is hard to see for those of us born with this privilege. It just is, it is normal.

White privilege is granted to those of us who resemble people in dominant positions of society. For example, most of your teachers look like you. The history of the nation reflects white history; contributions by non-whites are less dominant.

Systemic racism is shown by the fact that given the exact financial history white people are more likely to get a loan than people of color. It also shows in employment statistics. People of color are less likely to hold corporate leadership or hierarchy of government.

Systemic racism exists in the criminal justice system with far more people of color locked up than white people. To say these things don’t exist, to close our eyes to them does not make them go away it will only make it fester and infect society.

Refusing to acknowledge white privilege and systemic racism will only perpetrate injustice. Acknowledging systemic racism and working to create equal justice benefits everyone.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Over the past year there have been many letters to the editor sent by concerned citizens regarding everything from Gaines and Murray government to letters condemning the Democratic Party for its belief in ideals held sacred since our country was founded.

As the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press: or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

I applaud those that speak out. I applaud those who refuse to sit on the sidelines and do or say nothing. I applaud those willing to take a stand.

I do not applaud those that speak out using words of hate or those that tell lies in order to spin issues to their own narrow-minded agendas.

I am concerned that there has crept into our community the hateful rhetoric that seems to be consuming other parts of our country. I have always thought that the people of Orleans County were better than that.

Please remember that when you label a person, group of people or a political party using words of hate you are labeling your friends, co-workers, neighbors and family as well as giving others insight into your character or lack thereof.

Everyone I know, no matter their race, political party or beliefs all want the same things. They want their children to be safe, they want to be able to work to support their families, they want to live their lives in peace.

Sandra Walter

Albion

Editor:

Fox, the New York Times and Washington Post all report that Russia has put a bounty out to pay the Taliban for killing our soldiers in Afghanistan.

All know this is the exactly the sort of thing that can justifiably start major retaliation, including war. It is not something we can ignore or it invites more and worse.

The country needs to know the level of confidence our agencies have in this intelligence. It’s confirmed we warned the British who have soldiers there too in 2019!

These services played a critical role in the chess match which brought down Communism and, according to the GOP Senate Intelligence Committee Report, discovered Russia directly interfering with our 2016 election.

These services know their jobs and we, the public, need to know if Russia has become this bold. Actually killing our boys!

Every day there are new distractions – rabbit holes I have called them – but this is too important to lose sight of or ignore. When matters are grave, tweets are not acceptable.

On this one, don’t lose sight of the need for full disclosure.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

There is no systematic racism. There is no white supremacy. There is no white privilege. There is very little police brutality.

Most all of us, all colors get along fine. There is a big problem and it lays in the Democratic Party. It lays in the communities of color controlled by the Democratic politicians.

It lays in the teachings of grade schools, universities and the liberal media. The true problem is systematic liberalism and progressivism. That’s where the true racists and hate mongers hide in plain sight.

Stand up for America. It’s monuments – good or bad. Stand up for our police – they are the fine line between civilization and despotism.

Stop voting for Democrats. They are behind this and funding this destruction. Thank God NY-27 rejected “Radical Socialist” Nate McMurray. Do it again in November.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with numerous individuals throughout my time as a state legislator, and I’m grateful for the time I’ve had with each of them. However, there is one man I want to take a moment to recognize for our unique working relationship, and congratulate him on his recent successes.

Following the selection of my colleague Sen. Robert Ortt as Senate Minority Leader, I’d like to share some words of congratulations and reminisce on my time working with him.

Sen. Ortt and I come from the same region of Western New York, and we both share Orleans County in our districts, which means we’ve had a lot of face time over the years. He’s a hardworking, dedicated individual, who truly understands what it means to be the voice of the people he’s representing. He knows how to fight for what he believes in, and he knows how to stay connected with constituents. In modern politics, it can be easy to feel disconnected from senators, but I’ve always been impressed with Sen. Ortt’s ability to never lose sight of where he comes from.

Being an Afghanistan War veteran, Sen. Ortt knows about hard work. It’s because of that work ethic that he’s been so successful for his region of Orleans County and all of New York. It’s why I’m equally as excited to see him in such a position of leadership, as with it comes the knowledge that Orleans County, and by extension Western New York, will benefit from the continued and combined momentum from his work and my own.

I know that, with Sen. Ortt at the helm, policy can be strongly redirected toward initiatives that are so pressing, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, such as business relief and small town support. I am pleased to continue working with you, Senator!

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.)

Editor:

Recently at the Barre Town Board meeting, the town supervisor said he was going to let Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean Energy change our town industrial wind turbine laws. The company will work with our town attorney, Labella Associates and Apex attorney Knauf.

Without any input from residents that have to live with these 700-foot-tall 33 industrial wind turbine monsters. I am now seeking a full buyout option from the Town of Barre and Heritage Wind LLC/Apex Clean for any resident who does not want to participate in the turbine project.

I am asking any attorney to put this in a letter to the Town of Barre. I am doing this on behalf of every resident in the Town of Barre who will be directly impacted by this project.

Please  feel free to get a hold of me and I will add you to our list of residents.

Thank you.

William Nacca

Barre

Editor:

“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set,” is an admonition from God’s precious Bible. Before we topple more statues and tear down more fences that our fathers erected, we might consider more carefully why they were put up in the first place.

As we witness cheering crowds tearing down our ancient landmarks, it is a vivid reminder of how the leaders of our major institutions have systematically removed God from the public as many stood idly by. The hope our community and nation so desperately needs will not be found in a political uprising, progressive revolution, new president or the tearing down of monuments.

Our nation is in turmoil not because of our president or one’s political bent. Our greatest problem is spiritual, and no amount of political activism or social pressure can fix it. Our nation is in turmoil because sin is now widely embraced, and Jesus Christ is widely marginalized. We should not wonder where God is in our present chaos. He was asked to leave our institutions long ago and graciously consented. But in repentance and faith we can invite Him back!

We need not elevate one skin color above another. We all come from one common ancestor: Adam. We need not bow a knee to political activism or social pressure. Our knee must bow to the Lord Jesus Christ. More laws are not the answer. Just look at the recent foolishness from our highest court that now endangers females under the guise of a civil right! God has given us over to our own foolishness.

I urge our community, its leaders, and the neighbors I love and proudly serve, to please consider the monument God erected 2000 years ago. A wooden cross where the greatest act of injustice and justice is memorialized for all to visit. God became a man, entered our fallen and hurting humanity, knowing He would be violently rejected, crucified, and left for dead. But, in God’s great love, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind, was buried, and rose again.

That monument memorializes for all, regardless of skin color, gender, social status, or stigma, where true hope is found, and where injustice of every kind is remedied. Calvary’s cross points to the solution to the great upheavals of our day and their root cause: Sin – yours and mine. May we repent and believe the gospel of our glorious God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

While we discover the meanings behind the monuments that have been toppled, I pray each of you will also reconsider, and then visit, the monument that should never be removed: The old rugged cross. That monument alone points us to the person of Jesus Christ where forgiveness for and freedom from sin is found. His gospel is the answer to what threatens our civility and society. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. May God bless you.

Pastor Steven Pawley

Antioch Anabaptist Church

Medina

Editor:

Over the course of the last three weeks, several groups of protestors have gathered across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s horrific murder, calling for justice and tranquility not only for him, but for people all across America.

Having been to some of these protests myself, I can tell you that the majority of those who have been looking to make their voices heard are doing everything that can be asked of them, from wearing masks to remaining peaceful in their protests. It’s what makes me proud to call them my neighbors, my fellow citizens. It’s made me proud to be an American.

Unfortunately, there are some fringe groups looking to take advantage of a legitimate movement for justice in the interest of sowing chaos and destruction. From mom-and-pop shops being among the victims of the looting and rioting to historical monuments and public spaces being destroyed and vandalized, law and order is falling to the wayside in many areas around the country.

I completely support any group of citizens’ right to assembly and protest, but these outliers and anarchists are certainly making it difficult for governments and people to listen to the protests and the cries that need to be heard.

I’ve always tried my best to make this country and this state the best it can be, as the Founding Fathers envisioned for us all, but I am also conscious that our history is blemished, to say the very least.

For our people to have statues dedicated to Confederate generals, to turncoats and traitors, or to symbols that represent harmful parts of history for vast demographics of people is certainly a worthwhile discussion to bring to the public forum. Voting and even boycotting institutions to see the change you want in the country can even be a positive use of civil disobedience.

But the outright destruction and vandalizing of property, like the statue of President Ulysses S. Grant, isn’t the right way to go about it. If you’re looking for change, it certainly discredits your movement. If you’re looking to cause destruction, it’s outright illegal and wrong. Our collective American history is not all positive, it’s true, and many of us will disagree on how good or bad it is overall, but our disagreements do not give us the right to cause devastation. History itself will show there are better ways to make your voice heard.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

(Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.)

Editor:

Four years ago I wrote in defense of our neighbors and the election officials of both parties who candidate Trump claimed were letting people vote from the grave and imposters vote.

Studies before and after show anyone claiming to have proof of that was making it up – and those that thought the sky was falling no different than Chicken Little.

This year it’s the absentee ballots that are fixed – even though the very conservative Heritage Foundation looked over a 19-year period and the worst state it looked at, Oregon, had average 1 vote per year.

It’s true that in one NC district a GOP candidate hired people to go out and collect the mail in ballots in blank at peoples’ houses. The Election Board caught this transparent crime and the election was held again – of course without the “winner,” who was by then wearing bracelets, on that second ballot.

The vote-by-mail system has layer-on-layer of checks and balances. They work as that situation showed.

The Republican Party traditionally wanted vote by mail. This year the Senate would not help expand it due to COVID.  But if candidate Trump is right and local election officials nationwide are dirty, it clearly means that all military personnel, all corporate and US employees living abroad and all ill or elderly shut-ins should be denied absentee ballots!

Candidate Trump should be asked if that is what he really wants or does he simply not want absentee ballots used in black and suburban districts or Democratic places like the Village of Albion.

Of course, the candidate could simply deny saying and tweeting it or accuse the reporter of being a hack, making up fake news. But it’s a good question. Who should be allowed to vote by mail if it’s so bad!

(My answer is obvious.)

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

We have Mr. Trump in the White House and it seems that many of  his appointees (which he says are top of the line) seem to get replaced or wind up in jail.

Strangely, it usually happens right after they disagree with him. When they disagree they are called liars or he doesn’t know them or they are just out to get him. He is the first one to point the finger at someone else but never admits wrongdoing  himself or the wrongdoings of the people who agree with him, no matter what.

He attacks our military leadership, gold star families, true heroes and now he is attacking  the judicial system at the highest level (the court he has appointed the 2 justices to).

He seems to think that he knows more than the top medical experts of the world, he calls people weak and dumb for not agreeing with him.

He does everything he can to stop people from speaking to the crooked things he has done. That is not a leader, that is a bully. The office of president is the first time he has ever served our country in any way, never in the military, never as an office holder in any government, he has served only himself his entire life.

Oh, and while I am at it, when did being anti-fascist become a bad thing? I seem to remember a war we fought against fascism, a war where we lost thousands of great men and women. To me being anti-fascist is being American.

I agree we need change in our country, but Mr. Trump is not proposing the change we need. His policies have caused severe unrest in our country and have cost us the respect we have had from the rest of the world.

It’s time to stop and think about it. Please get out and vote!

Harvey Campbell

Lyndonville