Editor:

I would like to respond to the letter written by Ann McElwee who is in support of write-in candidates for Village of Medina Mayor and Trustee.

The partial list of goals are very similar as mine:

• Fiscal responsibility – I have worked very hard with the Board to keep taxes to a minimum. One was to purchase quality used vehicles for department heads. This saved tens of thousands of dollars.
• Participation in village government – I encourage anyone to seek a position on the Village Board and to come to any and all village meetings. To my knowledge neither one of the candidates have been at many meeting or served on any committees, if at all.
• Assist village residents – It is my goal to contact any village resident within 48 hours with any concerns they have. I will then address that concern with the proper Department Head to see if the concern can be rectified. I will then attempt to follow up with the resident.
• Support all departments – I meet several times a week with Department Heads to see if there is anything myself and the Board can help them with the performance of their duties.
• Leaf and brush pick-up – As of right now any resident who has brush to be picked up can call the Village Office and leave their address. Usually if there are no major problems in the Village, one or two trucks go around and pick up the brush. As far as the leaves, that is mostly up to Mother Nature. It’s kind of hard to pick up leaves when it snows.
• Support local merchants – The Village Board has toured the business district and spoken to every business owner that was in their store to see what their needs were. Due to COVID we were not able to do that this year. Many store owners have heard me say, “They are our local heroes, they put their blood, sweat and tears into their business to make downtown Medina what it is today.”
• Support Medina Memorial Hospital – Board members and I have had several meetings a year with the CEO of Orleans Community Health (Medina Hospital). In order for our Village to grow we must have a reliable health care system.
• WI-Fi connection – There are several areas in the Village where free WI-Fi is available, including the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, and on the grounds of the Medina School District for students.

There are several ways of communication to the Village Board with or without COVID-19 health restrictions. A voice mail can be left at the Village office, Email at mayor@villagemedina.org or any one of the individual members emails that are on the village website. I can also be contacted on Facebook at the “Medina, This Village Matters” page.

We are all part of Medina, the board works together as one for a great quality of life for all of our residents and visitors.

Please vote for Mike Sidari – Mayor, Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott – Trustee.

Thank you,

Mike Sidari

Mayor

Editor:

To be transparent, I am a trustee and deputy mayor in the Village of Medina. I have served with Mayor Sidari, Trustee Sherman and Trustee Elliott for many, many years. My opinion, witnessing their work and dedication to the village, they are excellent public servants.

All three are up for re-election on Tuesday, September 15. They have a list of accomplishments for each year they have been in office. Those accomplishments have improved the quality of life for our residents.

In a letter posted on Orleans Hub it was announced that there are write-in candidates for the position of mayor and trustee.  Along with the announcement, which strangely comes from a neighbor of a candidate and not from a candidate, comes a set of goals. I think there needs to be some clarification regarding those goals.

Initially these write-in candidates want fiscal responsibility. Rather nebulous but I can assure you that the village is audited every year and I have never seen nor heard of an issue regarding responsibility. Frankly I do not know what they mean by that.

The list of goals next goes on encouraging residents to participate in village government knowing that their input will be valued and assessed. What I find rather bizarre with this goal is that, while encouraging others to participate, neither one of them ever attends board meetings. Frankly I would not recognize one of the write-in candidates as I do not believe I have ever seen them in or around town. How can you encourage others to participate when you yourself do not do it?

The goals go on saying that they will lend support to all departments, local merchants and the Medina Memorial Hospital. Had either one of these write-in candidates taken the time to attend even one board meeting over the past few years they would recognize that support of each department and to locals is discussed and given where appropriate.

Look at some of what has been accomplished by citizens of Medina over the past few years.  There is a dog park, a splash park and playground, soon to be a new skateboard park and more initiatives taken by private citizens that have had the full support, advice and encouragement of the mayor and trustees. All of the people involved in these endeavors have also met with the mayor and have appeared before the full board to get advice and approval. Write-in candidates who never attend board meetings do not know this.

I have nothing against write-in candidates, I have been one myself. What I take issue with are people that do not do their homework when deciding to run for office. This isn’t a game. This is the management of a village for 6,000 people with a budget of almost 6 million dollars. You better know what you are doing when you take office.

Mayor Sidari, Trustee Sherman and Trustee Elliott have proven, many times over, that they have the ability to manage this village. They have earned and deserve your vote.

Please vote on Tuesday, September 15, and please vote for Sidari, Sherman and Elliott for knowledgeable and responsible government for Medina

Owen Toale

Trustee

Village of Medina

Editor:

The Village of Medina elections will be held on Tuesday at the Senior Citizens Center on West Avenue from noon until 9 p.m. As your current Mayor and Trustees, we would appreciate your vote so we can continue with our vision for the Village of Medina – Mike Sidari for Mayor, and Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott for Trustees.

Over the past six years, some of our accomplishments include the following:

• Toured local businesses and industries to better understand the needs of the owners.
• Purchased and installed new playground equipment at Butts Park.
• Paved over 15 miles of the Village’s 24 miles of streets, with the help of the Towns and County through shared services.
• Renegotiated ambulance contracts with the Towns of Shelby, Ridgeway, and Yates to assist in the cost of new ambulances.
• Initiated several energy saving projects within the Village, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars.
• Repaired and upgraded the water tower and the wastewater treatment facility, in order to continue services to our residents, while attracting new businesses to the area.
• Sponsored job fairs for local businesses.
• Updated the Village website for better communications with residents.
• Maintained Facebook page “Medina, This Village Matters” for open communication with the Mayor.
• Sent several surplus items to auction bringing several thousands of dollars into the Village.
• Supported and advised local residents as they took initiatives to improve the quality of life in Medina.
• Splash pad and new playground equipment at Pine Street Park completed in 2020.
• Dog park on North Gravel Road scheduled to be completed in 2020.
• New and improved skate park at Butts Park scheduled to be completed in 2021.
• Upgrades to State Street Park.

Our future plans include, but are not limited to:

• Continue with road and sidewalk improvements.
• Continue to improve signage throughout the Village.
• Continue moving forward with the Downtown Revitalization Initiatives to solidify State funds, as we continue to improve our historic business district.
• Continue to move forward with the Waterfront Redevelopment Plan, in order to improve our waterfront community.
• Continue with the Maple Ridge Road Corridor Study, which will improve the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
• Continue to work the Towns of Shelby, Ridgeway, and Yates along with the County to improve shared services that will benefit the whole area.
• Continue to work with Orleans County EDA/IDA to attract new industrial business into the Greater Medina area.

Our dedication to the community allows us to make informed, conscientious decisions in the best interest of the Village of Medina. We would greatly appreciate your support on Election Day on September 15th.

Sincerely,

Mike Sidari – Mayor

Marguerite Sherman – Trustee

Tim Elliott – Trustee

Provided photos: A group from the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club gave Michael Pozzanghera of Hamlin a chance to experience a motorcycle up close and personal on Saturday.

Editor:

Michael Pozzanghera is an 80-year-old gentleman from Hamlin. Mike grew up riding motorcycles and has loved them ever since.

On June 3, 1957, Mike was 17 and getting ready to join the Navy. While he was riding down Kings Highway in the Town of Irondequoit, he lost control of his bike. Mike suffered a fractured skull, and the accident severed his optical nerve leaving him blind for the rest of his life. Mike is also wheelchair bound.

Recently Mike and his wife Barbara were leaving a restaurant in the Town of Greece, when Mike heard someone on a motorcycle pulling into the parking lot. Mike’s wife Barbara wheeled him over to the motorcycle. He told the biker about his love for motorcycles, and was wondering if he could touch his bike.

Unfortunately, the biker was less than cordial, and told Mike to get away from his bike, and leave. It should be noted that this biker was not a member or affiliated with the Punishers LEMC.

However, when the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club heard about this, the club was shocked at the rude and callous attitude a biker would display to someone. Our International President John Boyan reached out to Mike’s family to express sadness of such treatment.

​On September 12, a group of Punishers rode out to Hamlin Beach State Park to meet Mike and his family. This visit was arranged within 24 hours of hearing about the way Mike was treated.

Punishers from Utica, Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester and parts in between rode to meet Mike, his wife, and extended family.

Many of the Chapters represented and gave Mike mementos from the club (challenge coins, key chains, T-shirts). The members of the Punishers LEMC lifted Mike onto the back of a motorcycle so he could take a little ride.

He was yelling woohoo as he rode off. Despite a horrendous encounter with a motorcyclist, the Punishers LEMC members were able to turn Mike’s experience around.

Mike’s desire to touch, feel, and ride a motorcycle came true with the caring hearts of men who have devoted their lives to protecting others. These men made Mike’s wish come true.

Tom DiFante

Clarendon

Editor:

The Medina village election is Tuesday with voting from noon until 9 p.m. at the Medina Senior Citizen Center, 615 West Avenue.

This year Medina has an opportunity to make a choice. Mary Hare is seeking the office of Mayor as a write-in candidate. Charles Hartway is seeking the office of Trustee as a write-in candidate.  These candidates share deep roots in our community.

Below is a partial list of goals:

• Fiscal responsibility is the #1 concern.
• To encourage residents to participate in village government, knowing that their input will be valued and assessed.
• To assist village residents whenever possible.
• To lend support to all departments, managing their needs along with the needs of the public in a consolidated effort to see the village through these especially difficult times.
• To fulfill the village residents’ requests for leaves and brush pickups.
• To support local merchants.
• To support the Medina Memorial Hospital.
• To explore the possibility of extending free Wi-Fi within the village.

This method of communication is a way to share their ideas due to the Covid-19 health restrictions.

“We are Medina, let’s work together as one for a better future.”

Please share and thank you for voting.

Ann McElwee

Medina

Editor:

Thanks to Covid-19, people are being forced to look at the benefits and drawbacks of the public school systems and compare them to the relative safety of the home school options.

The school systems waffled over their ability to provide a safe environment. My fear is that parents in New York State will, sooner or later, begin to experience increased limitations on their ability to make educational decisions and soon will be limited to just making choices.

Our governments have created a massive, expensive and ineffective educational system. Not only are students not receiving the education needed for today’s technological society, many are not even receiving the basic education needed to be functional in normal business.

If the educational system pursued a business-quality standard for education, and achieved the business standard of Six Sigma, they would have just 1 person out of the last 100,000 students to pass through the school system not graduate with a functional high school education. We are not coming anywhere close to that standard.

The school systems, and our government, need to proactively promote efficiencies in education. They should be working to aggressively use and adopt the educational technologies and opportunities that private enterprise has developed and now offer.

They need to figure out how to stop consuming resources on old practices that have proven to be ineffective at producing a Six Sigma quality educational product. Because of the effectiveness and efficiencies involved, home schooling will be commonplace in the future, much more so than it has been even in the recent past.

When elected to office, I will work to remove the barriers to home schooling, to eliminate funding inequalities between home-school and public-school, to create a functional educational environment that addresses our technological needs, to support efficiencies in education, and ensure that taxes collected for education are used wisely.

My ultimate objective is to eliminate the real estate-based school tax.

Mark Glogowski, Ph.D.

Hamlin

Libertarian candidate for NYS Assembly, 139th District

Editor:

Typically I do not respond to previous letters to the editor or engage in public debate utilizing this section of The Hub. However, I find it necessary to address a recent letter in which the author took issue with the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) urging the state to raise sales tax one cent and to legalize recreational marijuana.

The author also made some suggestions regarding county employment levels and services that I will address in this letter.

It is reasonable to presume no consumer wants to pay more at the register for goods or services. However the county is in an unprecedented time, facing the most precarious budget situation in many years, and some would argue, ever.

As a result, county leadership is doing its best to manage this situation with limited resources and very little answers from the state. Orleans County has lost a tremendous amount of revenue from a decrease in sales tax revenue (its second largest revenue source) over the past several months.

This loss has to be accounted for some how to balance the budget. Of the eight cents per dollar of sales tax, Orleans County receives four cents. Each penny results in approximately $4.25 million annually. This means if the state increased the sales tax by one penny and the county received 100 percent of that increase, it would result in an additional $4.25 million. Even if the state split it 50/50, that would be approximately $2.13 million sent to the county. This would be a significant amount to offset the losses already incurred.

The author suggested eliminating “non-mandated” programs. The issue is, the largest burdens for the county have been and continue to be New York State mandates that the state refuses to fund. In other words, the state requires these programs but does not pay for them.

Nine state mandated programs account for nearly 90 percent of county taxes across the state. In 2019, the Orleans County budget included approximately $16,284,996 to cover those nine programs. This figure accounted for approximately 93% of Orleans County property taxes. This point is to illustrate the issue is not “non-mandated” programs within the county.

As it stands right now, the county is set to see at least a 20 percent reduction in the few state reimbursements they do receive. To make up that difference, plus the decrease in sales tax revenue over the past several months, the county would have to raise property taxes approximately 13 percent to maintain the level of services provided. That increase in property taxes would have a far more detrimental impact on taxpayers in the county than the proposed sales tax increase would.

It is simple to suggest cutting positions and transitioning to a part time county labor force, but the reality is the economic implications would be far greater. The economy functions on consumers willing and able to buy goods and services. Some cuts in county employment might be inevitable, but broad cuts would result in a large number of people out of work, unable to contribute to the economy, no matter how much they might want to. At a time when the economy is so fragile, it cannot afford more people in a vulnerable economic position. This is basic economics.

I won’t argue the social or moral implications of the legalization of marijuana, because I understand and agree with these arguments and potential ramifications. What I will say is many states have seen a positive economic boost from choosing to legalize it. Again, during this fragile economy, the economic impact is what leaders need to look at and take into consideration.

It is understandable for people to disagree and take issue with the two suggestions made by NYSAC and county leaders without looking at the numbers and fully diving into the economic implications. It is undeniable that the state has been fiscally mismanaged for years. However, the bottom line is these two proposals could very seriously mitigate the economic and budgetary implications of Covid. In my opinion, local leaders have done a great job managing this unprecedented time. Both fiscally and socially.

I urge residents to avoid a knee-jerk reaction to a one cent increase in sales tax per dollar spent and instead understand the alternative options to address the revenue shortfall and the far worse economic implications of them.

Respectfully,

James C. White

Village of Medina

Editor:

The NYS Association of Counties is nothing more than a bunch of left wing progressives. I say no. No! to increasing the sales tax another penny.

Like the last penny increase the vultures that claim to be Republican that run our county government never let go of it when it was “only supposed to be for three years.” It keeps getting renewed and renewed. Well over a decade or more now.

There will never be a sunset if you allow government the go ahead and steal that penny from you. They are proven liars. Only 3 years they say. Are we that stupid?

The federal government should not be bailing out states like NY that have been run incompetently at all levels. I hope there are no bailouts. No rewards for incompetence.

Now is the perfect time to cut department budgets and get rid of non-mandated services as people are used to less services due to Cuomo’s shutdown of everything. Hire part time. Cut stipends and get really tough on negotiations with the labor unions.

Where does it say that government must always maintain ever expanding services forever? The party is over, make the cuts. The taxpayers cannot afford it anymore. How desperate are you all?

Legalize weed so we can have more stupid and compliant stoned drug addicts. It could also could lead to the harder drugs and more burden on the taxpayers. I could go for decriminalizing it without the government involved but if the state and local governments are going to become the Pusher or the Cartel for profit to balance their out-of-control spending, forget about it.

Taxpayers and businesses are hurting and all you bureaucrats can think about is how much more meat you can pick off the bare bleached bones of the carcass. I could say for shame but I know you lost that right after you took your oath of office in your first term. Term limits please.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

President Trump’s contempt for the U.S. military and the men and women who serve is on display once again. An article in The Atlantic this month, (which has been confirmed by Washington Post, NYT and several other news outlets including Fox News), reports that Mr. Trump calls people who defend this nation as “losers and suckers.”

While this is not new, it spotlights how unfit Mr. Trump is to be Commander-in-Chief. Mr. Trump displayed this contempt in January of 2016 when he held a fundraiser for veterans but then used the money for his campaign and a court had to fine Mr. Trump $2 million in restitution.

When Mr. Trump ordered a raid in Yemen early in his administration that resulted in the death of an American, Mr. Trump blamed “his generals” even though it was done on his orders. When Russia put a bounty on U.S. forces Mr. Trump doesn’t even mention this in phone calls with Mr. Putin let alone take any actions to protect Americans that he has ordered in harm’s way.

Recently, in eastern part of Syria a Russian convoy collided with U.S. troops injuring several but again, nothing from this President. This is after Mr. Trump withdrew troops from Syria and abandoned our allies, the Kurds, to appease the Russians.

As a combat Vietnam veteran I am appalled at Mr. Trump’s disrespect for the military and the men and women who serve and defend this nation. I am also appalled at people like Congressman Chris Jacobs who defend this contempt and will not defend the men and women they put in harm’s way.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In his recent letter Bob Harker threw in a barb implying I supported socialism. I simply ask readers to read, or re read, my recent letter about “character.” It is not what I was writing about or saying and is nonsense to say I support socialism.

Unfortunately, there are many arguments in it also found on Kremlin-supported ONN. I think the most outrageous are the ways he tries to establish that violence is a Democrat phenomenon.

There are fact checkers from official reports to shred the basic argument.  But these claims also a hide a terrible – and dangerous – truth.

If we look at recent US history and at those who Trump calls “nice people,” we find the major source of continued domestic terrorism!

Oklahoma City. Columbine. Chardon School. Isla Vista.  Charlestown Church. Las Vegas Massacre. Sandy Hook. Aurora Theater. Casas Adobes, Arizona. Austin bomber. Parkland School. Santa Fe School. Jacksonville gamer. MAGA bomber.

All white. All supremacists. No Democrats. (Is this “the pot calling the kettle black”?)  Whatever, it’s a real fact the problem solvers among us can not ignore.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

This man some call the President has gone too far calling soldiers, who fought and died for our country, “losers.”

This is the guy who made fun of disabled veterans, attacked John McCain and referred to generals as stupid. This is the same man who got deferments for bone spurs, which his doctor said “were temporary” and they could be treated.

This man said that his Vietnam was sleeping around and avoiding VD on the Howard Stern show. He has no respect for the military and in his tiny little mind they are his pawns.

He wouldn’t make it a day in the military because he couldn’t file bankruptcy and run away. It’s time to get our respect back from our allies and tell Russia to stay out of our business, time to respect our military and our heroes and thank them for their service, and time to vote this man out of office.

All gave some, some gave All, Trump GAVE NOTHING!!!

Harvey Campbell

Vietnam-era Veteran

Lyndonville

Editor:

I was not going to respond to Mr. Fine’s recent letter rebuking my previous letter but believe several of his “points” need clarification.

First and foremost, Mr. Fine again indemnifies Governor Andrew Cuomo for New York’s ills and instead places blame on President Trump. Why is it, Mr. Fine, that New York ranks 33rd of the 50 states in job growth in 2020 according to Kiplinger? Did President Trump cause this? Is Cuomo again not held accountable for “his” state’s failings? If so, then surely Trump gets credit for the 32 states doing better than us.

Is it also President Trump’s fault that New York suffered the greatest population loss in the nation from 2018 – 2019? Or was it “the weather” as Mr. Cuomo tried to tell us. Perhaps the fact that New Yorkers carry the highest tax burden in the nation played a part. And this of course does not even include the multitude of hidden taxes referred to as “fees” and “surcharges.”

I thank you, Mr. Fine for informing me that “it has always been illegal to loot, rob or destroy property and despite the Covid-19 inconvenience those activities are still illegal.” My question to you sir is how do you explain the dramatic and sudden increase in extreme violence and criminal behavior that is happening every night in the democratic led cities with so few arrests?

Men, women, and even children are being slaughtered. Could it be that the “representatives” that you point out are elected time in and time out have pulled enforcement capabilities out from under the various law enforcement agencies? Is cutting law enforcement budgets by as much as 1/3 a factor?

I would submit to you that stating it is “reasonable to assume that Democrats are providing services and delivering safe neighborhoods better than Republicans” is a self-serving statement that is proven wrong daily – by those pesky FACTS again. Is not Orleans County Republican run? Were not the protests held in Medina and Albion indeed peaceful? (And more likely to start a conversation?)

When was the last time a toddler was struck and killed by a stray bullet here?

You continue with “The Trump administration has blatantly violated the Hatch Act and subjected the American government to bribery for the benefit of Mr. Trump.”

I ask for facts to back this oft thrown about statement. There is, in fact, a stipulation in the Act that specifically exempts the President and Vice President. The left has been calling President Trump a criminal since before he took office. Four years later, despite Pelosi and her party still throwing everything they can think of toward Trump to see what sticks nothing has – or will. Donald J. Trump is still our President.

I think it was Mr. Cropsey that mentioned a “fear of socialism.” Yes, socialism scares the hell out of me.

In closing, I am certain that the Orleans Hub does not provide this open forum in which opinions can be shared and debated to devolve into a constant back and forth between a few individuals. I will therefore not respond to your anticipated rebuttal. Throw at me what you will to see what sticks.

I stand by my conservative views. I would much rather support capitalism and all its shortcomings, the rule of law, and a belief in One Nation Under God than allow a system that has proven to destroy nations throughout history to destroy this one. I have children and grandchildren. And a conscience.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

People Count: The Census: Future funding and representation in government relies on accurate counts of how many people are living here in Orleans County, citizens and non-citizens alike.

The count is wrapping up at the end of September. Make sure someone in your household has mailed back the paper form or gone to 2020Census.gov or called to complete the survey and included everyone living and sleeping mostly in your household as of April 1, 2020. For English, call 844-330-2020.  Para español, llame:  844-468-2020. Phone numbers for other languages are listed on the website.

Voices Count: Voting: Future governance relies on each of us finding out more about candidates and making informed decisions.

Modern technology makes primary sources available. For example, look at whether Congressperson Chris Jacobs, filling out the last 6 months of Chris Collin’s term, is representing you or only voting at the pleasure of the president: https://clerk.house.gov/Votes.

Citizens: Register to vote by October 9. Vote early, starting October 24.

From many, one caring community.

Beth Wood

Barre

Editor:

This fall there are many avenues of voting that will be available to all registered voters and, because I believe so strongly in the power of our electoral process, I want to make sure you are aware of the options available to you and have time to decide how you will cast your vote.

This November’s election is one of the most important elections in recent history, and your participation is vital.

• Early Voting Sites: Starting on October 24, this is a process that allows registered voters to go to a designated early voting poll site in their home county to cast their vote in-person up to 10 days before the General Election, which is held on Nov. 3.

Please be sure to check with your local board of elections (contact information is found below) to make sure you know the correct location of early polling sites on where to vote if you plan to participate in early voting.

• Regular Poll Site:  On Tuesday, November 3 (General Election Day) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., you can vote in person at your regular poll site. To find your regular polling place, you can contact your local county BOE, or go through this link on the State BOE website (it will also allow you to be redirected to your local county site to find your early voting site).

To ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others, please be sure to wear a mask and follow social distancing. It would be a good idea to try to show up at less busy times to avoid crowds as well.

• Absentee Voting by Mail: Alternatively, you can vote this November by mail. Traditionally, this process has been reserved for those who have been out-of-town on Election Day or are sick or homebound; however, because of COVID-19, I voted in favor of a new law that allows anyone to obtain an absentee ballot during the pandemic.

This process has been made even easier with the creation of an online portal application process on the state BOE website, which you can access here. You can also learn more about the process on their website or by contacting your local county BOE (county information below) where you can also obtain applications for absentee ballots. If you plan to vote by mail, I encourage you to complete and send in your absentee ballot application immediately to allow enough time for the BOE to process your request.

Another way you can participate in our election this November is to sign up to work as a poll worker. This is a paid position, and an extremely important position in our civic process. As a poll worker, you will be responsible for helping to ensure the integrity of our election.

Not only will you be paid for the hours worked during the election, but also for your training, and you will be placed in your home county. Poll workers are in high need, so please consider applying with your local BOE to fill this crucial role. Click here to learn more.

No matter which method you choose to cast your ballot, the important thing is that you do vote by whichever way you feel is safest and most comfortable. If you have any questions about voting options, polling sites or absentee voting or would like to become a poll worker, you can contact your county BOE as follows:

Erie County BOE

(716) 858-8891

Niagara County BOE

(716) 438-4040

Orleans County BOE

(585) 589-3274

Assemblyman Michael Norris

Lockport

(Norris represents the 144th Assembly District, which includes Shelby in Orleans County, and parts of Niagara and Erie counties.)

Editor:

A brilliant conservative caught my attention Sunday. He pointed out there are anarchists on the far right and far left who simply want to burn everything down.

They are behind personal injury and physical destruction. They use hate and derision as excuses to blame whatever they can use to stir things up for others.

My initial reaction was “to heck with them” – actually worse. But that accomplishes nothing! It feeds them.

The answer is arrest them when you can, cut off their supplies, and solve real problems! By simply talking and solving problems you make them furious – ignored, marginalized, and with their matches gone and lighter fluid confiscated, they will be beat back into obscurity.

Some people realize this innately. Others have a harder time learning. But in the end the ones still talking big or worse out on the streets burning, looting, and killing and stirring up no good with their lies will never learn.

Good people need to join hands and do what is right. It always wins in the end. But it starts by

recognizing the haters, the liars, the pyromaniacs who are warped and can never learn.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion