Editor:

Greetings, first I encourage all to take advantage of early voting here in Orleans County. It goes until Nov. 3 at the DMV building in Albion.

Next I see there will be two sides to the ballots. Since Orleans County likes Sharpies please look for bleed through that may spoil your vote.

As for Proposal 1, I will be voting “No,” based on my beliefs on slavery, murder and God. Dr. Alveda King makes sense. Here is some of her words to think about: “Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate…”

I come to the conclusion that babies are indeed slaves. Babies have a body of their own and a woman has her own body, however the unborn’s life depends 100% on the choices of their mothers. Whereas, the definition of slavery is “the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised.” – Taken from Article 1(1) of the 1926 Slavery Convention writings.

Whereas Blacks Law Legal Dictionary reads: The legal definition of murder is the killing of a human being by a sane person with the intent to kill the victim or anyone who gets in the way, and with no legal excuse or authority.

This intent is known as malice aforethought. The Word Salad “legal excuse or authority” this is what I believe NY Proposal 1 is about and my God, Elohim, will see that I cast my vote against murder, especially the murdering of defenseless slaves of women.

We as beneficiaries of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of NY already are equal by law. The unequalness that beneficiaries of the Constitution and the State of NY Constitution are an imaginary, a taught state of mind. Cured by repeating to one self, “Stop it,” I am created in the image of God and no man or woman is my better without my consent.

Moving on to January 6th 2021, I rest my case in the understanding of the US Congressional Record of January 6th 2021, the Constitution of the United States and US Supreme Court cases of Bush vs Gore & McPherson vs Blacker.

Then it is on to Trump. He already was in office for four years and secured peace in the Middle East, North Korea and Russia. I had more money to buy what I wanted and to do what I wanted under Trump. I laugh when the Harris & Biden crowd says Trump is a danger to democracy. Harris didn’t win a primary. I don’t think she got 1 vote.

Biden will most likely pardon his son, other family members and himself before he leaves office and that will be a mockery to justice. However the Democrats will clap and say wonderful. I will be writing saying his administration lacks the authority because the US Constitution was not followed to put him in office in the first place, and everyone knows that an unlawful act can never result in a lawful act.

Nathan Wade gave on-record supporting statements that help Trump. Look them up. When you are at it, look at the NY Court of Appeals Trump case which gives the appearance that the court may be to ruling in Trump’s favor. Read the transcripts.

How can local lawyers overlook that there was no victim in Trump’s fraud case. Statute of Limitations also ran out so laws were twisted to get Trump. Shame on the NY Government which chose to foolishly spend tax dollars railroading Trump because “Orange Man bad.”

My closing Points: NY Proposal 1 gives government more power to wield over the People and justifies murder.

Look how well New York Civil Rights Law art. II, § 4 provides protection that “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms cannot be infringed.” This law is protecting us just great, stopping government overreach at every turn.

Then in DC, Hunter pled guilty and according to committee that had investigations, the entire Biden family made millions off US Government positions, all most likely will get a pardon.

My main issue though is with Illegals. Illegals broke US law. They can never have legal representation or a legal vote because an unlawful act can never ever result in a lawful act. I realize that government and every other human can have a different point of view than me, that’s the American way. However it’s my God given right not to give my consent.

Steve Colòn

Lyndonville

Editor:

We have read many arguments in the Orleans Hub and elsewhere about who should get our vote to be our next president, and whether or not we should support NY’s Proposition 1.  Here’s our take.

We form our position about voting in elections or making changes to our state constitution based on the truth that all of us are created equal by God.  We vote based on the premise that our human dignity is inherent and irrevocable – given to us by our Creator.

We are made in God’s image and likeness. We believe the Lord of the universe gave these words to the Prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jer 1:5)

Therefore, our pro-life Judeo-Christian position informs our vote.

Which presidential candidate was the first president to attend the Washington D.C. March for Life in-person and speak about the sanctity of life from the womb to the tomb? Donald Trump.

Which presidential candidate has a track record of appointing U.S. Supreme Court justices who saw the complete injustice of Roe v Wade and overturned it? Donald Trump.

Which presidential candidate nominated outstanding pro-life warriors to his cabinet when he was president (e.g., Ben Carson – HHS, Bill Barr – DOJ)? Donald Trump.

Which presidential candidate believes that a woman should have the right to abort the baby in her womb throughout all nine months of pregnancy? Kamala Harris.

Which presidential candidate, as a U.S. senator, voted twice against the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would ban late-term abortions after five months of pregnancy (in 2018 & 2020)? Kamala Harris.

Which presidential candidate, as a U.S. senator, voted twice against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act which would protect babies who survive failed abortions (in 2019 & 2020)? Kamala Harris.

In our book, if you can’t protect life in its most innocent and fragile state, then how can you be trusted with our lives or those of our loved ones? The Democratic Party of 2024 and its presidential and vice presidential candidates have abandoned all of their own pro-life Democrats, some of whom are our family and friends.

And what should New Yorkers do about Proposition 1? Vote No. In addition to taking away parental rights when their children are struggling with gender dysphoria, Proposition 1 also attempts to enshrine the Roe v Wade abortion protocols in the NY constitution.

In closing, we will allow Kevin Sorbo, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and a pro-life protester at a recent Kamala Harris rally to have the last words:

“Referring to abortion as ‘Healthcare’ is like referring to slavery as ‘Human Resources.’” (Kevin Sorbo)

“How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.” (Mother Teresa)

“Jesus is Lord!” (yelled by a pro-life protester at a recent Kamala Harris rally, to whom Harris replied, “Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally.”)

Jim and Paula Simon

Yates

Editor:

 Thank you to all – including Republicans taking leave of absence –  who have let me know we speak as one. Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly has now gone public and joined us also confirming Trump is a fascist.

This letter is not a false narrative. You will read here things the Fifth Estate like Fox will not report.

Trump increasingly seems so sure he will win he is every day revealing more about his heretofore secret agenda. Ie: Dumping Ukraine. Jailing his opponents. Closing down press he does not like. Harming people. Ignoring the law. He is saying these things so he can claim a mandate to purge what he does not like.

That’s not our heritage and why so many, including Republican leaders and generals, are united in opposition.

Harris is for change but she honors our traditions, our heritage. She is not off the rails.

One will be sure we remain leader of the free world.  One is friends with dictators.

General Kelly confirms many of times Trump spoke with him and praised Hitler and Hitler’s generals who were loyal to him without regard to their oath. He wants Hitler’s authority and to use the military on Americans.

Also the NY Times did deep background showing Trump ties to Project 2025 and found of the 307 contributors, over half, are tied to Trump currently. Believe it or not but the Fifth Estate ignored that the BBC laid a trap and the head of 2025 admitted on film that Trump’s denial was a ruse.

Trump derangement syndrome is reasonable. We were used to leaders and announcers telling the truth. Now our heritage is on the line and Trump is the catalyst for a Fifth Estate of power brokers and associated news organizations which has no interest in the common good. Who in the middle class was better off due to him? It was a 1 to 2 % tax cut with more fees. Tariffs additionally  increased your costs $628.00.

Our Heritage:

Washington’s biggest fear was a vengeful, greedy and authoritarian president. Telling the truth, trying to do a good job, working in good faith with Congress, ensuring the most freedom possible for all, not using office for yourself or your friends or to harm others, and leaving gracefully are all part of our heritage.

After the Tilden-Hayes election of 1876 was marred by bad faith, ambiguities in the law were resolved. Pence followed the Constitution and those laws Jan. 6^th, 2021. He honored our laws and Trump deemed that unacceptable.

This month a complete fabrication increase the danger to people in the parts of Hurricanes areas. Also Elon Musk set up a  scheme to pay people $47 dollars for registering new Trump voters.

Trump is the catalyst.

Trump The Man:

In 1976 I started following Donald Trump’s career whenever he bought the Commodore Hotel – a third-rate hotel I used to stay in as a kid.  So much was messed up I started to follow his frequent missteps and by 2015 when he announced his candidacy I knew that he was a greedy pretender.

The Trump Type:

A friend suggested I score Trump on the Hare PCL-R test which is used in criminal law and domestic violence situations. You can easily find and score it.

As predicted by the PCL-R Trump dissembles under questioning – why he historically avoids debates and serious questions. He lies frequently and is unafraid of telling whoppers.  He gets easily bated, always paints his problems as someone else’s fault, and contradicts himself. He lies about the law and he and his pocket book always comes first.

His recent long stretches spent rambling about Arnold Palmer’s genitals or just standing there swaying to music are a different and serious issue.  Do you trust Vance?

The Fifth Estate:

Fox, the Post, the whole crew, frequently take bits and pieces of things to wave together fake story lines. Many times they lie or ignore actual news.

Did you know in Oakes Pa. Last week he talked about attacking our 12% interest rates.  They ignore the continuing pet rant, rant after saying he would pay funeral costs of some d*** Mexican (serving in our Army), Musk saying women are not capable of critical thinking. Ignoring that wages are growing fast faster than inflation. Trump and his Fifth Estate shape news to shape your mind.

In Fox’s Brett Baier interview with the VP, Baier continually put his hand out towards the Vice President to shush her mid-answer.  Then he tried interrupting. He could not put her in her place.

Indeed, Harris firmly pointed out Baier stooped to deceit by showing an incorrect and doctored tape. It left out that Trump a few seconds later again repeated  some names of Congressmen he is going to jail. He did not deny he wants that as Baier inferred.

The newest false narrative is that DOJ is trying to help illegals vote. Actually it’s illegal to purge voter rolls within 90 days of an election. Republicans are illegally purging now though they have already been checked for accuracy. DOJ is responding by enforcing those laws and refusing to cooperating by breaking the law itself. The claimed scandal is that DOJ is out to allow illegals to vote; not  that Republicans are again off the rails trying to break the Law.

(As if illegals do not stay close to the ground; DOJ prosecutes the few idiot enough to try).

Trump’s Fifth Estate leaves out real news and makes stories out of bits and pieces often very badly sourced or misconstrued.

Lincoln’s Party vs. Maga Now:

Changed since 2015:  * Lincoln’s race free heritage, * it’s position against dictators, * our proudly leading NATO, * it’s respect for Law Enforcement at all levels,  * free trade, *balanced budgets (though that has not been true for decades), * since Hoover’s debacle it ran from Tariffs, * it had respected the peaceful transfer part of power. Further both parties cooperated on ensuring accurate rolls and conducting accurate election.

A Republican label is now stamped on a fragmented and ideologically inconsistent coalition. Ideas are borrowed from fringe groups, zealots, our traditional enemies, and always mixed in is self interest. It’s off the rails.

Trump’s Carnival.  Nasty, Degrading Entertainment

Our country has been blessed by real leaders giving real speeches like: *Washington’s Farewell, * Lincoln’s Gettysburg, *Roosevelt (several), *Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace, *Kennedy’s Inaugural; *Regan’s D-Day and Berlin Wall; *Bush’s Post 9/11.

Trump rallies dependson lies and thuggish material – “lock them up”, “beat them up” “I am self made” stuff .  Importantly he is always on both sides. “Violence is bad but there were ‘nice”’ white-hooded racists marching with torches in Charlotte.’  (Trump’s father marched with the KKK in his day.)

I recommend looking up the secret speech of February 10, 1939.  As noted Trump is revealing his hidden agenda in the home stretch.

Trump ceded Syria to Russian domination, the Kurds to Turkey, and will do the same with Ukraine.

He brags  he can settle international problems because his “friends” – who give him gifts and to whom he gives gifts – fear him?! This is monumentally illogical and coded justification for claiming victory when you surrender. Remember Neville Chamberlain and how World War II started with capitulation to ensure peace.

(As expected it did not make Fox etc. that the Kremlin confirmed the inscrutable Bob Woodward. Trump indeed shipped Putin our Abbott COVID PCR  machines before our hospitals and test centers had them.)

Trump is indifferent to life.  D. Brix, head of his COVID  task force, says 30 to 40 percent of COVID deaths could have been avoided with prompt action and dissemination of information.

Trump is so arrogant he recently told a major meeting of economists and business leaders in Chicago that they did not know their math or what their own businesses needed. As so often the case Fox and the rest of the Fifth Estate ignored that.

Sadly, current polls show people now recall Trump’s Presidency more favorably than they did at the time. Memory and repetition make the memory fonder. The Fifth Estate banks on that like Hitler. Trump and the Fifth Estate  are not satisfied with controlling 50% of the news. Trump wants all news outlet praising him.

Harris’s Alleged Word Salad:

Republican House Speaker Gingrich proposed expansion of the Child Care Credit in 1994. This year when Harris proposed the same thing we hear she has no plan and is a Marxist.  Zealots will always believe she is whatever Trump says she is.

Harris’s  ”word salad” is actually explaining to voters she grew up and understands ordinary people. They can trust her.  She says she is serious about mixing proven and new ideas to benefit all. Believe her or not but at least she makes a firm commitment.

Clearly Putin will not best her, nor Iran, nor China, nor North Korea. She took down crime gangs as a prosecutor which takes brains and guts.

Harris will veto extending Trump Tax Cuts.  She supports the conservative bi-partisan  immigration plan. Bodily freedom. Price-gouging data will get looked at; long standing laws on unfair trade practices do not have to be invented.

You have heard her. Not quick answers;  good bi-partisan solutions for change. Simple but effective.

We Stand United With Patriotic Conservatives Too:

 Again, folks, thanks for the wonderful feedback. We know there is tough crowd to convince which does not understand why so many hundreds of bonafide conservative leaders and generals are taking a leave of absence from the Republican Party in 2024, 2025.

Those Republicans and generals actually know Trump. They all took the oath to our Constitution and are brave enough to put that first.

They are secure in the knowledge that there will continue to be a place for conservative Republican principles in the free, prosperous, safe, dignified society which a Harris election will ensure.

Our choice Harris: a strong optimistic woman who thrives on fixing problems once she is President.  She believes in bipartisanship, freedom and has plans to help people.   Traditional but agent for change.

Trump: A grim man who thrives on turmoil including promising a repeat of 1920s economic suicide. Off the rails he makes clear he despises lots of people, wants unrestricted power, and campaigns on who he will hurt.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Early voting is coming up this Saturday until November 3rd. If you can, get your vote banked.

Anything can happen between now and November 5th. My reason for writing is most folks know who they are supporting for President,  Senate and Congress but many don’t know who the Judge candidates are that will be on the ballot in our 8th Judicial district for Supreme Court Justice.

I will speak for the Conservative Party in Orleans County. I believe that all the mayor parties have a roll in this. Every year the Conservative Party circulates a petition to participate in the 8th judicial convention.

As chairman of my county I make it clear to the people signing the petitions as well as my committee that gets the signatures that we will be picking and voting for the most conservative judges as humanly possible that fit within the values of the Conservative Party.

I and my vice chairman attend these as I am the delegate and he is the alternate delegate. Only the delegate can vote but my vice chairman is 100% on the same page as I am and should I not be able to attend he would have the vote.

I am very unhappy with how the voting goes down. It seems to be predetermined, rigged to me. It seems the Republicans and the Democrats get together in a room and cross endorse the candidates. Then they come over to the Conservative Party and they do the same, except for but one county that is Orleans County.

I will never endorse a Democrat after what they have done to this state and country. Especially when the term is for 14 years. A rattlesnake no matter how nice you are to it will eventually bite you. Their allegiance will only be to other rattlesnakes. Especially Democrats that also take the endorsement from the Working Family’s Party.

The Working Family’s Party is the Communist Party. It is in our platform to never endorse a candidate that takes that endorsement. I have been called foul names. I have been called unreasonable by supposed fellow conservatives at these conventions for not falling in line. Once you sell out your principles just that one time it’s over. I am very proud the tell the conservatives in Orleans County that I voted “No” to these Democrats that take in the United States of America an endorsement from the Communist Party. I have always voted “No” to Democrats any year. All the other county chairman fall in line but not me and not our committee. I could not look myself in the mirror if I did otherwise and broke my promise.

I’m thinking it’s either the checks that are written or the fact that the chairman of the 8th Judicial convention is a lawyer and they are all lawyers and maybe they will have cases that will come in front of these judges and having endorsed them may carry favor. Either way if that’s the case I’m glad I am a thorn in their back side and shame on them. Glad to do it.

So who are the candidates? I don’t know these two people only that that belong to a very destructive party. The Democrats are fielding Henry Nowak and Kathrine Nugent-Panepinto. They have the Democrat, Republican, Conservative and Working Family’s party lines. Meaning they will be on every line so if you don’t want to vote for a Communist Party-endorsed candidate for such an important position write the names down and skip checking them.

The Republicans are fielding Michael Norris and Deborah Chimes. They also will have the Democrat, Republican and Conservative lines. I am not happy they took the Democrat endorsement but I know that their values are way more in line with the Conservative Party than the Democrat candidates. Please vote for them on the Conservative line.

I am partisan and I am sick and tired of how the Democrats have ruined the justice system and every system in this state and the whole country. I hope every Democrat is defeated this election cycle. I know that is wishful thinking as there are way too many poorly educated voters in this country.

Paul Lauricella Jr.

Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman

Editor:

Patrick A. Golden, principal analyst on Consumer Affairs and Protection for NYS Assembly, will address campaign issue: “Economy” at the Hoag Library, Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m.

One of the host committee, Bob Golden, Pat’s father, may disagree.

In 1980, Bob reviewed* Milton Friedman’s book on “supply-side economics,” also known as “Reaganomics.” Bob predicted that Friedman/Reagan’s policies would create a Central/South American economy with mainly only rich and poor.

Pat felt his Dad was exaggerating. Reaganomics did not destroy the middle-class, only about half of it. Big business used the Reagan tax breaks to move the auto, steel and other industries that paid good wages, to the South and Mexico, where they could pay less. They bought cheaper steel from Japan. That, combined with Reagan’s union-busting efforts, “hollowed out” the working (as opposed to professional) middle.

Bob also reviewed, Nobel Prize-winning economist, Columbia Univ. Prof and formerly of the World Bank, Joseph A. Stiglitz and his 2011 book, “The Price of Inequality.” Stiglitz contends that paying good wages and restoring the middle class is best for the economy: the middle class spend and save their money in the US, where the rich put their money in foreign banks, buy in foreign countries taking their money out of the US. economy and succeed in avoiding taxes.

Like the six Popes, starting with Leo XIII in 1891 through Benedict XVI, including St. Pope John Paul II, Stiglitz says: “Pay just wages.” St. John Paul, considered conservative, also said that big business “has ceased to value labor or laborers.”

Stiglitz in his book, The Great Divide, and subsequent articles, tells that now, upward mobility is virtually a myth. The lack of regulation of business, bailouts on their excesses, and exploitation have resulted in a percentage loss of income for the majority, but a dramatic increase for the upper 1% or even upper 10%.

Stiglitz and 15 other Nobel Prize economists today say that raising tariffs and other proposals from that same candidate, will result in more inflation and cost us respect in the rest of the world. Laffer, one of the architects of Reaganomics, sides with tariffs and that candidate.

However, although Reaganomics stimulated the economy, Reagan and Laffer insisted that they’d balance the budget. Instead the national debt increased from $800 billion to $2.5 trillion. Thus, we simply borrowed hugely from future generations: not “Tax and Spend,” but “Borrow and Spend.”

From 2016 to 2020, we did much the same thing. We’ll likely do it again, if the “tariffer” gets into office. He doesn’t pay most of his personal and business debts. What makes us think he’d behave differently with our taxpayer money.

Pat and I and his Mom talk about once every two weeks. But we almost never talk economics, mainly grandchildren, family news, sports and plans to get together.  So I’m anxious to see what Pat has to say.  I hope you are too and will join us.

My credentials are a Master in Counseling Minorities and 43 years in criminal justice.

Pat’s are a Master in Economics and nearly 40 years in the NYS Legislature, working on economic issues. So you see why I’m anxious to hear from Pat.  My guess you will be, too.

See you Tuesday at the Hoag.

Bob Golden

Waterport

Editor:

Thank you to the writer who responded to negativity with the actual language of “Prop 1/back of the ballot initiative/NY ERA.”

It has had many names. We are fortunate in NY that our laws protect women’s rights and healthcare. Our laws respect and protect those who may be less able to make themselves heard.

It is time that our NY Constitution reflects these rights and this respect.  That is why I will be voting yes on the back of my ballot for Proposition 1 (elections.ny.gov/2024-statewide-ballot-proposal).

To view the sample ballot for your location (both sides), click here.

Beth Wood

Barre

Editor:

I am writing again regarding the Lyndonville Board of Education. Some might wonder why the Lyndonville Teachers’ Association (LTA) worked so hard to get certain board members elected. The answer is simple— this year the LTA is negotiating their collective bargaining agreement.

The three incumbents who were defeated worked for the taxpayers of the community to provide the best education possible, while striving to be the best stewards of the taxpayers’ money, through fiscal responsibility. They drew a line in the sand with spending by following  the contract and seeking healthcare options in an attempt to keep costs down.

Article 7.01.05 Subsection A of the current collective bargaining agreement clearly states “The Lyndonville Teachers’ Association will assist the Board of Education to reduce the health insurance costs by examining other health insurance programs.” (The complete collective bargaining agreement can be found by clicking here.) Meanwhile, the current school board president was quoted in the Orleans Hub stating “we should not be looking at healthcare again.” Healthcare costs for school employees are exorbitant— this is exactly where the Board of Education should be looking to reduce costs.

At one point, the LTA was requesting a 5 percent raise each year, between 2024 and 2027, resulting in a cumulative 15 percent over those three years. This would be a cumulative cost of $2,909,609.00 to taxpayers, over the course of the three years. Even a 3 percent annual increase over the three years would cost well over $2,000,000.

Some might find it ironic that I personally have no problem with the LTA asking for a 3 percent or 5 percent raise. Being a union employee, I understand (although, in my experience, a union typically “gives something up” in exchange for those kind of raises). However, as a taxpayer, I am seriously concerned.

Without a reduction in costs elsewhere (specifically health insurance), these rising costs are not sustainable, especially as the smallest school district in the county. The Board of Education has an obligation to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. In today’s economy, the average taxpayer cannot afford the ever increasing taxes to keep up with fiscally irresponsible spending.

I worked in a school district for three school years. I’ve seen first hand the challenges teachers face. It’s a challenging and often thankless job. Teachers deserve to be fairly compensated. That is not what this is about. The issue at hand is the Board of Education needs to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. Just as we would expect of the Village Board, Town Board and County Legislature.

Respectfully,

James C. White

Lyndonville

Editor:

From the very beginning, when Biden stepped down as a contending candidate for President, I have felt something was not right.

I was actually hoping, as the campaign continued, I would be able to reap something good about Harris and shed this feeling, but the opposite has happened. I feel even stronger in my convictions, that she is not fit to be President.

Harris has made bold claims that Trump is unfit to lead this country, and yet she participated in one of the biggest ruses to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline and his deteriorating mental acuity. She continually dismissed claims about Biden and instead said he was “absolutely authoritative.” If Biden and Trump had not had their one and only debate, which revealed the truth, we would still be living with one of the biggest coverups in American history. She is a liar.

Then after that debacle, Harris is crowned as nominee of her party, despite never winning a single presidential primary. I should say she was anointed instead of appointed. This was a massive effort by the Democrats to redirect campaign funds from Biden to her. What a controlling effort for both the Democrats and Biden to pass the torch to her without any competition. Thus, her campaign was conveniently crafted.

No one will argue that at this moment in time we are facing much acrimony and hostility in our nation. We need a President who does not need to be spoon fed or trained on the job. Trump has proven his allegiance in that regard.

However, as VP Harris has failed to show us that she is capable of dealing with many issues that affect our world today. Now on the campaign trail her bountiful promises are void of how they will be executed or how they will be funded. She has continually evaded the questioning on the immigration crisis with both Bill Whitaker and Bret Baeir. It’s time for her to admit Biden and she did wrong.

Her latest slogan “It’s time to turn the page”  is reminiscent of Obama’s “change” slogan. Remember folks the page was turned in 2020 but so far there are a lot of blank pages deplete of plans, policies, platforms and noteworthy performance.

It is important to remember that this November we all need to look beyond our emotions  and take into account the future, security and welfare of our nation. Electing a person to the highest position in this land should be foremost based on the candidate’s record, credentials, experience and capacity.

In my letters to the editor, I have cited Trump’s record and although many have tried to discredit not only him but his accomplishments during his Presidency, he did a lot of good.

This will be my last letter to the editor on this topic. Some have accused me of misleading and misinforming my audience. Through all this  I hope my previous letters and insights have proven just the opposite and have been helpful and informative.

Please vote.

Mary Mager

Fairport, formerly of Albion

Editor:

In a recent Letter to the Editor, a writer who lives in Fairport stated, “Yes, he (Trump) is a flawed character – like all of us.”

Trump’s “flaws” include his conviction on 34 criminal counts in NY, convicted of rape (also NY), and convicted of stealing 25 million from Trump University students. The list could go on to include his upcoming trials in Florida, Georgia and Washington, DC.

Perhaps she has forgotten he also tried to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election!

Yes, there are flaws, then there are “Trump-sized flaws.” I doubt any of us knows anyone with flaws his size.

Jack Capurso

Albion High School 1960

Ashburn, Va.

Editor:

A lifelong friend of mine just accused somebody of submitting or omitting factually incorrect material. Unfortunately it was clearly sourced from partisan sources and was itself incorrect.

The letter concludes there would be a huge number of illegals allowed in the country under Harris’s immigration proposal – the bipartisan act. It does not understand that the border would be shut down due to the number of “encounters.”

Encounters under the law occur when people are caught by the beefed up ICE and processed. It does not allow illegal immigrants to roam and hide as her source claims except as they are held in brief detention. The proposed Act finally increases funding for administrative processes and judges to handle and either return or properly admit people within days of the encounter.

It’s only when encounters become too large a number to process that the border is shut. (And besides also hiring hundreds of additional agents it also gives them the additional sniffer machines they want as fentanyl from Mexico, for example, is coming across in cars.)

The letter says that the ex-president did not go to visit our war dead in Normandy because the helicopter was grounded by rain. That indeed was the published excuse. But the helicopter worked for General Kelly. The letter ignores that General Kelly, Trump’s longest Chief of Staff, says that Trump did not go because Trump said he didn’t see the point of the “sucker’s”  sacrifice because there was “nothing in it for them.”

Trump’s disdain for men in uniform is well documented. The writer points to hugging one or two disabled vets for the camera but that doesn’t demonstrate any charge of heart.

Further Trump cannot use the Alien And Enemies to remove people from the United States as the letter writer claims. It’s used during a declared war with another country.

There were four overlapping acts in 1798, three of which were almost immediately repealed in 1800 as they were uniformly condemned. The long repealed Alien Friends Act might have permitted such deportations.

To get it done – and many other dictatorial acts Trump has espoused like jailing people and revoking broadcast licenses – Trump more likely would use the Insurrection Act. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff Milley writes that Trump is a “fascist to the core” and that Trump and his advisors have considered using the Insurrection Act. Under it the military – which Milley headed at the time – would operate on US soil as Trump directs. Without declaring an insurrection mobilizing military operations on US soil is illegal.

I know that Biden is blamed for Afghanistan and it certainly was a terrible situation. There’s no escaping that! However, Trump negotiated the deal and failed to enforce the Taliban’s promises. Nevertheless he drew our troops down at each stage. The largest just before the 2020 election.

The final stage was left to Biden and if anybody recalls our generals said they did not have enough soldiers there to defend our people. We either had to run or immediately mobilize and restart the war from scratch. It was a disaster waiting to happen.

The letter blamed the lawyers for Trump not taking the stand for whatever that means. Innocence? In fact, there are three  reasons not to take the stand. Insufficient evidence. Or they feel the client will make a terrible witness and incriminate himself.  Or they actually and 100% can not call the defendant to the stand as the client has admitted guilt to them and his trial attorneys cannot knowingly call him and be a party to perjury. The usual reason is perjury.

About CBS, the letter neglected  that from the get-go CBS put on its website both versions of actual words so that they could be compared and demonstrate  that no substantive content was left out. CBS aired the shorter one.

IMHO Trump is losing it and is avoiding speaking in any setting he does not control. At least three times now one of his demands is that debates/interviews not fact check as a condition of his participation.

The good thing about my friend’s letter is that pretty much stays within the bounds of traditional, (mis)characterizations of a person’s position.

She does not claim, as does MGT, that the hurricanes were caused by Democrats to destroy Republican areas. And it did not claim that Republican areas were being ignored by our heroic first responders.

Both may have contributed to fatal decisions. It did not claim that speaking out is treason which should result in prosecution. It did not cross the line of decency and put people in danger like her hero does. It did try to draw into question jury verdicts.

The letter is an example that source materials are of huge importance.

With January 6th people who still believe Trump won have clearly never read the exhibits and source materials. Similarly people who still think Trump was a political target in his suits and prosecutions have never read the indictments and now the grand jury releases. They did not read all the appeal decisions and the real legal issues Trump lied about every time he got in front of a TV camera. That is the problem with partisan sources that at best pretend to report news. Go with sources with long tapes, full quotes, and that source material.

Note: Trump just threatened domestic use of the military against the “enemy within” and Democrats., i.e. use the Insurrection Act against people who say and report things he does not like. Change the channel. Try it. A flood of false narratives all ultimately originating from (or supporting) this unhinged, thin skinned, authoritarian and dangerous man result in wasting time on dangerous letters – sorry to say that.

With this sophisticated misinformation out there, this is why well informed people are concerned about the country falling into unhinged hands. The real news this week was our tremendously strong economy which is the envy of the world and not Trump nonsense. (See the current issues of The Economist from the UK and its four-part review of our economy. )

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Another lopsided letter to the editor has come forward, attempting to discredit Trump, with not one word of positivity about Kamala Harris (not one).

A closer look at the brazen statements made about Trump proves this letter was written without sufficient evidence and probably emerged from the rumor mills that mainstream media is spinning about him. When we extract one incident from a story, we never know the entire story.

Let’s take a more thorough look!

The 60 Minutes Decline: Ex-CBS staffers have already called for an outside probe amid editing scandal during Harris’s interview with Bill Whitaker. Why would Trump partake in such an interview if what he says could be misconstrued or edited to make him look bad?

His legal cases: Of course he, like most us, relied on the counsel of his lawyers who did not feel it was in his best interest to testify. Yes, he is a flawed individual – like all of us.

The bipartisan border bill: It was voted down because it was bad. The Border Act would not secure the border. It fails to provide a solution to Biden’s broken asylum system which has released so many asylum seekers into America.

“One of its other weaknesses is the provision that gives authority to shut down the border which wouldn’t kick in until the seven-day average number of cumulative encounters with inadmissible migrants is between 4,000 and 5,000 per day. And it would be discretionary unless the seven-day average is above 5,000 per day.” – Nolan Rappaport.

In other words, the administration could choose to catch and release up to 5,000 inadmissible migrants per day – almost 2 million per year.

Foreign Gangs: In honor of those who lost their lives, Trump said, “We will have an Operation Aurora at the federal level to expedite the removals of these savage gangs.” “I will invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798,” he continued, “to target and dismantle every criminal network operating on American soil.”

Trump also said he would execute a 10-year prison sentence for migrants who re-enter the US after being deported, and the death penalty would be implemented on illegal migrants who kill American citizens.

Trump refusing to be photographed with military amputees: Trump hugged U.S. Army Captain Luis Avila (a wounded wheelchair bound vet and amputee) who sang the patriotic hymn in a ceremony filled with a 21-gun salute, a fife and drum corps, and military bands; it was a very emotional moment. How about Dave Riley, a former member of the Coast Guard and quadruple amputee who was photographed shaking hands with Trump when he became National Commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 because it was raining: Bad weather grounded Trump’s helicopter that day. Instead he met with President Macron and General John Kelly attended the ceremony.

Supporting our veterans: When we are reminded of the disastrous and hasty military withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan during the Biden/Harris term, the loss of both American and civilian lives is jolting. In the end it gave more momentum to the Taliban. Trump was not opposed to a withdrawal but stated it should have be conducted with “dignity, strength and power.” Perhaps if that had happened, thirteen troops would have lived. Trump signed the SVI Act of 2020 to protect those who protect us. He also signed the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act guaranteeing military vets can continue getting health care in the civilian sector when it is not easily available from a VA facility.

It is not necessary to beleaguer the reader any further because I believe you see where I’m going here. When you omit facts and select only those that fit your agenda, the truth is compromised. When you don’t provide any relevant substantiation in support of a candidate, what are you left with, other than an angry tirade to demean the opposing candidate.

Mary Mager

Fairport, formerly of Albion

Editor:

I am asking you to vote for Democrats this Nov. 5th. This election will determine whether we continue to be a democratic republic, as established in the Constitution, or some sort of authoritarian state.

After the 2020 election, Mr. Trump and his Republican enablers, challenged the outcome in 60 court cases. After 60 court cases showed no voter irregularities, and after the Governors of every state had certified the results and sent a legal slate of electors to Congress to be counted, Donald Trump, the Republican leader, and his enablers, created a slate of “alternative electors” – both illegal and unconstitutional – to throw the certification into confusion.

When this non-violent coup failed, they tried an open insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. During Mr. Trump’s presidency he gave Russia classified information, abandoned our Kurdish allies and threatened to pull us out of NATO, all in service of Vladimir Putin.

Mr. Trump disrespects the American Military and he saluted a North Korean General. In the Korean War around 37,000 Americans died, 92,000 were wounded and around 8,000 are missing defending our democracy. The war ended in a stalemate with no peace treaty, meaning we are technically still at war with North Korea.

Mr. Trump saluted a North Korean General. As a combat veteran and patriot I find this is so un-American that this alone should disqualify him for the Presidency. For those reasons and many more, former national security and military officials published an open letter endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris writing: “This election is a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness.”

This open letter was signed and endorsed by more than 700 former officials including 15 retired four-star generals, 12 former Cabinet-level officials and more than 120 ambassadors. Because our Constitutional democracy is at stake in this election, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney are supporting Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris for the Presidency.

This should not be a hard choice as the Biden-Harris administration brought back manufacturing jobs with the passage of the Chips and Science Act. Micron Technology is building a $100 billion chip manufacturing campus near Syracuse and Edwards Vacuum is building in Genesee County. GlobalFoundries, AMD, MenloMicro and TTM Technologies have all made major investments in New York.

Even Republicans have acknowledged how legislation passed by Democrats have improved the lives of our neighbors.  In a comment section in Westside News, (Aug. 25th), Republicans touted the benefits of the American Rescue Plan, legislation passed with no Republican support, writing that the funding from this legislation will “expand opportunities” for senior citizens, new services for veterans, and enriched after school programs for our youth.  Moody’s Analytics examined the economic models put forth by the candidates and concluded that a second Trump presidency would be an economic disaster.

Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are trying to confuse voters with their constant lies. For example, they know that non-citizens cannot vote in national elections and that is why they are blaming them for all our problems.

The lies have resulted in bomb threats against children, but they keep doubling down on these lies. Democracy demands citizen participation. If our experiment with self-government is to continue, we must be engaged. I urge you to vote this election for Democrats. If you need assistance please contact election officials for help.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

This is a response to “Harris has a pattern of deflecting, not answering questions,” which was posted on Oct. 9.

I respectfully disagree with many of the statements made in the above-mentioned opinion piece, particularly the author’s assertion that Donald Trump “does not shy away from difficult issues.” I also disagree with the notion that Donald Trump has consistent and transparent policy visions and offer additional details (some opinionated) below which readers can evaluate for themselves.

Trump does not shy away from difficult issues:

• Donald Trump declined a second debate with Kamala Harris after his performance during their first. Recall this false and bizarre statement about Haitian immigrants: “They’re eating the dogs! They’re eating the cats! They’re eating the pets of the people that live there!” That is indeed a difficult assertion to defend.
• Donald Trump declined to participate in the exact same 60 Minutes interview that the author criticizes Kamala Harris’s attendance in.
• Donald Trump declined to testify during his civil defamation trial brought by E. Jean Carroll after stating to the press that he wanted to.
• Donald Trump declined to testify during his criminal trial brought by Alvin Bragg after stating to the press that he would.

He has made his vision very transparent.

Purging the USA of foreign gangs:

• Donald Trump’s plan for this is to sanction one day of extreme violence to deter future crime.

Stopping the gateway for fentanyl and other drugs:

• Donald Trump called on the Republican Party to vote down a bipartisan boarder bill so that he could continue to use the border crisis as a campaign issue. Sponsored by Republican Senator Chris Murphy, the bill was described by Greg Chen, senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, as ‘probably the most extensive border funding and security package that we’ve seen in decades’.

Creating citizen/work release for qualified immigrants:

• Donald Trump has a history of bad faith, cruel policies toward migrants and immigration. The previous Trump administration’s immigration policies lead to the separation of minors from their parents and relatives. Some families still have not been reunited.
• Donald Trump campaigned to end birthright citizenship.
• Donald Trump campaigned to deport Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio who are there legally.

Strengthening our military (See Promoting world peace below).

Supporting our veterans:

• Donald Trump mocked John McCain for being captured during combat.
• Donald Trump referred to fallen soldiers losers and suckers.
• Donald Trump refused to be photographed in the presence of military amputees because “it doesn’t look good for me.”
• Donald Trump dismissed head injuries sustained by soldiers during an Iranian missile strike as headaches.
• Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018 because it was raining.
• Donald Trump told former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, “I don’t get it. What was in it for them?” when visiting Arlington National Cemetery.

Developing energy independence:

• The United States achieved energy independence in 2019 and 2022 marked the highest level of US energy independence since before 1950. “Drill Baby Drill” is not a policy.

Promoting world peace:

• Donald Trump provoked North Korea by calling Kim Jong Un “Little Rocket Man” and threatened that they would be met with “Fire and Fury.”
• Donald Trump constantly criticizes and threatens to pull out of NATO which is the world’s strongest peace-keeping military alliance.
• Donald Trump claims he can negotiate the end of the war in Ukraine in 24 hours which is utterly and completely fantastical.
• Donald Trump stood next to Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland in 2018 and denied that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, disregarding overwhelming evidence to the contrary gathered by United States intelligence agencies.

Controlling inflation:

• Donald Trump plans to implement tariffs indiscriminately which economists predict will exacerbate inflation.
• Donald Trump’s administration added $7.8 trillion to the national debt during his administration. Not exactly a demonstration of fiscal responsibility.

The author’s article which I reference began with the following quote from Maya Angelou: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

On this, we agree. Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his intellectual shortcomings, propensity for lying, and his contempt for the rule of law.

It is deeply regrettable that a reality show in the early 2000s was able to rehabilitate Donald Trump’s image after decades of business failures to one of a successful businessman and capable leader when this is objectively not true.

In reality, Donald Trump is a deeply flawed individual who suffers from malignant narcissism and is incapable of empathy or admission of any wrongdoing. He is not brilliant nor a “stable” genius. He is a failed businessman multiple times over who was lucky enough to have a wealthy father to bail him out of financial hardships of his own making time and time again.

Donald Trump eventually became an unlikely celebrity with his brazenness and shameless self-promotion. He remains a bizarre spectacle at his campaign rallies where his talking points are about past grievances, the “late, great Hannibal Lecter,” how he’d rather be electrocuted than eaten by sharks, and how “windmills” (he means wind turbines) cause cancer.

After watching coverage of these rallies, I fail to glean from them any modicum of a policy or vision for the future. Not only does Donald Trump fail the litmus test for competency and normalcy, let’s also not forget that he was impeached twice as president, was found liable twice for defamation and sexual assault, and is a convicted felon who is awaiting sentencing and possible incarceration.

The electorate will decide in November if this conduct is befitting of one seeking the Presidency of the United States. My vote will reflect that it is not.

Adam Mark

Medina

Editor:

Over the last several years I have been asked a number of questions and been presented with countless concerns regarding the emergency medical services (EMS) within our rural county.

Additionally, I have read lots of comments on social media from EMS providers, former EMS providers and the general public that are from folks that are misinformed or are just telling flat out lies.

What I have realized is there is a general lack of public knowledge about the EMS system, so here is the truth about the struggles we face as one of the smallest counties in New York trying to ensure that the public has an ambulance that responds during your time of need.  This will barely scratch the surface of the EMS issues we face, but it will give you a high-level overview.

First, I think it’s important for everyone to understand where we were 20 years ago, versus where we are now in regard to service. In 2004 there were 2,876 requests for ambulance service within Orleans County, despite a population decrease of around 3,000 people the requests for service in 2023 were 5,159, which is decline from the 5,600+ requests that took place in 2022 and 2021.

In 2004, including staffed career ambulances there were 13 ambulances in the county with 3-4 of them being staffed. Now we are down to 6 total and depending on the time of day between 3-5 are staffed. All of the fire department-based volunteer ambulance services stopped providing this service due to rising costs and the declining number of EMS providers.

The cost of operating an ambulance service is expensive, there is no way around it, especially if you want to attract good employees and provide competitive wages and benefits. To operate a single ALS ambulance 24 hours a day 7 days a week, it comes with a price tag of around $1 million per year. Although the ambulance bills for the services that it provides but in a rural county it’s just not enough, unfortunately.

I often see comments or get asked, why do we have to pay for ambulance service when other areas get the service for free. Ambulance agencies largely look at what is referred to as the payor mix. The payor mix is the percentage of patients that are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or the patient has to pay for the transport themselves.

The Orleans County payor mix is generally around 50-60% Medicaid/Medicare, around 25% private insurance, 10% self-pay, and the remainder being correctional facility transports. In areas where the payor mix is much less lopsided towards Medicaid and Medicare and/or the ambulance service has a higher call volume, the ambulance service is able to generate more revenue. The ambulances have less down time between calls and have shorter transport times, allowing a greater return on investment per ambulance.

Medicaid and Medicare only pay a fraction of the bill, generally in the 20-35% range, and the transport agency does not receive any money for the remainder of the bill. The state correctional facilities pay at the Medicaid rates. Private insurance doesn’t always pay 100% of the bill either and it varies amongst insurance providers and what services were needed. The insurance will determine what they are willing to cover, and the provider is not able to bill for the remainder of that transport. Some ambulance agencies have standing agreements in place with the insurance companies that will guarantee them a certain payment on each transport. Some ambulance agencies choose not to enter into these agreements because they ultimately could lose money. If they don’t have an agreement, they could get paid between 20% and 100% of the invoiced transport cost, versus having the agreement where you know that you will always get a guaranteed percentage of each transport.

We regularly hear concerns over the billing rates. Most agencies set their prices based on the “Anonymous Ambulance Rates,” which is a report of the average rates being charged in an area. The rate charged varies depending on the level of care provided for the patient. There are various levels of billing for different advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) services that are provided. For mileage, it doesn’t matter where the ambulance comes from you are only charged for transported miles. Because we live in a rural area, the first 17 miles of transport are charged at a higher rate.

Calls are dispatched based on the questions the Public Safety Communications Specialist asks the caller, known as Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD). After asking a series of questions an EMD code and a priority level of the call are determined. Based on the priority, an ALS Ambulance or a BLS Ambulance is dispatched. ALS Ambulances are sent on the most severe calls – respiratory distress, chest pain, strokes, cardiac arrest, etc.  BLS Ambulances are sent on the less severe calls, such as general illnesses, falls, broken bones, etc.

Another comment we get often is in regard to responses with lights and sirens. People will ask “Why didn’t they respond with lights and sirens”? The answer is two-fold, its generally based on the priority system we discussed earlier as determined through the EMD process. The other part is based on crew discretion, as to whether or not a response with lights and sirens is going to make a difference in the patient outcome.

There are numerous studies that show that the time savings is minimal, and that the difference in patient outcomes are not impacted. In fact, it’s become more of an exception to transport with lights and sirens, rather than the norm that it used to be. It’s safer for the patient, the crew, and the public when lights and sirens aren’t used.

Largely, the EMS service dilemma comes down to people and money. In regard to the people aspect, we lack the volunteers to operate at the levels that we once used to.  Secondly, people largely abuse the EMS system and call for an ambulance when a simple car ride to their own doctor, the urgent care or ER would suffice. In a world where things are built safer and our county population has declined by 3,000 people, the number of requests for an ambulance should not have nearly doubled in 20 years’ time. People think that taking the ambulance is going to get them seen faster in the ER, but that doesn’t in fact work. The patient is transported in, triaged and then seen in the same order they would have been had they walked in the door on their own.

In regard to money, those who have it want to keep it, and those who need it are left begging for it. The money aspect is simple…insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare pay peanuts, and leave the ambulance services trying to figure out how to make their budgets whole. This then comes back to people, both elected officials and EMS agency leadership, to try and figure out where to get the funding and what levels of service are acceptable for the protection of a community.

What is the right balance to cover the call volume? How do you account for the surge? The other day there were 12 EMS calls in just over 3 hours. It’s not cost effective for the ambulance services, the municipalities or the taxpayers to staff at that level, especially when there are days where there are only 1-2 calls the whole day. The mutual aid system is there to assist with these times of surge, but there is such a demand on the system some days that even the mutual aid isn’t available.

The elected officials’ contract for a level of service they feel will adequately cover the community.  When we hear ambulances coming from another agency to cover a call, or from out of the county, the call volume at that moment is beyond what the contracted services were able to cover. This is not the fault of the provider or the elected officials.

This is a metric that needs to be monitored, and if this is beyond the acceptable level of risk to the elected officials and the public, the number of ambulances that are contracted for need to be adjusted. The money/public safety balance can become a real challenge for elected officials and ambulance service leadership, and these are responsibilities that I am not envious of.

The EMTs and Paramedics are also severely behind in both pay and benefits when compared to other first responders. The wages have come a long way since where they were pre-covid, but still fail in comparison to firefighters and law enforcement officers.  Law enforcement and fire retirements systems enable the employee to retire after 20-25 years of service. Some EMS agencies don’t even offer retirement, let alone pay wages where a provider could start saving on their own. Several providers work for 2-3 different agencies just to make ends meet for their family. Yet we wonder why we have issues with burnout, recruitment and retention.

There is a plethora of legislative issues in NY that aren’t helping the money or people problem. Slowly there have been a few changes, but not the sweeping changes that are needed to overhaul the EMS system.

Did you know that EMS is not an essential service required by law? Neither the town nor county are required by any statute to provide ambulance service. That’s just one of the many issues that we face, and that could be a whole other topic of conversation, but a quick Google search for NY EMS legislation will bring up a variety of the legislative battles that are currently ongoing.

We never hear the good news stories! For every 100 complaints that I hear about an EMS agency, I might hear one positive thing. This is a different world we live in now, people don’t always have the same morals, ethics, motivations, or drive, that they used to.

I have worked with some really good providers and some really bad ones. No matter where you go or what the name is on the side of the ambulance that pulls up, there will be good and there will be bad.

Unfortunately, with the challenges that EMS agencies face trying to hire staff some slip through the cracks for longer than they should. If you had a bad experience, I would encourage you to reach out to the ambulance service’s leadership. Complaining on social media isn’t going to resolve anything. However, I would also encourage you to share your positive experiences too. This is often times a thankless job. No one is doing it to get rich; they’re doing it to give back, to help others, and sometimes a little positive recognition goes a long way.

It’s a challenging time we live in on a variety of levels. The dollar we earn doesn’t go near the distance it used to at home, and it certainly doesn’t in the EMS services. These services we once took for granted have dwindled to a fraction of what they once were.

It’s going to take an understanding of what the EMS service once was, what it currently is, and where it needs to be to right the ship and finding sustainable financial solutions to make it all happen.

There is a lot of bashing of providers and agencies, but at the end of the day, the name or color of the ambulance doesn’t matter, the uniform of the provider that gets out doesn’t matter…the safety of the public is all that matter and needs to be the number one priority.

Justin Niederhofer

Orleans County Emergency Management Director

Editor:

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”— Maya Angelou

Kamala Harris certainly confirmed the truth of this quote during her 60 Minutes interview with CBS correspondent, Bill Whitaker. As always, she struggled to offer any clarity on the key issues such as immigration and border security.

When Whitaker pressed her on whether the Biden/Harris administration should have responded sooner to the horrific migration crisis, she declined to give her opinion. One of her signature tactics is to sidestep into a different issue, which she did by redirecting the topic at hand.

I’m sure she found Whitaker’s questions hard to tackle such as “Why did your administration loosen restrictions on immigration that led to a quadrupling of illegal migration into America?” It was obvious she didn’t know what to say. This too is a pattern. When she becomes overwhelmed or dumbfounded by a question she finds distasteful, she either talks in circles like a dog chasing its tail, or she tries to pump up her credibility by citing dissociated events.

Over time it has become apparent she is more comfortable in superficial settings such as “Call Her Daddy.” This type of arena gives her freedom to talk about herself and her campaign and steers clear of important topics such as immigration and the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene. I’d like to know how she is going to fix immigration, address the Middle East conflict and reset the economy. Her colorless and disconnected counters on these vital issues leave her audience in a stupor of confusion.

On the flip side of the coin, Trump does not shy away from difficult issues. He made peace between Kim Jong Un and Moon, becoming the first sitting US President to not only meet a North Korean leader but also enter that land. He calmed the ever brewing Middle East storm between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

He has made his vision very transparent:

• Purging the USA of foreign gangs
• Stopping the gateway for fentanyl and other drugs
• Creating citizen/work release for qualified immigrants
• Strengthening our military
• Supporting our veterans
• Developing energy independence
• Promoting world peace
• Controlling inflation

Trump supports the police and prioritizes law and order and citizen safety. This means peaceful demonstrations, not riots.

Many people are looking ahead to what the next four years will be like, but I encourage everyone to look at the last four years.

There is a lot of work ahead. Work to improve social security, work to reduce our country’s debt and taxes and work for voting for citizens only.

During Trump’s time as President, he accomplished a great deal and proved his diligence, unlike Harris, whose time as VP has been riddled with incoherent, muddled verbiage, chaos and unfinished assignments. To expect the latter to now morph into someone who is suddenly going to handle an even more challenging job, is fodder for a fantasy novel.

Mary Mager

Fairport, formerly of Albion