Editor:

Is this a battle of power, knowledge, wills or fears? To many it is one or all of these. But truly for those that are Vaxed and unVaxed it seems to be becoming a matter of principle.

In a land governed under the principles of liberty and freedom, it seems a bit unsettling when those that we trust with our liberties are now saying phrases like “screw people’s freedom.” There are some citizens of this great country who applaud that sentiment.

Thankfully there are those that do not, both Vaxed and unVaxed. Common ground to be proud of, the respect for freedom of choice. Not sure how my grandfather, who was shot twice in WWII, would feel about depriving people of their freedoms. I wish I could ask him. What do you think he would say? Fighting for freedom changed the course of his life.

I will not be so self-righteous to try to presume, but many people are feeling very self-righteous these days. They don’t care to listen; they only want to be heard. They don’t want to support; they want to shame. They don’t want to comfort; they want to bully.

The Vaxed believe it is best for them to have the vaccine. It is a matter of self-preservation for the Vaxed. They waited in anticipation so they could get to living again. It allows them a sense of self-preservation because they have faith, they are decreasing their odds of becoming very ill if they contract the virus. Take comfort in knowing that if you believe in the vaccine, then you have done your part. The risk is now with the unVaxed.

For the unVaxed it is a complicated mix of why this path was chosen. For most it was not a fly-by-night decision. A lot of research and thought was put into it. At first it was because of fear, mistrust, and uncertainty. The fear of the vaccine is just as powerful as the fear of the virus.

The last 16 months have been filled with misinformation and constant threat to freedom of choice. It is hard to trust in the motivations of those pulling the strings of Covid mandates because they are politicians. To the unVaxed it is an overstep for politicians to be denying freedoms and creating mandates, all the while threatening to take away their financial security if they don’t step in line.

If you believe that the Vaxed have certain short-term securities, then you must know that the risk is with the unVaxed. Who with their freedom of choice have chosen to take that risk. The belief it is better to face the reality of what is known, than the reality of what has not yet been proven. Science shows that surviving the virus is 98.2% or better, especially if you are healthy and not in the top risk of America’s #1 health crisis, which is obesity.

We each have freedom to choose what we do to our bodies, whether it be unVaxed, eat donuts and French fries all day, smoke, drink or whatever. This issue of the Vaxed Vs. the unVaxed is not political for citizens, just politicians and the media. Citizens from both sides of the political spectrum are choosing Vaxed or unVaxed and it does not fall down party lines. Politicians and media want you to think that so they can continue to divide.

The real kick in the pants is when a free country feels it has the right to withhold money to demand you step in line. The unVaxed and many Vaxed can agree this is not something a free society does. At that point it almost becomes a matter of principle. People are hypersensitive to all actions that feel as though they are threatening freedom and replacing it with mandates.

The term “Super Spreader” is now the vernacular of those who want to keep you fearful. Unfortunately, our elected have failed all of us, by pitting us all against each other and making this about money. Money for pharmaceuticals, money in their pockets and taking money from those honest tax-paying citizens who won’t step in line. Instead of trying to understand the unVaxed, they are trying to put the boot of pressure on their thoughts and wallets, which will unfortunately make many dig their heels in.

I have had conversations with Vaxed who have received harsh criticism by their family because their families are afraid of the long-term vaccine effects. To them, I said, be at peace with your choices and don’t let others put shame upon you or make you doubt your choices.

I have had conversations with the unVaxed who have received harsh criticism because people are telling them they irresponsible and selfish. To them, I said, be at peace with your choices and don’t let others put shame upon you or make you doubt your choices. Free people need to make personal choices without fear of social and/or economic backlash.

But in the end the risks we take must be of our own choosing in a land of freedom and liberty. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel shame for your personal decisions. Be proud of yours and stand up for your convictions, even when others try to put doubt in your heart and minds, Vaxed or unVaxed.

Debbie London

Albion

Editor:

Here in the United States some of us have a rich tradition of doing whatever we can get away with. One of our senior gas customers told us that traffic was backed up for twenty miles in Florida at 5 p.m. on election day 1996. According to her, it was all about making it more difficult for working people to vote, regardless of color.

Mr. Trump, a hero to some, has made it quite the rage again to act on our impulses. January 6th and what he told Billy Bush before his electoral college victory in 2016 were just the tip of the iceberg.

Not paying your taxes or, for that matter, those who build your casinos is consistent with getting away with whatever you can. Sometimes all you need is nerve and a fancy lawyer.

Perhaps if we make a big enough commotion about how we are free people we can ignore election outcomes, do what we like to those who may believe they do not have a voice, discount climate change and resist any further responsibility to our fellow citizens to get vaccinated and wear masks.

No, the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution should not be taken to deny or disparage others. But neither does the Ninth Amendment give us license to do whatever we please, even if some of us would apparently like to think it does.

Heck, if our freedom loving ancestors had been encouraged by “leaders” such as some of those we have lurking around today, they might have resisted the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. What did our sixteenth President know anyway?

Demagogues such as Mr. Trump, Senator Cruz, Governor De Santis and others seem to believe living free is synonymous with doing whatever you like without regard for the consequences to others.

Why not let it devolve into every man for himself? Doesn’t it make sense that our relationships with our fellow humans should be so misguided? Hopefully no one reading this believes such nonsense has a happy ending.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion

Editor:

It has become an article of faith that the reason businesses can not find workers is because of the federal unemployment benefits.

Congressman Jacobs has even offered legislation to cut benefits in the belief that cutting benefits would force people back to work. It is just silly to think that earning poverty wages is keeping people out of the job market.

Why is it that people think that giving someone poverty wages discourages work yet giving millions to businesses in the form of tax breaks etc. does not discourage work? Furthermore, there are multiple studies that dispute this claim.

Last Friday, (8/20/21), the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics showed that states that cut off unemployment benefits have experienced job growth similar to or worse than states that retained unemployment benefits. In other words the unemployment benefits did not affect people returning to work.

Hospitality and leisure section employment also did not improve when benefits were cut. According to the Labor Department data the five states with the fastest job growth have all retained some of the federal benefits.

A recent study by Arindrajit Dube, et al. found that by cutting off benefits workers spent about $145 less a week which puts less money into local economy. Thus, the unemployment benefits bolster consumer demand, increase business activity and help the our local small town economies.

Let’s dispel the myth that the American Rescue Plan’s unemployment benefits are hurting employment and the local economy.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Our state begins a welcomed new chapter, turning the page on a dark period in our history. It is special for us here in Western New York to see one of our own now become governor for the first time in over a century and to hold the distinction as our state’s first female governor.

I would like to congratulate Gov. Kathy Hochul, and I welcome the opportunity to continue working with her to restore trust and confidence back at our state Capitol and to deliver on Western New York priorities.

On a personal note, I have stood with and seen Gov. Hochul champion key economic, resiliency and tourism projects along the Erie Canal, shores of Lake Ontario, and local businesses. She understands the concerns of New Yorkers – especially those in our Western New York region. I remain optimistic that her leadership style, background in constituent service, and understanding of our concerns will serve New Yorkers well during her tenure as our governor.

There are serious challenges before us, however, and our state needs leaders who are committed to making the reforms necessary to help enable people to succeed. The economic shutdown was devastating and still impacting our small businesses. I’ve written to her asking her to consider a three-part agenda that I believe will help put our state, especially our region, back on track to prosperity. The agenda includes:

1. Restoring fiscal responsibility: Albany cannot balance its bloated budgets on bailouts from Washington or the backs of taxpayers. We are already losing too much population from upstate communities, and now that the pandemic has proven some companies can run successfully and oftentimes more profitably with a largely remote workforce, New York’s population exodus is only going to further increase. Wall Street is already relocating to Florida where there is no income tax.

2. Investing in our infrastructure: Where we should be dedicating additional resources is in infrastructure in order to provide the vital services that employers and citizens alike need on a daily basis. In Western New York there are too many homes and businesses without high-speed broadband access, and where it is exists, it is too expensive. Our roads, bridges, highways, culverts, water and sewer lines need repairs. Our Erie Canal needs to continue the reimagine initiative and make necessary improvements. Let’s make significant investment in this critical infrastructure now to protect our future.

3. Changing the way we do business: Without a systemic overhaul of the Executive Chamber, nothing will change in Albany. Real ethics reform must happen. I am encouraged by the initial statements Gov. Hochul has made, however, if she is serious about reforming the decades-old dysfunction and corruption that has run rampant in Albany, I encourage her to embrace legislation like my State Contracts Sunlight Act (A.3784) or the Public Officers Accountability Act (A.6780). Both of these measures would bring real transparency and accountability to state spending and impose serious, tangible sanctions against violators of the public trust.

I am looking ahead, and welcoming this new chapter in our state’s history. However, with that being said, as a member of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, I believe it is critically important that the unfinished business from our last dark chapter still be dealt with and a public report of the investigation of former Gov. Cuomo be published by the committee to ensure accountability and transparency, particularly for the victims and families of those who died in nursing homes due to his COVID-19. I will continue fighting to ensure that this report is released.

Though I am upbeat about a new beginning in Albany, I remain skeptical that downstate-driven progressive policies will continue to be advanced in the new administration. I am more than willing to work in a bipartisan manner with Gov. Hochul on mutual matters of concern such as infrastructure and ethics reform, but please know that I also will proudly stand up for my constituents and our region when needed to voice our displeasure on radical left wing agenda items such as “bail reform” that negatively impact our state.

I encourage Gov. Hochul to embrace this “back to basics” agenda, and look forward to working with her to on these matters and local priorities in the 144th Assembly District.

As your representative I am working hard for you and here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact my office. You can email me at norrism@nyassembly.gov or call my office at (716) 839-4691.

Assemblyman Mike Norris

Lockport

Norris represents the 144th Assembly District which includes portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties.

Editor:

Who needs a gun? Well the short answer is, all of us, but who needs them the most? Marginalized communities, including women, POC, the LGBT community, sex workers, and all who are most affected by violent crimes are often ignored and overlooked by 2^ndAmendment supporting communities and clubs while participating in outreach. These communities not only need firearms, but they also need professional firearm training.

Orleans County has some of the most wonderful 2A communities, and it’s a bit disappointing that they don’t often reach out to the communities that need firearms the most. We absolutely cannot afford to overlook them, their lives are in danger everyday, just like ours may be without firearms.

Let’s work together, all consenting adults deserve the right to protect their life and liberties. The goal is to arm as many Americans as we can, right? Government tyranny isn’t going anywhere. Violent crimes aren’t going anywhere, but they can be reduced with simple firearm education and firearm ownership.

Chase Tkach

Carlton

Orleans County Libertarian Party Chair

Editor:

With all the arguments about vaccines, masks, and accusations of lying being told about this being a public health issue or a privacy issue here in the States, I thought a few might want to see what huge “on the spot” fines, curfews, 5-mile travel restrictions and such measures in place in Australia where Melbourne has had 200 days of lockdown so far.

The death rate for the country is less than a thousand deaths so far. Just as I was typing this a friend in the capital sent that Canberra’s outbreak figures today were 30 some. They want to avoid what is happening here.

And, in regard to Mr. Lauricella who links to Fox News and Tucker Carlson as definitive proof that our military is knowingly involved with sedition by this administration. In fact Fox’s and Carlson’s legal position is – and the Federal Court of the Southern District of New York has explicitly stated –  that Carlson’s show and statements are “[not] statement of facts” but “rhetorical hyperbole and opinion commentary” not intended to be believed (Click here). They won!

No wonder I ignored Lauricella for so long. He did not understand that our men in uniform should not be dragged into partisan fantasies. There really is nothing more to say about this now that we know his sources – no honor there, just perverse entertainment.

But where are the days when we were governed by gentlemen willing and able to talk so we could all prosper? These constant craven attacks based on imagination and half truths is tearing us apart. Name calling does not mean something’s accurate.

What happened to listening, learning, expertise and honor? They are worth defending. They are our true heritage.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Mr. Cropsey, I’m not going to stand for your false interpretation of what you think I wrote in both letters.  Biden and his administration from the DOJ and across the board have shown no regard for our laws since he took office.

At the very least they pick and choose. They believe they are the law. They have also bungled everything they have touched from immigration, economy, jobs, energy, crime, Afghanistan, spending, the pandemic. You name it, they made it worse. That’s undeniable.

Please spare us all with the fake moral outrage. Where was your letter of anger when this administration made our military sleep on the floors of parking garages in the freezing cold after the unarmed capitol riot and the outrage when this administration, Democrat members of Congress called members of our military, the sons and daughters of Americans, racists and white supremacists?

The media that supports and defends everything Democrat and suppresses the truth from the American people and pushes politicized science. No thanks. I’ll take real media that tells the truth. Click here for a report from Fox News with facts about the issue.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Mr. Lauricella is chairman of Conservative Party in Orleans County

Editor:

The 2020 US Census not only showed a decrease in Orleans County population to 40,343, but an increase in minority residents to 4,800 people, or 12% of the county population.

To Orleans County political parties, this group of 4,800 potential voters could represent the difference between winning or losing future elections. Will the Democrats simply assume most will vote for them? Will the Republicans ignore them believing they will continue to win elections without this group?

Changing demographics have a way of upsetting political plans as shown by the radical shifts in voting in Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia and numerous other states which went Democratic in 2020.

Perhaps  the politics of inclusion, in which both parties work to understand the issues important to these minorities is the way of the future.

Jack Capurso

Ashburn, Virginia (former Albion resident)

Editor:

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis both claimed that migrants are pouring across the southern border causing the surge in infections.

Senator Rand Paul has claimed that Democrats are “plucking” kids with Covid from the border to “seed the country with a new variant.” Never mind the fact that the government is extending the policies of the previous administration of returning migrants to Mexico.

Kaiser Health News reported 8/3/21, “Citing the shifting state of the Covid pandemic, the Biden administration plans to leave in place a public health rule instituted by the Trump administration that effectively turns away almost all migrants from the U.S.”

Furthermore, NBC’s Julia Ainsley reported (8/7/21), “Immigrants who are allowed to stay in the U.S. to claim asylum are given tests when they are transferred to ICE, Health and Human Services or non-governmental organizations.” Those that test positive are quarantined. None of the Republicans could provide the sources of their information because, well, there is none.

A recent writer to the Hub explained that this was a secret; “He, (President Biden), is using our military to secretly distribute illegal invaders throughout the entire country with no forewarning or openness to the American people and spreading this pandemic that was under control.”

None of the responsible news media have reported any of this because apparently all those involved, (and an operation like this would require hundreds of people), are only talking to Q and his followers on QAnon.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that, despite having this secret knowledge, neither Governor Greg Abbott nor Ron DeSantis has taken any measures to mitigate the infection in their states. Both Governors are refusing to follow recommendations of the scientific and health communities.

They want to blame someone else, (always migrants from the southern border and always without evidence), for problems instead of improving the welfare of the citizens they represent. People will needlessly suffer and die because of the actions these Governors are taking.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In respect to Mr. Lauricella, I am not going to get into a back and forth. People can read.

I was angered at how far he went. I was not alone. And if the last few months have taught us nothing more, it is that the United States Armed Forces honors our laws, protects our citizenry and only follows legal orders.

It does not follow illegal and subversive orders which work murder and mayhem. Dragging our military into the circuitous soap opera of  partisan fights and fables is simply wrong – in both his first and second letters.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

I have never been even remotely enticed to respond to one of Conrad Cropsey’s letters. They have the logic of an LSD trip, ramble on about nothing. They are just that bad. Typical leftist backwards thought on steroids.

I think he has “I’m the smartest man in the room syndrome” as he treats the readers of Orleans County once, twice, sometimes three times a week with his off-the-wall opinions and authoritarian outlook.

No Mr. Cropsey, I will not step down. My job is to tell the truth and spread the conservative message. I do my job very well. No I will never apologize for telling the truth. I never accused the military. I told the truth about Biden’s use of them. Again your backwards interpretation of my words.

It is you who should apologize to the military, to the ICE agents on the border front line, to the people on the Texas border and to the entire United States of America for voting for a president who is allowing this illegal invasion and spreading this pandemic. This pandemic now belongs to Biden, the Democratic Party and the fraud Fauci. My opinion.

I say again: What American President would allow his borders to be breached, ordering no resistance with Covid-19 infected people from 150 different countries, then allow them to move secretly and freely throughout a sovereign nation? Especially since this pandemic was under control and the spread coincides with Biden’s open border policy over the last 6 months.

No, Mr. Cropsey, I don’t want you to leave or retire (although your thought process would be better suited for Seattle, Washington). You just keep embarrassing yourself and writing, often. I will never advocate to stop you or anyone like you.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Mr. Lauricella is the Conservative Party chairman in Orleans County

Editor:

The U.S. is currently the only country in the world with soaring Covid numbers. We have 17% of the world’s daily new Covid infections despite the fact that we have the best vaccine supply in the world.

The new, highly contagious Delta variant is causing children to be sicker in record numbers. Of all children diagnosed with Covid at The Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, 25 percent are sick enough to be admitted to the intensive care unit. The Children’s is hospitalizing record numbers of very sick children due to Covid, half under 2 years of age. Unvaccinated adults are responsible.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging the FDA to move quickly to authorize the Covid vaccine for kids.

Second best, universal masking reduces the risk of transmission to less than 1 percent. It is the best protection for unvaccinated children.

State bans on mask mandates are being challenged by schools, courts, even private companies. Florida, among other states, has a ban on mask mandates, but is leading in pediatric cases.

It is illegal for private companies like cruise ships in Florida to even ask people about their vaccine status, even though the protocol at other ports is to ask. Politics is putting children at risk.

Be part of the solution. Protect children. Get vaccinated.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Editor:

New York State Independent Redistricting Commission is working on redrawing congressional districts. It is important to note that this region has been gerrymandered to protect Republican lawmakers to such a degree that the lawmakers are not responsive to the needs of their constituents.

For example, large parts of this district are agricultural and were badly hurt by the tariffs and immigration programs of the last administration. Forbes reported in Aug. 16, 2019 that soybeans had been selling for $10 per bushel were now selling for $2 per bushel.

Furthermore, dairy farmers, vegetable farmers and fruit farmers in this area depend heavily on migrant farm workers. Yet the previous administration’s policies on immigration hurt these farmers. Our congressman continued to voice his support for these policies even as his constituents were hurting.

Our last two congressmen have refused to hold town-hall style meetings to even listen to the concerns of the people they represent. This is not representative democracy but rather rule by party.

When the commission changes the district, I ask them to please make the district competitive so our representatives have to listen to the concerns of their constituents. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I have always given Paul Lauricella’s letters a pass as they are unintelligible and a source of amusement by so many.

But this fellow has now clearly accused our military of sedition by planting foreign sleeper invaders inside our country. This delusion is clear enough to demand a response.

Step down and stop embarrassing our County with your pedantic rants in the Hub and Batavia press. On your way out apologize to everyone who has, currently does, or is considering participating in the honor that comes with the defense of our country and its sacred dedication to participatory democracy, morality and advancement for all.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion