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

Editor:

It is time Congressman Jacobs to start the drum beat for the impeachment of illegitimate President Joe Biden. He has violated his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic by opening our boarders to a million-plus untested illegal invaders stricken with the Covid-19 virus and the Delta variant.

Tell me what American president would not go to the border for 6 months to see what is going on? Maybe one that created the problem on purpose? It is quite obvious. Our borders were secure now they are not.

He 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. Just where are these invaders being placed?

The taxpayers that are paying for this invasion deserve to know. He and Kamala Harris must both be removed from office not only for this but for the too numerous constitutional impeachable offenses in just 6 short months. The totalitarian communist Democratic Party has proven that it is not up to running the country. Only bad things will come from this administration and its purposeful destruction.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Mr. Lauricella is chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party

Editor:

August 7th is National Purple Heart Day. The Purple Heart is the oldest medal given to those who have been wounded or killed in combat defending the honor of the U.S. government and its constitution.

This is a solemn distinction of honor. On this day towns and cities pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters. I encourage everyone to listen to soldiers and veterans.

The sacrifices made on the battlefield don’t disappear when the battle is over. The trauma is now part of the person. Many suffer from PTSD and the suicide rate is up to seven times that of civilian population. I know from my own experiences the difficulty of returning to civilian life. (I was awarded the Purple Heart in 1969).

Please take some time this Aug. 7th to remember and honor those who gave their blood for our government.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

In regard to the proposed platform overlooking the Medina waterfalls:

Has anyone answered or addressed the possible ramifications brought about by building such a structure? It sounds great on paper, but here are some questions which could either erase or reaffirm my cynical perspective.

How many different people would utilize it, in its intended way? The same fifty people stopping by 50 times a year does not equate to 2,500 users. And the operative words “in its intended way” is meant to exclude – among other things – the inevitable jungle-gym-climbing enthusiasts who will love the challenge.

Who will clean the bottles, cans and garbage that will undoubtedly litter the once semi-pristine, hard-to-access shoreline below? All generated from the irresponsible whim of degenerates whose lack of self-control will find it obligatory to toss anything not tied down, over the rail simply because they think they are getting away with something. Or am I to assume a security guard will be posted on-duty to prevent such delinquency? I doubt it.

Furthermore, who and where will the paint come from to erase the vulgar graffiti which will surely surface on the structure immediately after completion?

Who will protect canoe and kayak adventurers from debris-throwing vandals? And as an actual victim who was once rolled and robbed while walking the canal path one evening, don’t color me as a pessimistic alarmist.

Who will protect the splendor of the Falls’ solitude in all its natural wonder? Do we really want to lose the appeal of traveling Glenwood Lake up to a remote, isolated waterfalls to a trash-filled chasm with a voyeuristic gawkers looking down from overhead?

What’s next after the balcony scenario? Maybe a McDonald’s alongside of it? Those who come up with ideas like this have good intentions but naivete is often the soul-mate of the idealist – and that narrow vision can quickly manifest into a bitter pill when reality sets in. In essence, I’m not afraid of change, I’m afraid of losing something that’s too good to change. Nature seldom gets an upgrade when mankind attempts to improve it.

Here’s an idea: How about simply clearing a tree or two, if possible, so that the Falls can be better seen from the canal-path?! I’m sure it would cost less, but, better yet, it just might save the Medina Falls from becoming another dumping ground with a creek running through it … with a spectator … or two.

Opposing views welcome. And expected.

Tom Valley

Medina

Editor:

Now that it’s here, the CDC has established that the new Covid variant spreads rapidly and vaccinated people can spread it and it more lethal.

What we now know is that the failure to vaccinate increases the odds of the development of vaccine resistant strains.

If you look at maps of the country about Covid, Orleans stands out in Western New York as a danger zone due to a lower vaccination rate.

Friends, it is time to mask up again.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

The Lyndonville Lions Club held its 46th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 4th. The fireworks display, which culminated the festivities, has become one of the largest shows in all of Western New York.

This display each year is by far the greatest expense for the Lions Club on this day.  It is only due to the response and support of area businesses, organizations and the general public that a show of this magnitude is possible.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to each of the over 40 businesses and organizations that made donations toward this year’s show. In addition, thanks to all those people who gave donations, who placed money in our Independence Day Firecracker Cans and who dropped money in the firecracker barrels on the school grounds.

After having to cancel last year’s celebration, this year’s celebration/display was a huge step in returning to “normal.”

Again, without the tremendous community-minded support of each and every one of you, a display such as this would not be possible. With your continued support, I hope that displays like this may continue for many years to come.

Wes Bradley

Lyndonville Lions Club

4th of July Fireworks Fundraising Chairman

Editor:

On May 19th after working a 15-hour day we were woken up at 3:30 in the morning by our security system which observed a person with a flashlight in the farm market.

My husband and son were able to restrain the criminal until the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office could respond. They responded in record time (many thanks to them!). The criminal was taken to Brockport Police Department, fingerprinted and then was released. This is the second time since August 2020 that we have been broken into by career criminals and this time it was a face-to-face encounter. In this situation we were fortunate that no one was harmed. It could have very easily turned out much differently.

It is very disheartening after working 36 years, 7 long days a week, to have someone try to take what you have worked so hard for. We employ people and give back to the community. We have also spent a lot of money for security.

The repeat offender does not go to jail, but keeps committing crimes, which cost everyone. We have had to spend thousands of dollars on security, many sleepless nights, and the police respond to the same criminals instead of being able to help other people. The crimes these criminals are committing are getting worse and worse because there are no consequences. Bail reform enacted by New York State is a failure. All it is doing is promoting criminal behavior.

Now there is talk of our elected state legislators voting to release convicted murderers and rapists.

Something needs to be done! If you do not agree with the current system of bail reform contact your state representatives. If you do agree with the current system, let the criminals come to your home at 3:30 am.

Lora Partyka

Partyka Farms in Kendall

Editor:

“Are you on the side of truth or lies; fact or fiction; justice or injustice; democracy or autocracy?” asked Joe Biden recently, encouraging people to stand to defend the right to vote in America. Biden’s questions also apply to another important test of our time, the coronavirus pandemic.

Covid cases are up in all 50 states, a 125% increase and deaths are up 23%. It is now a pandemic of the unvaccinated, those who believe the lies, the fiction.

Notice how what we search for online keeps popping up afterwards. Mathematical programs, algorithms are designed to feed us more of what we searched online. Just 12 people, a new dirty dozen have been identified as responsible for 65% of vaccine hoaxes, disinformation not fact checked by social media. Propaganda is believed as truth. Algorithms should be regulated.

Experts have been disregarded; politics is trumping science. Public health no longer has meaning. Everyone should root for public health. Local elected officials do photo ops saying they are working to get the border to Canada open but they fail to promote vaccination. Vaccination is key in mitigation of the pandemic.

My congressman, Chris Jacobs, voted against H.R.1 and on March 3^rd. Jacobs deceives, wants us to believe that campaign finance would come from taxpayers. The money would actually come from a “Freedom from Influence Fund” under the U.S. Treasury through collected funds from a fee assessed on criminal and civil fines with banks or corporations that commit corporate malfeasance.

Who is Jacobs representing? His voting record shows a lack of ethical, moral code. Jacobs sided with the insurrectionists. That people die doesn’t matter to Jacobs.

Our democracy and people are dying of disinformation. Our unvaccinated children are the most vulnerable.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Editor:

Republicans are lying about voter fraud to suppress voters, especially voters of color. The voter suppression laws passed in states like Georgia and Texas limit polling places, hours of voting, and restrict mail-in voting.

But most sinister of all is these laws give control of election boards to party partisans. In Georgia, prior to the new law county election boards were selected by both parties. Now Republicans are removing Democrats and people of color from election boards.

In Texas the new law prohibits poll watchers from being removed even for violating election laws, (NPR reported 7/12/21). Furthermore, with the rush to pass these bill you would think that voter fraud is prevalent, you would be wrong.

In Atlanta, WDEF reported on 2/18/21 “ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) – After a day of hearing evidence of election fraud in 63 cases, Georgia officials have decided to pass 24 of them on to prosecutors.” The report also stated that: “But more of the cases go back to the 2017-19 local and state elections.”

The Texas Attorney General’s web page on election integrity states that they have prosecuted 155 people for election fraud since 2005 and 43 cases pending. That is in 15 years with tens of millions of votes casts they have less than 200 cases of voter fraud. Everyone wants only those eligible to vote, to do so in safe, secure, free and fair elections.

But Republicans are trying to make voting more difficult, especially for people of color, by creating long lines where people have to wait for hours. Republicans are not pushing voter suppression laws out of concern for fraud, they are pushing these laws because more people voted and they don’t like the results.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

Upon her passing on February 18th of this year, Betsy Hoffman was one of the longer (if not longest) tenured historians in Orleans County.

As county historian, my colleagues never ran out of stories to share about their work with Betsy over the years. Her expansive knowledge of Carlton was second-to-none and without question, she was a dedicated public servant. That’s why I was not surprised to hear that she had amassed a large collection of Carlton-related historical materials and was relieved to hear that those caring for her estate offered that collection to the Town.

I was, however, incensed when I was informed that Betsy’s successor made quick work of filing parts of that collection in the dumpster. It brought to mind a series of unfortunate misunderstandings about the role of the local historian, the qualifications that are required to serve the community with the utmost integrity and ethical standards, and perhaps some of my own experiences as county historian.

New York State has the unique distinction of requiring each village, town, and county government to appoint a local historian (NYS Arts & Cultural Affairs Law – Section 57.07). That law does not mandate compensation, recommend qualifications, or specify municipal support of that position through space and resources. As such, New York has a hodgepodge of full-time and part-time historians, professionals and amateurs, and an overwhelming majority of public servants who attempt to engage with their communities on a miniscule budget, using limited technology, and with no office space.

Over the last five years, Orleans County invested significant resources into the Department of History thanks to the tireless support of Ken DeRoller, John DeFilipps and Lynne Johnson. The Historian’s office went from a damp, cold closet-sized space in the basement to an upper-level “suite” of rooms to house some of our community’s most precious resources. Yet other historians are not as fortunate. The lack of investment in the position often means that local governments struggle to find qualified and passionate candidates. Even worse, without financial resources and space, historians end up storing public collections in their home where they remain inaccessible.

In 2017, the New York State Historian conducted a survey of county and borough historians in the state. That spurred me to gather similar information from town and village historians in Orleans County in 2018. Considering the circumstances, I thought it would be worth sharing some of those findings.

Of the nine historians who responded, only one received a job description when appointed, compensation ran anywhere from $206 to $2,000 annually, and no municipality (except the County), required a minimum number of hours from the historian. Those who provided responses said they worked anywhere from 3 hours to 20 hours in a given week, which means no historian in Orleans County (except the County Historian) earns minimum wage for their work.

Moving to municipal support, only 1/3 of local governments provided office space, seven historians did not have access to a government-provided email address, and only one historian had a separate web page for historical information. In a digital world, historians are expected to operate in the 20th century.

As portions of the population continue to cry out against the “destruction” of history, we should turn inward and look to our own support of documentation, preservation, and interpretation in our communities. In my experience as both a librarian and a historian, I can tell you that a budget provides the clearest picture of what a community values. With practically no pay, minimal resources, and no space, we should not be surprised by what happened in Carlton.

So, my advice to the “stop erasing history” crowd: march down to your town hall, hold your elected officials accountable, and tell them to put their money where their mouths are. Support our historians, give them the resources necessary to be effective, and ensure that we do not lose important historical collections to uninvested, unqualified appointees put in place to simply fill a vacancy.

Matt Ballard

Statesville, NC (formerly Clarendon, NY, former Orleans County Historian)