Editor:

Seventy-nine years ago, America was attacked by Imperial Japanese forces. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was the day that officially forced the hand of the United States into the conflict that would come to be known as World War II.

That day saw much tragedy, as did the months and years of conflict following it, which is why we remember it now. Being so far removed from the attack, it can be challenging for current generations to reflect on why exactly this day is so important.

In a time when global war was once again on the rise, and recognizing America’s strength and influence, our enemies had coordinated an attempt to prevent us from pushing back against their own plans of expansion and domination. And in a time when the world was truly just beginning to open itself up, to globalize in the political, social, and economic sense that we know it today, many world powers were making their claim for dominion wherever they could.

Reflecting on the Attack on Pearl Harbor today can bring up many diverse and confusing feelings, especially with where the country is today. Despite the clear, distinct, and harsh rivalry America and Japan had as a result of this attack, today, we remain some of the strongest allies to each other.

Despite America’s commitment to the freedom and prosperity of its citizens, there was a period following this attack that many American citizens of Japanese descent saw their freedoms stripped for the sake of aggressive security measures, such as with the case of Fred Korematsu. Tensions rose within the country as a result, leading to a lot of social strife, which was only exacerbated with America’s entry into the war and joining the fight on the Western Front.

This is a day of remembrance: for what followed, absolutely, but also in recognition of the brave heroes who fought in the face of true adversity, in the face of a complete surprise, in the face of losing everything in an instant. Wartime tactics like these aren’t seen often, and aren’t publicized the way Pearl Harbor was; and to know that there were still soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses and civilians fighting through those wee hours in the morning to get to another day, to save their fellow American, and to push back against aggression, is something worth remembering.

In the aftermath, 15 Medals of Honor were given. 51 Navy Crosses. 53 Silver Stars. Four Navy and Marine Corps Medals. One Distinguished Flying Cross. Four Distinguished Service Crosses. One Distinguished Service Medal. Three Bronze Star Medals. And following the attack, the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal was given to all veterans of the attack. These tokens of recognition serve as but a small way to show to America, and indeed to the rest of the world, the courage, bravery, and sacrifice those men and women gave all those years ago. Because that’s what we think about when we remember Pearl Harbor.

Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

Ed Urbanik wrote there will be fewer letters from people with “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” I was surprised he may be writing less as I thought it would take time for normalcy, consistent and considered policy, and good will in politics to bounce back. But November was big! Bigger than I thought.

First, Trump’s Courts 37 times reaffirmed what the 2017 Trump Voter Fraud Commission found – our election officials run clean elections.

Also people were certainly upset that he made yet another concession to his pal Putin when he pulled out of the decades old, Open Skies Treaty. It permitted us to monitor Russian military and nuclear activities from the sky. To deal with the fact he, Donald, did it without required Congressional approval, he simply ordered the destruction of all the West’s (our) specially outfitted spy planes.

Then when all of us are hurting still, his Treasury Department tied up .5 trillion in stimulus money. It was earmarked by law until 2016 to let the Fed prop the economy up – money the Fed says it needs immediately.

And I suspect he gave Putin another gift  when he closed down the Agency in charge of hunting down terrorists. It was specifically tasked to root out and eliminate ISIS.

And, it would make me mad if I contributed, to find out that no gift less than $8,000 goes into his bogus “recount fund.” About $200 million is going to the RNC and to a Trump “leadership” PAC.

Today, China got its gift with a pull out of Somalia.

And more to come.

In sum it will take time with some but the contrast of not being dragged down by outlandish, immoral and illegal antics will prevail just as the Jerry Springer show gets boring.

Now, as we put things back together “better,” we need to plan how to make the Republic  better yet to face the next two centuries of work. As Jefferson said the pursuit of happiness is never perfect but it never stops either.

Forward not back; the US goes forward, detours notwithstanding.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Hello, Town of Barre residents, property owners and surrounding community members. This evening is scheduled for a public hearing in regards to the proposed changes to our Wind Ordinance.

I wanted to share the specifics of what I shared with my fellow Town Board members in regards to the decision to continue to hold the public hearing this evening, and ensuring transparency, effective communication, and serving the residents and property owners of Barre to the best of our abilities.

I understand that we have met most of the minimum legal requirements to hold the public hearing this evening; however, I do not believe that we have done what is in the best interest of the residents of our community to enable them to feel that they are being heard, and have the opportunity to share with us as their elected officials their support and/or concerns in regards to the proposed changes to our Wind Ordinance.

The notice was posted solely in the Batavia Daily News on November 17th (we know that many of our community members do not get the Batavia Daily, but this helps to meet our legal obligation) and on our Town website (however, we know that about 50% of our community does not have internet access).

No notice was posted in the Pennysaver, despite us telling the community at our last Town Board meeting that it would be there.

No notice has been posted in the Orleans Hub at the time of me writing this letter.

With the Town Hall being closed no in-person comments will be accepted.

The public hearing will be held online – however, communication may only be submitted in written form via text or email during the meeting. What about our community members who do not text and do not have internet access?

What about community members who would speak but are not comfortable writing down their comments?

We as Town Board members know that this is a controversial topic, one that our community is passionate about on both sides. By not doing what we said we would, and by going about this in the manner that we have, we are giving a poor impression.

Town of Barre Definitions 350-98 – PUBLIC HEARING

A meeting announced and advertised in advance, and open to the public, with the public given an opportunity to talk, participate and express their opinions, support or concerns.

In our local law (see excerpt above), specifically the Wind Ordinance, we define a public hearing as where the public is given an “opportunity to talk”. However, in the manner that we are holding this meeting we are not allowing this opportunity to our residents.

In conclusion, this excerpt taken from “NYS Conduct of Public Meeting” expresses my objective in that proper procedure “results in proper accord for the rights of all parties, a better airing of public opinion on community issues, and ultimately greater public confidence in the decisional process.”

Kerri Richardson

Barre

(Richardson is a member of the Barre Town Board.)

Editor:

Some folks just can’t seem to let things go.

The left has kept the House, apparently taken (some would say stolen) the Presidency, and has a real good chance of taking the Senate. Yet the attacks on Trump continue ad nauseam.

The most recent attack is in Mr. Conrad Cropsey’s letter to the editor dated 11/30/20 in which he takes President Trump to task for granting a pardon. He states that “Innocent people do not need pardons” and “the people who receive them are guilty!”

Mr. Cropsey evidently does not believe that innocent people are sometimes found guilty. I disagree. My point is illustrated by the conviction of General Michael Flynn. If we knew then what we know now about the prosecutorial underhanded and sometimes illegal tactics, Flynn would have never been convicted.

That aside, let’s assume for a moment that Mr. Cropsey is correct: Every person that receives a Presidential Pardon or Clemency was indeed guilty. To date President Trump has issued 38 (including Susan B. Anthony and Sheriff Joe Arpaio). In 8 years Obama granted 1,927 (including Chelsea Manning and the reduction of 504 life sentences for particularly violent offenders). I do not recall Mr. Cropsey faulting Obama 4 years ago. This is just another example of the left’s blatant double standards.

As far as the left taking control of our government: I did not see any conservatives out screaming at the sky, vowing to leave the country, or any of the other types of emotional breakdowns we saw four years ago.

Though certainly disappointed and concerned for the future of our country under control of what used to be the Democratic Party, we will just sit back, pray that we make it through 4 years of Biden/Harris/Pelosi and maybe Schumer, and be content with the knowledge that we will correct it in 2024.

One task the next administration and its supporters are already hard at work on – finding a way to blame Trump and we deplorables for everything that goes wrong over the next four years – and I can guarantee lots will go wrong. They advertise “unity” and “inclusiveness” – as long as you share the same views.

If king Cuomo had his way there would be no “gun-toting Bible thumping” conservatives left in this state. Liberals, after all, make no mistakes. Only conservatives do.

Just ask the three writers Mr. Urbanik refers to below.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

I’m absolutely astounded that Orleans County plans a budget that increases taxes. Unemployment is up and food distribution is up.

Where do legislators believe the people will come up the money? Citizens live within the budget they currently have. Why can’t our local government? Will they feed people and pay their bills?

We suck it up, so should Orleans legislators.

Kris Welles

Barre

Editor:

It is nice to see Congressman Chris Jacobs taking an interest in the district, listening to the suffering of restaurants and small businesses.

However, Mr. Jacobs voted against $2.2 trillion package that would offer relief of those restaurants and small businesses. In terms of the $138 billion being held up in the Paycheck Protection Program, Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-Oh) wrote in The Hill (10/5/20): “I signed the discharge petition which, if having received enough signatures from congressional representatives, would force the bill to the House floor for a vote. Right now, there aren’t enough Republicans in the House for that to happen.”

If there aren’t enough Republicans in the House signing the discharge petition, how is that Democrats’ fault.

It is true that small businesses and restaurants are financially suffering as well as government at all levels. Mr. Jacobs and his family business received millions in tax breaks from the 2017 Republican tax bill.

It is now time that small businesses, restaurants and local and state government get help from the federal government. Stop blaming Democrats for your failures to help the district; do your job.

Let’s get government working for the constituents of the district and support small businesses and local government.

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

President Trump has some large hurdles to clear to overturn a stolen election.

I see one benefit from the passing of the Presidential torch. Three writers to the Hub with some serious Trump Derangement Syndrome will maybe focus on some other subject matters.

Ed Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

As the President hands out pardons one thing is important to keep in mind – pardons are not only “conferred” but also presumed to be “accepted.” Innocent people do not need pardons.

What I mean is that as the President confers pardons, the people who receive them are guilty!  Over the next few weeks we will learn how many Trump Administration people committed crimes while he was President or were crooks in the first place.

So, Trump party members, you will soon learn how many crooks – and crimes – you have been blind to.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Congratulations to the New York State Republican Party on becoming New York’s largest third party! With the incoming Democratic supermajority in the State Senate, the NYGOP has officially ceased to have any relevance whatsoever in state politics.

There is literally nothing they can do, now that the Democrats will be able to pass any and all legislation they want, including tax hikes on the middle and working classes, gun rights restrictions, and job-crushing regulations, all without fear of the Governor’s veto.

Democrats will also be able to redraw Assembly, Senate and Congressional districts however they please, since Republicans will no longer be able to obstruct the process or ensure a fair outcome, meaning more extreme gerrymandering to cement the Democrats’ gains and ensure Republicans never retake the State Senate.

The policies and tax burden driving residents away in record numbers will only get worse, forcing ever-increasing numbers of residents to move to other states.

How did this happen? It’s quite simple, really: the Republican Party has no values and nothing to offer this state. They have no ideas, no solutions, and no spine. They trot out a sacrificial lamb every four years to run against Cuomo and complain about how bad things are, then they disappear until the next election.

Worse yet, they voted with Democrats to give King Cuomo unlimited emergency powers to address the pandemic, which translated into a months-long lockdown that decimated small businesses and destroyed thousands of livelihoods. Republicans are just as responsible for this travesty as Democrats. If that’s how they legislate, then they deserve to be relegated to third-party status with zero influence on state politics.

Who then can stand in opposition to the Democrats’ disastrous policies that are driving New York State on a road to ruin? There is another party: the Libertarian Party, which is actually committed to making New York a better place to live.

America’s third-largest party is ready to emerge as the next major party and work with Democrats and Republicans alike to implement policies that will increase everyone’s access to the American Dream and achieve liberty and justice for all Americans.

Learn more about the Libertarian Party by clicking here or email ocnylp@gmail.com to get involved today.

The Libertarian Party is New York’s best and last chance to avert a calamity unparalleled in this state’s history, so what are you waiting for? The Republicans aren’t going to save you!

Change your party, change your vote. Join the Libertarian Party today!

Chase Tkach

Carlton

Chair of Orleans County NY Libertarian Party

Editor:

Another Thanksgiving is upon us. Truly one of the most American holidays, it is a wonderful day to help us remember the good things life has given us. Amidst dropping temperatures and fewer daylight hours, it is a great  time to get warm and gather with loved ones safely, eat well and fill your spirit.

This year is obviously different. We’ve been fighting this pandemic for nearly nine months now, and I, like many of you, am growing more and more concerned with the restrictions placed on us.

But I think it’s important to remember why these guidelines are in place. With the colder weather comes the cold and flu season, which will further strain our healthcare system and threaten our more vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Obviously, the state is in no position to make demands and requirements about how citizens choose to gather in their private homes , but please be sure to follow guidelines where you can.

Among the many things to be thankful for this year – friends, family, health, comforts, joy – is the fact that this state, our communities, have stood together through these trials and tribulations, and we worked together for the betterment and well-being of our loved ones and neighbors. That is something to be truly thankful for. And now that we’re reaching the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s as important as ever for us to remain vigilant in our fight against this pandemic.

Stay safe, stay well, and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

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

Editor:

Since the first Covid-19 orders issued by the New York State Health Department, Sheriffs across the state have been responding to thousands of complaints of violations of those orders. They have been doing what they can, within the law and the Constitution, to address those complaints.

The criminal laws have very limited applicability with respect to those complaints, and in most cases use of the criminal laws would be unwise. Fortunately, our citizens have, for the most part, willingly complied with advice and encouragement to follow health directives.

We think that is the best approach and we continue to advise and encourage all our citizens to comply with guidance issued by state and federal health agencies, and to exercise caution and common sense. So far, that approach seems to have worked, helping New York achieve one of the lowest infection rates in the country – without having to apply heavy-handed law enforcement tactics.

Recently, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order which limits “non-essential private residential gatherings” to no more than 10 individuals. That has caused great consternation among many of our citizens, who envision armed officers arriving at their doors to count the number of people around the Thanksgiving table.

Many Sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders have felt compelled to allay those concerns by assuring citizens that officers will not be randomly coming to their homes on Thanksgiving Day to count the number of people inside. That would be neither practical nor Constitutional.

The Governor has responded by dismissing those serious concerns on the part of local law enforcement, saying, “Law enforcement officers don’t get to pick and choose which laws they will enforce.”

We find that comment ironic, and disingenuous, since the Governor has directed that his own State Police do not have to enforce the order. Apparently, it is another case of “do as I say, not as I do,” such as we have seen with many other political leaders. He has also called Sheriffs “dictators” for following the Constitution rather than his orders, which we also find ironic.

We do not know if the Governor’s limit on home gatherings to 10 individuals is the right number or not. That is a decision for science, not us, to make. We do know, however, that the Governor has attempted to foist upon local law enforcement an impossible task.

How are officers to know, without violating citizens’ right to privacy and other Constitutional rights, how many people are in the home?  How are they to determine if the family gathering is to be deemed “essential” or “non-essential”?  If 12 people normally reside in the home, are the officers to order two of them to move out? If 11 individuals are found to be present in the home, who is to be charged with violating the order, all 11 or just the last guest to arrive? Or is it only the homeowner who is in violation? Are officers really supposed to arrest guests who don’t stay 6 feet apart or who fail to have on their face masks during dinner?

All of those are serious questions which make it impossible for law enforcement to know how to legally enforce the Governor’s order. They are questions that could have been addressed if we had a functioning State Legislature, creating clear and enforceable laws after input from those who would be impacted by them. Instead we are faced with an unenforceable dictate issued without any consultation with law enforcement or the public as to enforceability.

We believe that rather than issuing orders that cannot be practically enforced, and then blaming law enforcement when they are not enforced, the Governor would better serve the people of New York if he were to use his position to encourage citizens to use common sense and voluntarily adhere to the guidance of state and federal health officials.  We would gladly join him in that.  We know the citizens of our communities, and we believe they would be far more likely to voluntarily follow his recommendations than his orders.

In conclusion, we urge all our citizens to keep informed on the best steps to take to protect themselves, and others, from the spread of this terrible disease. We urge you to listen to our public health officials. We urge you to limit your exposure to those outside your household as much as you reasonably can.  If we all do that, we will sooner be able to get back to normal.

We in law enforcement do not have the resources nor the legal authority to force you to do those things. It is a matter of individual responsibility and we are confident that you will all voluntarily rise to the occasion.

Jeffrey Murphy

President of New York State Sheriffs’ Association

Washington County sheriff

(This statement was approved by the executive committee of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association.)

Editor:

People around the world have been calmed by one man, a leader, who prioritized public health, used fact-based, clear communication on positive and negative consequences of behavior during the Covid crisis, daily, when no one else did.

As phase two escalates, I hear the pain and understand the frustration and fear of small business owners. The lack of relief from our federal government goes unmentioned. Unmasked gatherings of human beings, protesters, extended family and friends caused clusters, allowing the infection level to rise.

We did it. The people of the community are responsible for the regression, not the governor. Like the Titanic, we failed to heed the warnings.

Open your eyes, Western New York, Governor Cuomo is not a perfect human, but deserves thankfulness, not hate, for his courage and dedication, in protecting us.

Thank you to the 2020 International Emmy Founders Award for recognition of the hero in our own backyard.

Carol Nochajski

Wilson

Editor:

It’s called Rule 11.

Rudy Giuliani went to Court in Pennsylvania last week and said the things he has been saying on TV – voter fraud, dead people involved in a conspiracy, voting machine companies involved with one raided in a German City where is does not have an office and there was no raid, dead people voting (hello widows like “Mrs. James” who did vote), post-dated mail being counted, you name it and the whole television spiel came out. He was really over. Further than any Trump lawyer had gone.

But then the judge asked one simple question. “Are you alleging voter fraud?” It was a “Yes” or “No” question.

If Giuliani had said “Yes”, the judge would have required Mr. Giuliani to file papers saying that and both sides would have had to present their evidence to the court. It a simple thing to update papers to reflect updated facts.

But Giuliani, like every other lawyer for the Trump party when asked by a court, responded “No”. “No”, he was not alleging fraud. If he had said “Yes” under Rule 11 he would be swearing he had some credible evidence of fraud and a reasonable legal basis to believe fraud took place.  That sounds simple given all he has said on TV.

But Rule 11 requires that an attorney tell the court the truth. Lies bring fines, disqualification from certain types of cases, and can cost the liar their law license. It’s one thing to lie in a press conference, but you do not tell bold faced lies to a federal judge! They crush you for not having any reasonable factual or legal basis to make a claim. Parties lie, lawyers do not knowingly do so or permit it.

So when you hear the words “Fake News” just remember Rule 11 and see if that news was said in court or court papers.  (Also when you hear the words “News” check to be sure the NEWS paper or NEWS source (“commentators” are excepted ) has a compliance department and double sources everything it says and separates fact from conclusion.)

This was a clean election with an overwhelming margin of voters voting for change. Elections are democracy!

And when Giuliani gives a press conference with spray-on hair dye dripping down his face, know you are seeing the final throes of four years of political theater now degraded to compete with the Jerry Springer Show. Rule 11 trumped Trump……. The answer was “NO”.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

These are the kinds of times that cripple your favorite locally owned small businesses. Please support them with your holiday shopping.

Remember all the local small businesses that you’ve asked for years and years to donate and sponsor your sports clubs, school events, organizations, etc.?  They’re calling in a favor. Answer the call.

Lynne Johnson

Chairman

Orleans County Legislature

Editor:

Several letter writers have stated that Trump’s opponents blame him for the coronavirus. Let me be clear: no one is blaming Trump for the virus, just his response to the virus.

President Trump, his administration and Republican sycophants have politicized the pandemic making sound health policies, such as wearing a mask, much more difficult. The administration has abandoned its responsibility leaving it up to the states to fend for themselves.

Hospitals and nursing homes are still struggling, after 10 months, to have enough PPE, staff members are exhausted and there is no help from the federal government.

However, this administration could not achieve this level of malfeasance without the support of Republicans like Congressman Chris Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs thinks that the administration, with 250,000 deaths and counting, is doing a good job.

Today, we see cars lined up for miles in modern bread lines, and refrigerated trucks lining up outside of morgues. Main Street is a ghost town and even Thanksgiving is threatened. These are the results of policies that Mr. Jacobs supports and praises.

We need leadership. It is time for Mr. Jacobs to put aside partisan politics, study the problems and find solutions that work for Western New York.

William Fine

Brockport