Editor:

I am fully prepared to observe the flood of responses in support of the right-wing domestic terrorists who besieged the U.S. Capitol yesterday. Many Americans should not be surprised that the party of “Law & Order” is in support of brutal and militant police suppression only when it targets non-whites. Yet the right to unlawfully ransack our nation’s most sacred institutions is acceptable when their white privilege is under attack.

Today, social media is abound with posts echoing the statement, “This is not America, this is not who we are.” Yet, it is who we are. A long history of otherism, of targeted and intentional violence against one another. The savagery witnessed yesterday is as American as apple pie.

A political cartoon entitled “Arguments of the Chivalry” depicts Preston Brooks’ 1856 caning of abolitionist Charles Sumner on the floor of the U.S. Senate Chamber. Having delivered a fiery anti-slavery speech just two days earlier, Brooks took to physical violence in retaliation. The cartoon is adorned with Henry Ward Beecher’s quote, “The symbol of the North is the pen; the symbol of the South is the bludgeon.”

As Americans, we have witnessed a proverbial time warp to the 1850s where moral arguments are met with physical hostility. The Party of Lincoln has reaffirmed that they have more in common with the antebellum Democratic Party. This historical callback was reflected in an image of a Confederate flag-toting hooligan standing in front of Sumner’s portrait in the Capitol.

If history has taught us anything, it is that the type of aggression experienced yesterday cannot be met with calls to simply “turn the page,” or “move on from these events.” The path towards unrestricted and oft encouraged physical violence against others is more reminiscent of Reconstruction than of a nation that, according to the right, is not struggling with systemic racism. A period of time in which the Ku Klux Klan ran rampant throughout the South and ex-Confederates dictated post-war politics. We can no longer exist as a nation without repercussions.

We watched as law enforcement officials opened the gates to seditionists who scaled walls, broke glass, and climbed through windows. Months earlier, fully militarized police launched tear gas and unleashed batons on protesters around the White House (while the President cowered in his basement bunker).

Last evening, before he was rightfully suspended from Twitter for twelve hours, our “President” told these seditionists and self-proclaimed “Patriots” to “Go home. We love you, you’re very special.” I suppose we should not be surprised by such comments from the man who suggested that there were “very fine people on both sides” at Charlottesville, or who told his proud boy militia to “stand by.”

As Mitt Romney said so eloquently last evening, “No Congressional audit is every going to convince these voters, particularly when the President will continue to say that the election was stolen.”

We have fully witnessed what “Make America Great Again” really means. It was never about the 401k’s and always about the white supremacy. Those present in Washington, D.C. are not patriots, they are thugs covered in the stench of Trumpism.

The Democratic Party needs to prepare to govern with mandate. Georgia delivered the Senate and it is time to take back our nation.

Matthew Ballard

Statesville, NC (formerly of Albion)

Editor:

Imagine if yesterday’s protests (riots) in Washington, D.C. had been BLM, LGBTQ, or Muslim citizens protesting a proposed travel ban? Rest assured that no security police would be holding the doors while patting them on the backs as they rushed in to seize the Congress of our democracy.

Further, I can guarantee that there would be no smashing of windows, no plundering of government and public property or the looting of historical artifacts. Nor would there be long guns hailed among the portraits of our Founders, no profane screaming in the rotunda or even posing for a selfie in Nancy Pelosi’s office.

How do I know? Because there would be a river of American blood flowing down the Capitol steps instead.

I guess one man’s thug is another man’s patriot.

Gotta love those Trump conservative values.

Tom Graham – Albion High School ’78

Rochester

Editor:

The president invited a mob of neo-nationalists to go to the Capital and stop the certification of electors. He retired to what used to be the famous Rose Garden and by video encouraged them generally as “his type of people.” Sure they were.

They have been talking about take over for decades; finally they had a President who would use them to hold power.

This coup attempt was quickly suppressed. I have thought for a while that short of war if Trump fought leaving no holds barred that he could hurt himself and set the stage for his own demise.  He would have to cross a line in people’s minds for which they finally could not forgive him.

Until this day all was being structured and postured as a cover story for Trump to perpetuate his lies. I was not encouraged. It is hard to expect people to read and understand all the cases demonstrating Trump is, pure and simple, a uniquely unsuccessful shill.

But Trump stopped hiding behind lies and blew the start whistle for the “proud boy”, militia, KKK types.

They invaded the Capitol. The number of crimes committed is legion – guns used to stop our Congress is traitorous insurrection. And Congress agrees.

Now I want to assess if the criminality of thinking and the nationalists acting on Trump’s lies will sink in. Clearly everyone involved in the Capitol invasion needs to be held out as examples of a cult run amok. It was and is their smoke screen.

Trump-appointed US attorneys around the country promise they will hunt them down. So maybe Trump has finally gone too far with honest people now that he has proved he is just another power-hungry domestic terrorist.

Maybe seeing this we can come together. (Then again one nut sent me a doctored video from  OAN – Trump’s new favorite channel.)

But real Americans do not give in to foreign propaganda and do not throw in with white nationalists. We dig in, do the right and legal thing, and win. Jan. 6 reminded us of that and why laws and legal traditions are the cornerstone we do not mess with.

It’s time to come back to our senses.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Several answers to questions could provide clarity to the 2020 elections. A 10-day audit would answer some of these concerns that Republicans, like Congressman Jacobs, have.

Why would your party remove poll watchers if everything is above board? If there is nothing to hide why remove them? Why do certain states have a large amount over votes? Why wasn’t the constitution followed regarding changing of election laws?

Why relax standards regarding signature matches? What is the exact reasoning behind that move? Explain the reasoning behind scanning the same ballets multiple times?

There could be logical explanations behind all of these. The be quiet and accept the results as your letter states is certainly not going to change anyone’s electoral concerns.

Edward Urbanik

Lyndonville

Editor:

The verdict of the American people is clear and resounding: Joe Biden will be our president, and Kamala Harris will be our Vice President.

Every single state has certified their results, and no court has found any of those certifications invalid. Despite repeated Republican accusations of fraud, Republicans have been unable to produce an iota of evidence to support, much less prove, their accusations.

Despite that failure, several Republican members of the House and Senate have tried to interfere today with the counting of electoral votes, a ceremonial ritual, today.

Yesterday Rep. Chris Jacobs (NY 27) dodged repeated questions from press and constituents about what he planned to do in the House today. Since his votes will be publicly recorded within hours, though, Chris Jacobs has finally revealed his intentions.

Shamefully, he is standing with those who would overturn the will of the American voters and the voters of New York. Rather than standing for democracy, he has aligned himself with the demagogues who refuse to accept their loss and are inciting violence.

We, the county Democratic Chairpersons of New York’s 27th Congressional District, condemn Congressman Jacobs’ decision in the strongest possible terms. No one who refuses to accept election results deserves to hold elective office. Once again, the Representative of NY 27 is bringing shame upon the people of this district.

Jeremy Zellner

Chair, Erie County Democratic Committee

John Jacoby

Chair, Niagara County Democratic Committee

Jeff Lewis

Chair, Orleans County Democratic Committee

Michael Plitt

Chair, Genesee County Democratic Committee

Cynthia Appleton

Chair, Wyoming County Democratic Committee

Judith Hunter

Chair, Livingston County Democratic Committee

Zach King

Chair, Monroe County Democratic Committee

John Hurley

Chair, Ontario County Democratic Committee

Editor:

Barre residents, do not be fooled. The Apex informational online presentation was a mere draft of what might come!

Cuomo shut the state down and that includes the courts, which has resulted in the halt of this 94-C formation. Governor Cuomo has New York State in the red financially and it will take money to establish new departments.

Per Citizens for a Better Barre’s attorney: You should know that the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) does not really exist, as it is comprised in its entirety of one man: Houtan Moaveni. He holds the title “Executive Deputy Director” of ORES, but Moaveni works for the Public Service Commission on Article 10 matters. ORES is supposed to be located at the Department of State, but Moaveni has still no office there.

Moaveni has issued a solicitation for technical staff, as it appears he has none of his own. He’s using DPS.

Heritage Wind will need to explain what happens if ORES does not get off the ground for a year or so.

Alexander Nacca

Barre

Editor:

With all the negativity and anxiety that has run rampant through the public consciousness in the last year, as we move into 2021, I think we should look back at 2020 and take pride in the strength we showed as a people.

In a matter of months our lives were flipped upside down, as everybody from young children to the elderly had to adapt to the unthinkable circumstances we live with today.

From getting used to mask-wearing, bearing with new technologies, and learning to go with less physical contact from the people we love, we have all done our part to face this unprecedented challenge to both our public health and economic well-being.

As the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine continues to accelerate in the months to come, I hope we can look to the future with hope and look back at these times in the same way we look at the sacrifices made by our greatest generation during World War II, as people changed the way they live for the sake of their neighbors and their country.

What I would like in 2021 is to see the ability to adapt to changing circumstances displayed by the people of our state emulated within our state government. Just as families throughout the state learned to tighten their budgets and focus on what’s truly essential in this period of hardship, our State Legislature should also look at cutting out spending we don’t need and focusing on what’s really important.

Wasteful spending on things like tax breaks for movie studios and extra political advisors for our Governor is unconscionable in a time when more small businesses and restaurants are being forced to close their doors by the day.

This holiday season and throughout the year families looked within their own communities as they purchased gifts and necessities, and just as the people of our state have gone out of their way to support their local institutions, we should act as a state to support our small businesses, small landlords and restaurants that have endured a massive drop in revenue during the pandemic.

We should be talking with local stakeholders in these industries and talk about how they can do more, not less, business in our state, and what we can do to support their success in terms of both fiscal and regulatory policy.

When small businesses succeed, families prosper, and in 2021 I want to bring the voices of small business owners to the forefront of our conversations in Albany, as they know better than anybody what needs to be done to help them grow and thrive.

2021 might end up being the best year we’ve seen in a long time, but only if the Legislature learns from its mistakes and acts with the same toughness and adaptability the people of our state have.

New Yorkers deserve a government as tough and as compassionate as they’ve been throughout this year, and I am hopeful that if the Legislature gets smarter with spending and listens more to people affected by the policies they create, that 2021 will be the dawn of a new and brighter day for our state. With that said, I wish a happy and healthy New Year to all of my friends and neighbors!

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Batavia

Editor:

You tell ‘em “Tiger Blood”! So much local talent coming from such a small place.

Personally, I believe that Donald Trump’s epic rendition of Oscar Brown’s poetic allegory is much more apropos:

“Oh shut up, silly voters,” Trump read with a grin. “You knew I’m a snake before you voted me in.”

Donald Trump became a failed President for one simple reason. Long before that he was a failed man. Fortunately for America many (including myself) woke up to that fact in time for 2020.

Merry Christmas to all, and your New Year be bright.

Tom Graham – Albion High School ’78

Rochester

Editor:

This is in response to Tom Valley.

’Twas the Nightmare before Christmas, The Dems still occupied the House.

The A – – es sent a Covid bill to Santa, with nary a crumb for a mouse.

With Pelosi in dementia and McConnell back in swamp

In believing Beijing Joe, soon will be infiltrating the White House.

The lunatics for the new cabinet were gathered, oh what fun,

With the color of their skin being qualification number one.

In ignoring the facts, that the election was stolen

States violated their own law, in this corruption promotion.

Name calling and lies, It does really work,

Ask Schumer, Pelosi, BLM and the Woke.

Trump supporters are a movement that the Dems can not break.

That’s why they lie, cheat, and steal, and their Medias fake.

Our country has suffered, but not everyone got sick,

Blue state Governors thought “Ahh this will do the trick”

We will lock down the Public, to end the middle class,

Look how far we can push these serfs, what a gas.

Wear your mask and stay home, we demand, we order,

While we sit high upon our throne, in our “Kingdoms of Grandeur.”

What we do our own selves, do not ponder,

Ending your ability to have a livelihood is all that matters.

When all of a sudden there came such a clatter,

Santa Trump and eight mighty gas burning engines,

Down the chimney he came, smooth as silk,

With a big lump of coal for Tom Valley, his kind, his ilk.

The lies from the Valley of pardons you see

Come as is there were no other President than came before he.

They all have done this for friends can’t you see,

No, I think not. There is too much hate way down low in the Valley.

Separating Illegal children from parents was originated by Obama.

He built the cages to take them from their Mamma.

Beijing Joe, the “Big Guy” when not getting his cut,

Was out praising China and punching America in the gut.

Beijing Joe, the sniffer, the groper, the racist. He hid in his basement,

While Kamala laughed at everything the left said that was baseless.

You wonder what kind of drugs swirl in her head,

These two coming to power, the world seriously should dread.

Yes, ’Twas the night before Christmas and the Grinch yes he chose,

To defile a great poem to take a political pose.

Not from high up on the mountain looking down,

But way down low in the Valley, in the sty and the swarm.

The election was stolen, those with eyes open agree.

It’s not over yet, there is still January.

On the floor of the Senate, In the House they should debate,

How crooked are the Democrats and seal their fate.

How this all will turn out I truly do not know,

But Beijing Biden will bring ruin, to a country, soon you will not know.

If you think things are bad now, they are about to get worse,

The country you knew as America, will be put into a hearse.

It’s funny how one can see the country sitting way up high.

And get an opinion from low down in the Valley, stock full of lies.

Why is it such a man, who has been so blessed, be so unhappy with his own country,

Can feel guilty for his own skin color, be full of hate and side with those who invade us.

Christmas soon is over, the leftists they have got,

Tons of carbon emitting coal, the production of Xi’s best.

The corrupt Biden Crime family, will do China’s bidding.

The fix was in, and now the Eagle is weeping.

On Buick and Cadillac and Dodge and Plymouth,

On Studebaker and Packard and Chrysler and Lincoln,

Emit Away, Emit Away, Emit away all!

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

Paul Lauricella

Yates

Editor:

After reading about Kristen Ostrander organizing care packages for Kendall kids in quarantine, we weren’t surprised to see her looking out for people in a difficult circumstance.

We have known this girl since she was dating her husband. She was always a person who cared for others. I am happy to see her get some recognition for her generous efforts to help others. She is quite a gal. Thank you Kristen for your hard work.

Dayton and Nancy Hausman

Medina

Editor:

‘Twas the blight before Christmas, and the Dems held the House

The Republican morale was as low as a mouse

Stocked in delusion, the GOP hadn’t cared,

In belief that Trump, would always be there

The sycophants were nestled, all smug in their seats

With visions of a candidate, who couldn’t be beat

But something happened, the news did shout

Twitter Bird had lost, he’d been voted out.

Name calling and lies, just didn’t work

Gone were the smiles and so were the smirks

Their backbones once solid, now were like jelly

There was a frightening feeling, deep in their belly

The whole country was suffering, everyone was sick

From the virus and politics, take your pick,

Ma in her kerchief and I in my mask,

‘End the pandemic,’ is all that we asked.

When on the TV, there rose such a clatter,

I turned up the volume to see what was the matter.

“Off with their heads, it’s bogus, unfair”

This, from a guy, with fake tans and fake hair.

Red hats all gathered, as the process stood frozen

Shouting and screaming “The election was stolen”

And ignoring the facts, they bowed to their king,

Looking to him, what would he bring?

Don Junior was unhappy, ”This couldn’t be!”

As Senior insisted “It’s all about me”

“I’ll threaten, I’ll bully and I’ll sue everyone”

“Forget the Constitution, Democracy is done”

“One for all” – made his blood boil red

‘Cuz “All for one” was the game he led.

“Give me more time, the wall is in sight”

Unfortunately he built it between the left and the right.

No matter how crazy the advice he’d spout

His followers loved it, and sought him out

He wanted yes-men, others he’d fire

The women he abused, he called them all liars.

Separating children, from their mom and their dads,

Loyalists cared not, “it’s not that bad”

Like hypnotized subjects, they were blind to his ways,

No room for outsiders, like Muslims and gays

And if you weren’t white, he’d feign to befriend

But then George Floyd, we know how it ends

“There is” he said, good “on both sides”

Then he’d head to the bunker, sit there and hide.

The moon on the crest of the White House garden

Signaled abuse as he passed out pardons

“Run free Mike Flynn, and you, Roger Stone

There is no penalty for protecting my throne”

And just in case, any other problem arose,

He schemed to bypass, those who opposed

By letting his friends, and kids off the hook,

Behind the scenes, he knew they were all crooks

“Go free my children, my enablers and all”

Their names he shouted, as he issued his call,

“You’re safe Ivanka, Eric and Junior,

I beat the system, and also Bob Mueller,”

And then Hunter Biden, an imagined problem,

He vowed to find out and get to the bottom

While the virus did rage and our nation was hacked

He spent his time, tweeting non-facts

More people were sick, and so many dying

His priorities askew, common-sense defying

He ignored Covid meetings, went golfing instead

“To heck with my duties, to heck with the dead”

Grabbing his golf bag, as the nation fell apart,

Totally unconcerned as he sat in his cart,

Put quite briefly, put quite bluntly,

He loved his country clubs, more than his country

The election he lost, but he wouldn’t concede

He wanted to stay, he wanted to lead.

But he couldn’t keep a job, he refused to do

So the country voted in, somebody new.

But he kept on playing, cheating and hacking

That’s the reason why… his a – – was sent packin’

The votes are all in, only one thing to tally,

Merry Christmas to ALL … and that’s from the Valley.

Tom Valley

Medina

Editor:

Where are Republican loyalties? Robert Mueller found multiple suspicious contact between the Trump campaign and Russia, yet Republicans refused to acknowledge the potential conflict of interest.

During the impeachment hearing in the House of Representatives there was testimony by military personnel (Lt. Col Alexander Vindman), former CIA analyst (Kurt Volker), former and current ambassadors (Gordon Sondland, Bill Taylor, Marie Yavanowitch), and many others under oath who made the case that the Trump administration withheld needed military equipment needed to fight Russia in an ongoing war.

Despite all the testimony, which was under oath, Republicans in the Senate refused to hear any witnesses or see any documentation giving encouragement to Russia. This past summer Russian fighter jets repeatedly veered close to U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers over the Black Sea. Later Russian warplanes flew close enough to Alaska that F-22s were scrambled to intercept them and then seven U.S. soldiers were injured when Russian armored vehicle rammed an American patrol in northeast Syria.

Republicans are silent. Republicans are silent about Russia putting a bounty on American and allied forces in Afghanistan. With no push back from Republicans or the Trump administration, Russia felt emboldened to attack our cybersecurity.

Thomas P. Bossert, Homeland Security Adviser to President Trump, wrote in a NYT op-ed. (12/18/20) “President Trump is on the verge of leaving behind a federal government, and perhaps a large number of major industries, compromised by the Russian government.”

It may be a coincident that Senate Leader Mitch McConnell recognized Joe Biden as President-Elect after Vladimir Putin or maybe Vladimir Putin was giving permission to Mr. McConnell to recognize the President-Elect.

The way Republicans have behaved over the past four years one has to ask, “Where are Republican’s loyalties.”

William Fine

Brockport

Editor:

I literally laughed out loud when I read Bill Fine’s recent statement, “Democrats came down to $2 trillion relief package, but Republicans refused to accept any compromise. So now we have the $906 billion relief bill that is not ideal and will not meet the needs of those suffering from forced unemployment but it is better than nothing so Democrats will support this bill but Republicans still reject it.”

Nancy Pelosi, the most powerful woman in our nation and matriarch of the left not only signed off on this bill – she has publicly admitted that she has deprived American people in need for 3 months in favor of her ongoing political battle with the right.

“What changed? Two things, said the Speaker. A vaccine appears nearing delivery. And Joe Biden won the White House. That was not a mistake, it was a decision,” Pelosi said of her choice to demand for months a deal three times as large as what she’s now settling for. “That is a total game changer — a new President and a vaccine.” (Time Magazine 12/7/2020).

So, the vaccine that could never be developed in time under Trump actually was. And because “her guy” won the election, she has now started thinking about the American people?

I am not saying the right does not play the same types of games. Unfortunately most politicians do. That is the main reason a non-politician was elected in ’16. We are ALL tired of the political games and power grabs by both parties.

Now that we are about to enter Obama 2.0 (look at his cabinet choices) all eyes are on Georgia. If the left takes the Senate as well, the next four years will be filled with far left “achievements.” This will undoubtedly drive the 2024 elections.

And that is not to mention the unavoidable gross inflation we will experience for the next few years. Most of this will be a direct result of Covid. I do think it fair to say that the rate of inflation would be less under Republican control as there would not be as much “free” stuff given out to buy votes.

We are about to find out just how powerful the far left/socialists are. AOC is completely clueless as to reality, but she and others have been given rock star status by the media. Pelosi has rebuked her several times but she still wields a degree of power.

With Pelosi’s control deteriorating it is certainly going to be an interesting four years. Our nation will survive. Unfortunately, I don’t think we will thrive under Biden. Undoubtedly the new administration will come up with excuses and a newer version of “the new normal” in order to rationalize their failures.

Bob Harker

Clarendon

Editor:

I write all Trump followers to call attention to lessons learned from John Adams. Adams was a true, fabled, patriot but no one talks about his on term as the “Federalist” President.

The Country has, however, spent 219 years undoing what it learned from his approach to governing as being counter to maintaining a functioning Republic. Unlike Washington who was a considerate gentlemen in thought and carefully crafted words, Adams thought that the President should rule as a King and he, Adams, deserved to be treated like one.

Adams admitted he was not suited to the details of cabinet meetings and the details of with others thought about administration. He started the “Quasi War” with France over shipping without Congressional Authorization! He signed the Alien and Sedition Act which, in part, said it was illegal to print “false, scandalous, and malicious writing” against the government or its officials.

Adams then proceeded to label all publishers who did not praise him as purveyors of fake news and proceeded to prosecute and jail them. He turned on his long term compatriot, Thomas Jefferson, who disagreed with him.

Focused on his imperial whims and beliefs and political perception he became involved in disbanding the Army. That eventually encouraged our enemy, the British, to think they could successfully invade which, in part, resulted in the War of 1812.

The Federalist election campaign of 1800 centered on defaming Thomas Jefferson as an enemy of “all who love order, peace, virtue, and religion.” …  “libertines and dangerous radicals who favored states’ rights over the Union and would instigate anarchy and civil war.”

Adams lost overwhelmingly and took a carriage out of town early in the morning Jefferson’s inauguration, as the only President who did not attend what Washington started as our peaceful, patriotic, transitions of power. (Adams was a bad, childlike, loser.)

Washington, Jefferson, and our other founders knew a democracy needed to be nurtured to survive and flourish. Measured words, negotiation, and adherence to principles designed to ensure the Rule of Law are what democracy and the United States is about.

John Locke said government is to preserve “life, liberty and property.” Our Declaration of Independence said Government is to promote Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That is why the Courts, Congress, and the Executive historically moved forward in their pursuit to ensure this – not backwards.

Living up to the principles on which we are founded in our Declaration of Independence is the challenge that President-Elect Biden has already taken on when he when he asks us to talk and work in good faith with each other. This is characteristic of true democratic leadership that Adams was not up to. Let’s all do our best permit Biden to rebuild just like Jefferson did in 1801.

Conrad F. Cropsey

Albion

Editor:

Democrats passed a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package in May 2020. Republicans refused to take up the bill.

Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats on any bill that would offer relief for hospitals, cities and states, so the Democrats tried to negotiate directly with the administration, talking directly with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

Democrats came down to $2 trillion relief package, but Republicans refused to accept any compromise. So now we have the $906 billion relief bill that is not ideal and will not meet the needs of those suffering from forced unemployment but it is better than nothing so Democrats will support this bill but Republicans still reject it.

Republicans want a blanket exemption of businesses from any liabilities related to exposing their workers to Covid-19 risks and object to aid for States and Cities that have had to bear the brunt of the financial burden.

Meanwhile without government aid, layoffs and unemployment will increase as businesses close. Main Street will become a ghost street. Democrats continue to offer solutions while Republicans continue to be indifferent to the suffering, the hunger, and homelessness of their citizens.

It is not that Republicans are worried about the debt or deficit as they have no problem giving billions to their donors and large corporations, adding almost $4 trillion in new debt (MarketWatch 9/9/20).

It is not that Republicans are worried about the common workers as they are working to take away health care and any liability for exposure to the virus. What Republicans are doing is destroying our economy as they work to destroy our democracy with frivolous lawsuits to disenfranchise millions of voters.

The callousness of Republicans is on full display. Voters should remember this next election.

William Fine

Brockport