"Repeat, Rinse, Repeat" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Since December 19^th Ulster County Board of Elections officials have been hand counting over 53,000 ballots cast in November’s district attorney election.  The recount, mandated by the narrow 77-vote win by Democrat Dave Clegg, could have been waived by his opponent, GOP candidate Michael Kavanaugh, who instead chose to proceed with the taxpayer-funded recount, citing his obligation to voters to “permit the legal process to play out.”  Fair enough.  His hopes for winning depend on an unlikely glaring error in the November count or on rejecting ballots that have stray or irregular markings.  (Voters:  did your marking pen accidentally touch the ballot and leave a scratchy line somewhere?  Too bad.)  To date, a recount of nearly half of the votes has turned up a reported net one possible vote for Kavanaugh. 

As the current chief assistant district attorney, Kavanaugh will assume the DA title—and presumably the salary—and command of the office on January 1.  If the recount confirms Clegg’s win, Kavanaugh will step down and allow the transition to the Democrat’s administration, a transition that is now held in abeyance by the recount. 

Or will he step down?  Kavanaugh’s team has suggested that an appeal of the judge’s rulings on absentee and affidavit ballots—a judge both sides approved—could be launched, extending his tenure in the DA office.  His legal costs would come from his pocket, or perhaps more likely, from GOP committee coffers.

Kavanaugh can’t claim that an appeal is mandated or demanded by voters, who can ask:  what or who would be satisfied by a Hail Mary attempt to reverse what is no doubt a difficult loss?  Kavanaugh has served Ulster County residents for years.  What decisions will he make to serve their interests now?

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman          12/30/19

Hudson Valley One   1/1/20

"It’s Too Late, Baby" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

As Donald Trump’s impeachment moves to the Senate, it’s a time to reflect on what might have been.

From the first week of Trump’s presidency, Republican voters and their representatives in Washington had ample reasons to weigh carefully the degree to which they would support him.  His attacks--on the press, on the courts, on government agencies, and more broadly on unspoken but accepted norms in governance—augured a reckoning they would have to face.  There were times they could have made a stand against Trump’s abuses, perhaps nudged him toward a more reasonable path, but at every step of the way they chose the course of deference.  Now, after the Ukrainian escapade was exposed, they find themselves defending the indefensible, and their choice is roped into history and an uncertain verdict in 2020 and beyond.

Imagine a President Donald Trump who pursued a different political strategy by reaching out to the 50%+ of voters who did not elect him.  Imagine that his first legislative priority was rebuilding American infrastructure, and his first major signed bill brought more health care security to many additional Americans.  Imagine a tax bill that marginally satisfied his donors but addressed glaring inequalities and gave people some legitimate hope for the future.  With Republican majorities, he could have done these things, and Democrats would have scrambled to define their own relevance.  His “base” would look different from today’s, but it could have been broader and longer lasting.  With the economy in its current state of health, Democrats in 2020 might be casting about for the most likely sacrificial lamb in the election.

Imagine.  But we have the Donald Trump that we have.  The Republican party is now its own RINO; it’s the Trump party.  And Democrats, aware that their good fortune comes at the cost of a damaged nation, get another shot at convincing Americans that they can lead with policies and people worthy of support.  How will they use the opportunity?

Publishing history:

New Paltz Times        12/26/19

Shawangunk Journal   1/2/20

"Case for Trump impeachment is open and shut" Letter to the editor Jeff Akins

Dear Editor:

The same day House Democrats released articles of impeachment, President Trump met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Like at their May 2017 Oval Office meeting, the American press was denied attendance. An official White House meeting readout states Trump warned Lavrov against election interference. When a reporter asked about that, Lavrov replied, “We haven't even actually discussed elections.”

Trump repeatedly acts in Vladimir Putin’s benefit and against America’s national security interests. The 2017 Lavrov meeting happened the day after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey over “this Russia thing,” as Trump described it during a live TV interview. During the 2017 meeting, Trump divulged classified information that precipitated urgent exfiltration of a Kremlin spy one month later. That spy worked close to Putin for a decade and confirmed to 17 U.S. intelligence agencies that Putin directed 2016 election meddling.

Trump should be impeached as two impeachment articles define. He abused the presidential office’s power for personal/political gain and obstructed Congress’ investigation. Trump withheld Ukraine aid, approved by Congress in February 2019. Trump denied President Volodymyr Zelensky a head-of-state Oval Office meeting and withheld $390 million in aid, demanding Zelensky publicly announce investigations into the Bidens AND a Putin false narrative that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in America’s 2016 election.

The aid was released September 2019, but only after the whistleblower report became public. To date, Zelensky awaits his Oval Office meeting while Lavrov was given his second.

It’s obvious Trump should be impeached and removed from office.

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman: 12/12/19

"Delgado's stance on Green New Deal alarming" Letter to the editor Ted Millar

 Dear Editor,

Two weeks ago, I asked U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, at a town hall event in Gardiner where he stands on the Green New Deal, already knowing he does not not support it. I wanted him to publicly admit it, though, which he did. I appreciate his candor.

However, the congressman made a couple of alarming points in his response. First, he stated his own "Green Jobs Act" focuses on "solutions that work." Second, he said the Green New Deal "doesn't reduce emissions."

These responses, particularly the latter, are surprising, considering there is already a precedent in United States history of massively transforming our economy and public sector toward ambitious national goals. President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal helped lift us out of the Great Depression of the 1930s and defeat fascism in Europe during the Second World War. It's no coincidence it's part of the Green New Deal's title.

I find it curious Rep. Delgado proposed the Green New Deal would not reduce emissions when it serves to transform our energy grid away from fossil fuels, decarbonize manufacturing, retrofit existing construction for energy efficiency, support new zero-carbon construction, and revolutionize our agricultural sector, all while creating hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs.

I campaigned for Rep. Delgado last year. I am happy he successfully unseated former Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, and I hope he wins re-election next year.

I urge Rep. Delgado to reconsider his stance on the Green New Deal. We do not have time for incremental measures to appease the fossil fuel industry. The climate crisis is already wreaking havoc on our country and the world. Failure to act boldly now will make later mitigation efforts more expensive — if we have time to implement them at all.

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman: 12/1/19

"Ulster County proposal for public financing of campaigns make sense" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Regarding the debate over the Ulster County Legislature’s proposed campaign financing bill ("Ulster County proposal calls for public financing of political campaigns," Nov. 14, 2019), I offer this:

Elections are, in a broad sense, a public utility, one that serves the common good. When we flip the switch, we get light — the same light for all of us, without prejudice. When we open the tap, we get — or hope to get —c lean water. When we vote, we get democracy.

But when money taints the system, we get a muddied or even dangerous representative government that breeds cynicism and apathy. The comments of some speakers at the public hearing about the campaign finance bill certainly did not imply respect for the legislators they addressed.

Some speakers claimed they did not want their tax dollars spent on a system or candidates they didn’t support, or they believed public money would be better spent on direct public services. But we all pay taxes that go to highways we never use, or schools our children don’t attend, or a military campaign we question, because we acknowledge at least the ideal of the common good and a unified nation.

Some opponents of the bill were union members. I’m a union member, retired, and proud of it. I don’t understand the vociferousness of their objections. It’s always been my understanding that unions give a voice, strength and power to those who would have none of it as individuals.

The campaign finance bill aims to expand the roster of potential candidates and empower the underdog who starts with ambition but few resources, and it supports small donors, who can’t shell out big bucks but want to give their candidates and policies a voice.

Elections belong to all of us — who choose to participate. Let’s pass the bill, and we’ll get a healthier, cleaner democratic system.

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman: 11/19/19

"Trump is in a deep state of trouble" Letter to the editor Jeff Akins

President Trump certainly has "deep state" problems alright. He's in a deep state of doo-doo, and it's getting worse every day.

White House Chief of Staff Mulvaney admitted Trump's quid pro quo, withholding congressional-approved military aid until Ukraine offered to investigate Trump’s political rival. Ambassador William Taylor corroborated Trump’s extortion under oath in congressional testimony.

Game. Set. Impeachment.

Continuing House subpoenas and witness testimony will further prove Trump’s guilt. Additionally, a federal judge ordered the full transcript of Trump's phone call with Ukraine's president to be released within 30 days — the same transcript Trump called “perfect” and offered to release, yet was oddly placed on a super-secret server.

Expect another Trump weekend getaway to one of his resorts for a 105th day of golf in less than three years. Speaking of Trump’s resorts, his attempt at hosting the G-7 at his Doral facility would have been a clear Emoluments Clause violation. Considering the 4th District U.S. Court of Appeals is rehearing arguments in an Emoluments Clause case against Trump, that constitutional violation may be added to growing list of impeachment articles.

Trump's impeachment defense is falling apart faster than fast food gets eaten in the Oval Office. Polls show a growing majority of We the People want this tyrant impeached AND removed from office. The world is also eager for that outcome, except maybe Vladimir Putin and other dictators who have manipulated Trump.

Publishing history:  Daily freeman 10/25/`9

"Willie Horton racism rears its head in Ulster County" Letter to the editor Joyce Scheffey

Dear Editor:

Re your article “Saugerties police chief Sinagra raps Clegg over mailer showing DA candidate shaking hands with Kingston activist, ex-con Shabazz”:

According to Sinagra, if you’re running for district attorney, you shouldn’t shake hands with black people. There’s no other way to interpret this statement: “If you don’t have enough common sense to know that will invoke strong feelings in the criminal justice community, then you shouldn’t be running for district attorney.”

I am old enough to remember the Willie Horton racism of Republican candidates and was horrified to see a local police chief revive it against David Clegg.

The blatant racism of the Republicans cannot stand. David Clegg shook the hand of a black man he didn’t know. That makes him a good man.

Publishing history:  Daily freeman 10/25/19

"Dave Clegg’s Smart Policy on Drug Crimes" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Dave Clegg’s Smart Policy on Drug Crimes

I grew up in Utah, certainly one of the reddest states in the nation, so recent news from Salt Lake County was, to me, breathtaking.  The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the County District Attorney will reduce the convictions for many non-violent felony drug crimes to misdemeanors.  More than 12,000 individuals who were tried between 1997 and 2015 will therefore be “eligible for expungement and a variety of benefits, as well as certain housing and jobs.”  (https://www.sltrib.com/news/2019/09/24/salt-lake-county-is/

In other words, rock-ribbed Republican Utah will join the rapidly advancing national movement to re-think how the criminal justice system addresses the “war on drugs.”  Increasingly, we understand that building bigger prisons and jails is a losing proposition.  Instead, drug use and addiction treated as mental health issues are far more likely to bend toward positive—and cost effective--social solutions. 

The opioid crisis has put a glaring spotlight on the personal tragedies that have struck all neighborhoods and all ranges of families in the country.  Overdose deaths gather full attention, but less publicized are the ways in which those convicted of drug crimes face barriers to rehabilitation when they are released.  In Utah, ex-addict Tony Radjen described how when he “looked for employment and housing [I] found out very quickly that my past would be an obstacle to opportunity and security.”

On November 5 Ulster County will elect a new district attorney, who will have an enormous impact on how drug-use crimes are addressed.  Using his discretion, he can channel charged individuals to drug courts, strengthen alternatives to incarceration and restorative justice, and lobby for increased county resources for mental health services.  The candidate who will chart this new direction for Ulster County is Democrat Dave Clegg.  He has pledged a commitment to all of these reforms, even as he promises to prosecute violent felons who prey on the vulnerable.  Clegg will work closely with Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa to address the opioid crisis with sensible and humane policies.

Many addicts are our children, and children of our friends and neighbors.  We want them to have an opportunity to build a new life after drugs.  We voters should look for the District Attorney candidate who pledges to join hands with communities across the country like Salt Lake.  Red and blue can unite for the benefit of all.  That candidate is Dave Clegg.

publishing history:

Daily Freeman (edited)     10/8/19

New Paltz Times, Kingston Times    10/10

"It's crime" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

It’s a Crime

The Chairman of the Committee to Elect Mike Kavanaugh submitted a letter to the editor in the New Paltz Times, 9/26/19:  “Bail Reform’s Flaws.”  The author, Richard Croce, proposes that there are bipartisan concerns about the legislation on bail reform passed by the New York Senate and Assembly and signed by the Governor.  Perhaps there are . . . perhaps.   Look at his argument. 

His second paragraph begins with “Imagine . . . “  Always be on the alert with paragraphs that begin with “imagine . . . “    He goes on to describe a scene in which an 89-year-old woman’s home is invaded by an intruder who likes and steals her clothing.  (Should we imagine he especially likes her underwear?  Probably.)  He uses the devices of literary fiction, describing how the man “moves closer and strokes her, whispering something in her ear so close she can feel his beard on her face.”  (Should we imagine he is whispering, “Vote for Mike Kavanaugh”?)  And so on.

His third paragraph delivers the big reveal:  “It’s not a random hypothetical derived to fit a narrative.”  It’s all true!  It happened!  (Even the whispering and the beard!?) The judge sets a bail of $50,000.

The fourth paragraph claims that next year the new bail reform law would require the judge to release the burglar, regardless of evidence and possible length of sentence.  No specific language in the new law is offered to support the claim.  We’re expected to believe it is accurate.

The fifth and sixth ask why the assaulted woman and the community should bear the burden of the man’s freedom before trial.  Mr. Croce writes, “Let’s be clear.  Mike Kavanaugh and other experienced prosecutors support responsible bail reform, but that reform, to be fair and effective, must take into account victims’ rights and public safety….This bill has many strong points, but it also has profound flaws that ought to be addressed . . . “

Have any specific flaws in the law been detailed in the letter?  They have not.  For that matter, have any of the “many strong points”?  They have not.  Serious readers might wish to be educated.  Instead, they are left confused and maybe fearful . . . and maybe a little entertained by the “narrative.”  Instead, they are left with the message that Mike Kavanaugh wants to have it both ways:  he’s for bail reform, he’s against it.  Win/win.  Just don’t try to pin him down.  Of course, readers are concerned and sympathetic about the ordeal of the woman whose home was violated.

Mr. Croce’s letter is straight out of the very familiar Republican playbook stretching back to Willie Horton and beyond.   The core of that playbook is this:  skip reasoned arguments backed with factual evidence.  Play up lurid stories likely to be scripted for Law and Order.  Make people afraid.  Blast the opponent as “soft on crime.” 

Have you gotten a robo call or push poll yet from Mike Kavanaugh’s committee calling his opponent, Dave Clegg, “soft on crime”?  You will.  Count on it.

Oh, right, bail reform.  I forgot we were talking about that.  Can’t get the image of the beard out of my mind.  Or the stubble, whichever.  Maybe that’s the purpose of Mr. Croce’s letter.

Publishing history:

New Paltz Times 10/2/19

Saugerties Times 10/2/19

" LTE DF Prop. 414" Letter to the editor Andi Weiss Bartczak

 LTE DF Prop. 414

To the editor:

I find the Gardiner Library dangerous.  There are all those books.  And if you head to the back of the library, there is an exhibit of new books.  I can’t resist looking at the new books, hoping that I don’t want to check out any.  Sometimes I do check out one and I am glad that I do, despite the piles of books around my chair at home.

If I watch a show based on a book, the staffer will happily find the book, even if I don’t have exactly the proper title.  Ordering from another library is no big deal.

I needed to know what ancient Egyptians looked like for a novel I was writing.  After asking a staffer, she took me to the children’s section.  I never would have thought of that. Searching the Internet frequently doesn’t help.   I always assume that librarians know where to find   any information and I have rarely been disappointed. 

So Gardinerites, how can you not vote for Proposition 414 (at the back of the ballot) on Election Day (or Early voting), which will only modestly increase the budget of our library?

publishing history:

Daily freemn

Letter to the editor Doris Chorny

How did our brand new New York State Senator, Jen Metzger (SD-42), fair during her first legislative session? She introduced 87 bills of which 75% passed with bi-partisan support.

As chair of the Agriculture Committee, Jen focused much of her concern on the fact that the average age of a NYS farmer is 60.  Below are some of the bills passed to encourage new and young farmers to establish themselves:

(Metzger S5822A) Farmers Markets in Parks is a most imaginative bill.  By allowing farmers to set up a market in state and local parks, not only are their businesses helped, but consumers have greater access to fresh, locally grown food.

(Metzger S4655) creates an Agricultural Hotline to handle concerns and questions farmers have about grants, research, marketing and finances.

(Metzger S4945) reduces paperwork as well as the money required to register vehicles used solely for agriculture. It passed both House and Senate.

(Metzger S5755) keeps agricultural property taxes affordable and makes it easier to obtain an agriculture assessment.

Brava, Senator Metzger!  You’ve had an amazing first term.

Publishing History:

River Reporter

"Tell Gov. Cuomo 'No' to Danskammer permit" Letter to the editor Amy Kletter

Have you heard about the Danskammer power plant in Newburgh? Years ago it was a coal fired plant, was closed and then reopened as a peaker plant using fracked gas. This means it is available to add power to the grid when needed. Sounds great, right. Well, not so much. It is located on the Hudson River and has flooded in the past.  The process itself adds pollution to the air, the water, and requires the dangerous transport of fracked gas from states that allow fracking (remember-NY banned fracking but not the transport or burning of the gas!) Also, they receive about 30 million from the government just for being ready. Air pollution, water pollution, and use of money that could be better used to develop fossil fuel free solutions to our energy needs.
Well, now the Danskammer corporation is asking to get permitted to expand to a 24/7 power facility. If permitted, they would be able to pollute to 2053, which directly contradicts the Governor's goal of net zero emissions in the energy sector by 2040. And according to experts, we don't need this polluting and greenhouse emitting facility to meet our energy needs!!!!!


If you want to see our governor work towards the goals of the climate bill, please call, email, write, sign petitions...We can make a difference-we've done it before. The easiest way to do this is to call 888-925-7006. Tell him NO to Danskammer, and to start moving to 100% renewables now! And if you want to know more, please plan to attend the New Paltz Student and Community Climate Strike on Sunday, September 20, march beginning at the middle school at 10 with a rally beginning at 10:30 in front of Elting Library on Main Street. 


Publishing history:

Kingston FReeman  9/8/19

"Metzger Promotes an Electric Future" Letter to editor Tom Denton

Metzger Promotes an Electric Future

If you are a New Yorker who is mulling over the idea of buying an electric or plug-in car, you should contact the office of New York Senator Jen Metzger of Rosendale and praise her for sponsoring in the last legislative session a bill, S3827A, that would exempt the first $35,000 of an EV purchase from state sales tax.  This bill sits in committee.  She also sponsored another bill, S5439, that would direct the New York Office of General Services to buy electric vehicles for state agencies whenever possible, with a mandate to have an all-electric fleet by 2030. This bill passed in the Senate and awaits passage in the Assembly.  Finally, Senator Metzger introduced S5820, a bill that requires the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to study and make recommendations about the state’s vehicle infrastructure.   Passed in both chambers, this bill must be delivered to the Governor.

Senator Jen Metzger of Rosendale entered office in 2018 with a record and a platform of strong support for environmental sustainability and for the potential of environmental programs to generate economic growth.  Her bills fulfill that promise by moving the state toward a goal of reduced emissions and by promoting smart, economical consumer choices.  Her efforts deserve our support for action in the 2020 legislative session. Soon, we might see more clean, affordable electric cars on our roads.

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman                      9/8/19    

"Closing Shop on Big Money" Letter to editor Tom Denton

Closing Shop on Big Money

When politicians claim the system is rigged, voters generally understand they are talking about money.  Money is at the root of corruption, waste, unfairness, and it undermines our confidence in democracy.  It especially pollutes our politicking.  Dark money sloshes through the campaign system, allowing donors and candidates to avoid accountability.  Even the political contributions that are recorded and published remind us that the wealthy have influence a private citizen could never dream of. 

Finally, this year our New York State legislature took one step to reform political campaigning and give us a reason to have a little more faith in the process.  It delivered to Governor’s desk a bill that closes loopholes for LLC (Limited Liability Corporations), requiring them to conform to the same requirements for contribution limits and disclosure as regular corporations.  LLC’s have been notorious for creating hidden funnels of money to campaigns. 

Further, Senator Jen Metzger of Rosendale sponsored Senate Bill S1013A, which bans “corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and partnerships from making contributions to political campaigns.”  In other words, wipe the slate clean. This bill did not advance from committee in the last session.

All New Yorkers who want cleaner government and diminished influence of big money in legislative chambers should let Senator Metzger know they support her bill and should contact legislators in their own district.  Let’s finish this important business.

Publishing history:

Shawangunk Journal           9/5/19

Letter to the editor Amy Kletter

I am writing in support of Dave Clegg for Ulster County District Attorney. Besides being a man of integrity; he is smart, well-spoken and a person who really cares about people. His life experience combined with these traits make him an excellent candidate for a position that can make such an impact on so many lives. We all know that our prison system isn't working on so many levels. We have too many people in prison and we're spending too much money on incarceration, when we could be helping most of the minor offenders and their victims. This is called Restorative Justice, and Dave is a strong proponent of this method of dealing with many more minor crimes that actually can be dealt with in a healing, healthy manner instead of just throwing someone in jail and leaving the victim without closure. This method not only provides space for the criminal to rehabilitate to become a productive citizen (including making amends with the victim), it also saves the taxpayer a great deal of money. 

It's past time for our society to start looking at a different way of dealing with crime, a way that will both protect society from serious offenders but will offer lesser offenders a helping hand and a chance to change their life's path.  Please find out more about Dave, check out his website, go hear him speak. He's the real deal.

"NY state on right path in fight against climate change" Letter to the editor Ted Millar

Last month, as a heatwave was beginning to bear down on the Northeast and Midwest, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), hailed as promoting the most aggressive climate goals of any state in the nation. He also awarded two offshore wind development contracts, the largest in the country.

The CLCPA requires an 85 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, a carbon-free electric system by 2040, and a 40 percent emissions reduction to 1990 levels by 2030. Also by 2030, we must reduce fossil fuel dependence by 70 percent.

There is a great deal of fossil fuel industry-led disinformation about the impacts revolutionizing our infrastructure to meet climate change's increasing threats will have on jobs.

Contrary to what some claim, the transition away from fossil fuels will not "kill jobs." In fact, the offshore wind contracts are enormous victories for labor because unions are projected to play a key role in offshore wind development and construction. Specifically, they will be used to build port facilities in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Port Jefferson. They also are expected to partner with the SUNY system and the Long Island Federation of Labor to provide job training, including a program with Brentwood Community College in a low-income area on Long Island.

In addition, the CLCPA does not end construction of new power plants. All new fossil fuel projects must meet a rigorous process to justify their necessity

This legislation is the product of years of grassroots environmental activism and lobbying. New York sets an example for other states, and we should all be proud and thankful.

Publishing history

Daily Freeman 8/4/19

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"It's time to begin impeachment inquiry" Letter to the editor Harold Chorny

Dear Editor:

An impeachment inquiry should begin now. Continuing the stonewalling of investigations is weakening our democracy by normalizing President Trump's lawless behavior.

He said he would accept assistance from foreign countries in order to win an election. Our intelligence agencies have indicated that multiple foreign countries are preparing attacks on the next election. Trump takes no action to protect us and even refuses to acknowledge the threat. He is determined to win re-election with no regard for the welfare of the nation.

When foreign influence occurs, we will again be in the difficult position of proving that welcoming acceptance of interference is sufficient proof of conspiracy and treason. The soul of the Republican Party has been sold and they will not help us. We cannot remain passive with such serious threat. It is time for Democrats to act. They need the power of an impeachment inquiry to gather the facts and then perhaps move to impeach, leaving the soulless Republicans to do as they will.

Publishing history

Daily Freeman 7-29-19

"Democrats 1968; Republicans 2019" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Democrats 1968; Republicans 2019

Here’s a thought experiment directed to a specific demographic group:  older Americans.  And to a subset of that group:  self-described “reluctant” Trump supporters who dislike, maybe even abhor, the man but voted for him and might again because of his policies on taxes, abortion, and judges.  Go back to 1968, the year Democratic Governor George Wallace of Alabama, running as an American Independent for president, won nearly 14% of the popular vote and 46 electoral votes of five Southern states—George Wallace, known for his defiant promise, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever”; George Wallace, who ran again in 1972 until he was struck down and permanently crippled by a would-be assassin. 

Knowing what you know about the Democratic party then and now, can you imagine a scenario in which Wallace somehow took over the party’s banner and managed to be elected president?  In fact, Democrats repudiated him and chose Hubert Humphrey as their candidate against Nixon.  But imagine that in a three-person race he somehow slipped into the White House.  Do you think Wallace would have taken over the Democratic party and made it in his own image?  Do you think Democratic voters would have swallowed him whole because he espoused some populist policies that suited their agenda?  Would they have accepted the label of champions of America’s segregationists?

Nah, probably not—right?  So what about your Republican party?

Publishing history:

NP Times                   7/25/19

Shawangunk Journal  7/26/19

Times Herald-Record 7/22/19

"Thank you, Rep. Delgado and Democrats, for addressing climate crisis" Letter to the editor Kitty Brown

Dear Editor:

I was so glad to see the climate crisis at the top pf the Democratic debate agenda. I am equally grateful to Rep. Antonio Delgado for his recent votes to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the crown jewel of our nation's National Wildlife Refuge system. The Trump administration used the 2017 tax bill to allow oil and gas drilling in this critical habitat, a wilderness refuge that belongs to all Americans.

Delgado supported H.R. 1146, the Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act, and it has just passed out of the Natural Resources Committee in the House, where I hope it will pass.

And just this week, Delgado voted for an Interior appropriations bill that makes it harder for the Trump administration to lease our public land to the highest oil industry bidder.

We must restore protections to stop destructive oil exploration and drilling. The Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act will keep drills out of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Delgado’s commitment to this climate crisis solution is appreciated.

Thank you, Congressman, for representing our district's widespread support for protection of America’s public lands.

Kitty Brown

Publishing history:

Kingston Freeman 7/4/19

"Just desserts" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Just Desserts

It’s often said that presidents’ actions rarely have a significant impact on our economy; there are too many unpredictable forces that determine the course of GDP, unemployment figures, productivity, interest rates (the Federal Reserve), and more.  But when the economy is good, they claim credit, and when it’s not they are usually blamed, even though they largely might have been bystanders. 

There are exceptions, though.  President Obama was inaugurated into the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression.  Most agree that his administration’s economic stimulus bill did help the country avert another catastrophic depression and set it on the road to recovery, with the help of the Fed’s own policies.

Donald Trump was fortunate to walk into Obama’s steadily improving, though incomplete recovery.  Within a year he was claiming credit for the economy’s continuing trajectory, and he juiced it, temporarily, with the huge tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses.

Now he has forced a trade war with China, an action which is very likely to affect the US economy.  Interestingly, he has some bipartisan support for his moves.  Over the next year and a half we might well see a recession play out, just in time for the 2020 election, resulting in a likely victory for the Democratic candidate, who might ultimately be the beneficiary of a China problem somewhat resolved . . . and the beginning of a new recovery.

Some might see an ironic justice in such a conclusion.

Publishing history:

Times H-R      5/20

"Trump’s Sports World" Letter to the editor Tim Denton

Trump’s Sports World

Betting sports fans who voted in 2016 to “give him a chance” were rewarded with a spotlight on their passion in the 120th week of Trump’s presidency.  The world champions of baseball, the Boston Red Sox, attended a traditional White House ceremony honoring their accomplishments.  But this event was less than conventional, with many members, including the manager, declining to participate.  Predictably, all of them were people of color.  They joined other sports figures who have rejected White House ceremonies.  The world of sports, which typically strives to be apolitical to protect its dollars, shows itself to be as divided and rancorous as the rest of America. 

Also this week, we read news reports about Trump’s tax returns during the 90s.  Our president, while claiming the information was “fake news,” simultaneously boasted that his huge reported tax losses were part of the real estate industry’s game of manipulating US tax laws to its benefit.  For developers like him, taking huge losses and renegotiating with banks was “sport.”  Pity the poor Americans who feel that preparing their tax returns with H&R Block is less sport than inquisition, and who find their bank to be unfriendly about easing their struggles.

We have discovered that Trump’s approach to governance is indeed framed as a sport.  Stir up underlying rivalries; excitement sells tickets (sixty million Twitter followers).  Give no quarter to rivals, who are blood enemies and losers.  Put your money on the royalty franchises with dominating assets.  If you strike out or even lose, blame the umpires and the rules.

In Trump’s game, there is no traditional handshake with opponents after the competition—only rancid bitterness to build up for the next confrontation.  And a hike in ticket prices.

Publishing history:

Shawangunk Journal           5/17/19

Daily Freeman                       5/11/19

NP Times                               5/16/19

"Electoral College: an Obstacle to Civic Engagement" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Electoral College:  an Obstacle to Civic Engagement

The U.S. electoral college has become a hot issue among Democratic presidential candidates, with punditry supporting or mocking the proposals to abolish or modify it.  Commentary typically focuses on conceptual arguments about the historical development of the Constitution (e.g., the electoral college was a concession to slave states) and analyses about the leveling effects of the college (e.g., balancing the powers of large and small states, urban and rural; “cooling the passions” of the majority).  Voters going to the polls and activists working for candidates, however, have more immediate and practical concerns. 

We face a momentous election in 2020.  Donald Trump holds approval ratings (42-43%) that suggest deep trouble for him, yet oddsmakers give him at least an even chance of re-election . . . with an electoral college victory and an even greater loss in the popular vote.  Here is the dilemma if you are a voter in a so-called non-battleground state like New York (this generally describes at least 40 states).  If New Yorkers in November, 2020 almost surely vote overwhelmingly for the Democratic presidential candidate, with its electoral votes aligning accordingly, how urgently is their vote needed?  A national popular vote will not determine the winner.  If household tasks, family issues, or work demands seem overwhelming on that November 3rd, why not skip the burdens of citizenry, deal with personal pressures, and spend the evening watching the returns from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, etc., where the real action is?

Democratic activists face even more daunting decisions.  They have been doing the difficult groundwork of organizing their districts since early 2017.  They scored significant successes in 2018, helping to elect a big majority in the House.  But how do they plan for the general election in 2020?  New York borders Pennsylvania, and Ohio and Michigan aren’t that far away.  Should those New York activists book their motel reservations now—pick their state--for the two weeks starting in late October, 2020, in the all-out effort to defeat Trump?  Join the Democratic candidate’s national campaign?   But if they do, they will be draining the campaigns of their newly elected local Democratic representatives of vital resources for getting out the vote:  an army of door knockers, callers, texters, drivers.  And worse, with their absence might they compound a dropoff of Democratic voters discouraged by their seemingly meaningless vote?  Earn a White House victory but lose the House and Senate?

These activists—and voters—face a Sophie’s choice that will be replicated in roughly 80% of American states.  Wouldn’t all of us be more meaningfully engaged in the democratic process if our election battles were fought on our home grounds, where votes for local and national candidates were equally important?  For the 2020 election the energy to challenge and eliminate the electoral college is coming from the Democratic side.  But if that anachronistic election process persists, Republicans can be sure to face the same vexing obstacles sometime in the future.  A fair solution would be to eliminate the electoral college through a constitutional amendment and select a president with the popular vote, the system taking effect ten to twenty years after it is made law.  Democrats and Republicans would be equally challenged to respond to a changing political landscape.  Americans would welcome elections that were more democratic and fair and that respected their civic engagement.

Publishing history:

Shawangunk Journal           4/25

New Paltz Times                    5/9

"Mueller and the resistance" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Mueller and the Resistance

Meg McArdle of the Washington Post, like other conservative columnists, condemns a “cosmopolitan class,” bent on reversing the 2016 election results, that now stands humbled for pinning its hopes on the Mueller report. ( https://wapo.st/2JYxkb8https://wapo.st/2JYxkb8)  To that group she connects the “#resistance” that “made things worse.”  Note: I identify with the “resistance,” and I didn’t hold my breath Waiting for Mueller, glued to every media report.  I would have celebrated a report with clear, prosecutable evidence, but didn’t organize my actions anticipating it.    Let's not forget the purpose of the investigation--exploring Russian interference in our election--or the voluminous evidence that did emerge, unchallenged, from Mueller's search:  evidence of the Trump team's shockingly unethical behaviors; many guilty pleas to crimes committed by Trump associates; streams of examples of Trump's lies, self-dealing, and violations of norms that have held our political establishment together for centuries.

Further release of the report's details will offer new revelations that will diminish Trump's current bravado.  Nevertheless, I accept the report's general conclusions . . . and will continue to do what I've been doing for the past two years.  In 2017 we elected local county legislators.  In 2018 we worked for a year to elect a congressional representative in a swing district, state legislators whose victories led to a Democratic takeover of Albany, and a county sheriff who ousted an incumbent.  This year we plan to put in office a county executive, more Democratic legislators, more town officials.  And of course, in all of this we are preparing for 2020.  We are doing the work.  We haven't relied on a great Mueller gift.  This resistance is doing the hard work.  We haven't been "contravening civic norms,” as McArdle claims; we've been using them.

McArdle draws a misleading caricature of the opposition to Trump, one that is more accurately pointed at her own political class of pundits and that doesn’t describe those of us working at the ground level.

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman                      3/28/19

New Paltz Times                   4/4/19    

"Labels" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Labels

My mind has been reeling lately, tortured by this question:  What am I?  A liberal or a moderate or a progressive Democrat?  Because I must be one, not the other, or so I’m told.   If I support universal, single payer health care, I must rally for Medicare for All—now—to be progressive.  If I can’t imagine all the items in the Green New Deal happening immediately after the 2020 election, I must be a despised moderate.  If I believe in free tuition for community college but not for all college students, I am . . . liberal?  If I espouse principles of social democracy, must I accept the label of democratic socialist?

Reports from the House Democratic conference recently included stories of ascendant progressives raising the specter of primaries against moderates, those entrenched and newly elected.  A war of blue vs. purplish blue is rumbling.  Master strategist Nancy Pelosi seems better  able to bring Donald Trump to heel than to corral her own legislators. 

Stop!  The Democratic party, indeed, needs the next two years to define itself, preparing to battle Trump’s vision of America.  Its voice must be authentic and must speak to the challenges that citizens face in their everyday lives.  But most people will not vote for an ideology.  They’ll listen for and support policies and programs they can recognize and believe in. Moreover, they’ll choose a person who will articulate their hopes.  If the nominee’s platform lacks the tight consistency of ideology, so be it.  If Trump and his GOP party are going to be defeated in 2020, this Best in Show primary competition might well choose a happy mutt.

Publishing history:

Albany Times Union online  3/25

"Ranked choice voting an effective process" Letter to the editor. Andi Weiss Bartczak

To the editor:

In any primary or election you get only one vote;, winner take all.  Think about the presidential primary coming up.  Do you really like only one candidate or would you be okay if one of several  won ?

 If we had ranked choice voting, as do the voters in Maine, you wouldn't have to choose just one.  And you wouldn’t be really disappointed if a candidate that would have been your third choice won.

Say there are three candidates, A, B, C .  You choose as your first choice candidate C.  You mark as your second choice B.  Your third choice is candidate A.   Candidate A gets the most votes, but not a majority.  Candidate C got the fewest votes, so all those who chose candidate C have their votes counted for their second choices.  Maybe this time candidate B has the most votes but not a majority.  So the remaining candidate with the lowest number of votes, candidate A, is eliminated and the votes of those who voted for candidate A are counted for their second (or third) choice.  This time candidate B has a majority of votes and wins the election.  She/he was your second choice, so wouldn't you feel better than if you got to vote for only candidate C and then candidate A won?

   Like ranked choice voting?  Let your state senator and assembly member know.  The state legislature has to change the rules for voting and now is the time to start talking about it.

 Andi Weiss Bartczak

Publishing history

Albany Times Union 3/20/`9

"Naming Names" Letter to the editor Misha Harnick

   The recently introduced concepts of “political correctness” and “cultural misappropriation” are reaching the point of hysteria.  

   Item:  If there is no Black actor or singer available, Othello is not being played with black face any more.   In that way, the explicit references to his “blackness”, that are instrumental in the play and opera,  make the conflict meaningless!   (Compare: NO ONE objected when Denzel Washington played Hickey in “The iceman cometh” last year, despite the fact that the denizens of that sleepy bar would unlikely so lovingly embrace a black man in their midst!)  Al Jolson became one the greatest entertainers with his blackface: he donned it on as a tribute to the black performers, NOT to denigrate them!

   Item: Buildings get renamed after a huge amount of money is donated:  thus there are now Koch theatre and Geffen Hall in the Lincoln Plaza.  Buildings  and institutions should bear names conveying their function: thus “New York State Theater” was just right and the New York Philharmonic would make more sense to play in “Concert Hall”, rather than some rich donor’s named facility.  

   Item: Triboro Bridge was a perfect name, clearly denoting its function (what did RFK have to do with the building or purpose of it???)   Tappan Zee Bridge was clearly coming from Tappan across the Hudson (Mario Cuomo was a very decent guy, but why should the bridge bear his name?)

   Item: George Washington Bridge too is only an honorary name…But wait: there may be a campaign somewhere brewing to rename it since Washington owned slaves!

   Item: renaming SUNY dormitories to erase names of long-dead slave-owners seems preposterous.   Agreed,  naming student dorms after New Paltz founders does not necessarily make too much sense and they would be indeed be better called some flower names, or activity names.  I am totally baffled by “…students testified as to how living and eating in buildings named for slave owners impacted their lives.”   HOW?  Were they not able to sleep, worrying about the slaves?   Was food making them sick, as they contemplated the long dead slaves?   What about students living in the dorms BEFORE the movement to rename: were their lives also impacted?  Believe me, I am only trying  to point out that those sentiments are artificial, result of the current hysteria.   (Americans have always been fond of hysteria: just think about the Salem witchhunts – yes, genuine witchhunts, unlike the currently so labeled legal investigation – marvelously presented in “The Crucible”.)

   I wonder: is there someone a campaign brewing to rename George Washington Bridge (also purely an honorary name) so that Blacks and all of us who naturally condemn slavery – whether then or now, and yes, it is still with us today -- don’t feel “distressed” driving across? 

   No decent person can condone slavery in any shape or form, it is a reprehensible way to treat people.  Yet it has been around even before Christianity which itself has brought about many many deaths in the name of higher “beings” and powers.  And unlike today, when slave trafficking abuses primarily white (yet foreign born!)  women, already ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire used captured peoples as slaves.In the 18^th-19th century North America, slavery  was the  modus operandi (and let us not forget that even some slaves themselves owned slaves!), just like today people buy and own their gadgets, whether they need them or not. 

 

   In my view, renaming the dorms because the names belong to long long dead slaveowners, is a misguided move.   I feel for the bearers of those names who may start feeling ostracized.    Hopefully, New Paltz Village/Town will have more common sense and will not start removing names of those families from our streets and areas.

Letter to the editor Susan Denton

Re: Gag Cheerleading Awards in Tremper Wisconsin,( New York TImes, February 19,2019 pg B10.)

Basing cheerleading awards on appearance is in no way a light-hearted exercise. It is pure harassment. The coach who thought this up should be stood up in the middle of a crowded room, her loved ones in attendance, and be heckled in the same invidious style. Then she should be fired. What she did is not teaching, not coaching in any way, but could stay with the girls throughout their lives.  It is work enough to live through adolescence without being branded as having the biggest breasts or the best butt or being a string-bean and can carry difficult scars. Lead-hearted is a better descriptive of this sorry situation. Time to take out the trash.

Publishing history:

Daily Freeman 2/23/19

  

Letter to the editor Hal Chorny

Donald Trump and his Republican supporters portray Democratic efforts to help the average person as creeping socialism. Socialism is the governmental takeover of the means of production and distribution. Cuba was an example of a socialist country where the government owned everything and directed the dissemination of goods and services. Bernie Sanders calls himself a socialist which is a misnomer. He is not advocating extreme governmental control but seeks to modify capitalism with social welfare reforms.

Capitalism in the strictest form provides protection for no one. Every person is on their own and the winners can trod upon those who do not make the grade. Some extreme Conservatives appear to want strict capitalism, with no protection for anyone and the smallest possible range of government services. We once approached a stricter form of capitalism but after a horrendous depression Franklin Delano Roosevelt introduced social welfare reforms. Those reforms did not turn us into a socialist country and many have argued that he saved capitalism . One controversial byproduct was the rich paid more taxes.

Why do the Republicans now want to destroy Medicare and Social Security when those programs have been largely successful? Why did Republicans pass a tax bill which gave the super rich even more money creating a huge debt for our children while giving a pittance to most of us. Republicans, particularly under the direction of Trump are working to undo social welfare reforms. Republican fear the lazy will take advantage, or that complacency will replace innovation. Social reforming can be done in moderation and is not a perfect solution. On the other hand, life in the jungle is brutal leaving little energy but to survive. Universal health care and affordable education will allow a broader group of people to reach their potential to make this a better United States. The perfect balance between social welfare and capitalism will always prove elusive, but it is a better ideal to strive for than a return to stricter capitalism.

Publishing history

Daily Freeman 2/23/19

"Letter to the Editor" Kathy Adorney

In 1970 New York passed a ground-breaking law:  “Article 125-NY Penal Law: Homicide, Abortion and Related Offenses”. At the time this law was passed, abortion was a crime The new law only amended the parameters of the crime. It determined that an “abortional act is justifiable when...it is being committed by a duly licensed physician, acting under a reasonable belief that such act is necessary to preserve (the female’s) life, or, within twenty-four weeks from the commencement of her pregnancy.”  It did not make an exception for a woman’s health or for the viability of the fetus.

1. The Reproductive Health Act (RHA) which was signed into law January 22, 2019:
2. Removed the regulation of abortion from the Penal Code and placed it in the Public Health Law.
3. Allows Advanced Care Clinicians, (licensed, certified, or authorized practitioners, such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants) duly trained in abortion care, to perform abortions.

Ensures that a woman can access the care she needs when pregnancy places her health at risk or when the fetus is not viable.

Limiting the performance of abortions to medical doctors is a burden for women who live in rural areas of New York where access to a physician is limited.  They typically have to miss days of work, often unpaid, to travel to a doctor.  They may also have to arrange for childcare.  These difficulties can result in a delay in getting the care they need and thus, a latter abortion.  Allowing Advanced Care Clinicians to provide abortions will reduce that burden.

Allowing later term abortions when a fetus is not viable or when the pregnancy places a woman’s health at risk, is a humane provision. To put a human face to this issue here are some real examples (Stories abridged from “Critical Conditions:  How New York’s Unconstitutional Abortion Law Jeopardizes Women’s Health”, K, Bodde & S. Krueger, NYCLU, 2017)

She was told by her doctors that her cancer treatments would make it impossible for her to get pregnant.  Late in her second trimester she found out that they were wrong.  Further tests revealed that her cancer treatments had damaged the fetus and it would not survive.  But because she was more than 24 weeks into her pregnancy, she was prohibited from receiving an abortion in New York State.  She travelled thousands of miles to receive care in another state.

In her 24th week of pregnancy she began having seizures.  Years earlier she had been treated for melanoma.  It was now in her brain and had spread elsewhere in her body.  If she was not treated for the melanoma she would likely live for only a few weeks after giving birth.  Treatment now could give her more time, but would be toxic to the fetus.  She and her husband had to consider the needs of their young child at home.  It was a wrenching decision, but they were certain the best course for their family was treatment for her cancer and a focus on quality of life.  Despite her condition and the needs of her family, an abortion in New York was no longer possible.  The couple had to travel to Kansas.

A routine ultrasound in the third trimester revealed that the baby had had a massive brain hemorrhage.  It destroyed his cerebral cortex. If he even survived delivery, he would be kept alive by machines.  Termination was the only way to prevent his suffering.  But “because I was in the third trimester, there was no one who could provide this kind of care for me in New York. We were shocked.  With the help of our hospital, we found a doctor across the country who would treat us.“           

The RHA takes abortion out of the penal code, provides for better access to legal and safe abortions, and allows families a humane choice when things go terribly wrong late in a pregnancy.   That is why loving, humane women and men have fought for the RHA for many years.  We welcome its passage.   

Publishing history:

New Paltz Times 2/14/19