Letters to the Editor - The Lakeville Journal - 5-13-21

Under water: Cheney, democracy

Hunting for Red October is one of my favorite thrillers —most of it taking place on subs under water. Service members, U.S. and Soviet, are skillful, intuitive from the sonar tech to the pride of captains. Living, maneuvering and staying alive in this mix is brutally exhaustive and full-steam praiseworthy — rather analogous to Liz Cheney in her crippled GOP vessel and to our nation so amazingly embroiled in democracy war games. 

Under water: a fatal diagnosis or a place where stealth, solid leadership, knowledge and courage prevail? Given recent events, Liz Cheney demonstrates chutzpah borne from entrenched principles, values and a determination to do what is right.  Cheney, not my highest regarded political surname, is back in bold headlines as a woman steeped in national well-being doing nothing more than speaking the truth to wavering GOP top brass who were bravely for truth on and around Jan. 6th but now eat their words as they defy democracy, enable a continuous coup, champion a loser. 

The U.S. Swamp, targeted for drainage in 2016 in 45’s campaign rhetoric, expanded exponentially in his presidency, eradicating White House esteem, sullying the people’s house, stripping Justice from Barr’s misdirected Department, replacing the will of the people with the greed of a few. Most recently, Former 45 has, as is his trademark, deviously reversed truth — his immense Swamp is now the viable terra firma, the foundation for trustworthy stewardship of America. The Big Lie is his new marketing ploy. The Big Lie is no longer Former 45’s overturning democracy, decrying an election, pressing for fraudulent acts to gin fraud. In Former 45’s rendition, the Big Lie has been done unto him, victimized him as did two impeachments predicated on his ceaseless untruths, misinformation, habitual lies about individuals, nations, a pandemic, his corrupt use of funds and privileges. 

For some, great sport is under water, diving, discovering, risking.  For some, under water is to be avoided — no access to oxygen without sophisticated gear. For some, under water is a challenge to rise above. If truths about America’s extraordinary competence to be a democracy, hold legit elections, enable voting, draw equitable districts, concede losses are proudly exclaimed, revered and practiced across the partisan divide, then the dangerous democracy war games can cease. 

May Liz Cheney and her steadfast democratic beliefs be supported from within and from outside her wobbly party. We need not agree on everything, but must sustain an honest platform on which differences can be heard, influence and steer to joint adherence. 

“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it and ignorance may deride it, but, in the end, there it is.” -Winston Churchill

“We cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we expect our republic permanently to endure. Honesty is not so much a credit as an absolute prerequisite to efficient service to the public. Unless a man is honest, we have no right to keep him in public life; it matters not how brilliant his capacity.”  -Theodore Roosevelt

Kathy Herald-Marlowe

Sharon

Day of Prayer so meaningful

Dear caring community: Thank you for joining us on a beautiful May Day to celebrate the National Day of Prayer by offering up our prayers to God concerning our nation, leaders and community. There was such a genuine spirit of all that is good in our country and town of Salisbury.  

Tears came to our eyes as the red/white and blue attired Ohmen family led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was truly inspiring to hear Ron Solan give the prayer for the military, after which all burst forth into clapping for this man of remarkable courage and character. The patriotic songs led by Pastor Peg and Maureen Bateman reminded us of the freedoms we hold so dear.   

Special thanks to all who participated from our selectman and state trooper to businessmen, educators and families. Lastly, our thanks to all who helped to make this day possible. With grateful hearts.

Newt & Barbara Schoenly

Salisbury

Reasons to rejoice

Biden in charge

Trump still at large

Covid defeated

Vaccines completed

Outdoor dining now 

     in focus

Truly it is not a hocus

Normal life is almost here

So we can be of good cheer.

Michael Kahler

Lakeville

Housing wrong in Salisbury

In reference to the April 28 meeting of the Salisbury P&Z Board regarding the Holley Place Affordable Housing Project:

I wonder if I listened to the same hours of testimony in the earlier meetings as the Board did. I concluded from them that approving the application would be a tragic mistake.  

This building will be wrong in so many ways! How could the Board dismiss the historic significance of the property? I am very much in favor of affordable housing in Salisbury; I remain very much opposed to this building in this location! Thanks for your work in keeping us informed. 

Maura Wolf

Salisbury