Talk about real issues

Election season is heating up, entering the phase of disturbing evening robocalls and vigorous back-and-forth negative advertising. Though the American voter should be accustomed to such antics by now, this is one mid-term election in which a more serious approach to the issues would be most welcome. This time, when you walk in to vote, remember which candidates took on the serious issues and maintained credibility while doing so.

Republicans have released their “Pledge to America,� giving Democrats the opportunity to pick apart their platform and highlight their own plans if elected. It is certainly true that the economy (despite our being told the Great Recession ended in June of 2009: Why didn’t we notice?), taxes, health care and unemployment are high on voters’ priority lists. However, it is disingenuous of politicians to behave as if their constituents are almost unaware or generally uncaring that the country is still embroiled in two conflicts in the Middle East.

It is untrue, and insulting to imply, that most Americans are untouched by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, though this view is often pushed by media commentators and politicians alike. Even if they do not have personal relationships with soldiers who are or have been stationed overseas, the toll of human lives lost and of the wounded returning home touches many Americans. And, it is difficult to overestimate the effect the economic cost of the wars will have on future generations, as well as the current one. Americans are smart enough to notice these things.

The Obama administration is attempting to find a path to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, which will surely help the environment in the Middle East if successful. But whether, down the road, this initiative is successful or not, those running for national office now need to clearly state their views on the ongoing conflicts and their plans on ways to deal with exiting, or continuing to fund, these wars. Voters should expect no less when their country has been in conflict for too many years, with too few results to support the same strategy continuing into the next decade.

If the job is not done yet, there needs to be a much better case made than those out there right now to justify the monumental sacrifices made every day by the nation’s servicemen and women, as well as the continuing financial drain of current policy, which is pulling the United States deeper and deeper into debt.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less