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It’s his fault
In a little less than a month, America will either “make history” or “be history” …
Once he’s gone, we can push him out of our memories, and maybe think of him only as a cautionary tale, like Huey Long or that other guy, the Austrian painter [he is a follower of the Austrian painter] … I’ve never wished for bad things to happen to someone. Until now. I hate what he and his cult have done to me. Just when I think he can’t get more despicable, things like his outrageousness with lying occur. I also hate that it makes him happy to know that he’s made me and others such haters. I compartmentalize the hatred. Anything else I greatly dislike. It becomes an exception that proves the rule.
Now it’s a crowded compartment, to be sure. Him, Nazis, Daleks [Dr. Who’s prime nemesis]. As one does, I try so hard to keep hatred out of my heart. I realize nothing good can come from it. But there it sits, and I’m hoping after November it will die of neglect.
It is interesting to me how some people hate him, and his idiot supporters love him. He is a psychopath, and they are the sociopaths who will kill for him. Trump was born missing layers of brain matter, hence his negative behaviors. He is a Dark Triad, the most despised of all the personality disorders. He’s infuriating and completely ridiculous at the same time. If he weren’t so centered on himself at the cost of, well, everyone, it would be easier to pity him. But that is NOT the case — so fuck him! And now I also hate his partner, J.D. Vance. To hell with anyone that supports him. I’m fed up with people pretending he isn’t a felon. I’m sick of his lies, his smirk, his arrogance, his voice, and his face.
Some people will believe anything to their eternal shame. Anyone who votes for this toxic fraud is complicit in his monstrous enterprise. I can’t wait for him to be out of our lives, once and for all.
I wish I could be the person who says to him, “You lost! You’re fired! Shut up! Go away!”
Neil Jarmel
West Hurley
Pat Ryan cares for the animals and the environment
As a dedicated animal advocate, I know that U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan shares my values through his work in Congress to support animal protection legislation. Pat received a perfect score of 100+ on the Humane Society legislative fund’s 2023 humane scorecard, by cosponsoring a broad range of pro-animal bills this session.
Some of the bills include the Better Collaboration, Accountability and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act, which gives the U.S. Department of Justice the tools it needs to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. Pat also supported the Humane Cosmetics Act, which phases out the testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the U.S.
Now, more than ever, we need lawmakers who will lead with compassion and conviction and take up these fights.
I hope voters in New York’s 18th District will join me in re-electing Pat Ryan to Congress, because a vote for Pat Ryan is a vote to protect animals and our environment.
Collin Lovas
Red Hook
Genocides of the last century
The genocides of the last century have all had their official beginnings. For example, the “Final Solution” was officially implemented when Goring was appointed to head it on July 31, 1939. But he was really following a Nazi directive signed in January of that year which called for the “emigration and evacuation in the best possible way” of all Jews under German control. And all this planning was done after the establishment of concentration camps, most during the late 1930s. In fact, both the German Gestapo and Dachau concentration camp were formed back in 1933.
The extermination of the Palestinian people can be seen as commencing with this most recent mass murder in Gaza called Operation Swords of Iron. But it too has had several starting points. The current genocide in Gaza was preceded by several other savage attacks by the Israeli Defense Force starting in 2006. Each has been more catastrophic than the last, with an ever widening bombing of schools, hospitals and residential areas. Military action to murder the Palestinians in this open air prison was has been fair game for almost two decades.
At the end of genocide comes a recognition of how human beings can be goaded into becoming monsters. Many even celebrate the bloodletting with a deadly mixture of nationalism, religion, greed and hate. “The only good Indian is a dead Indian.”
The American genocide of the Palestinian people will be remembered as the monstrous deed that ultimately undid our bloodthirsty empire.
Fred Nagel
Rhinebeck
Vote against violence! Vote for Harris-Walz!
Kamala Harris will be the next president, despite the Russian-Republican-Maga voting machinations, because the loud and obviously dangerous Maga core of the group threatens the American way of thinking. The majority of Americans know this. The only poll that counts is the poll on November 5.
Trump’s disordered, violent thinking is on full-bore display for all to see. At a recent rally, the former president said of a heckler that she “would get the hell knocked out of her.” This suggestion of violence will lead disordered people to commit violence. Most Americans want no part of this.
According to the Washington Post, when the former president recently visited Aurora, Colorado, he claimed it had been taken over by Tren de Aragua, a violent, Venezuelan gang. “Trump has promised to launch a deportation program called ‘Operation Aurora’ to dismantle ‘illegal migrant criminal networks’ operating in the United States, under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The law was last invoked during World War II to intern immigrants of Japanese, German and Italian descent,” according to the Post.
Aurora’s Republican mayor agrees that the police there have arrested eight members of the gang but disputes that they have taken over apartment buildings, which is one of Trump’s ludicrous claims. But speaking the truth does not seem to be the solution to confronting lies and fantasies. Aurora’s mayor will probably face death threats. The mayor of Springfield, Ohio received death threats after refuting the Trump-Vance rumors that Haitians were eating their neighbor’s dogs and cats. A factory owner in Springfield, Ohio, also a lifelong Republican, had to arm himself and his family after he praised Haitian immigrants for their work ethic.
Is there an actual issue that will keep you from voting for Kamala Harris? What does that issue mean in the face of the constant, violent static coming from Trump and his cosplay minions? The cosplay will mean something quite different if Trump is returned to office.
Get to the polls on November 5 and vote Harris-Walz. Vote for the entire Blue Wave because Harris and Walz will need a Congress to enact important change. Vote for Pat Ryan, Josh Riley, Sarahana Shrestha and Michelle Hinchey.
When we fight, we win!
William Weinstein
New Paltz
This election is a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness
I served in the United States Peace Corps where one of my colleagues went on to become an ambassador. Now retired, he is involved in a group called the National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A). It is a bipartisan organization comprised of individuals who served in senior leadership positions in all six military branches, plus ambassadors, cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries, etc. As a bipartisan organization, the individual members have different viewpoints on a host of issues. What they share is the highest level of expertise on national security and the importance of protecting our democracy. Paraphrased from their website: their members bring a diverse and unique perspective on what a healthy democracy needs to thrive. These experts recognize the warning signs that signal when a democracy is in danger.
Recently, 741 of these high-level, retired and former national security experts wrote a letter endorsing Kamala Harris for president. Their letter states they “are loyal to the ideals of our nation — and the rule of law — not to any one individual or party.”
The letter goes on to say: “We do not agree on everything, but we all adhere to two fundamental principles. First, we believe America’s national security requires a serious and capable commander-in-chief. Second, we believe American democracy is invaluable. Each generation has a responsibility to defend it. That is why we, the undersigned, proudly endorse Kamala Harris to be the next president of the United States.
This election is a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness. It is a choice between democracy and authoritarianism. Vice President Harris defends America’s democratic ideals, while former President Donald Trump endangers them.”
See the full letter and its 741 signatories at www.nsl4a.org.
Ruth Katz
Kingston
Think about your vote
Donald Trump’s followers seem unmoved by anything he says or does. He made at least seven phone calls to Vladamir Putin. He kept files of some of our deepest national secrets. Could Trump be serving Putin and undermining our national security? He has said that as president he will undermine our unique Democracy and take on dictatorial powers. Putin would surely be pleased to see that happen. Unless you are a cult follower, ready to drink the Kool-Aid, maybe you should change your vote.
Hal Chorny
Gardiner
Remember to turn over the ballot
In response to higher operating costs and expanding services to the community, the Gardiner Library is asking for a small increase in the annual allocation it receives from the Town of Gardiner.
When voting, please remember to turn over the ballot for details on this referendum.
Glenn Gidaly, Vice President
Gardiner Library Board of Trustees
It is on
McKenna said he doesn’t want marijuana dispensaries in the center of the town, using the proximity of the Reformed Church as the rationale behind his decision for a moratorium on retail cannabis. Woodstock’s planning board thinks restricting the location of cannabis dispensaries near churches goes too far. And the winner is?
Howard Harris
Woodstock
Vote to reelect Patrick K. Ryan
I was only able to catch the last five minutes or so of the WPIX debate on Wednesday evening between Democratic Congressman Patrick Ryan and his Republican opponent, the Trump-endorsed Alison Esposito. Ryan and Esposito are vying to represent the residents of New York’s District 18 for the next two years in Congress.
What I did catch was both candidates’ full-throated pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare. However, only one of the two candidates is credible on this issue.
Project 2025 proposes drastic cuts to Medicare and raising the Social Security retirement age from 67 to 69, eliminating benefits to many people who were counting on them. The Republican 2025 budget proposes the same drastic slashing of these critical benefits.
How likely is it that a freshman Republican member of Congress, one who has the active support of Donald Trump, will oppose her own party and do as Esposito said she would do on Wednesday night — protect the benefits that seniors have worked for and counted on their whole lives? The chances of that are slim to none. Political survival in a radicalized Republican Party demands supporting the party line, which means taking the ax to these benefits.
Residents of CD-18 who care about continuity of benefits provided by Social Security and Medicare should vote to reelect Patrick K. Ryan instead of believing the clearly empty promises of his opponent.
Tom Kruglinski
Gardiner
Hudson needs Good Cause Eviction now
Recently, my partner and I learned we won’t be getting our lease renewed. Our landlord hasn’t given a clear reason why, but we believe he intends to flip the apartment and charge more. I look for apartments in Hudson daily and see one-bedrooms listed for $2700-$3000. We don’t have the resources to leave Hudson, but we certainly don’t have the resources to stay here.
If Hudson had passed Good Cause Eviction already, I would not be in this situation — and neither would thousands of other tenants in Hudson, where 60% of residents are renters. As someone who has abided by her lease terms, I would be guaranteed a lease renewal with Good Cause. Instead, I’m in a bind I don’t know how to get out of, just like many of the people I work with.
Having grown up in a low-income housing development in New York City, I’m familiar with exorbitant rents and being priced out. But there, there’s always somewhere else to go, even if it’s another borough an hour away. If you get evicted in Hudson, you’re basically screwed.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The common council could pass Good Cause Eviction and take a huge step toward protecting tenants and keeping folks in their homes. The coalition of groups organizing for this law, including CCSM, Kite’s Nest, Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition and For the Many, are fighting for Good Cause because the people of Hudson are demanding it. It’s time the council listened to them.
Carolyn Ferrucci
Hudson
Harris flipping and flopping
VP Harris states that in office as president, she’ll turn things around for the better. She and the MSM have been trying to distance her from Biden. Just this month, Biden said he and Harris were “all singing from the same song sheet” for the last four years. Biden claimed Harris was the last one in the room after the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal decision.
They offer the same set of bad decisions and policy and if elected, we’ll get more of it.
Harris supported the defund the police movement before she didn’t. Remember on Late Night in 2020 when Harris said the BLM/Antifa rioters will not stop and “we should not stop.”
Harris supported banning fracking before she didn’t.
Harris said she’d like to eliminate private health insurance before she didn’t. Free Medicare for all! What could go wrong?
Free government funded college for all. She and Bernie supported it. She doesn’t now.
Here’s a couple more. Expand the Supreme Court, a federal jobs guarantee, and “buying back” scary looking guns. This is confiscation with inadequate compensation. How does the government buy back weapons they never sold in the first place?
Russia took territory under Bush, Obama/Biden and Biden/Harris. Didn’t dare when Trump was in office. Now Israel is fighting on two fronts and the Houthis are terrorizing shipping in the Gulf of Oman. Speaking of VP’s, Obama wanted a VP dumber than himself (impeachment insurance) and Biden wanted a VP that was dumber, too. Looks like Harris continues this trend with Walz.
Side note: The Israeli pager bombs were brilliant. They set up a shell company and made these. Then the Hezbollah terrorists bought the pagers over a period of years. They needed the pagers because the IDF hacked the cell phones. After the pagers exploded, Hezbollah switched to walkie talkies. The IDF then blew up these, too. When an organization can’t communicate, they’re crippled. Hezbollah is playing checkers and the IDF is playing 3D chess.
I just saw that there’s a preliminary report from the Border patrol that about 1.5 million people crossed our southern border FY24. This is nuts and a direct result of Biden/Harris policy.
Remember, too, Harris was the deciding vote in passing the IRA New Green Deal boondoggle that ramped up inflation to the highest levels in 40 years reducing our standard of living.
If you vote blue, you get more of the above.
Tom McGee
Gardiner
F — The future regarding our present benefits #8
What does the term MAGA mean? The letters stand for ’Make America Great Again.’ This we all know. But is this an organization, a group, an affiliation of Americans who comprise this slogan. Or is it just a slogan? Perhaps Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman, in their book White Rural Rage, gives us some background to this saying. And hopefully give us an understanding of Trump’s appeal to many Americans.
Donald Trump is an entertainer and has a good instinct for marketing. This was due to his many years of being in the limelight, discovering what works and what does not work, when addressing crowds. When he hit upon the slogan, MAGA, he resonated with a certain type of voter. The key word here, according to Schaller and Waldman, is ‘again’. ‘Again’ means a repeat of something that has happened previously. I mentioned in a previous letter my life on the farm growing up and how much I miss it. A conservative, traditional way of life that I was involved in and carry the memories of that life right down to the day. I suppose all of us can look back and say, “things were better back when I was younger,” or “The old way was better,” etc.
But the authors in White Rural Rage state, “Rural whites are a particularly fertile audience for this kind of appeal because so much of their identity is infused with nostalgia. But in rural America one’s entire environment may be an embodiment of the ‘old days’, an environment that in its idealized form is fragile, if not doomed.” As mentioned, this I can relate to. But where Trump resonated with the rural whites, it was his conservative postulating of a ‘ restoration’, a rollback, a reversion to a prior age when the right people were atop society’s hierarchy and everyone else knew their place.
“What are the ‘right people’?” I stated in a previous letter dated July 18th. Once Trump tapped into the underlying dormant emotion of anti-immigrant, anti-liberalism, he was on his way. MAGA means make America the way it used to be — white, Christian, anti-immigrant and anti-liberal. As mentioned, Hitler had his problems until he tapped into the underlying dormant hatred of the Jew in Europe.
To understand how Donald Trump ascended to the oval office when he thought he would never win, we have to go back to the two terms of Barrack Obama, 2008-2016. Hillary Clinton was going to be the follow-up nominee to be POTUS. This is where the Democrat made a grave error and it cost them the White House. To run a woman, Hillary Clinton with all her notoriety, following eight years of a black president, was just too much for the good old boys. Trump’s haranguing on two minority members, one after the other, running the country, was the tipping point and witnessed the rise of Trump becoming POTUS.
The letter coming in the October 23rd issue will be the last letter submitted by yours truly, prior to the presidential election of 2024. This letter, and 80-plus letters since 2016 regarding Trump and the GOP, summarize my beliefs submitted to the previous New Paltz Times and Hudson Valley One newspapers. I constantly strive to enlighten the readers to the dangers of another Trump administration, particularly as it will affect our benefits.
Robert LaPolt
New Paltz
Fake news, or fake hero?
Have John N. Butz or George Civile checked out Project 2025? Either they’re unaware of the Heritage Foundation’s playbook for Donald Trump, in which case their weekly letters to this newspaper ignore the terrifying facts, or they’re familiar with the group’s agenda, in which case it’s tempting to regard them as either idiots or fascists.
I don’t think they’re either. But I had to wonder when Butz asked last week, “If [depictions of Trump’s abhorrent] traits are accurate, why weren’t any of them demonstrated during his presidency?” What?!? Has he been paying attention to the past eight years? Why does he think so many Republicans — many of whom worked for Trump; many of whom use words like “dangerous” and “unfit” to describe him; many of whom are just decent human beings who’ve seen enough — are voting for Kamala Harris? Or do he and Civile think all that reported disaffection is “fake news?”
What do they make of the revelations in Bob Woodward’s new book War: that Trump sent scarce Covid testing equipment to Putin while the virus was ravaging the U.S., and that he’s had numerous conversations with the Russian dictator since leaving office. Fake news? And if not, do they question Trump’s loyalty to our country?
I don’t question Butz and Civile’s loyalty to Trump. But do they have misgivings about sharing that loyalty with a long list of wackos and lowlifes, in and out of politics? What do they think of Trump’s response on January 6, 2021, when told Mike Pence’s life was in danger: “So what?” Fake news? Trump’s dissing of his generals, John McCain and American soldiers? Fake news? His “grab ’em by the pussy” and many other crude remarks about, and ill treatment of, women? Fake news? Tell that to the E. Jean Carroll jury.
It’s possible Butz and Civile believe it’s ALL fake news. What I believe is that they’re on their knees in blind obeisance before the clay feet of a fake hero — and that those feet, if given another opportunity, may very well wind up booting them, along with the rest of us, right out of our democracy.
Tom Cherwin
Saugerties
There’s a chance that November 2024 will be the moment we choose to wake up
The report came in like a flash, almost surreal, and I found myself chuckling at the absurdity of it. A vaccine, they said — *finally* — for the Trumpisphere virus. But what virus works like politics, creeping into every conversation, infecting minds until folks couldn’t tell where their thoughts ended and the noise began?
I imagined Dr. A F, bent over his basement lab, the kind of man you’d never suspect of revolutionizing the country from beneath his floorboards. A modern-day alchemist, tinkering with formulas that weren’t meant for the body but for the soul — or at least the mind. His discovery? It wasn’t in some dusty book of science or a vial of chemicals. No, it leaked out while walking Voter, the loyal dog who’d never strayed far from his master’s side, carrying wisdom in his paws like he was leaving bread crumbs on the sidewalk for the curious to follow.
The irony wasn’t lost on me. Naming the cure after a dog — Voter — of all things. As if this one faithful companion could lead us out of the wilderness of conspiracy, rage, and confusion. But maybe that’s exactly what we need — someone or something that reminds us of loyalty, to each other and to a higher cause. Voting has always been that sacred act, hasn’t it? A symbolic gesture that we still have a voice, even in the cacophony of false prophets and smoke screens. But now, that simple act felt as fragile as glass.
I thought of Orwell, who once wrote, “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” Hadn’t that been happening all along? The Trumpisphere had been a fog, slowly choking out the collective memory of what it meant to live in a democracy, what it meant to care for one another. The virus wasn’t just about power — it was about rewriting the rules, warping reality until the only truth left was the one they handed to you.
But let me be clear — Dr. A F’s vaccine wasn’t a chemical cocktail. No, it was far more potent. One dose, they said, would clear the fog. “Truth,” he murmured when the reporter pressed him. “That’s all it takes. But truth is slippery; it’s not always easy to swallow.” And just like that, I could see it — an entire country standing at the brink, holding their breath, wondering if they’d muster the courage to take the shot.
It’s funny, really. The parallels are too obvious to ignore. The year is different, the names change, but the infection remains the same — fear, disillusionment, the sense that you’re being lied to, but you can’t quite put your finger on how or why. “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce,” Marx once said. And here we are, stuck in the farce, hoping for salvation in a dog named Voter and a man in his basement.
But what about the future? The vaccine is just a metaphor, you know that. There’s no quick fix for the kind of rot that sets in when a nation loses its way. Voter may cure the immediate infection, but what about the underlying disease? The apathy, the distrust, the hunger for spectacle over substance. It’s not just Trumpisphere; it’s every sphere we’ve ever been trapped in — fueled by our need for simple answers to complex problems.
One shot to end it all? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just the beginning of something new — a recalibration if you will. Sometimes, you have to hit rock bottom before you find the ground again. And maybe, just maybe, this vaccine — this awakening — will be the first step toward remembering who we are. Toward letting go of the false prophets and trusting in each other again.
There’s a chance, a slim one, but a chance nonetheless, that November 2024 will be the moment we choose to wake up. Or maybe, we’ll roll over, pull the covers over our heads, and hope the fever breaks on its own.
But deep down, we all know it won’t.
As Dr. A F said with a wry smile, “The cure’s only as good as your willingness to take it.”
Larry Winters
New Paltz
Mountain man
I saw a giant in Boiceville — crouched down, pretending to be a mountain.
Sparrow
Phoenicia
Who’s the terrorist
Reading the Donzello Berelli letter in last week’s issue of HV1, ignorance, misinformation and a total lack of compassion comes to mind. First the facts according to the United Nations (UN) report on the horrific pager event in Lebanon declares: The attacks reportedly killed at least 32 people and maimed or injured 3,250, including 200 critically. Among the dead are a boy and a girl, as well as medical personnel.
Around 500 people suffered severe eye injuries, including a diplomat. Others suffered grave injuries to their faces, hands and bodies.
So this is what Mr. Berelli is “enthusiastically praising” as “brilliant.”
How macabre. He then went on to define a “terrorist as someone who specifically targets civilians.” Here is what the UN report says: “To the extent that international humanitarian law applies, at the time of the attacks there was no way of knowing who possessed each device and who was nearby,” the experts said. “Simultaneous attacks by thousands of devices would inevitably violate humanitarian law, by failing to verify each target, and distinguish between protected civilians and those who could potentially be attacked for taking a direct part in hostilities.” The report went on to say: “It is also a war crime to commit violence intended to spread terror among civilians, including to intimidate or deter them from supporting an adversary,” the experts warned. A climate of fear now pervades everyday life in Lebanon,” they said. So then according to the UN, this was an act terrorism outside the rules of war and Israel, in this case being the perpetrator, is the terrorist. One can read the report here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/09/exploding-pagers-and-radios-terrifying-violation-international-law-say-un.
It should be clear Mr. Berelli is ill-informed and spreading hate and misinformation.
Steve Romine
Woodstock
Propaganda and perceptions
During Nicole Wallace’s Dateline Washington MSNBC broadcast, she interviewed a number of former Trump workers who had joined her network’s newest darling, Liz Cheney, in opposing their former boss. One of them, former deputy press secretary Sarah Matthew’s, stated that voters should realize how important character is in voting for a candidate and vote accordingly. In literature, light and darkness are often used as metaphors for good and evil as well as to designate the way reality is perceived; with darkness suggesting ignorance, evil and unhappiness and light signifying knowledge, purity and happiness. With this in mind, the following is inspired by the influence that propaganda has in forming perceptions of “light and darkness” (and, thus, character) and offers a warning from the Gospel of Luke in this regard: “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.” It works best to the tune of Bob Dylan’s “It’s Alright Ma…” Regarding Ms. Matthew’s statement and how our perceptions of “light and darkness” are influenced greatly by the propaganda we support: perhaps, the honest voter should admit that if the standard for character was high and every candidate was investigated as vigorously as Donald Trump has been, no one would vote for anyone in any election. Moreover, it is not just Republicans who are jumping ship but Democrats as well. Indeed, there is a movement “walk away,” comprised of Democrats, whose members call for Democrats to “walk away” from their party because of its character defects. With this in view, perhaps, policies and competence should determine the choices we make when voting this year.
(Stanza)
Bright light piercing the light of noon
rulers say reach for the moon
while leading us into a swoon:
the song they sing’s a broken tune
our political systems seem near ruin
and people now are looking…for a savior
(Stanza)
Politicians think power is theirs to take
but power gained can expose the fake
politicians’ false promises are hard to shake
but to rulers wanting new plans to make
it would be good for all humanity’s sake
If they were wise enough…to be humble
(Bridge)
And you might fear if you hear
propaganda…in your ear
but it’s alright Ma;
you know it’s phony
(Stanza)
Freedom’s choices begin to die
when truth is buried beneath the lie
that opposing voices are just the cry
of racist minds who seek to defy
narratives of those who justify
their false view that all they do or try
always serves equality and…fairness
(Stanza)
All who have a passion hold heads up high;
though passion can be a soul’s vain cry
to change the world, many want to try;
beware of change based on the lie;
that human greed can be forced to die
through wealth being “fairly”…allotted
(Stanza)
Some seek ends to justify their means
their goal is never what it seems
so many speak through political memes
‘cos now there are so many political teams
who want us to believe political dreams
but sometimes a dream can be a…nightmare
(Bridge )
And if your dream; is filled with lies;
about God and man don’t criticize; those
who think your… dream is worthless
(Stanza)
Bright light shining at mid-day
caused a man to lose his sight and pray:
he realized his dreams had gone astray
for the truths he held had missed the way
and this midday light caused this man to say:
sometimes truth is only revealed in…darkness
(Bridge)
To unite the whole world
there is a cost…and if the price; is truth
that’s lost…you always taught me Ma…
unity’s not worth it
Geoorge Civile
Gardiner
Vote yes on Proposition 1
In this year’s election, when voters turn their ballots to the back side, they will see several propositions. The first and most important one outlines the New York Equal Rights Amendment to its state constitution, Proposition 1. Essentially, the amendment will protect residents from discrimination based on “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” It will embed in our Constitution the expanded civil rights our country has embraced over the last half century through the democratic process. These are rights we, our children and our children’s children should hold dear.
Opposition to Proposition 1 is grounded in fear mongering. Opponents offer scenarios that are both implausible and contrary to existing law. The NYC Bar Association addresses the misinformation (https://www.nycbar.org/reports/prop-1-ny-equal-rights-amendment-what-the-amendment-will-and-wont-do/). The Equal Rights Amendment:
• “WILL NOT impact parental rights. Prop 1 does not address parental rights, which are governed by other developed areas of state and federal law. Prop 1 does not change existing law with respect to parental consent”
• “WILL NOT change current law with respect to participation on sports teams. Prop 1 prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Prop 1 does not change existing law and has no explicit provision relating to participation on sports teams.”
• “WILL NOT impact or change the qualifications for voting. A separate part of the state Constitution governs qualifications for voting based on citizenship status. Prop 1 does not enfranchise any new classes of voters.”
Even though our Equal Rights Amendment cannot protect citizens of other states, it can show the path for others as we protect our own. Vote for community and respect; reject fear and falsehood. Vote YES on Proposition 1.
Tom Denton
New Paltz
HomeShare Kingston opportunities
Are you interested in taking a break from news and politics? Maybe you want to help address our community’s problems in some way. HomeShare Woodstock is expanding to Kingston and we can put you to work! We currently have ten successful matches — in Saugerties, Woodstock, Mt. Tremper and Olivebridge. Each match helps a home owner age in place. Most receive help around the house, help with errands, gardening or minor home repairs. We can’t overlook the positive impact on single seniors of having someone nearby for security and company. On the other side, each match provides someone with affordable rent. These ten matches are helping 23 people meet their housing needs.
Our service is free. HomeShare Woodstock and our new Kingston program are part of Family of Woodstock. To make home sharing possible in Kingston, we need volunteers. Our volunteer match team is the heart and soul of successful matches. We also have a need for reference checkers and for advisory board members from diverse Kingston communities. We welcome your interest in our HomeShare Kingston team. ¡Damos la bienvenida a los hispanohablantes que deseen ser voluntario(a)s.
We would love to tell you more about our opportunities. HomeShare Kingston is holding two volunteer information sessions at Family of Woodstock’s Kingston office at 31 Albany Avenue. The sessions are Thursday, October 24th at 4 p.m. and Monday, October 28 at 3:30 p.m. RSVP to homesharekingston@familyofwoodstockinc.org or 845-679-2485 (call or text). We will have a Spanish speaker who is part of our team at both sessions.
Susan Goldman, Volunteer Coordinator
HomeShare Woodstock
Unanswered questions
The opinion piece written by Ulster County Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Ward Todd on 9/22/24 regarding the Winston Farm Development project begs for a few responses and questions.
The Saugerties Chamber of Commerce is reportedly remaining neutral on the project. Who then is the UC Chamber representing with its apparent endorsement?
Mr. Todd has a fast and loose use of the word “facts.” The fact is, the “facts” in the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Review currently under review by the town board means they are subject to being scrutinized for accuracy and adequacy and to being disputed. The “facts” remain to be determined. Even a cursory review of the DGEIS, which is publicly available, shows many areas that are inadequate or missing critical information.
Yes, the owners are local, respected benefactors in Saugerties. Yes, their businesses are part of Saugerties character and contribute to the local culture. Yes, they are proven responsible business owners. But they have been clear that they will not develop the property themselves. The goal is to sell the property in parcels; whoever the developers are, they will almost certainly not be local and there is no way of foreseeing whether their designs will be in keeping with Saugerties character and culture.
Supporting arguments for development always include that the benefits will be that taxes will go down and that tax bases will increase to benefit the town. This is more a theory that often doesn’t work out in practice. It is incumbent on the owners to provide evidence of where this has worked rather than merely saying that it will.
As we talk about the need for creating jobs, Kings Highway and Malden Turnpike, both zoned for business, have space for development. We have a conference center already at Diamond Mills. We have hotels already and campgrounds. There are other spaces for housing development. One can argue the town does not need Winston Farm for any of the development proposed by the owners. So what does Saugerties actually need, if not the projects the owners are proposing?
The revenue, estimated in the tens of millions of dollars, has been repeated many times, yet without sources cited. Where are these estimates from?
Land is always seen by business developers as a “prime development opportunity.” Developmental goals are almost always at odds with protecting the environment. Careful planning, starting with careful review and constructive critique of the DGEIS, the approval of which will allow rezoning required for this conceptual project of building out Winston Farm to move forward, is the next step.
Lastly, Mr. Todd derisively dismisses anyone not jumping on the bandwagon as having “false claims by the opponents of the project.” Residents are asking informed questions and raising valid, reality-based concerns about the impact this project would have on Saugerties and the surrounding area, for impacts, both good and bad, will not be limited to the borders of the town and village.
Margarita Asiain
Saugerties
Soul searching and contaminated waste
Last Wednesday on October 9th, A group of concerned Woodstock residents calling themselves Woodstocker’s United for Change organized a town hall on the topic of Woodstock’s recent water contamination by PFAS chemicals. PFAS, otherwise known as forever chemicals, are a major threat to our health and have been associated with many different types of cancers.
After a two-and-a-half hour town hall, the audience left the meeting satisfied in the knowledge that they had attended a transparent town hall where audience participation was encouraged and experts in the field of hydrology answered many previously unanswered questions.
During the meeting, Woodstock Town Board member Laura Ricci attempted to answer some questions in connection with contaminated waste dumped at 10 Church Road Shady by hauler Joseph Karolys. Mr. Karolys was recently found guilty of manslaughter and sits presently untouched in prison where failing an appeal, he will remain for the next 29 years whilst at the same time his 200 truckloads of contaminated waste sits untouched directly above Woodstock’s drinking water aquifer at 10 Church Road in Shady. The question remains, how many more lives will end up been ruined by sickness and death caused by Mr. Karolys’ contaminated waste and the poisonous chemicals presently leaching into Woodstock’s drinking water aquifer.
The property where Karolys dumped his contaminated waste is at present top of the list as the source of the contamination recently found in Woodstock’s drinking water. During Wednesday’s town hall, Laura Ricci was asked, “How could she and the Woodstock Town Board allow this possible source of contamination to our drinking water remain in place at 10 Church Road.” Laura was also reminded that during a town board meeting on October 20, 2020 she was very much aware of the dangers posed to Woodstock’s drinking water by the waste. At one stage during the October 2020 meeting Laura agreed with expert hydrologist Jim McGiver who said, “The only certain way to prevent the aquifer from being polluted was to remove all the contaminated waste. Quote from Laura Ricci: “All that junk must go.” Laura actually demanded this four times during the October 2020 meeting.
The following questions were then asked of Laura Ricci: “What had changed her mind since that October 2020 meeting, why four years later did that contaminated waste still remain and why had she recently voted against a proposed resolution that would if passed require the full removal of all the waste. Laura’s answer was quote: “At that time I was busy doing something else and didn’t get involved. Laura went on to say: ” I was busy working on another project and believed at that time that the problem of the contaminated waste was been handled by someone else on the town board.” She also referred to the recent proposed resolution as illegal but did not say why she believed it was illegal.
It is difficult to understand how Laura Ricci, a member of our town board, could with full knowledge of the serious threat posed by the contaminated waste, simply walk away from this problem allowing the decision to NOT remove all the contaminated waste be decided by another member of the Woodstock Town Board. If this is indeed true, one must ask the question, where is Laura’s sense of responsibility, duty and accountability to the people of Woodstock? Having been fully aware since October 2020 and having been absolutely adamant about the need to quote Laura Ricci “remove all that junk” and knowing fully the danger it posed to the health and well-being of all people in town, how could she turn her back on this responsibility?
It’s time for Laura to do some serious soul searching before running for future posts on our town board.
Chris Finlay
Woodstock
Woodstock’s congressional election
Many Woodstock residents appear not to realize that our congressional district has changed as a result of recent redistricting. Woodstockers now need to vote in the Ryan/Esposito race, District 18, not in the Molinaro/Riley race, District 19.
I strongly support Pat Ryan for Congress and urge Woodstock voters to come out for Pat. He has proven he can get things done for the people, both in Congress and in his previous role as Ulster County executive.
It is urgent that Democrats take back the House and the Senate if we want president Kamala Harris to be able to succeed in her agenda. Kamala and Tim Walz have proven that they want to work for the American people, not special interests and the hyper-wealthy. The New York State races are also important.
Please VOTE for Pat Ryan for Congress, Kristen Gillebrand for Senate and also the local races, Michelle Hinchey for State Senate and Sarahana Shrestha for Assembly. And vote YES on Proposition 1 to put equal rights into the New York Constitution.
Judith Kerman
Woodstock
We want the tall fence removed!
I was glad to read Tom Losee’s “Tear down the wall!” letter in the October 9 issue of HV1. I was going to send a similar letter for several weeks now, but too busy with other things. Not the least the sense of frustration each time I walk by the fenced-off field.
However, it is more timely now to write when, finally, SUNY has an article in the October 2 issue of the Oracle explaining the field “reconstruction.”
But, a lot still does not make sense in that article. Like many people, I was surprised by, and did not like it when the field was ripped up at the beginning of the summer…and now even more at its “renovation.”
In one statement R. Bostic says “…soccer games make up the majority of outdoor games in the fall, yet could not be played at the fields closest to the heart of campus.” Two columns later she is quoted as saying, “Soccer games are to be scheduled at the north turf field starring fall 2025, as ….” How come that soccer could not be played so close to the campus heart, and yet, it will be possible next year? Will the heart move elsewhere?
And there are few factual misstatements: The old field had eight running tracks while now there are only two narrower lanes. Also, while many community members used the track, and families with kids used the field itself, we do not have access to the full-sized indoor track located in the AWRC, not being affiliates of the college.
So, it is not only the lack of explanation earlier, and the restriction imposed on anyone else who is not participating in a SUNY-sponsored event, but the six- (or is it eight-) foot fence is a huge offence. And I cannot fathom what its function may be. And very regrettably, it obstructs the open view of the ridge!
There may be more and better explanation, but we want the tall fence removed!
Misha Harnick
New Paltz
Parental rights is on the November 5th voting ballot
I urge you to vote no on Proposition No. 1, which is called Equal Rights Amendment. It states in part “No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”
I purposely left a space before and after the word “age”, because this amendment effectively takes away parental rights by giving equal rights to all ages including minors.
Vote no on Proposition No.1 on November 5th.
Ralph Mitchell
Kingston
Don’t complain… vote!
Our forefathers and mothers worked long and hard to earn us the right to vote. It Is time to codify protection for all of us.
Proposition 1 will be on the back of your ballot when you go to vote. It will establish (NY State) protection against discrimination for all, strengthening the existing law, protecting against discrimination for age, disability, pregnancy and many other factors.
It will not impact parental rights (i.e. consent for medical decisions), it will not change the law regarding participation in team sports, and it will not impact or change qualifications for voting based on citizenship status. (One must be a citizen to vote.)
Please exercise your right to vote, and protect rights for all of us. Vote yes on Proposition 1.
Sherrill Silver
New Paltz
Second opinions matter
Tom Cherwin outlines his litany of what’s wrong with the GOP and who’s in the GOP Hall of Shame. However and mysteriously, no mention of anyone in the immaculately clean Democratic party, especially from the last four years with Biden, Harris and their countless “leaders” who have escorted us into gross financial and safety calamities.
William Weinstein paints a bleak economic picture that would result from a “mass deportation” of 13.3 million illegals. There has been no detail as to how this would be carried out and, more importantly, what percentage of the 13.3 million would actually be targeted. Some reporting says the main focus would be a concentration on all the known and documented criminals/gang members, leaving all the “innocent” law breakers alone. There is nothing wrong or “discriminatory” about getting rid of the bad apples. Has anyone, especially on the left, ever wondered why 13.3 million illegals aren’t the least bit interested in becoming legal U.S. citizens, just like all our LEGAL immigrants of past generations? If the 13.3 million are here to “make a better life”, then why can’t they go the legal route since the vast majority could never meet the required asylum standards?
And, I can’t conclude my letter without asking all my lefty writers what their takes are on the recent “courageous” media blitz conducted by our word salad queen, Kamala. Even scripted, pre-recorded and edited in a few instances and with her “news” media outlet pocket buddies, she still couldn’t/wouldn’t answer the basic softball questions asked. Even though CBS’s bias reared its ugly head in the Vance/Walz debate, CBS continued its shadiness by editing some of Harris’s faux answers during the 60 Minutes interview with Bill Whitaker. But, I have to hand it to Whitaker who actually came off as a real journalist, for a second or two, when he tried to refocus Harris to answer his previously unanswered questions. He tried to not let her get away with her meaningless and absurd word salad wanderings, yet she still did not answer directly, honestly or intelligently.
And, astonishingly, there are enough low information and slow-minded voters who will support Harris and her intentional erosion of our first and second amendment rights, leading us toward the path of Marxism/Communism.
John N. Butz
Modena
The Fall Was
according to forecasters,
broadcasters, prognosticators,
and others — much too short,
quick and almost overlooked
this year since summer,
that old bully, wouldn’t
go away, kept walloping us
with sweltering, weltering
heat that we just waved away
it seems, and now this:
snow flakes over the Catskills,
scintillating and sticky like
a cold knife stuck in the dying
heart of autumn.
Patrick Hammer, Jr.
Saugerties
School pool money pit
Schools continue failing. Chicago just borrowed $300 million (and they have a junk bond rating) to give raises and bonuses to teachers unions who backed the mayor. Nuts!
For decades, Chicago and New York City have graduated the majority of their seniors with eighth grade reading and math proficiency.
That failure to teach means generations of graduates are not able to enter middle class work. Their careers have been condemned.
New Paltz taxes are forcing middle class residents to leave, yet the upper class (with taxpayer funded pensions) want to build a $25 million pool.
Our schools lost physical education staff last year to budget cuts. Most surveyed kids do not want to swim in a school pool.
Please focus on graduating kids with employment skills.
Build your country club for yourselves and be good taxpayers.
Paul Raymond
New Paltz
Lead service line study
We are asking that village ratepayers of New Paltz’s municipal water system to respond to our lead service line study survey.
Congress banned use of lead water pipes in 1986. On December 16, 2021, the Federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) that went into effect requires every federally defined community and non-transient, non-community water system to develop a service line inventory. By 2024, all water utilities are required to determine where lead water pipes may exist in their systems, including the pipes on the customer side that connect to the public system.
In March 2024, the Village of New Paltz received a grant award of $193,125 from the NYS Department of Health (DOH) using funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The funds provide engineering and technical assistance for lead service line identification, including inventory planning, records review and public outreach.
Fortunately, we have not found significant instances of lead piping within New Paltz’s water system and there have been no reports of lead in our municipal drinking water. There are some small sections within the conveyance system that are used for connecting pipes (on North Chestnut Street, for example) that contain lead which are being removed. The plan is to remove all such lead piping as required.
In addition to gathering our municipality’s records, we are requesting that village ratepayers of New Paltz’s municipal water system respond to the survey using this link https://forms.gle/x61UN2sMaSk3qdMv8, which is also available on the village website. Upon completion of our study, a plan will be created for removal of any additional lead pipe lines, which may be identified.
Please contact the village with any questions.
Mayor Tim Rogers
New Paltz
Thank you WUC!!
I extend a sincere thank you to the members of Woodstockers United for Change for conceiving, researching, planning and presenting the October 9 town hall on water consumption safety in Woodstock. Experts clearly explained the overall structure of the PFAS classification of chemicals, potential risks related to human consumption, ways in which residents might take action to protect themselves from dangerous effects of consuming the chemical in our drinking water and what actions can (should) be taken by our local, county and state officials to ensure the health of town residents. A most important point was also made as we all move to the immediate and long-term future: Source trace. If the source can be identified, true remediation can be done. This meeting was well attended, professionally executed and culminated in seeking future transparent reports of actions taken by the town government.
Terence Lover
Woodstock
A community “give back” festival
This Saturday in Woodstock there will be the first of many annual “give back” festivals. Come and enjoy a fabulous fall afternoon from noon until 6 p.m. (the weather will be perfect). This event promises to be a heartening community moment. All are welcome, visitors, new residents and the nicest bunch of friendly locals you will ever meet.
Delightful music and “art,” a community experience like no other. The proceeds of this event will support many of our beloved local charities: Woodstock Area Meals on Wheels, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, Good Neighbor Food Pantry, Woodstock Fire Department, Family of Woodstock, Woodstock Land Conservancy and WAiV ~ the Volunteers Day Scholarship Fund for children living in a household with a volunteer.
Through the generosity and community spirit of Lizzie Vann in collaboration with WAiV ~ the Volunteers Day project, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair will present a “give back” fair at the Bearsville Park. The Bearsville Park will be in all its glory, a charming location near the historic Sawkill stream, and near the amazing theater where much of the musical history of Woodstock was nurtured. In addition to wonderful live music by popular bands, there will be art workshops, collage, weaving, a carving demonstration by Hoppy Quick, a community mural, many exciting booths: the Woodstock School of Art, Byrdcliffe ceramics, jewelry, fine art, fun things for kids to do and so much more. Tickets are $20 each, but volunteers of anyone of our community non-profits only pay half price. Hope to see you there, this Saturday, October 19th at the Bearsville Park. For more information contact: Kate@bearsvillecenter.com.
Sam Magarelli
Woodstock
Correcting misstatements
Correcting the misstatement in the article “Thou shalt not trespass,” what I testified to is that the Eastwoods Drive easement had been removed from the deed for the road parcels, not that it had been removed from my deed or anyone else’s. And I stand by my testimony for which I submitted physical copies of the deeds to the ZBA — the deed before Zena Development purchased it and the deed they filed afterwards. I also highlighted the pertinent language in the former deed which does not appear in the ZDLLC deed and which had said: “The above-described premises known as Eastwoods Drive are subject to the use by adjacent land owners for ingress and egress and any necessary utilities over and above said private road.” The deletion is not a false accusation as the developer was quoted. This is a fact that the language is gone.
The ZDLLC deed has a variety of other flaws in it as well. It cites the purchase of seven parcels but contains the descriptions of only six. It repeatedly lists a 38.2-1-44.2 among the lots purchased, but there is no such lot 44.2. At one point, it lists an SBL 38.2-1-10.1 as purchased but that too doesn’t exist. The property addendum at the end of their deed fails to include their largest lot, 38.2-1-67 with 432.8 acres. For some reason, throughout the deed, they also removed the lot sizes as well as the labels for the road parcels that had made the prior deeds transparent and easier to read. ZDLLC’s deed is a poorly drafted document, with multiple errors and questionable deletions. I wouldn’t trust the accuracy of any of their other documents or the execution of whatever they propose within them either.
Tana O’Sullivan
Woodstock
Ask questions and demand accountability
I am writing in response to Ward Todd’s letter of enthusiasm regarding Winston Farm.
I am not in any way an expert — I am simply a homeowner. I was drawn to this area not only by the rural, pastoral beauty (including the exceptional wildlife) but also by the creative small business community and the peaceful character of the village itself.
As a citizen and taxpayer, I am alarmed by the rose-colored glasses that the town board and public officials seem to have turned on this project. Simple and direct questions about potential irreparable harm to the village, the town and surrounding towns like Woodstock and Catskill go unanswered, or, worse, are taken as personal insults to the integrity of the developers.
I am in no way questioning the reputation of the developers, Mr. Montano, Mr. Mullen and Mr. Richers. However, with all due respect, isn’t their reputation as “good local guys” irrelevant? We have regulations and civic processes precisely because even with the best intentions plans have unintended consequences. Additionally, these gentlemen, while experienced tradesmen, admittedly have no experience with a project anywhere near this size and scope. In fact, their own website makes it clear that there is no guarantee that they will be the people actually in charge of the project as it moves forward — in fact as far as I can tell, their own materials (as well as common sense) imply that they will need to pass the actual development on to larger, more experienced builders and developers for the project to be realized.
Everyone weighing in on this question needs to connect with this fact: once the zoning change has been granted, the citizens of Saugerties have no way to intervene in the scope of the project, how it is realized, nor is there any control over the direction it will take the town.
As to “making a quick buck,” their own website states clearly that this project will take “MANY many years” to realize — during which the town and its roads and infrastructure will be in chaos. The town will be drowned in dust, delays, traffic, closures, potential ruptures and shortages not to mention the potential for increased crime. A common argument in favor of this proposal is the idea that it will make it possible for young Saugertesians to stay put — but how is that so when for at least ten years the town will be a construction zone?
The potential for tremendous harm exists: not only environmentally, but also economically and culturally. Prudence and caution is appropriate. Asking questions and demanding accountability is not only reasonable but urgent.
Abigail Simon
Saugerties
Political rally
In the back room
at Keegan Ales
beer brewing vats
brewing hypocrisy
with an American
flag backdrop.
Red stripes in
everyone’s phone
shots. Red lipstick
on the star’s eloquent
mouth. “When we fight,
we win!” her rallying cry.
“What about…”
The lone protestor
drowned out.
The sound of bombs
makes everyone
cheer louder.
Will Nixon
Kingston
Join the family! 
