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From apathy to empathy: Rekindling humanity’s moral compass
In a world where the echoes of past atrocities reverberate into the present, I find myself grappling with a profound question: What kind of insensitivity is needed not to feel a Holocaust? This query, laden with the weight of history and the darkness of human indifference, plunges me into a collective memory loss, a societal amnesia that allows for such monumental forgetfulness.
The soul of the world, it seems, weeps in solitude. Around me, I see a chilling indifference. People turn their shoulders, lower their heads and fill their pockets as if to shield themselves from the piercing cries of anguish that should, by all means, stir the deepest chambers of the human heart. Yet, in this landscape of apathy, the tears of dying children, victims of wars, and injustices fail to evoke even the slightest flicker of concern in the eyes of the politically influential, the wealthy, or those consumed by the fire of vengeance.
Only the sunlight offers a semblance of warmth to these children, abandoned by the world. Nighttime becomes a mere refuge, a fleeting escape from the harsh realities that daylight reveals. In this dire context, the institutions we once revered — the world’s religions, humanitarians and even the demi-gods of our own making — have lost their way. Morality, once the cornerstone of faith and compassion, seems forgotten and voices that should speak for justice are eerily silent.
In this world, where ignoring becomes a meditation and forgiveness is a distant dream reserved for generations yet unborn, trust is forged only in the crucible of suffering. Allegiances are etched deep into the bones of those who endure the inferno, their DNA altered by the seeds of fear sown in the depths of war-torn lands.
Our era, marked by the marvels of science, industry and intellect, tragically employs these advancements not as healing instruments but as tools to construct excuses to soothe the gnawing guilt that occasionally stirs within us.
The stench of death, no longer confined to distant battlefields, seeps through our television screens, a constant reminder of our collective failure.
The global communication network, a marvel of our age, paradoxically deepens our desensitization. We walk through every battlefield and witness killings in every war, all from the comfort of our living rooms, yet remain untouched, our empathy paralyzed by the nightly doses of fear served by those in leadership. Their narratives have no strategy or plan to address this fear pandemic’s biological ramifications.
In this landscape of despair, I find hope in the notion that humanity must begin at home. It starts with bringing compassion to those closest to us, then to ourselves and eventually radiating outwards to our communities. We must endeavor to create and nurture love with the same intensity and dedication we apply to waging wars.
In my search for a beacon of moral clarity, I recall the example of Mahatma Gandhi and his spinning wheel. This simple yet profound symbol of peaceful resistance and self-sufficiency resonates as one of the few accurate hits on the moral target of humankind. Gandhi’s philosophy, rooted in non-violence and compassion, starkly contrasts the world around me, offering a guiding light in these troubled times.
Yet, as I ponder this, I am reminded of the importance of considering alternative perspectives. Perhaps, in our quest for understanding and healing, we must also acknowledge the complexities of human nature and the myriad factors that shape our responses to crises. It is crucial to understand that while some may turn away from suffering, others may be overwhelmed by it, paralyzed by the magnitude of the world’s pain. In this understanding, there lies the potential for empathy and the possibility of bridging the chasms that divide us.
As I reflect on these thoughts, I continue exploring the depths of the human experience, seeking wisdom in the metaphors and allegories illuminating our shared journey. Through this exploration, we may find the path to a more compassionate and understanding world.
Larry Winters
New Paltz
Twenty percent of statewide Cannabis Grower Showcase sales were in New Paltz
At the December 8 NYS Cannabis Control Board meeting it was stated that there had been $5.02 million in sales at NYS Cannabis Grower Showcases since they started this summer.
New York regulators have had to navigate various cannabis licensing lawsuits which has caused significant delays. In response, showcases were allowed to help local farmers who have struggled with oversupply while we wait for more dispensary licenses to be issued.
The showcase hosted at New Paltz’s village hall started on August 10 and was the first in the whole state. Adult consumers flocked to New Paltz to purchase tested and legally grown cannabis products.
Through December 2, New Paltz’s showcase had pretax sales that surpassed $1 million, or ~20% of all sales in the state. New Paltz represented 1 of 60 approved showcases and 1 of 43 municipalities hosting a showcase statewide.
One million in pretax sales generates $30,000 in sales tax for the town and village of New Paltz. For reference, a NYSHIP health insurance family plan cost $38,110 per village employee in 2023.
Mayor Tim Rogers
New Paltz
Police action at Woodstock Xmas went too far
Woodstock Christmas Eve planners went too far by having a police car bust into a crowded celebration of Santa‘s arrival.
In an age of mass shootings, this supposed dramatic act was not only insensitive to all the parents wondering if they should jump on their children to protect them, but thoughtless in having a uniformed white male police officer arrest the patently non-white Grinch, and take him away.
The story of the Grinch is a story of redemption. He gives back the presents, is sorry for his actions and his heart grows three sizes. Would that the hearts of the world’s police forces and Santa’s arrival planning committees do the same.
We love and appreciate the Woodstock Christmas Eve celebration, but please bring the magic back and be more thoughtful next year.
Maria Rosen
on behalf of the Union of Concerned Santa’s Elves
With Christmas time being here
This has to be said: White Christian Nationalism is not Christianity. They twist the scriptures and the Constitution — picking and choosing this document the same way they pick and choose biblical passages. By definition, Christian Nationalism is incompatible with the “Establishment Clause” of the First Amendment. Think of the “Christian Taliban.” It is a ruse for fascism, and it’s not just undemocratic; it’s profoundly un-American.
Mike Johnson is the first person to become speaker of the House who can be better understood in terms of the ongoing white Christian nationalist takeover of the American government through MAGA, and their type of Christianity is the (direct) opposite of Jesus’s teachings. This guy is a harbinger of very dark days to come.
As soon as I hear the following words: evil, demon, godless and communist — I know with whom I am speaking. I have a good hearty laugh when I hear the “godless” one. Like Trump’s moral light is shining bright! I still can’t believe that the bible ex-POTUS #45 held up backward while he was tear-gassing people just didn’t spontaneously combust in his hand.
They don’t follow God like they put on too. They seek to crush it back into an era where their religion of privilege deceived them into believing their ethnic values were the chosen ones to be imposed on the world. “When fascism comes to America now it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” That’s it in a nutshell, if you will, excuse the cliché!
Christian Nationalism [“Americanity”] is a poor cover for racism, greed, anti-Semitism and general stupidity. It’s frightening to see this happening in our country. I’m an American Jew and I really have no words left anymore for these people. I just hope they stay away from me. I could not handle their auras. I would run for the hills. Or tell ’em to fuck-off!
Christian Nationalism, is a doctrine from the Hitlerian playbook, and it’s a dogma which Trump embraces. And Mike Johnson’s MAGA*ism — isn’t a white supremacist/nationalist speaker, an existentially bad idea?
I hate the idea of judging others, [but] I agree with my heart and soul that there is a scary movement in our country! Not many people seem to realize fascism isn’t a light switch. It doesn’t just “turn on.” It’s a process. An ideology that is slow-burning and creeps up on you.
True Christianity is the antithesis of Trump and Mike Johnson. White Christian nationalism really does add a bitter taste to the wassail bowl and the holiday goose.
Neil Jarmel
West Hurley
Ugh
I support Israel’s right to exist and their goals of destroying Hamas. Obviously the IDF and Israeli Mossad need to do much better!
I mean, come on … IDF sniper shooting at a Christian church and killing nuns, telling Gazans to head south then bombing them, killing three hostages who were obviously unarmed and waving a white flag!! etc., etc.
I know war has casualties and, unlike most anti Israelis who rationalize October 7th as “just the result of years of Israeli oppression, apartheid, land stealing, abusive behavior, etc.,” the attack on the 7th was barbaric, animalistic, and without an iota of an excuse or rationale possible, period!
If there is to be a real dialogue, then Palestinian advocates should at the very least recognize that harsh truth and fully condemn the murders and rapes!
Many of us who support Israel’s right to exist also believe Palestinians have long suffered abuse by Israel and by Hamas. Their dire situation needs serious addressing, but let’s not kid ourselves!
There is a potential of greater horrors that many who chant “River to Sea ” fail to see or comprehend fully. These blind advocates for a one-state solution or a Hamas-led Palestine are seriously deluding themselves with their failure to see the big picture of Islamic fundamentalism.
They should also realize that, unlike children in Israel, every child in Gaza and in PLA West Bank have been indoctrinated, for 20 years, with murderous hatred towards Jews.
That is not to say that Israeli policies have not contributed to the hatred but there is no comparison with Israeli children as to the teaching of hatred, martyrdom and murdering! Little children should not practice putting on bomb vests, train with guns and be chanting: “Death to all Jews” like in Gaza.
Ironically, most schools in Gaza are funded by UNRWA! How sick is that!?
Islam and the world’s democracies are on a cultural collision course. Russia, China, Iran and other horrible immoral autocracies are more than willing to see our nation and Europe on this collision course.
This war is the first of many more conflicts to come. Israel’s excessive battlefield decisions and lack of political foresight has complicated an already horrible situation.
I know it may sound weird, but I do have a partial solution … it’s just too long to share in this letter.
The world will be in turmoil for years to come unless a solution is found!
Ron Stonitsch
New Paltz
HV1 is vital to our community
Thank you from my soul for publishing my last letter to the editor. Although I have written many times, this is the first time that I have shown anyone, but my husband, any poetry. Again you’ve inspired me to continue expressing my views.
We wish you a beautiful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
You are vital!
Melanie Demitri Chletcos
Bruce Gluck
Hurley
Trip of a lifetime
Some people take a “gap year” between high school and college; I took a “gap lifetime.”
Sparrow
Phoenicia
Critical thinking
Edward R. Morrow, the journalist who helped expose Senator Joe McCarthy in the 1950’s said: “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” It’s interesting to note that recent national Polls indicate that 73% of Americans do not trust our government. And yet 70% of Americans complied with the recent mandates and demands of the Government that they don’t trust. Whatever happened to critical thinking?
Donny Kass
Woodstock
Gatekeeping in Windham, Woodstock and the wider world
I view privatization of the natural commons as a mental illness. From the rush to over-capitalize real estate in a land that has more vacant homes than unhoused families, to the ongoing tragedy at our borders, and the insane notion that water can be owned by corporate overlords, we can see the progression of this trend. It is based on an unhealthy entitlement by wealth hoarders, and will never lead to a just and egalitarian society. We’ve got a few people and entities buying up Woodstock, some possibly with good intentions, but nevertheless, it is a most undemocratic trend. The poor, the elderly and young families are decidedly locked outside of these schemes towards gating every community and life sustaining resource based on economic privilege. The earth provides enough for all of our needs, but cannot provide enough if the greedy few claim more than their share and hoard it to create artificial scarcity for market gain. Shame on us all if we allow this trend to continue.
The fascist of the 1930s and 40s built gated communities to lock in ‘undesirables.’ The wealth hoarders of today are gating communities and natural resources to disenfranchise ‘undesirables’ of housing, healthcare, equal justice under law, food, clean water and ultimately, hope. It is literally tearing our world apart.
Michael Mulvey
Woodstock
Surprised and disappointed with Mark Molinaro
I am writing to express my surprise and disappointment that Representative Mark Molinaro has followed the pack in supporting an impeachment/excommunication inquiry into President Biden with not a shred of factual evidence that he has been involved in any nefarious behavior. The conclusion I am able to draw from this crass action by Molinaro is that he would support impeachment of any Democrat president for no other reason than that s/he is a Democrat.
I know of course that the simple argument is that “they did it to Trump” but Molinaro knows that the former president did in fact engage in multiple illegal activities including the insurrection of January 6. Molinaro is not a leader of this pack, but he reveals himself to be an abject follower. I hope the people of District 19 will let him know that his refusal to stand up for what is so clearly right will not be rewarded with re-election.
Tom Rocco
New Paltz
Lights on to see and be seen
We are in that time of year when it gets dark early and it is not exactly bright out in the morning. Please consider having your car lights on in these low light conditions — if not for you to see better, but for others to SEE YOU BETTER. My eyes are getting older daily and I appreciate being able to see you, especially when you are coming down the road at over 45 mph. Fun fact: Did you know it is a NYS law that if your wipers are on, your headlights should be on? Look it up, and join me in helping keep the roads safe by turning your headlights on whenever you are driving. The accident you prevent might be your own.
Jeff Pollard
New Paltz
Omega Institute’s need for support
I am writing to thank the Omega Institute for its incredible generosity to our community. For the past 12 years, Omega has offered a weeklong free retreat for women with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, sponsored by Breast Cancer Options (BCO), a non-profit organization in Kingston that supports people with breast cancer. There are many retreats, camps and services for women with Stage 1, 2, and 3 breast cancer. This unique retreat offers women with Stage 4 breast cancer an opportunity to come together and be with women with similar diagnoses. As I have learned, even with deeply caring and present families, being with other women who truly understand their diagnosis and journey is most valuable. Omega has an infrastructure that supports these women remarkably. They have golf carts that can transport women with limited ability to walk to the dining hall, the program room and back to their lodging when needed. Even with the vast variety of medical presenters, chefs, therapists, etc. offered at the retreat, the most valuable part of this experience is to be with other women who have the same or similar diagnoses. Thank you, Omega and BCO for your profound vision and generosity.
In addition to this retreat, for many years Omega has sponsored a BCO program for a free three-day camp in the summer for children whose mothers have breast cancer. It is one of few services for these children. Omega also offers retreats for non-profit boards and staff each year. Since 2005, over 350 organizations and 5,000 participants have benefitted from this generous offering.
I am also writing to let the community know that the Omega Institute needs our support. Omega has brought teachers and participants from all over the world to the Hudson Valley for cutting edge workshops and retreats. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on Omega financially. In 2023, they operated with half their usual staff and have been working really hard to maintain their programming. Omega’s clientele/customers contribute to the extended business communities in Dutchess and Ulster counties.
Omega is a phenomenal organization and an important contribution to the Hudson Valley. If you can help Omega’s generous work by making a donation, please do so at www.eomega.org/GiveNow. Thank you.
Nancy Plumer
Stone Ridge
Of Moses, Christmas and extraterrestrials
“The work that The Chief Extraterrestrial of the Universe requires is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29)
Susan Slotnick has always been my favorite NPT/HV1 columnist and my “Susan admiration” increased after reading her remarkable memoir Flight. Not long ago, Susan wrote a column about the war between Israel and Hamas. Noting mankind’s continuing inhumanity to their fellow beings, Susan related that she had spent the weekend observing interactions between two-year-olds and that even at this early age the roots of such inhumanity (pride leading to selfish acts) were present. It was only through the intervention of their mothers and their careful instruction about the proper ways to behave that the conflict was ended. (It’s interesting that two-year-olds don’t have to be taught bad behavior but only the good kind. King David, painfully aware of the evil he had done, alluded to the reason for this when he wrote: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”) Susan then shared her fantasy that a great mother space ship from another planet (“extraterrestrials”) would, like the mothers she had observed, know the path to peaceful coexistence and lead us to it so that we would all get along. As I read Susan’s fantasy, I remembered that Moses claimed to have had a visitation from the Universe’s Chief Extraterrestrial who gave him ten commandments so that his people could have a just society. Those commandments can be summed up by two: “Love the Chief Extraterrestrial of the Universe and love your neighbor as yourself.” Although this advice has proven to work well when followed, for various reasons we have been unable to consistently do so as the conflicts among nations and even within local communities and families around the world demonstrate. (Maybe it has something to do with David’s insight noted above.) In any event, as 2023 comes to an end human pride, that leads to all kinds of evil, is alive and flourishing on planet earth.
With all of this in view, let’s talk about Christmas, the holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Since he had a human mother and claimed to be the unique son of the Universe’s Chief Extraterrestrial, Jesus would be — if the claim was true — both fully human and fully extraterrestrial. Jesus insisted his father sent him as the remedy for what ails the human race and told us we can receive this remedy if we repent (that is acknowledge and repudiate our pride and admit that we all have sinned by breaking the laws of The Chief given to Moses). And he told us that our desire and ability to do this would be inspired by the good news that The Chief sent his, willing, son to keep the law of loving the Chief by obeying his commandment to bear the punishment his neighbors deserved. (In so doing he also “loved his neighbor as himself.) This is how he put it: “The Chief Extraterrestrial so loved the world that he sent his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish [because of their sins] but have everlasting life. For The Chief did not send his son into the world to condemn it but that the world through him might be saved.” Happy New Year Susan! And though I share your desire for world peace, since we haven’t really listened to Moses or Jesus, I don’t think we would follow the instructions of your fantasy rescuers if they ever did visit us earthlings: not even if one of them died and rose from the dead as a sign that their instructions were the absolute truth.
George Civile
Gardiner
Why?
I posted on Facebook “He is at it again. An absolute misrepresentation of the facts regarding the Christmas tree, from HV1; “I don’t know,” said town supervisor Bill McKenna. “The incoming highway superintendent, Donald Allen, went over and picked one out, and the guys went over and picked it up last week. That’s as much as I know.” Yet the responses to the post from McKenna’s minions were related to the tree and totally disregarded the fact that he absolutely misrepresented the facts. Maybe I should have just said he lied about the facts.
Update: From the Times Union : McKenna said he went back to the farm, which he declined to name, and found the first tree he had picked out was still available
Howard Harris
Woodstock
What they don’t want you to know
Genocide-deniers John Butz, George Civile and Harv Hilowitz don’t want this readership to know that an army of world experts on genocide are declaring what is happening in Gaza is clearly genocide, not just me in my alleged “confusion” as Mr. Butz attempts to mislead. These genocide-deniers cannot qualify their statements of no genocide other than repeating government-propaganda. Alternatively, my statements are backed up by The Center for Constitutional Rights: “Israel committing genocide;” Holocaust and genocide expert Raz Segal: “Textbook case of genocide;” 880 scholars jointly declaring “potential genocide happening in Gaza;” 41 “Special Rapporteurs and U.N. experts: “Genocide in the making;” former UN director Graig Mokhiber: “Textbook case of genocide;” and genocide expert and survivor Arnessa Bujusmic-Katura: “What is happening in Gaza is a genocide.” Furthermore, three leading Holocaust and genocide studies scholars: Victoria Sanford, Barry Trachtenberg and John Cox together published a report declaring: “Levels of destruction and killings in just over one month, together with the annihilatory language expressed by Israeli state leaders and senior army officers, point not to targeting of individual Hamas militants or Hamas military targets, but to the unleashing of deadly violence against Palestinians in Gaza ‘as such,’ in the language of the UN Genocide Convention.”
Obviously these experts would not agree that Netanyahu’s use of “Amelek” is merely a “metaphor” as Mr. Butz again tries to mislead. What could be more telling than 300+ Jewish Holocaust survivors and their descendants, issuing a joint statement condemning what they call Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza (BBC). Are all these experts and survivors “confused” and “misunderstand” as Mr. Butz foolishly alleges, or “anti-Semitic” as Mr. Hilowitz vainly implies, or shortsighted by “the prejudices we have” as Mr. Civile erroneously asserts? No way! Seventy days of genocidal bombing and starvation of two-million people, killing 20,000+ Palestinian civilians, destroying much of their infrastructure, making their land an uninhabitable wasteland, is not proportional to the atrocities committed on that fateful day (October 7th) when Hamas killed 1,000 Israeli citizens. International Law on proportionality defined by the Rome Statute and the Geneva Convention is being clearly violated by Israel.
In closing, I find it interesting that not one of the genocide-denier letters responded to my bombshell fact in a past letter that the Netanyahu administration had the Hamas blueprint for invasion a year in advance of October 7th as revealed in The New York Times (12/2/23). Even with that advance knowledge, the Netanyahu-zionist-warhawks claiming to be all about self-defense, took no actions in preparation to defend Israelis citizens prior to October 7th. Then on October 7th it took the IDF six to eight hours to respond, letting the Hamas invasion succeed. Sound familiar? Reject parroted propaganda, believe genocide-experts and remember 911. Ceasefire Now!
Steve Romine
Woodstock
A New Year’s resolution: Prioritizing mental health in 2024
As we enter a new year, I propose a resolution — let our focus for 2024 be on mental health. Let’s make a collective commitment to prioritize not only our own mental well-being, but also that of our family, friends and co-workers so we can create a community that actively changes the way mental health is perceived, reduces the stigma and prevents suicide.
After a year of challenges that have highlighted the importance of mental health, it is time to take the small steps that can make a big difference.
Let us make 2024 the year we:
1. Prioritize mental health: Make a conscious effort to prioritize our mental well-being by incorporating self-care practices into our daily routines.
2. Check-in on others: Extend our compassion to those around us by regularly checking in on friends, family and colleagues. A simple conversation can make a world of difference.
3. Destigmatize mental health: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, dispelling myths and reducing the stigma that often surrounds it.
4. Raise awareness: Educate ourselves and others about the signs of mental distress and the resources available for support.
5. Promote a culture of support: Create an environment where seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged.
It’s time to teach our communities to talk about mental illness without shame or secrecy. Together, we can stop the stigmas associated with mental health and suicide and save lives.
Donna Thomas
Poughkeepsie
The Lakota People’s Law Project
Remember Standing Rock? They are still in the struggle. This organization, Lakotalaw.org, carries out the work of Chase Iron Eyes, the Native American activist, attorney, politician of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, who was charged for inciting the Standing Rock protest against the DAPL Pipeline in 2016. Fortunately, after a tense period of legal activity, the charges and a six-year jail sentence were dropped and Chase is able to continue the important work for his people.
Vernon Benjamin’s essay, “Crossing Divides,” recently published by Bushwack Books, tells one person’s experience, a white man’s story, of visiting the encampment on Thanksgiving to bring much needed supplies. This story has, for me, resurrected my awareness of that horrific standoff. The outcome was not a win, the struggle continues but at last the COP28 calls for a global phase out of fossil fuel use. It will take time before we see if this resolution has any teeth. Now, more than ever we must support the work of the Dakota people to protect their land and waters.
Sarah Mecklem
Woodstock
A poem for a tree taken, but not forgotten
Woodstock Christmas 2023
One December night in Woodstock,
Approximately 107 miles north of New York City,
A Christmas tree stood tall and proud,
But its shape was not quite allowed.
Its branches were wildly crooked,
Its trunk was bent,
And its bow top was not quite heaven sent.
But the tree didn’t care
It stood there in untrimmed glee
For it knew it was still a Christmas tree.
It was decorated with net lights and a small red bow,
And it shone from the Village Green with a beauty
That no one had ever seen before.
The tourists of Woodstock came from far and wide
To behold such an unusual sight.
To see a tree that stood with such pride.
Whispered voices could be heard all around,
“Who picked and decorated this large, bushy tree?”
The people of Woodstock marveled over the town employees
Who picked a shape so unique, so rare
And they knew that this tree was beyond compare.
So, if you are ever in Woodstock, take a look around
And you will see the tree that stands on Jogger John’s hallowed ground.
It may not be perfect, but it is still a sight to see
Merry Christmas from Woodstock, New York, twenty-twenty three!
Rana Spada
Woodstock
Join the family! 
