Letters to the editor June 29

Posted 6/28/17

Bears Ears: more alternative facts If further proof be needed that Trump has launched a political climate where outright lies become public policy, note the controversy over Obama’s designation …

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Letters to the editor June 29

Posted

Bears Ears: more alternative facts

If further proof be needed that Trump has launched a political climate where outright lies become public policy, note the controversy over Obama’s designation of another priceless section of Utah’s red rock country as a national monument.

Under the corrupting leadership of Utah Rep. Rob Bishop, the legislature drafted a resolution to President Trump that states: “WHEREAS the designation of the Bears Ears National Monument sets a dangerous precedent of allowing special interest groups to unduly influence the monument designation process and silence local voices...

“and WHEREAS local Native American groups with historical ties to the area have passed resolutions opposing the designation....”

The actual truth is that the monument was proposed by a coalition of five tribal nations after these voices had been excluded from discussions led by Bishop. The Obama administration met with the Utah delegation, held several public meetings in southern Utah and incorporated local feedback.

“Let me make one thing very, very clear,” says former co-chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk: “Native people are overwhelmingly unified in our support for this designation. Twenty-five regional tribes, the entire National Congress of American Indians, six of seven Navajo chapter houses, and every council member from my tribe have approved formal resolutions of support for Bears Ears National Monument.”

It must be assumed that Utah’s Gov. Gary Herbert was aware that the resolution presented him was a tissue of lies, yet he enthusiastically signed it and passed it along for federal action. In the past, such deliberate perjury would have been actionable, but in the swamp of alternative facts that Trump has created, it’s just politics as usual—to America’s shame.

Let’s hope The Donald doesn’t get around to an executive order rescinding the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Alfred Lees

Callicoon, NY

Roadside disposal a risk of transfer station closure

The Democratic Club of Cochecton hereby wishes to express our strong objections to forcing closure of the Western Sullivan Transfer Station in Cochecton. If the county discontinues compensation for the associated costs to paving the access road and winter snow plowing, those costs would become an undue burden on Cochecton tax payers, given that this facility is used by many residents from outside of the town’s boundaries.

Closing the facility would place an undue burden on Sullivan County residents too. And being forced to travel a long distance to Monticello or Liberty might convince some that roadside disposal is a risk worth taking.

The Town of Cochecton takes pride in keeping roads up to safe travel standards. Therefore, the elimination of the county’s contribution places a critical burden on our town taxpayers to maintain the busy road use to the transfer station.

We note with pride that our Democratic Club was the first group in a long time to contract for litter pickup with the New York State Department of Transportation by adopting two miles, (up and down is four miles) of New York State Route 17B from the entranceway to the Fosterdale traffic light. The county has invested heavily in an effort to attract visitors. Encouraging residents to dispose of their trash responsibly and conveniently is good for all. 

Peggy Richardson, Secretary

Democratic Club of Cochecton

Cochecton, NY

There are better alternatives than abortion

In spite of the Hyde Amendment [forbidding the use of federal tax dollars for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the life of the mother], Planned Parenthood remains the largest abortion provider in the U.S.; yes, they provide other services, but abortion should be removed from their services because it is being used in place of contraception by many with no regard for the life formed by a man and woman within the womb of that desperate young woman who turns to Planned Parenthood for help.

I suggest supporting First Way in Monticello, NY and Sullivan County Pregnancy Support Center in Liberty, NY. Please try to step out of your political agenda and party and hear me through. When a couple is hoping and trying to have a baby and they finally get pregnant, the ultrasound photos are framed and everyone celebrates. But if the woman does not want the baby within her, then no consent or discussion with the male partner is required, and this woman goes and has an abortion. Why? Because it is her body? Well the baby growing in her is not her body. Who will protect the baby inside of her who is the most innocent of us all?

I tell you, I will. I am an occupational therapist, EMT and fire fighter and my whole purpose in life is for saving and healing, I will stand peacefully against any candidate or organization that supports abortion. Planned Parenthood plays the victim in the media. The fact is Planned Parenthood could stop abortions and focus on all the other services they provide. And lastly, for all of you who support them, stop and think about the cause you rally for, step out of the media hype and dig down deeper spiritually.

John “JP” Pasquale

Livingston Manor, NY

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