In years past, the ideological divide on the country’s highest court was a less severe, but nonetheless ever-present, reality with conservative thought espousing “originalism” and supposedly hallowed traditions, and with liberals reaching for new and more just norms for all of the American people. 

Back then, the conservatives often complained about “activist” judges and their “newfangled” interpretations of the law. Now that the conservatives have what amounts to a supermajority on the court, you don’t hear them complaining about activist judges, mostly because they have become just that—the activists. 

For example, in just a few weeks, these activist judges have infamously overturned the established law of Roe v. Wade (Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization) and severely weakened environmental regulation (West Virginia v. EPA).

It appears that activism is always in play, but what is the basis of that activism?

Recall that the Constitution codifies the separation of church and state, and thereby prohibits the recognition of a nationally mandated religion. Will a large majority of practicing Christian conservatives on the court attempt to lead a new “crusade” to nudge the United States closer to theocracy? I suggest we keep our eyes on the interplay of religious dogma and future court rulings. 

Remember, despite its uplifting words, Christianity’s awful inaction and outright complicity for countless years, with human abuses like slavery, apartheid, discrimination, fascism and war is well documented. 

Organized religion has not been the moral guide that some would have you believe. Rather it has enjoyed its own brand of privilege and relative immunity from justice. Thou shall not kill—unless we declare war… with God on our side…

John Pace
Honesdale, PA

Lift all people to their full potential

July is Disability Pride Month. It celebrates the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and renews our awareness and commitment to including all people in our community.  

People with disabilities are especially vulnerable to being left behind.  The ADA was passed to remedy and empower those with physical and mental challenges to overcome.

Since the passage of the ADA, evidence of the empowerment of everyone to understand and act with empathy is everywhere, such as parking lots, building entrances, bathrooms, crisis hotlines, outdoor trails and spaces, educational accommodations and public services.  

This summer, I joined volunteers to help Pike Autism Support Services with an “I Can Ride” bike camp at Delaware Valley School District, and was inspired by the riders and educators who staffed the camp.  Everyone needs a helping hand at some time.

Inclusion isn’t only about the disabled. We search for racial justice with prison reform and access to voting.  Women’s reproductive health care has been threatened, and is a human right and freedom that must be protected.  Veterans who have fought to protect our freedoms deserve our help during and after their service.  Climate change is real, and it affects communities and creates refugees with heat waves, floods and severe storms.  Transitioning to clean energy is a major infrastructure change, but certainly vital to preserving our quality of life.

We want sensible government, not divisive politics.  The 1990 ADA act is complicated and filing an ADA complaint is never easy.  I will always be accessible, helpful and an advocate for people with disabilities and our elderly. More and more people with disabilities are voting.  

If you elect me as your state representative, I will work hard to get things done for all people in the 139th PA House District. 

Marian Keegan, write-in candidate for District 139 representative to the PA Assembly
Lackawaxen Township, PA

MAGA Marc Molinaro

Voters in the August 23 special election will elect a congressman to complete the final four months of Antonio Delgado’s term in the 19th Congressional District:  Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan (D) versus Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro (R). 

Molinaro has gotten some good press in local papers during his three terms as county executive.  He touts himself as a practical problem solver with a relatively moderate sheen (“relatively moderate” in context with today’s radical Republican party).  

His winning streak was interrupted by a 23-point loss as the 2018 GOP gubernatorial candidate. 

Before he became county executive, Molinaro served two terms in the New York State Assembly.  Here is a sampling of his voting record there:

Families  

Against extending health benefits (A8514)

Against allowing unmarried people to adopt a child (A1523)

Against legalizing same sex marriage (A40003)

Housing    

Against rent regulations to protect tenants’ rights (A2674)

Against foreclosure assistance (during the financial crisis) (A10083)

Workers    

Against prohibiting discrimination in wages based on gender, race and national origin (A 6130)

Against protection for freelance workers (A 6698

Against establishing the Wage Theft Prevention Act, which would protect workers by guaranteeing meal breaks, rest stops, and the like (A 10163)

Against extending worker rights to farm workers (A 1867)

Gun safety 

Against prohibiting domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms (A 7575)

Against micro-stamping of semi-automatic pistols that would better enable their tracing (A 6468)

Against requiring renewals for pistol and revolver licenses (A 801)

As an assemblyman, Marc Molinaro toed the line with his fellow far-right Republicans, loyal to the party of NO. 

So which Molinaro would he be as a congressman: an independent who thinks as an executive, or one member of a radical GOP House that votes as a unified block on practically every issue?

His past foretells his future: MAGA Republican, his every vote reliably aimed toward one purpose—blocking Democratic initiatives, regaining power for the GOP. Power. Forget about working to defend and improve the lives of the American people.

Tom Denton
New Paltz, NY