A Parade?
East Hampton
October 16, 2023
To the Editor:
If a town has a parade but doesn’t advertise it, did it happen? There were banners and all sorts of signs advertising much less auspicious occasions all summer long. Our 375th anniversary parade deserved more love. A lot more people would have showed up to see it for one thing.
With love for East Hampton,
CHRISTINA BUCKLEY
Informative, Animated
Springs
October 22, 2023
Dear David,
Christopher Gangemi’s piece on Hugh King and the dedication of the windmill to him was great. What a decent fellow and great historian (like your grandmother). While I never had the privilege of going on one of his heralded cemetery walking tours on Halloween, I’ve seen Hugh lecture at the East Hampton Library: witty, informative, and animated.
The historical society is an important organization; I just finished a book they authored years ago (2004?) about the abuse the English occupiers bestowed on the Native Americans in Montauk and Gardiner’s island. I believe some of your grandmother’s marvelous essays from The Star were included. The English were certainly brutal opportunists, among other things.
JEFF NICHOLS
It’s Sammy’s Beach
Amagansett
October 17, 2023
Dear David:
I am the attorney for Dan and Pernilla Ammann, who own property on Sammy’s Beach, where in last week’s “The Mast-Head‚“ you said a glass house “of considerable scale” was proposed to replace “two cottages.” Actually, the Ammanns’s new house would replace three residences, not two, each of which is built on its own lot. Two of those dwellings are less than 1,000 square feet in size, so I suppose it’s fair to call them cottages. But the third residence is two stories and has a gross floor area of 2,426 square feet. It is definitely not a cottage.
Replacing the three existing houses with one house will result in a net increase of only 780 square feet in residential floor area. Meanwhile, clearing on this 1.63-acre property will be substantially reduced, as will the coverage of structures on the property. More of the land will be natural.
The new house will be about 35 feet farther from the Sammy’s Beach shore than the existing three homes, and a modern low-nitrogen septic system will replace the old systems, at least two of which date to the 1950s. The existing three lots will be merged into only one lot with one house. Most such projects have trade-offs, but an objective viewer would be hard pressed to say that this one won’t be a considerable environmental improvement over existing conditions on the property.
That, however, is not why I am writing this letter. I am writing to correct you as to the proper name of the barrier beach between Gardiner’s Bay and Three Mile Harbor. The historically accurate name is Sammy’s Beach.
For many years I thought, as you do, that the right name was Sammis Beach. Sammis is an old Long Island family name from the Huntington area, and I figured that family must have had some connection with the barrier beach. Probably other people thought the same. Such is the danger of making assumptions.
There is, in fact, no known connection between the UpIsland Sammis clan and the sandy crescent of shoreline that we call Sammy’s Beach. There are several local Samuels, or Sammys, to whom the name of the beach has been attributed, rightly or wrongly, by local historians. Those include Samuel Sherrill, who may or may not have wrecked a ship there in 1665; Samuel Parsons, of the third generation of that family in East Hampton; and Samuel Terry, who supposedly bought Sammy’s Beach with two of his brothers in 1839.
Old maps, charts, and other references do clearly show that the earliest name was Sammy’s Beach. A circa-1797 map of eastern Suffolk County called this land “Samuell’s Beach.” On May 10, 1869, an entry in the Town Trustee Journals referred to “Samys Beach.” Indeed, all pre-1900 sources that I have discovered use the name Sammy’s Beach or some variation thereof.
As you noted, and as I know, The Star has long favored Sammis Beach as the name of the sandspit. An example that you did not mention is in The Star edition published on Sept. 22, 1938 — the day after the great hurricane. However, the weight of the evidence and the absence of any documented connection between this barrier beach and the Sammis family tends to prove that Sammy’s Beach, as plain as that name may seem, is the historically correct appellation. I think it is only right that I bring this to your attention.
Cordially,
RICHARD E. WHALEN
Route 114 and Swamp
Sag Harbor
October 18, 2023
Dear David,
I commend the decision to create a traffic circle at Long Lane and Stephen Hand’s Path, but there is a far more treacherous intersection that needs one. The intersection of Route 114, Merchants Path, and Swamp Road is extremely dangerous and has been the scene of several accidents. Please consider a circle here. It’s a dangerous situation, truly. To know about and do nothing is irresponsible.
Sincerely,
SUSAN MUKASEY
Montauk Fire District
Montauk
October 23, 2023
Dear Editor,
Many years ago, the people of Montauk formed the Montauk Fire Department to serve their needs for emergencies and to support the community with many of the charitable events that need to take place to keep the community whole. Many of the founding fathers’ families still live and service the community through the fire department.
We should give thanks to all the men, women, and young people who are serving in some capacity and who donate their time and effort to keep the Montauk Fire Department a community strongpoint.
However, many of the Montauk residents feel that the Montauk Fire District, which is the business end of the fire department, is lacking in its understanding of what a small community like ours needs in order survive. We should support each other. It disturbs many people in town to drive by the fire department and see all the tradespeople doing work there are not from this town. It is our tax money that supports some of the needs of the fire department.
I therefore strongly advise that a larger effort is made to use our own talent first as often as possible — from within the ranks of the fire department and our own community. To never even be asked to bid on a job is disheartening to many local business owners who have supported the fire department their entire lives. By not taking the local community people in mind first, you are helping to erode the community spirit of this small hamlet that has always depended upon each other for survival. Not to mention, the mounting ill feelings among the members of the department toward the fire commissioners.
Respectfully,
MARSHALL PRADO
No Consequences
Amagansett
October 22, 2023
To the Editor:
East Hampton Town has begun subpoenaing Airbnb for evidence of rental registry violations by specific properties. This is a productive approach, but falls far short of what is needed to address this problem effectively.
In my own neighborhood on Napeague, in a typical summer season, there are five or six houses within earshot being operated as share houses, as demonstrated by the typical “tells” of six or more cars outside, music blasted until pre-dawn hours, and intense inebriation of the inhabitants.
An adage I learned long ago is that problems must be solved as far upstream as possible. If tap water is polluted, end toxic outflows into the reservoir, rather than installing filters on every tap. Solving the share house problem upstream would involve changing the behavior of our zoning board of appeals. The Z.B.A. routinely approves projects that are clearly designed as share houses: Here, too, there are tells, which include an application by a single-property L.L.C. to tear down a newly purchased house and to build one twice or three times the size with numerous bedrooms and swimming pool. I have personally argued this danger to the Z.B.A. regarding local properties, to be met with puzzlement, as if determining the applicant’s true intentions from the clear signs is not part of the Z.B.A.’s mission. A side effect of this is that some applicants appear to lie to the zoning board with impunity, confident there will be no consequences.
The only rational argument I have heard against the Z.B.A. aiding the anti-share house effort is that distressed neighbors can always complain to ordinance enforcement later. This is tantamount to the Z.B.A. approving an application, represented as a residence but clearly designed as a factory or for waste storage — “You can always sue later!” A procedural rule to believe everything the applicant says is also not confidence-inspiring.
I believe the Z.B.A.’s existing jurisdiction, based on its underlying mission, is sufficient that it could do much more to deter share houses. If legislation is needed to extend its abilities, let’s take a look at that. The zoning board of appeals is well positioned to act as a watchdog on this issue.
For democracy in East Hampton,
JONATHAN WALLACE
Housing Needs
Springs
October 20, 2023
To the Editor,
I appreciate my letter (Bronx Cheer) being published last week, but for some reason my line about only “one hundred units” of affordable housing being planned for in the last decade was turned into “1,000 units.” That is obviously a pretty big difference and an odd typo. Not sure why that would have been adjusted to a number in first place, isn’t the written-out form considered better? I make typos myself, but if whoever oversees this feels they have to change my letters then I’d rather they not be published.
The topic of affordable housing, though, needs much more attention if you are looking for future editorial ideas. While I think the new community housing fund is a good idea in concept, it is worrying that there were no guidelines for how this money will be allocated, and that will be up to some vague appointed committee. Also, there has been no discussion how this will work with the current community preservation fund, as I assume they will be bidding against each other for some properties?
From what little they have said, they seem to be focused on helping people with down payments and lower mortgages, but, given how expensive homes have become, that path will never end up helping many. What would they do, offer the vast majority a down payment and also a 50-percent discount on a mortgage to make it affordable for anyone making less than $100,000 at this point?
It seems to me greater attention should be on very-low-rent apartments (one, two, and three bedrooms) and a few new complexes should be built in the area. For those who qualify, the rent should be 50 percent below the current ones the state offers for $2,500 a month. A low rate can be offered since the cost is basically free and the very low rent would clearly cover maintenance.
Also, your paper did a great article around May 22 about the potential for four-posters to limit ticks, and perhaps a follow-up before next spring would be a good idea? While getting signatures for them is difficult, North Haven has figured out a way to do this and their Mayor Diat has some great info, as does the village website.
Camp Blue Bay in Springs is an easy location for East Hampton to at least try this out, as they would sign off on it from a conversation I had with their manager (cost is $10,000 per unit for a year) and given all the land they have one wouldn’t need any other signatures.
Keep up the great work! I find I learn something every week from your paper.
BRAD BROOKS
—
Numbers larger than nine are printed as numerals in The Star. The 1,000 units error was inadvertent. Ed.
Justice Court
East Hampton
October 22, 2023
Dear Editor:
I am running for East Hampton Town Justice. During my campaign, I have repeatedly been asked why would an attorney with one of the largest practices in East Hampton want to be a town justice. My answer goes back to service to our community. I see the Justice Court as being an important part of local government — seeing that justice is served for all, both within our criminal and civil systems.
For some, the interaction with the Justice Court, such as in disputing a parking ticket or a code violation, will be the only interaction they may have with our local government. It is paramount that our court provides fair and just adjudications of the matters for all involved. It is important not only for the litigants, but for our town and the American judicial system in general. As a result, I see service as town justice as serving our community and fulfilling a key part of our American justice system.
My service to this community runs deep. I have served this community as a police officer. Shortly after college, and well before I had my own child, I became an assistant coach with Little League and eventually became president of the East Hampton Town Little League. As president, I worked with the East Hampton Village Little League president to merge the two leagues together so that we could bring a safer and more enjoyable experience to the children of our community.
After becoming an emergency medical technician in college I became a member of the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association, meeting my wife, Becky Lester, and serving for over 10 years before we both became exempt members when my wife and I had our daughter. My daughter recently obtained her E.M.T. certification and the family has now joined the Springs Fire Department and the East Hampton Village Emergency Medical Services so we can resume our service to the community through these organizations.
I am a past elder at the East Hampton Presbyterian Church. Over the years, I have used my legal knowledge to assist numerous local not-for-profits in their endeavors. I also became a Mason, an organization rooted in service, becoming an officer and a leader. Most recently, with the support of the Masons, I spearheaded Bonac Lights, a holiday light display, which raises money for college scholarships for our local children. I am also the attorney advisor for the East Hampton High School mock trial team. Lastly, with a desire to keep our local history alive and passed on to our younger generations, I became a member of the Third New York, a Revolutionary War reenactment group, representing a group that came from and served right here in East Hampton back in 1775.
I have gained 25 years’ experience in practicing law here in East Hampton. I can think of no better way to serve our community than to apply my knowledge and experience as town justice and help this town fulfill a cornerstone of democracy. I ask you to please vote for me on Nov. 7. Thank you.
BRIAN LESTER
A Friend of Mine
Hartford, Conn.
October 13, 2023
Dear Editor,
To all you voters: Oh, how I wish I were going to vote in the November election for East Hampton Town judge, because a friend of mine — David Filer — is running for that position.
I am a 98-year-old Bonacker living in Hartford, Conn., for the last 63 years. However, I don’t consider myself a Connecticut person. I was (and still am) a lover of East Hampton and the East End of Long Island, New York. My family are the Amagansett Barneses, but we lived in East Hampton. We never went on vacation because my mother said we were already there.
I attended East Hampton schools from kindergarten through graduation (1942), as did Jane Hadder Filer and Lloyd Filer, David’s parents. Jane and I both lived on Sherrill Road, as did Lloyd. We were the best of friends, as we still were in adulthood. Jane and Lloyd married and settled in Bonac, where they raised three children. David’s son, Nate, will be graduating from East Hampton High School also.
I have known David since he was born and have watched his occupation changes over the years. He has been an educator, an Amagansett-based bookseller, and then for over 16 years was a prosecutor in New York City. He then returned to East Hampton to live on Osborne Lane in the house he grew up in. The beauty and good life of this end of the island pulled him back from the city. He knows the town intimately. Although Jane died in 1985, I have always been able to connect with David’s family, as his guest.
David has been here a long time and knows the communities on the eastern end of Long Island. He will help keep all of us safe in this age of technology.
MARY LOUISE BARNES MAYO
Looking for Credentials
East Hampton
October 23, 2023
Dear Mr. Rattray:
I don’t know about you, but these days I am voting for the person, not blindly voting based on political party affiliation. Frankly, I am looking for professional credentials and business acumen that the town needed yesterday to solve its problems. My votes will be for three exceptional candidates:
Gretta Leon for supervisor: University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in organizational dynamics and a graduate certificate in leading and management through change; fluent in Spanish, born in Costa Rica; understands the problems, issues, and concerns of our Hispanic neighbors and our community at large; family ties to our community, and history of volunteerism.
Michael Wootton for town council: Columbia Business School with a master of business administration; Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s in industrial engineering; Bank of New York, 15-year vice president, global risk management services; Kammas Trading, 11 years, senior trader; family ties to our community, and history of volunteerism.
Scott Smith: University of Montana; president of Smith River Kitchens on Cedar Street; installed hundreds of kitchens, worked as a project manager, renovated and built homes north and south of the highway; family ties to our community, and history of volunteerism.
We need critical thinking, analysis for decision-making, and outside-the-box ideas to solve the town’s problems. We’ve had 10, count ‘em, years of one-party rule. How’s that been working for us?
Gretta, Michael, and Scott: Let’s vote these highly qualified neighbors into office on Nov. 7.
LYNNE W. SCANLON
Eminently Qualified
East Hampton
October 23, 2023
Dear David,
Two candidates the Democratic Party has nominated are running for election for the first time but their respective backgrounds show them to be tested and eminently qualified for their respective seats.
David Filer, campaigning for a seat on the Town Justice Court, brings to the race a vast background in criminal justice. After being recruited by Robert Morgenthau in New York City, David worked in his office for 16 years as an assistant district attorney and as someone who prepared new lawyers to become A.D.A.s. He was also teaching at Brooklyn Law School. His current practice in East Hampton in land management and domestic issues add to his qualifications: being able to judge each petitioner fairly and with compassion, to do the right thing at all times and to serve the community.
Tom Flight, a resident of Montauk with a young family, has worked for a number of years in many capacities to fulfill his goal of serving his community. Tom is a longtime emergency medical technician, volunteer firefighter, and business owner and has served for the past seven years on the Montauk School Board. He has used his experiences to stay in touch with the needs of Montauk and its residents and, on a wider level, the Town of East Hampton. If elected, Tom’s focus and work will be to address the town’s natural disaster and emergency plan, the issues of affordable housing, and preserving the town’s natural resources.
Thank you,
MARY BUSCH
They’ve Done the Work
Montauk
October 22, 2023
Dear Mr. Rattray,
I’m writing to respond to recent letters to The Star from Carole Campolo and Don Cirillo responding to my earlier letter. I’ve no quarrel with their political preferences, as the beauty of our system is that political preferences get ironed out at the ballot box — and then, hopefully, we move on with our lives. I’ve also no quarrel with their counter-assessments of the individual candidates; they drew different impressions than I did, bless their hearts. I do take issue, however, with non-substantive shots they aimed at me.
In Mr. Cirillo’s case, he questioned my bona fides as someone having East Hampton in my bones because I’m relatively new to East Hampton (as compared to him, I guess that’s true, although he’s relatively new to East Hampton himself, as compared to true Bonackers who’ve been here for generations, farming and fishing and publishing newspapers). But that precisely misses my point.
I’m not running for town board or supervisor on the premise that I can do a better job than those currently serving. I didn’t argue on my behalf as a candidate, but rather as a voter and East Hampton citizen who was present at the Montauk United event, listening to and observing the candidates. I made the point, which he failed to address in his attack on me as an arriviste, that the Democratic slate is far better qualified than their opponents because they’ve done the work, at the policy-making and public service level — and that that contributes mightily to how they have East Hampton in their bones, as compared to the candidates offered up by the G.O.P.
I should add that it’s at least borderline offensive to suggest that to be qualified to have an opinion about East Hampton politics, or to express that opinion, or whether a person is qualified to serve this community, is somehow tied to how long that person’s lived here. This community has grown massively and is not hardly the isolated seaside village with a small summer resort community that it once was. Look around you, Mr. Cirillo! We have a lot of newly and recently arrived neighbors and they contribute hugely to our community every day. We — the recent arrivals like me that you discount because you were here before us — may not yet have East Hampton in our bones or DNA, but we are most certainly part of this community, along with people like you who arrived a few decades ago and families that have been here seemingly forever.
With regard to Ms. Campolo’s characterization of my letter as “snarky,” I concur.
JONATHAN YELLEN
A Year of Reckoning
Springs
October 23, 2023
Dear David,
The state budget director last week instructed all New York State agencies to keep their budgets flat for the 2024 fiscal year. Within state government, there is now serious concern about how the state will address a projected massive $9 billion structural deficit that will grow to $13 billion by 2025 and $37 billion by 2028.
New York State, much like Suffolk County during the COVID pandemic, utilized smoke-and-mirrors budgeting. The state used billions of one-time dollars from strong years on Wall Street, extraordinary federal COVID aid, and temporary taxes to boost unstable spending. Suffolk Executive Bellone similarly used nonrecurring revenues to help balance this year’s budget and narrow future gaps.
Because of the tax-and-spend policies of the Bellone administration, next year will be a year of reckoning for Suffolk County. It will take the expertise of Ed Romaine as county executive and a skilled legislator to understand the intricacies of county government finance. Eastern Long Island’s two legislators must be fierce advocates with the grit and experience that can only come about through years of immersion in government operations and budgeting.
On the North Fork, we’re fortunate to have Catherine Stark, who brings a 20-plus-year career in government, administration, and legislative experience.
On the South Fork, I, too, will bring over 20-plus years of state, government, legislative, administrative, and collective bargaining experience.
I will be a fierce advocate for our communities and way of life. Early voting starts on Saturday. Election Day is Nov. 7, and I ask for your vote to elect Manny Vilar, Suffolk County Legislator, a strong voice and fighter for you. if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 631-324-0528 or [email protected].
MANNY VILAR
Small Differences
Montauk
October 23, 2023
To the Editor,
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about a theory formulated by Sigmund Freud called the Narcissism of Small Differences as it applies to our community. The idea is that individuals in small communities with multiple commonalities are prone to constant, internal war, causing rifts between those who think alike in many respects. [. . . ] It seems as though people in our community are being pushed off the bridge, metaphorically speaking, and called a heretic scum by those who might have been previously considered to be close friends. They might have shared identical ideals and beliefs regarding the welfare of our town, with whom in the past have stood side by side in promoting mutually held principles regarding overdevelopment, clean water, affordable housing, and coastal resiliency, just to name a few kindred interests.
Somehow, as the specifics of random new initiatives are delved into, small differences start to arise. Aspirations remain the same, but tactics begin to diverge slightly. Before one knows it, an inversion occurs. The subtle dissensions metastasize into prime hostile obsessions and the mutually held overarching objectives fade into subordinate relevance.
This is where Freud’s theory comes into play. Pride, or narcissism, takes prominence and, instead of a shared objective holding sway, small differences stress into a huge chasm. Proving themselves to be right, about what were once minor differences, becomes not only the focal point of their attention but the totality of their preoccupation. Personal disparagements follow.
I see this happening in various degrees frequently in our town. It’s become ubiquitous, especially the vilifications. We all want the same things for our community. We all agree on the challenges that we face. We pretty much agree even on the potential solutions. Yet, I find that instead of cooperating with each other and trusting each other, we at best denigrate the ones holding an opposing view or at worst demonize them.
The environmental organization that engaged in or promoted a project with which you disagreed is not nefarious or venal. It may be honestly attempting to achieve goals similar to your own. The town official who chose to advance one course of action different than your preference is not corrupt or incompetent. They may have a deeper insight of what is right at this point in time, even to your own ultimate benefit. The wealthy donor that financially supported a public undertaking is not necessarily doing it for their own self-interest. They may be genuinely and magnanimously wanting to give back to the community.
That’s not to say that in all of those instances or other similar ones it is the case every time. Nor am I implying there is no room for criticism. I’m just suggesting that we hear people out and engage in exchanges of ideas with those with whom we may disagree. Give them the benefit of the doubt before we speculate a defamatory ad hominem accusation. Do some research before jumping to derogatory conclusions.
We’re all in the same boat and a beautiful boat it is. Let’s be more collaborative and trusting of each other. Let’s keep the emphasis on our main goals, rather than falling prey to narcissism and lose ourselves and our friendships over small differences.
Yes, they are small differences compared to our shared values and bonds.
LOU CORTESE
It’s Red-iculous
East Hampton
October 19, 2023
To the Editor,
I rarely write a letter to The East Hampton Star, but this seems truly ridiculous. Amagansett does not need to be gray.
Thirteen years ago, upon being warned of architectural review board nightmares, I’ll never forget when I proposed a nondescript, dark blue color for my business sign. As expected, one of the A.R.B. members objected to the submission, saying I needed to put more color in the sign, and asked me to come back in two weeks with another version. Fortunately, the chairman of the board that year overruled the member, and decided that the sign was attractive, and in keeping with the low-key atmosphere of business signage in East Hampton. I chalked it up to pure luck that the chairman was reasonable and convinced the rest of the board to pass the motion and accept the sign as proposed.
Unfortunately, it’s probably as simple as that. Pure luck. The owners of Rowdy Hall have encountered a stroke of bad luck in the current A.R.B. Sad. Black is a very attractive, classy, nondescript shade that fits anywhere. It works with any other color of building frontage, and is what we have recognized as Rowdy Hall for over 25 years.
Is it really necessary to make it so difficult for a business owner in this town? Furthermore, based on a neutral shade? It’s red-iculous.
I urge the A.R.B. to accept the classic black exterior and I also support the owners of Rowdy Hall in sticking to its guns, because there is no good reason to deny the application as submitted.
Sincerely,
ERIK B. PETERSON
Into a New Home
Montauk
October 26, 2023
To the Editor,
I am writing in support of the efforts by the Honest Management company to update the exterior of the new home of Rowdy Hall in Amagansett.
Rowdy Hall and the Honest Management restaurants are institutions in East Hampton and great examples of how small businesses become an invaluable part of the fabric of a community.
The East Hampton Town Architectural Review Board plays a vital role in protecting the historical district but should not rely on vague town code and unclear standards to keep Rowdy Hall from painting the front of the building the same way it has for decades in its original home.
We should be thankful that instead of the fate that so many small business have suffered in our towns because of rising rents and the inability to stay in business, we have an opportunity to welcome Rowdy Hall into a new home and continue to be a great example of the kind of business and neighbor that we should cherish in East Hampton.
Protecting a town goes beyond ensuring that the building look a certain way. It means celebrating the people and places that make up that community. For almost 30 years, Rowdy Hall has been an integral part of East Hampton and that is a testament to the way that they approach their responsibility as members of the community.
In contrast to the many examples of business owners that come to East Hampton to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by the high months of the summer season without the intent to become part of the community, Rowdy Hall and Honest Management are a part of East Hampton in a way that should be cherished.
The Amagansett Historical District should welcome Rowdy Hall to its new home with the traditional black-and-silver that has become a hallmark of a great institution in the community.
With regards,
ADAM BURKE
Wish You Well
Amagansett
October 21, 2023
To the Editor,
Seth Turner has now left as superintendent of the Amagansett School. During this time many of you probably didn’t know he is the president of the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. It’s a 501-c(3) not-for-profit entity that is located in Albany. Last year they opened the physical doors at MVP arena on Aug. 26.
It may or may not be the reason for his departure, perhaps one of many. Either way, for the wrestling fans they’ll understand the line: “We wish you well in future endeavors.”
Still here,
JOE KARPINSKI
The Buffalo
Montauk
October 23, 2023
Dear David,
If you watch the superb Ken Burns film “The American Buffalo” on PBS, you will understand exactly what’s going on in Gaza today.
Sincerely,
GEORGE WATSON
Now Cry Treason
East Hampton
October 22, 2023
Dear David:
So, now it’s the Democrats’ fault.
As the House Republicans become increasingly embarrassed politically by the dumpster fire of their own making after the defenestration of Kevin McCarthy and the subsequent failure of the G.O.P. majority to coalesce behind a single candidate, they would have Americans believe it was the Democrats who are at fault. Why? Because no Democrats supported the candidacy of any of the G.O.P. candidates, coalescing instead behind House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The G.O.P. now cry treason, never mind that no House Republicans supported the candidacy of Nancy Pelosi. But, in the alternate G.O.P. universe, that was then, and this is now — new and different rules apply to Democrats.
But is there any surprise in the Democrats’ refusal to support the candidacy of Jim Jordan? It speaks volumes of the current G.O.P. that many of its members have chosen to reward the very people who sought to undermine our democracy with positions of immense power.
Mr. Jordan is viewed as being complicit in Mr. Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 riot. Mr. Jordan has spent his entire career trying to hold our country back — jeopardizing our national security, supporting one government shutdown after another. Most recently, he has been the architect of baseless and politically embarrassing investigations into imagined transgressions by the Biden administration. Mr. Jordan has been a flagbearer of the G.O.P.’s war on women, authoring the bill that would have banned abortion nationwide, without exceptions. Even those in his own party have called him a legislative terrorist.
Mr. Jordan has turned his back on Americans needing federal help. When New Yorkers recovering from Hurricane Sandy needed Congress to act, Mr. Jordan said no. When wildfires ravaged the West, destroying homes and businesses, and those residents needed disaster assistance, Mr. Jordan said no. When our veterans were suffering from disease and dying as a result of their service to our country, and Congress passed a bipartisan solution, Mr. Jordan said no. These are not the actions of someone interested in governing or bettering the lives of everyday Americans.
So, it is a fool’s errand to try to shift onto Democrats the blame for the entirely justified rejection of Mr. Jordan. One can only hope that some within the G.O.P. have finally come around to recognize that the MAGA ideology is nothing but smoke and mirrors, with cruelty at its core.
Sincerely,
BRUCE COLBATH
God Is Angry
Montauk
October 23, 2023
Dear David,
About 40 or 50 years ago, I watched a show narrated by a man with an excellent speaking voice. (I just don’t remember his name. I’m thinking it was Orson Welles.)
The entire show was an introduction of predictions written by Nostradamus. This man predicted the world’s end, and it would begin in Persia. Fire, bombs, ruthless fighting would go on for a very long time.
As all can see, this is happening as we write and speak. History shows that Israel and Palestine have been fighting for thousands of years. The main problem here is Hamas, a terrorist group that decided to attack, kidnap, rape, and mutilate children and the elderly. This is barbaric.
Nostradamus also predicted World War II, the release of the atomic bomb, the rise of Napoleon and Hitler. Nostradamus also predicted the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Covid. He used specific wording and it was translated as Covid.
God is angry, and we truly don’t know what’s coming.
In God and country,
BEA DERRICO