Monthly Archives: January 2021

Letters that appeared on The Durango Heralds opinion pages in 2020 reflected the breadth of issues in La Plata County and the variety of perspectives that can be applied.

In the first few months of 2020, the Herald published numerous letters supporting an end to single-use plastic bags. Green repeat-use bags also plummeted in popularity. Dont use a bag at all, said one writer use a cart.

Then the enormity of COVID-19 struck and letters about bags abruptly ceased.

Beginning mid-March the coronavirus became the topic, many letters offering similar messages: Mask-shaming was criticized, as were businesses lax in requiring masks. Tourists were not wearing masks. Lets reduce the anger in the country, and its not Republicans versus Democrats, but life or death, wrote another. A couple of others said the virus was being blown out of proportion and fostering political correctness.

Parks should be open, including a track for high school runners since it is much safer outdoors.

A subsequent big issue of the year for letter-writers was the proposed pedestrian bridge that would cross over busy 32nd Street on the west side of the Animas River. Its potential appearance in a high-in-the-air-location a first along the Animas River Trail grated. How could this have been sprung on us? many asked, having been unaware of the many months of city planning behind it. (The citys acquisition of property on the east side of the river will make possible a subsurface crossing instead.)

National attention to racism particularly in regard to public sculpture trickled down to Durango when it was pointed out that Toh-Atin Gallerys Chief on 9th Avenue might be racist in its design and should go. In a flurry of letters, the sign was condemned and defended. The sign remains, as its owners said theyve heard no criticism from the Native Americans they know.

In the November elections, the two county commission races were at the forefront. Independent candidates, for all their appeal, discovered one value of party membership: Democrats are disciplined in writing letters supporting their own. Other political topics included opposition to the electoral college; praise for incumbent Rep. Scott Tipton, who would lose his primary; and a letter urging the eventual winner, Representative-elect Lauren Boebert, to be more positive. Readers were cautioned about leftism and power-drunk Democrats.

Numerous letters faulted Republicans, especially Sen. Cory Gardner, for their allegiance to President Trump.

Letter-writers split on the issue of reintroducing wolves to the wilds of Colorado: Some welcomed the prospect, while others feared their arrival.

Dozens of perennial topics arose, such as the desire for La Plata Electric Association to free itself from a 30-year contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission (although one letter praised its move toward more renewables).

Writers expressed general concern for the homeless and support of their temporary camp at Purple Cliffs, although one writer argued that providing more services attracts more homeless.

The Herald was faulted for not printing more positive news in a time of crisis; for twisting virus reporting to criticize the president; and for endorsing Michael Bloomberg in the Democratic primary for president.

Several letters said Michael Smedleys writing of the Action Line column would be missed.

Community members who took the time to write their opinions to the Herald did not disappoint in 2020. We look forward to more of the same in 2021.

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Our View: Looking back at 2020 in Letters to the Editor - The Durango Herald

Many in Connecticut, including most of its news organizations, are gushing about President-elect Joe Biden's choice of state Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, a Meriden native, to be secretary of the U.S. Education Department. News reports say the president-elect picked Cardona in large part because of the support he and Governor Lamont have given to keeping schools open amid the virus epidemic.

This gush couldn't be sillier.

For most schools in the state are not really open but operating entirely with internet classes or alternating erratically between in-person classes and internet classes. Since March when the governor began exercising emergency power to rule by decree during the epidemic, he has dictated to businesses, restaurants, and even churches, but he has only urged schools to stay open, declining to order them to do so, lest he offend the teacher unions, the most feared special interest. His position and the commissioner's in favor of keeping schools open has been only a pose, though those gushing about Cardona misrepresent it as policy.

Having been commissioner for less than a year and a half, Cardona can't be blamed for not having changed much about Connecticut's schools. But then he can't be credited with much either. The embarrassing gap between the performance of white and minority students, which has caused years of handwringing, has not diminished during Cardona's tenure, nor has student performance improved generally. Nor has there been any candid acknowledgment from anyone in authority that school performance is not at all a matter of school financing but mostly a matter of parenting and that the state's main education policy is only social promotion, which cripples education.

Able as Cardona may be, having been a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, he has not made Connecticut's schools any more of an example and has no national reputation.

So why his selection by the president-elect? It is because of his heartening personal story and, more so, his Puerto Rican ancestry. The Democratic Party is obsessed with racial, ethnic, and gender balance, the president-elect has been told that he must have a Hispanic in his Cabinet, and choosing Cardona mobilizes political correctness against support for putting a national teachers union leader in the education secretary's office.

Indeed, not being a teachers union leader may be the highest qualification that can be expected from an education secretary appointed by a Democratic president.

Until the 1980s the state's political parties put much effort into balancing their state tickets by ethnicity, often splitting the gubernatorial nominations between Irish and Italians, assigning to Poles the nominations for the old congressman-at-large seat, and reserving treasurer nominations for Blacks and secretary of the state nominations for women. There was often room somewhere for a Jew, and political anti-Semitism was extinguished with Abraham Ribicoff's narrow election as governor in 1954. A woman easily made it to the top when Ella Grasso was elected governor 20 years later.

But ethnicity in politics doesn't resonate much in Connecticut anymore, perhaps because the state has grown up a bit politically and because, while the rise of someone from a disadvantaged group is always encouraging, it has happened often enough for people to realize that, if just given a chance in power, the disadvantaged can disappoint as much as anyone else and that no matter who wins, taxes go up but student test scores don't.

Education in the United States is almost entirely local and the federal education secretary has little authority over it. Mostly he can distribute federal money, highlight what he considers improvements, and make noise.

President Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos, has not been very expert but at least knows that teacher unions serve teachers, not students. If Cardona even hints at such understanding, his ethnicity won't save him or the president from the fury of the unions, which already may be resentful that they aren't getting all the patronage they expected.

Chris Powell is a columnist for the Journal Inquirer in Manchester.

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So what exactly are Cardona's qualifications? - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com

Many in Connecticut, including most of its news organizations, are gushing about President-elect Joe Biden's choice of state Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, a Meriden native, to be secretary of the U.S. Education Department. News reports say the president-elect picked Cardona in large part because of the support he and Governor Lamont have given to keeping schools open amid the virus epidemic.

This gush couldn't be sillier.

For most schools in the state arenotreally open but operating entirely with internet classes or alternating erratically between in-person classes and internet classes. Since March when the governor began exercising emergency power to rule by decree during the epidemic, he has dictated to businesses, restaurants, and even churches, but he has onlyurgedschools to stay open, declining to order them to do so, lest he offend the teacher unions, the most feared special interest. His position and the commissioner's in favor of keeping schools open has been only a pose, though those gushing about Cardona misrepresent it as policy.

Having been commissioner for less than a year and a half, Cardona can't be blamed for not having changed much about Connecticut's schools. But then he can't be credited with much either. The embarrassing gap between the performance of white and minority students, which has caused years of hand-wringing, has not diminished during Cardona's tenure, nor has student performance improved generally. Nor has there been any candid acknowledgment from anyone in authority that school performance is not at all a matter of school financing but mostly a matter of parenting and that the state's main education policy is only social promotion, which cripples education.

Able as Cardona may be, having been a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, he has not made Connecticut's schools any more of an example and has no national reputation.

So why his selection by the president-elect? It is because of his heartening personal story and, more so, his Puerto Rican ancestry. The Democratic Party is obsessed with racial, ethnic, and gender balance, the president-elect has been told that he must have a Hispanic in his Cabinet, and choosing Cardona mobilizes political correctness against support for putting a national teachers union leader in the education secretary's office. Choosing Cardona also avoids having to choose between the leaders of the two largest unions.

Indeed, not being a teachers union leader may be the highest qualification that can be expected from an education secretary appointed by a Democratic president. Besides, Connecticut should know better by now than to expect much from ethnic firsts in high positions in government.

Until the 1980s the state's political parties put much effort into balancing their state tickets by ethnicity, often splitting the gubernatorial nominations between Irish and Italians, assigning to Poles the nominations for the old congressman-at-large seat, and reserving treasurer nominations for Blacks and secretary of the state nominations for women. There was often room somewhere for a Jew, and political anti-Semitism was extinguished with Abraham Ribicoff's narrow election as governor in 1954. A woman easily made it to the top when Ella Grasso was elected governor 20 years later.

But ethnicity in politics doesn't resonate much in Connecticut anymore, perhaps because the state has grown up a bit politically and because, while the rise of someone from a disadvantaged group is always encouraging, it has happened often enough for people to realize that, if just given a chance in power, the disadvantaged can disappoint as much as anyone else and that no matter who wins, taxes go up but student test scores don't.

Education in the United States is almost entirely local and the federal education secretary has little authority over it. Mostly he can distribute federal money, highlight what he considers improvements, and make noise.

President Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos, has not been very expert but at least knows that teacher unions serve teachers, not students. If Cardona even hints at such understanding, his ethnicity won't save him or the president from the fury of the unions, which already may be resentful that they aren't getting all the patronage they expected.

Chris Powell is a columnist for the Journal Inquirer.

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Cardona's qualifications are what he is and what he isn't - Journal Inquirer

As the Washington Football Team continues to trip its way through one of the leagues most confusing quarterback situations of the season, the person who gets asked about it more often than anyone is sitting in Jacksonville.

OK, thats a slight exaggeration. Washington coach Ron Rivera gets asked about his quarterback room more than anyone. But Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Jay Gruden isnt far behind.

He has one of two ways to go,'' said Gruden, the former WFT head coach when Haskins was selected (though not by Gruden or any of Washington's other football people). "He can either learn from this and rebound and take advantage of the next opportunity and work his tail off or not. ... The next opportunity he gets, Im sure hell be ready to go.

In Washington, the view might be that Gruden's comments are nothing but political correctness.On Monday, Washington released 2019 first-rounder Haskins, a player chosen by WFT owner Dan Snyder against the wishes of then-head coach Gruden.

READ MORE:Vomit & 3 Better Choices: Inside The Washington Football Team Drafting Of Haskins

Hes a good quarterback,'' Gruden said. "Hes a first-round draft pick and unfortunately it hasnt worked out the way anybody really thought, including myself. I never thought hed be released this early in his career.

Certainly not. But his inconsistency and apparent disregard for protocols as a leader that ultimately made the decision for Rivera.

Haskins wentunclaimed via waiversand now becomes a free agent. Gruden agrees with our view (see below) that the young QB will get a second chance.

READ MORE:The 3 Reasons Washington Football Team Ex Haskins Will Get A Second Chance

Yeah,'' Gruden said. "Big quarterbacks that can rip it are hard to find. I think theres a lot of things he needs to work on obviously as all young quarterbacks do if he continues to work in the offseason and work on his mental and physical approach to the game diligently like pro quarterbacks are supposed to do, then sure, he can do it.

That is obviously an insinuation from Gruden that Dwayne Haskins failed to do that during Gruden's time in Washington ... and during Rivera's time as well.

Read more from John Shipley on the Jaguars at SI here.

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Gruden Reveals Thoughts On WFT Ex Haskins - Sports Illustrated

Good riddance to the old year, many of us likely are saying. Unless youre older than 60 and can remember 1968 or if youre one of the few surviving World War III veterans, 2020 was the year that set the standard for turmoil, anxiety and fear, a year dominated by life-changing factors: COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and a turbulent, endless election season.

It was the year that masking up, social distancing, and cancel culture became dominant new terms in our dynamic linguistic landscape. While cancel culture typically refers to the online ostracism of a person who ventures too far against political correctness, I like to apply it to the virus that canceled culture this year, from concerts to plays to festivals and sporting events.

I am writing this on Thanksgiving Day, the quietest T-day for me since my Army days half a century ago. Just Jeanne and I munching turkey and dressing, nobody else, out of COVID caution. But the quiet made it easier to focus on what Im thankful for: enough to eat, a roof over my head, and friends and family, even if I havent seen many of them for nine months. Thankful too, if you havent yet had the COVID, thankful for friends who have survived it. Thankful for all the front-line workers in health care and assisted living, in grocery stores, in mail trucks and delivery trucks and garbage trucks, in convenience stores and day care centers. Thankful that we can apparently still do a peaceful transition of power in this country.

Death dont have no mercy in this land

So sang the Rev. Gary Davis in 1961, and certainly the virus had no mercy on the families and friends of its numerous victims (not to mention the so-called long-haulers who survive but struggle with lingering after effects). In addition, Greater Mankato lost some real luminaries in 2020. Let me start with Kevin Oldridge. Kevin wasnt a politician or city official or prominent artist. But he was the Neighbor of the Year, as I called him in my July column. Hell be chuckling from wherever he is now, saying, I bet you guys miss me! when the first big snowfall hits. Because he always, without anybody asking, would spend hours clearing out the alley in our neighborhood, then the sidewalks and driveways of at least five or six neighbors. I will miss not only his endless cheeriness, but also the sound of his snowblower firing up at 6 a.m.

Steve Murphy sold insurance by day and played music at night. And did he ever quit smiling? Oh man, that guy could play guitar. And he loved to fix guitars too. I would take my guitars to him for repairs and adjustments, and there would be cheery conversation, and when I returned to pick one up, he would always under charge me. A true music Hall-of-Famer.

Speaking of musicians, Ralph Bailey was a superb guitarist, songwriter, musicologist and gentle historian. The trio, Steiner, Bailey and Knauff was the predecessor of my brothers City Mouse band. Ralph also co-founded the Maple River Band, along with other musical endeavors.

It was impossible to suppress a smile when Dixie Johnson was in the room. Mentor to hundreds of young women during her years as director of Bretts Teen Board and as church youth group leader, she always sparkled.

We lost Jim Buckley at 92. Born on the Fourth of July, he became an All-American citizen in our town: 19 years as YMCA executive director and co-founder of the Mah-kato PowWow, or Wacipi, which endeavored to overcome the sins of 1862.

We lost my friend Ted, a proud veteran who was coy about telling anyone that he, from little old Mankato, was a key member of the small group that planned one of the most controversial military moves ordered by Nixon and Kissinger during the Vietnam War: the mining of Haiphong Harbor in 1972.

Bob Galloway was one of my favorite business people. Shrewd but folksy, he was never above sharing a cup of coffee with an ordinary guy at the Wagon Wheel. How many good jobs did he save for Mankato? And his tenure with Ridley will linger, symbolized in the dramatic altering of the downtown skyline in recent years.

There are too many names of those weve lost to list in this small space; forgive me for my oversights.

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Quick, random question: Do you, too, regret you didnt invest in Zoom llast March? How many Zoom gatherings did you take part in over the holidays?

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Despite the trials of the past year, theres an unusual amount of optimism heading into our coldest month, chiefly because new vaccines mean we might finally subdue the worst effects of COVID and get our economy back to normal. Its a good bet that most of us would welcome a year with less drama. So hail the new, ye lads and lasses, and a Happy 2021 to all!

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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From the valley: Fast away the old year passes - Mankato Free Press

As millions of people have had their Christmas hopes dashed or face the prospect of going without food, homes or vital healthcare, the UK government is busy trying to divert attention from its bungling. It also seeks to channel the anger and scorn it might expect to receive over its mishandling of the pandemic towards foreigners, minorities or overstretched public services. With the prospect of yet more needless suffering and death ahead, we should not let it succeed.

The spread of the coronavirus has posed tough challenges to the authorities across the world. But Boris Johnson and his crew have handled it extraordinarily badly. The new strain of Covid-19 makes matters worse but viruses can be expected to mutate, especially if they spread among large numbers of people. And the choices the cabinet made allowed this to happen.

The lockdown delay and other policy decisions in March, when the prime minister set an appalling example of ignoring scientific advice, resulted in soaring deaths. That pattern of delays and dangerous recklessness, so that the virus spread and eventual restrictions were tighter than they might have been otherwise, would continue. Incredibly, in parts of England recently plunged into tier 4, just days earlier ministers had threatened legal action to force schools to stay open. This would have left some pupils self-isolating over Christmas while others unwittingly infected their grandparents.

In ministers eagerness to stuff money into the pockets of private sector giants, testing and tracing were also botched. Local public health teams who could have handled this far better were pushed to the sidelines, though often worked hard to avoid even more catastrophic consequences.

Against this background of failure likely to get worse as Brexit bites ministers have been busy trying to stir up culture wars. Presumably they hope that those voters who are not part of the ruling class but backed them a year ago will not realise how badly they have been betrayed.

Liz Trusss speech was one recent example, clumsier than that of Kemi Badenoch. Women and equalities minister Truss argued for an approach led by facts not by fashion that takes on board economic inequality, without mentioning that her party had blocked a law tackling this and had widened the gap. The shocking death rate among working class people in general, with even higher levels for those who are black and minority ethnic, disabled or both, reflects the type of country this government has helped to create.

As hospitals fill up and quality of life for most people goes down, any claim that the nations most serious problems include too much political correctness will be rightly dismissed by much of the population. A supposedly divisive approach to tackling racism, homophobia and transphobia is not what led to this crisis.

'Pretty clear' tighter restrictions are needed, says SAGE adviser

Yet scapegoating can take hold amidst chaos, along with rivalry among the oppressed for scarce resources and opportunities. Also attempts to further privatise the NHS and other public services and take away democratic rights will continue.

What can we do to keep tackling discrimination of all kinds while not letting this government off the hook?

I believe we should keep drawing attention to its lethal bungling during the pandemic and the human cost and the hollowness of its claims to champion anyone other than itself and a few cronies.

We should also resist attempts to divide and rule, for instance challenging prejudice in ways that recognise that nobody is perfect and allow for forgiveness. Mutual care among those of us who are minority ethnic, LGBT+ and/or disabled is vital but we need to reach out to achieve sustained change.

Space should be created for listening, sharing stories and explaining, in human terms, concepts which may be unfamiliar or confusing. Amidst such (largely avoidable) suffering and loss, compassion alongside clear thinking and commitment to justice is not a source of weakness but rather a great strength.

Originally posted here:

The public shouldnt take the fall for the governments bungling - The Independent

Killeen-area residents are starting the year with a piece of big news: Fort Hoods name will be changing in the near future.

Thanks to Fridays Senate override of President Donald Trumps veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, the clock is ticking on removing the names of Confederate leaders from U.S. military installations. That includes Fort Hood, which was named for Confederate General John Bell Hood.

Both houses of Congress agreed to put the name-change language in the NDAA last summer, and President Trump vetoed the bill, partly because of his objection to the mandate. But now that Congress has overridden the presidents Dec. 23 veto, the move to rename the post is moving forward.

The renaming wont happen overnight, of course. The language calls for the secretary of Defense to make the change within the next three years.

Before that takes place, a series of events will have to play out.

The NDAA establishes an eight-member commission to work on the issue, setting up procedures for removing the names and proposing a process for renaming the bases.

Within 60 days of the bills passage, the commission must hold its first meeting, with its initial briefing mandated by October.

It is likely to be a drawn-out process, but then again, it should be.

Our local military post has carried the name of Hood since it was first established here as Camp Hood in 1942 nearly 80 years ago.

In the intervening years, thousands of our service members have called it home returning to our community after seeing combat in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.

Others have deployed from Fort Hood but have not returned from the field of battle, making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Fort Hood mourns and honors their loss, as do all of us in this community.

Fort Hood and the local region forged a strong bond over the past eight decades, and many Army commanders have commented on the tremendous level of support they experienced while serving here, at what is often called The Great Place.

Changing the posts name wont change that dynamic, nor should it.

Nor should renaming Fort Hood erase the decades of honorable service rendered by the brave men and women who have marched under its guidons.

Certainly, there are legitimate reasons for removing the names of military leaders whose cause was associated with racism and slavery.

But in erasing those names, we must be careful not to diminish the historical significance of these military installations or the contributions of those who served under their flags.

Several former Fort Hood commanders have expressed an openness to renaming the post, with the name of the late Gen. Richard Cavazos suggested as a possibility for the installations new identity.

Certainly, Cavazos, a III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general from 1980 to 1982, had a distinguished career and was well respected in the ranks.

His bravery during Korea and Vietnam earned Cavazos two Distinguished Service Crosses, a Silver Star Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, five Bronze Star Medals for Valor, a Purple Heart Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge and a Parachutist Badge.

Cavazos, who died in 2017, was also the Armys first Hispanic four-star general so naming the post in his honor would be acknowledgement of the military branchs diversity.

Of course, renaming Fort Hood has its drawbacks as well.

Thousands of service members have served at Fort Hood, and for many, it represents a significant part of their military careers.

In addition, dozens of businesses have included Fort Hood in their names, including Fort Hood National Bank, Fort Hood Harley Davidson and Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

Theres also the issue of renaming Fort Hood Street in western Killeen, a major thoroughfare that runs from the eastern entrance to the post to Killeens southern city limit.

Another major name change would be required for Killeen Fort Hood Regional Airport.

Needless to say, it will take some time to get accustomed to the posts new identity and all the corresponding changes that will take place in our community.

But the impending rebranding which may come sooner than three years if President-elect Joe Biden decides to move up the timeline should not be viewed merely as history and tradition giving way to political correctness.

To do so would diminish both the pain caused by perpetuating the Confederate legacy and the distinction with which our posts soldiers have served over the past 81 years.

Instead, the name change should be received with the same open-mindedness that Fort Hoods leadership showed when presented with the recent independent review of the post in the wake of Spc. Vanessa Guillens disappearance and death last spring.

The three-month review, commissioned by Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, provided nine findings and 70 recommendations on improving Fort Hoods command climate and its impact on soldiers safety and welfare.

In committing to move forward with implementation of those recommendations, Fort Hoods commanders began the important process of better protecting the men and women entrusted to their care.

Certainly, change can be difficult especially when it is dictated from the outside.

However, the committee charged with renaming our military installations has the opportunity to rebrand our Central Texas post with a name that both lives up to its proud heritage and better reflects the values of our community.

In doing so, they can take a symbolic step toward making The Great Place an even better one.

Continued here:

OPINION: Changing name of Fort Hood cannot erase its proud history - The Killeen Daily Herald

During the City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, December 8, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., Mr. Bo Asmar, property owner of unkempt, uncleaned property located in the vicinity of 8th, 9th Ave., disputed with the councilperson of Ward 2 and all city council members that this particular area was not unkempt or unsightly and/or hazardous; and furthermore told the City that he was not going to clean it and the City should ignore complaints!!!

REALLY??? IGNORE COMPLAINTS, CODES AND ORDINANCES???

This attitude is very wrong and the property owner should be in compliance with city codes and ordinances. As long as Mr. Asmar lives in the city limits of Laurel and owns many properties for residential housing, etc., he should comply with all the codes, even if its about zoning, unkempt/unsightly property, building permits, sign regulations, yearly assessments for tax evaluation. He should not be treated differently from anyone else living in the Laurel City Limits.

And, furthermore ... other citizens that are renovating, repairing property in the City of Laurel, especially property in the designated Historic District boundaries should comply with city codes and ordinances. There are certain regulations for our designated Historic District to issue a certificate of appropriateness if the exterior property features are being removed, changed or added. Chapter 10.1, Historic Preservation Ordinance of the code manual, completely defines and regulates all changes and renovations to the inventory of structures in the Historic District. WHY THEN do these folks think that they can dismiss the codes and not turn an application in for review and consideration to obtain a certificate of appropriateness???? Their property, their repairs are no different than the next property owner in the Historic District and/or the Tri-Park Overlay District.

Several calls and complaints have been turned in for several properties in the Historic District since the first of the year, 2020, and no one will require this process to be reviewed not the Inspection Department, the mayors office, or the city council members. WHY?????

In other words city services for government action are not being addressed!!! AND, if the Laurel City Code of Ordinance manual is not being fully used, then just throw the chapters, the manual away!!! The codes, the chapters have no meaning and are not being used on daily activities and complaints.

WHAT A GOVERNMENTAL MESS EVEN HERE IN LAUREL AT THE GRASSROOTS OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. No wonder our top government agencies in our county, our state and federal government are prone to irregularities and mishandling the management of codes, ordinances.

BTW ... ONE MORE THING!!!!

New Years Eve and New Years Day are this week ... Thursday, December 31, and Friday, January 1, 2021. Dont forget that fireworks are illegal in the city limits!!! We dont need another round of loud noises like a war zone, destruction of buildings, frighten pets and debris like July 4, 2020, with the destruction of the historic Wisner Building.

If you must spend your money on frivolous fireworks and make alot of noise, go somewhere in the county!!! Fireworks are illegal in the Laurel City limits in accordance with Chapter 27 of the Laurel Code of Ordinance Manual!!

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Responding to fireworks in meeting, neighborhoods | Letters to the Editor - leader-call.com

As we look forward to the new year, may we look back for a moment and thank the many good people who we have encountered over the past year who have inspired us with their faith, hope, courage, generosity, compassion, hard work, small daily kindnesses and simple common courtesy. To you we say: May your light continue to shine, and may abundant blessings come your way.

Happy New Year!

Michael Traynor, Burlingame

Good riddance, 45

It is now 2021. Trump, never again.

Jerry Blair, Walnut Creek

Reflections on 2020

For my New Years reassessment of a 2020 political enigma, President Trumps cult followers seem more like an angry, ignored, marginalized culture, poking elites in the eye, than Jonestown disciples who drank the Kool-Aid. For 2021, whats sorely needed is a wider expansion and definition of self-worth, success and what constitutes pathways to the American dream. At one time or another, all of us have been populist troublemakers, steadfastly obstinate with our own righteous beliefs and indignation of disempowerment.

Fortunately, American democracy affords multidirectional policy. We can walk and chew gum, and print money, at the same time.

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Howard Wong, San Francisco

Why they stay away

Regarding SFO quiet unlike much of the nation (Business Report, Dec. 30): The decrease in passenger traffic might be (1) Bay Area virus cases or (2) Bay Area resident adherence to public health recommendations, as you suggest. But I think both explanations are likely wrong.

The prevalence of the virus in the Bay Area is well under the national average of about 55 cases per 100,000 per day, so the Bay Area is safer than most other places in the United States. And theres no evidence that Bay Area citizens are more law-abiding than anywhere else. The more logical explanation is that fewer people from outside the Bay Area are coming to visit because restrictions in the Bay Area are so stringent.

Shanin Specter, San Francisco

Save the Cliff House

Regarding the Cliff House: I dont understand. Doesnt the Cliff House have historic building status? If it doesnt, it should. Perhaps this will keep its name and restaurant status in the city and county of San Francisco, rather than the Park Service.

Marty Miner, San Francisco

History in perspective

Regarding No one is perfect (Letters, Dec. 30): What a well-crafted and well-thought-out response to the politically correct wing of our society. The idea that, in order to be even remembered in our society a person must be Mother Teresa, is wrong. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it has been mentioned, had a few affairs. Bill Clinton has had some as well. These two individuals are well-respected by the left and yet I dont see anyone from the left condemning them. The letter writer was right on target with her remarks regarding Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson. This country would look a hell of a lot different if these men never existed. If we allow for political correctness to take over our country, then we all better get used to the words of Mother Teresa because its going to be the only name that can be slapped onto any school or public building.

And, by the way, I am a very liberal, MAGA-hating Democrat always have been and always will be but I dont want all these aforementioned individuals to be forgotten over something that today, in hindsight, society now condemns. We should learn and understand that our leaders were flawed, but they also shaped our country.

Roger Lema, Hayward

Follow Fauci? No way

For almost a year now, Dr. Anthony Fauci has been telling us how to protect ourselves and stop the spread of the dreaded coronavirus by: wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands, not touching your face, sneezing and coughing into your elbow and not shaking hands. And close schools and restaurants, dont travel, cancel Thanksgiving and Christmas with your family, isolate, etc.

So, if Faucis recommendations hold any credence, why did he need to jump to the front of the line to get the vaccine? Is he more essential than the rest of us?

Fact is, after telling the rest of us to jump through hoops, this virus in at an all-time high. Fauci and the rest of the hypocritical politicians should all butt out and let We the People take the precautions we deem necessary.

John Mullany, Monterey

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Letters to the Editor: Celebrate the arrival of a fresh start in 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle

Several people, including a prominent faith leader, are calling for the resignation of the citys recently-elected alderman.

At the latest meeting of the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mt. Zion Baptist Church Pastor Elmore Torbert Jr. firmly called for either the resignation or removal of the freshman alderman after recent social media posts caused controversy.

Torbert delivered a prepared statement, which he also sent to City Administrator Jennifer Moody to be added to the official record of the meeting, calling Amachers social media actions a blight on Tullahoma.

Torbert said he has been leading his church for more than 13 years and has experienced the best of Tullahoma, such as his churchs partnership with a local couple to provide free hams and turkeys to families in need prior to Christmas.

However, he said, Tullahoma has a blight that boards on windows cant contain.

The blight is to have a person sitting on our board of aldermen for this fine city engrossed in racist rhetoric and humiliating racist actions, Torbert said. I dont know about you but I believe Tullahoma does not have time for a city representative or alderperson to be a social media star or comedienne. In fact, thats the last thing that we need in this critical stage of life.

Torbert then called for Amacher to resign or be removed from the city board.

So it is of no consequence and with no negotiation that we demand, request and require that Ms. Jenna Amacher resign and/or be removed from the board of city aldermen, because, clearly, when they were giving American history lessons, she showed up for the years 1861 through 1865 but skipped the classes when they instructor covered 1620 through 1908, which was the last recorded government-sanctioned slave auction or action on indigenous African people.

Clearly, she missed the second semester of Jim Crow laws and the plight of systemic racism and the word the N word that were used to control a population. Clearly, she missed the pains of being a Black woman, so she can readily identify as one and think it is cute. No, it is not cute; its blatant racism, and it should not and will not be tolerated for someone who has been elected to represent all people.

Torbert referenced other social media posts from Amacher that have circulated around social media, including a video of her allegedly using a racial epithet against Black people, a Facebook comment where she also used the epithet and another Facebook comment where she stated she identified as being a Black woman.

We dont think its social and culturally acceptable to decry falsely a narrative, lynching some people with her actions, words and philosophical musings, he said. To see her use the N word with no reflex of remorse or an oops, and being a person with a jurisprudence background, it should have alerted her that her conversations would be captured and supervised. Yet, however, her reckless, cavalier attitude proves that she is not fit to represent all Tullahomans.

Torbert then called for Amacher to acknowledge her error by stepping down and resigning within the next 30 days or citizens would be ready to step in and take matters into their own hands by putting pressure and moving forward to seeing a resignation or a resolve of this matter.

We are mobilized and ready to see that she is no longer representing the beauty and the best of Tullahoma by spreading what is historically the worst of America. And, oh yes, I approve this message, he said in closing.

Another citizen, Marie Desilets, also called for Amacher to resign during the meeting, calling her online conduct unethical, unprofessional and uncivil.

She asked whether or not there had ever been this much of a stink for a Tullahoma aldermen. Desilets also said the community was embarrassed by Amachers online presence.

Tullahomas embarrassed by her unethical behavior, she said. Not only has she been biased to anyone besides her fellow Republicans, but [she] has also blocked more than half of her fellow constituents from her social media, which is, by law, illegal. Shes not supposed to censor the public.

Jenna blatantly spews racist and unethical comments, such as, Liberalism is a mental disorder, daily on her social media. Mental illness is not a term that should be used to create parallels of fuel for your arguments. Its a serious topic, and statements like those only worsen the stigma that surrounds it.

Desilets said it concerns her to have a representative who shows such lack of empathy towards mental health, people of color and individuals who practice different religions and/or political practices than herself.

It concerns me that someone who holds such a high political position in my community constantly posts unprofessional, uncivil posts on her social media, she added. She does not represent me or the greater good of Tullahoma, and I am asking that she either resign or be removed from her position.

In addition to these comments made during the meeting, a Facebook event scheduled for Dec. 22 and a Facebook group both revolved around Amachers removal from office.

According to Desilets, she created the Facebook event about a month ago in the hopes that she wasnt the only citizen who felt embarrassed at Amachers social media actions.

I knew that if I felt this way there had to be more people as well, so I started reaching out, she said.

Since she created the event, Desilets said she has received hundreds of comments from friends, family members and strangers expressing similar embarrassment at Amacher.

It just goes to show that there is a problem here, she said. There are thousands of people right now in Tullahoma that feel the same way that I do. Jenna needs to be removed as Alderman because she does not take her job seriously. Shes not qualified and incompetent. Shes using this as a spotlight just to feed her own ego.

Desilets added she feels Amacher should have thought about being judged as a political figure before running for her seat.

She doesnt feel as though her constituents should have their own opinions and should not be judging her for her political correctness, hence the reason why she blocks everybody from her Facebook, which is a censorship that is not supposed to be used by government officials on their social media.

Desilets clarified that she was not calling Amacher racist, as she does not personally know the alderman.

I am not attacking her because her values and beliefs are different from mine, she said. Its okay to have different political views than others, and it is okay to agree to disagree. We are all different. Im sure my culture, values, morals and beliefs are probably different from yours, and that is okay.

If Amacher will not step down, as she has repeatedly said she will not, Desilets, Torbert and more are preparing to look into the power of recall to have her removed from office.

According to the Tullahoma city charter, the people of the city may recall any elected local official and may exercise this power by filing a petition for recall.

Per state law, at least one registered voter in the city or county where the recall is sought is required to file the proper form of petition and the text of the question posed in the petition with the county election commission. The election commission then has 30 days to certify that petition. During this time, the petitioner(s) have 15 days to correct any errors in documentation. The election commission then has five days from receipt of revisions to determine whether or not the revised documentation will be certified.

If the petition is certified by the county election commission and the candidate whose removal is sought resigns within 10 days after the certification and notice to the city board, no recall election will be held.

According to state law, at least one specific reason for removal must be listed on the petition. The Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 6-53-108 states any petition required to be filed under a municipal charter in order to cause a recall election shall contain one or more specific grounds for removal.

State law also dictates that at least 15% of the registered voters in the municipality or county sign the petition for recall. As of Dec. 23, there were 11,839 registered voters in the city of Tullahoma. In order to reach the 15% threshold of the Tullahoma electorate, at least 1,776 Tullahomans would need to sign the petition.

A recall petition would need to be filed with the election commission with at least the 15% of registered voters signatures within 75 days from its original certification, per state law. The election commission would then have another 30 days to determine if the petition meets all state requirements for recall petitions.

Those requirements include:

The petition must be filed at least 60 days prior to a general municipal or county election, per state law.

According to the city charter, should a recall election happen for the removal of an elected official, the question must read: Shall [name of elected official] be removed from office?

The two options for that question, then are listed as either Fore the recall of [name of elected official] or Against the recall of [name of elected official].

Should the majority of the votes cast in the recall election be against the removal of the official, that person shall continue in office. If the majority of votes cast are for the removal of the elected official, the city board is required to announce that seat as vacant at its next regularly scheduled board meeting and fill the vacancy in accordance with the charter provisions.

An elected official thus removed is not eligible to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term, the charter states.

There are limits on recall elections, however, According to the city charter, recall petitions cannot be filed within six months of an elected official taking office. Additionally, no elected official can be subject to more than one recall election during a term of office.

As it relates to Amacher, she is covered by the six-month restriction, as she only took office in August. Those looking to remove her from office via recall will have to wait until at least Feb. 6, which will be six months from when Amacher took office.

Per the city charter, should the recall effort fail, Amacher would not be subject to another recall effort during her first term, which will expire in August of 2023.

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Citizens call for recall following Amacher antics | Local News - Tullahoma News and Guardian