Monthly Archives: August 2022

What Ive learned in the last two and half years is that two things can be true at the same time. There is an outright war against Black women that challenges Americas opinion of itself, and were also living in a time to redefine what American society can and should look like.

Black feminists are making tremendous offerings in the culture right now. Scholars and writers like Patricia Hill Collins, Joan Morgan, and the late bell hooks have long understood that oppression and injustice are perpetuated through cultural practices and law. At its core, Black feminism is an ideology of liberation rooted in Black womens experiences. Black feminist theory is now a central part of how we all make sense of the world.

Among the fruitful work available on Black feminism, these five books stand out for me. They also share two common themes: a celebration of marginalized Black women and the rejection of respectability politics.

Abolition. Feminism. Now.

Angela Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners, and Beth E. Richie

If youve ever had the privilege of hearing Angela Davis speak, then youll want to devour this book. Its like hearing her drop gems. It takes a deep dive into abolition and how it continually shapes how this country moves politically. Also, how abolition is our best defense against endemic forms of state and interpersonal gender and sexual violence. Its an important genealogy of abolition feminist movements, including Rosa Parks anti-rape work that incorporated an analysis of state violence.

Her work pointed out similarities in reformist efforts to build new jails that showed up in the 1930s with the opening of the New York Womens House of Detention. It uses the same language used in 2019 with the plan to build new borough-based jails. The authors remind us that our abolition feminism must be anti-capitalist. It must continue to document many campaigns, collectives, tools, and resources that have sought to do just that. Its an incredible archive that reminds us that we are always building on the work that came before us.

The Sisters are Alright

Tamara Winfrey Harris

The Sisters are Alright exposes Americas historical and ongoing contempt for the sisters. She directly identifies stereotype after stereotype, from whitewashed beauty standards to the angry-Black-woman clichs, and calls for the humanity of Black women. The book is tough reading because Harris has collected all the headlines, criticisms, and biased studies that have been hurled at Black women over the years. It makes you wonder how any of us survive.

Yet, I believe that is the point of this book. In general, Black women are doubly burdened with racial and gender discrimination. When we show up in the world, we are often seen through a veil of negative stereotypes. This limits our opportunities in education and employment, threatens our health, and makes it difficult to even receive help.

Harris describes the deadly consequences Black women face. This includes examples like the Detroit homeowner who shot Renisha McBride in the face when she knocked on his door to get help after a car accident. I wouldnt say that this is an uplifting book. Its Harris rejection of all the notions and labels that society places on Black women. Truth can sometimes be a hard pill to swallow, but it must go down.

Carefree Black Girls

Zeba Blay

In 2013, Zeba Blay was one of the first people to coin the viral term #carefreeblackgirls on Twitter. It was, as she says, a way to carve out a space of celebration and freedom for Black women online. This is a collection of essays on the carefree Black girls we identify within society and pop culture. So, artists like Lizzo, Cardi B., Beyonce, and Nicki Minaj make appearances. I found this to be a beautiful collection of essays that explores the images and depictions of Black women and girls throughout our culture.

This book tackles subjects like racism, colorism, fatphobia, mental health, sexuality, and what it truly means to be a carefree black girl, or if this is even possible. Blay also includes her personal thoughts and experiences and how they relate to these subjects. This book is not groundbreaking; these subjects have been explored before. The difference is that it is one of the more honest works on these subjects.

I saw a lot of my own experiences reflected in Blays. Im sure that I wont be the only one. This was moving and timely. I loved it from the beginning to the end.Blay writes with so much insight and introspection that I could not help but nod in agreement as she spoke about feelings Ive had about my own body and life.

Misogynoir Transformed: Black Womens Digital Resistance

Moya Bailey

Bailey first coined the term misogynoir in 2010. She defines it as the ways anti-Black and misogynistic representation shape broad ideas about Black women, particularly in culture and digital spaces. The book is very research-heavy and definitely takes on an academic approach. There is a lot to digest. But Baileys work surrounding racial and gender justice for Black women makes this book a must-read.

It allows readers to learn about Black women, non-binary, and agender peoples digital activism by creating an archive of whats been done so far, what could improve, and what is yet to be done overall. She also discusses how police Black men to even Black masculine-of-center women perform actions that can damage the view of Black women. Its a heavy read, but its enlightening. Its an important piece of work that deserves to be read.

Black Feminist Thought

Patricia Hill Collins

Collins uses her personal and intellectual experiences to confront how Black womens thoughts are misrepresented or excluded within mainstream epistemology. In the book, Collins states that: Black womens experiences have never fit the logic of work in the public sphere juxtaposed to family obligations in the private sphere.

The assumption that all women experience public and private life in the same way is challenged by Collins. She provides a clear picture of how race and class affect personal and public experiences. She speaks on the importance, as a form of resistance, for marginalized groups of women to have space to be heard and to reclaim and define their own knowledge about themselves.

An example of this is the Beyonc visual album Lemonade. The song Sorry can be interpreted as an unapologetically Black refusal of the traditional male domination, and Formation can be a metaphor used to call women to come together. There are common experiences that groups of women share, and they must have a platform on which to understand and interpret themselves.

This reading list will certainly help educate on the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, and introduce foundational concepts that sparked larger movements. These books have richness, beauty, as well as knowledge for Black women.

See the rest here:

5 Books That Should Be On Your Black Feminist Reading List - Black Girl Nerds

Lelavisions Leah Mann has coordinated a panel discussion with the Atlanta-based collective, Dream Keepers, on restorative justice a free event at the VCA theater at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10.

By Joseph Panzetta For Vashon Center for the Arts August 4, 2022 1:30 am

In April, Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) hosted a residency with artist, abolitionist, and writer, Patrisse Cullors, who shared the stage with Nikitta Oliver for a discussion about being an abolitionist and also installed a neon artwork in the VCA Breezeway.

The fiery red, attention-grabbing installation is meant to encourage viewers to reflect on what this word means both individually and collectively. The ellipsis is a call to action, reminding viewers that Abolition is an invitation for joy, transformation, and possibility.

The exploration of what Abolition is is now continuing at VCA.

Lelavisions Leah Mann has coordinated a panel discussion with the Atlanta-based collective, Dream Keepers, on restorative justice a free event at the VCA theater at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10.

VCA has also put out a call for participation in Cullors public art installation in the VCA breezeway, inviting all who visit the arts center to contribute their experiences and perspectives and to add to the installation in person and online.

Islanders are invited to add their voices, by finishing the sentence Abolition is in short or long form.

Contributions will be accepted throughout the summer, with the hope that all contributions will reflect a variety of experiences and perspectives. The arts center will post all contributions except for those deemed to be potentially insensitive or hurtful.

Islanders have two ways to participate:

Write a one-sentence, creative response to Abolition is on the panels below the neon installation in the VCA Breezeway on two occasions: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 the night of the VCAs Maijah Sanson Frey concert; or from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 10 the night of the Dream Keepers panel.

Or, write short or long-form creative responses and submit them via vashoncenterforthearts.org. Titles or quotes from longer format pieces will be added to the art installation panels, with a QR code link to the full piece, which will be hosted on VCAs website.

The Dream Keepers Panel

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, islanders will have the opportunity to meet three members of The Dream Keepers, an Atlanta-based group of Black women scientists, recovery specialists and therapists who are reframing wellness for all with an infusion of somatics and the creative arts.

Inspired by the efforts of the African American Health Board of Seattle and sponsored by the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse College, this group was formed in 2021 to work with the neuroscience of hope, creating restorative justice through health and wellness initiatives in communities most impacted by systemic oppressions.

Joining the Dream Keepers for their tour of the area will be Vashon child mental health and education specialist, Betty Peralta, of Alta (Alternative Learning and Therapeutic Avenues).

The Dream Keepers appearing on Vashon are Dr. Sinead Younge, health scientist and director of Social Justice Inquiry and Praxis at the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership; Dr. Charne Furcron, program director for Moving in the Spirit and MDC Board Chair for the American Dance Therapy Association; and Alexia Jones, founder and director of the creative recovery program, R2ise.

The Dream Keepers panel is a free event. Masks are required while not consuming concessions. For more information, visit vashoncenterforthearts.org.

View post:

Abolition Is a continued exploration at arts center | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Better known as speaking truth to power, Parrhesia is an old Greek concept that I think really gets at the heart of what the 1st Amendment is about. A great James Baldwinism is that [n]ot everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced and, the bravery it takes to speak truth to power is often thought of, often rightly so, as the pivotal part of standing up to abuses of power, tyranny, terrorism, etc. But the power in yelling that the Emperor is naked in a public square lies in an assumption that everyone is pretending to not see what is in front of them. Under this model of parrhesia, criticism is powerful because it exposes an issue that must necessarily remain hidden for things to go about normally. Which is to say, parrhesia loses a great deal of its power when the Emperor flaunts their nudity.

ACPACpanelfeaturinga Houston-area state school board candidate proudly displayed a banner proclaiming We Are All Domestic Terrorists during a Saturday session in the main event hall.

[Julie] Pickren claimed the line was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, according toTexas Monthly. Nobody in this room is a domestic terrorist, she assured the attendees in the Hilton Anatoles Trinity Ballroom. Political experts say that despite Pickrens assurances, the slogan represents a departure from conservatives past attempts to reappropriate labels given to them by groups they perceive as their political opponents.

Parrhesia doesnt work if the response to the truth telling is Yes. So what?

Cal Jillson, professor of political science at Southern Methodist University, said the slogan is likely another attempt to repurpose liberals derogatory labels for right-wingers as badges of honor for conservatives. Past examples include conservatives mocking embrace of deplorables, Hillary Clintons characterization of Donald Trump supporters. See also: Senator Ted Cruzs recent adoption of the phrase dangerous radicals, which the junior senatorcooptedwith pride during a Friday CPAC session.

According to Jillson, however, We Are All Domestic Terrorists is new territory for conservative repurposing. We cannot afford to take it as a joke anymore, she said. To label yourself domestic terrorists is over the line.

Id like to elaborate on what the line here, is. But first, a detour. The Overton Window is a fun concept to share at parties after a few drinks. It is pretty popular too. I think most people are familiar with it. The general idea is that when it comes to policy, some things you can say and advocate for that people will take as givens and other things will lead to deadpan looks at a camera that isnt there and accusations of tin hat wearing. And while it is that, it is more than that. The Overton Window is a powerful heuristic for thinking about the reasonability and feasibility of public policy advocacy and implementation, but something about thinking of it as a window throws me off. Take a house for example. The fancy ones have multiple windows and floors. It can be easy to think of the windows as being separate from each other generally it makes sense to think of them as such. And of course, to stretch this already tired metaphor, some windows have darker outlooks than others: widows looking out at brick walls, light blocking shades, etc.

My point is that it is easy to look at different parties and their respective Overton Windows. Democrats may be ready to talk about police reform but not police abolition, Republicans openly identifying as domestic terrorists but not actually being domestic terrorists. En masse at least Dylan Roof was definitely a domestic terrorist, and I hear tell he was much closer to the Donald Camp than the Biden one. But when you factor in that Democrats and Republicans are, at least in theory, bargaining for votes from the same pool, namely Americans, it may make more sense to think of the Overton Window and the line overstepped as a horizon, and a shared one at that. This isnt a matter of a Democratic window or a Republican one, this is one of those fancy windows connected at the hinges that reflect and occlude each other. And that distinction matters. The infographic here is super helpful for seeing the point. While dangerous, statements like We are domestic Terrorists from the right are more than just their declarations. It sets the parameters for how advocates foruhh, the people who dont want to be associated with terrorists, have to respond. A long standing rallying point from Democrats has been Vote Blue No Matter Who, but that response to political issues is a lot less effective when 1) there is widespread doubt in the veracity of voting mechanisms and 2) next terms Supreme Court is likely to give the thumbs up to gerrymandering that will cut voting as praxis at the knee. A foreseeable Democratic response to Were just terrorists now would be a call for law and order, which is what used to be the good old Republican standby. The window cedes rightward.

Speaking truth is cute, but it stops being effective when being a terrorist becomes a point of pride. The power of calling cops lawbreaking murders is deflated when they claim The Punisher as their representative. What do you achieve by pointing out that the Christian Right is trampling over the traditional separation of Church and State when thats a rallying point?

What sting is left in accusing Trump supporters of being Nazi sympathizers when it is openly known that they swing this flag at his rallies?

Whose opinion is changed by saying Hey, Trump is a literal Nazi when it is open knowledge that he wanted his generals to defer to him like he thought Adolf Hitlers generals deferred to him?

You fucking generals, why cant you be like the German generals?

Which generals? Kelly asked.

The German generals in World War II, Trump responded.

You could take the time to meticulously point out that these are literal Nazis (or Nazi sympathizers, Id like to be fair) on American soil who were either in power, currently are, or are striving to be, no one would deny the facts, and youd likely be met with something like this.

You know who the real Nazis are? The woke mob trying to stuff vegan breakfast sausages down our throats at the Cracker Barrel

No seriously. People are pissed off about that.

The traditional American defense to what were seeing is to keep talking. The answer to hate speech is more speech, and the like. But counter speech, parrhesia included, has its limits. January 6th was a failed coup, yes, but with rapidly lowering distrust in basic government, and a normalization of terroristic advocacy, something has to give. I do not know what the answer is, an overhaul of our 1st Amendment jurisprudence, an Establishment Clause stronger than a used Kleenex, some combination and additions surely. But as the horizon of the enumerable political stances that can be held in public is trending toward violence and radicalism, a long held bulwark of counter speech, parrhesia, has crumbled. In a landscape like this, what power is left in free speech? With new slogans like We Are All Domestic Terrorists, will the old ones like Vote Blue No Matter Who hold up anymore? Domestic Terrorism is the threat were facing if the insurrections and politically motivated mass shootings and disarray of the rule of law havent been enough, heres your sign. What now?

Inside the War Between Trump and His Generals [The New Yorker]

CPAC Dallas panel proclaims We are all domestic terrorists [Chron]

Chris Williams became a social media manager and assistant editor for Above the Law in June 2021. Prior to joining the staff, he moonlighted as a minor Memelord in the Facebook groupLaw School Memes for Edgy T14s. He endured Missouri long enough to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He is a former boatbuilder who cannot swim,a published author on critical race theory, philosophy, and humor, and has a love for cycling that occasionally annoys his peers. You can reach him by email atcwilliams@abovethelaw.comand by tweet at@WritesForRent.

Read the original:

The Conservative Political Action Conference Encouraged Domestic Terrorism In Broad Daylight. Are We Prepared For Speech Like That? - Above the Law

The views and opinions expressed in our letters section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hudson Valley One. You can submit a letter to the editorhere.

Closet misogyny

Once again, I must bring up the irrational behavior of those who smile when they see women suffer. Misogyny, the dislike of, contempt for or ingrained prejudice against women, is the official definition. We already know that many men want to dominate women in various ways. We all know how women have suffered over the years from brutal attacks by men. An unbelievably large number of women walk through life with ugly memories of heinous crimes, perpetrated on them by angry men. Yes, we unfortunately know this.

But what many of us may not be aware of is the deep hatred, conscious or unconscious, that thousands of women have for other women. Closet misogyny is the term that comes to mind when some women smile quietly when other women are suffering. What do you think about that?

In 2016, 52 percent of all white women in America voted for Trump, in spite of him being accused of multiple rapes and sexual indiscretions directed toward women. Was it Trumps charisma and his appeal as a father figure? Maybe. Maybe not. Or maybe it was because many white women may have had an inexplicable, deep-seated hatred for Hillary Clinton. How many times did I hear women telling me that Hilary was too much of something or not enough of something else? Many women were extremely critical of her, and maybe it was simply that she was a woman. How many white women did not vote at all because they believed negative stories about the first female presidential candidate? Well never know that answer.

But we do know that 90 percent of Black women did vote for Hillary. Why were they able to make that decision? What galvanized their votes for Hillary when white women could not figure out how to vote for her? Could it be that Trumps unapologetic racism may have solidified their vote against such a racist, and subsequently made it a no-brainer to vote for Hillary?

But now we have the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and the Republicans doing everything they can to push through horribly oppressive laws against all women, who simply want to retain the right to choose. How could it be, that in 2022, and in the United States of America, there are new laws being passed threatening pregnant women who were raped to either carry the pregnancy to term, or be considered a criminal if they seek an abortion? Its not enough that they had to deal with being raped? Its not enough that they have to handle the fact that the rapists violence and unwanted pregnancy has cause them more pain and confusion from their ongoing nightmare? But now many women will have to sneak around in dark corners of our society to seek relief from the toxic situation. Something is very rotten in our current society.

So, we now are three months away from a very important election in November. Most Republicans are pushing a platform that will enslave women even more in our society. Women have the voting power to comply with this, or to resist such archaic and irrational platforms. Republican women especially have more power than they think. They can vote Yes to oppressing women more. They can either avoid voting altogether, or they can decide that the Republican Party has made a grievous error. They can choose to vote for more humane platforms, even if it is against the partys position. They clearly have the choice.

Women have come so far since over 100 years ago when they successfully fought and won the right to vote. Today they are holding jobs that years ago they had no chance of getting. Women have successfully advanced into positions of leadership in the business world. I am constantly inspired by the progress women have made, as well as their gifts to our society. I am also saddened by the subtle ways they continue to thwart their own efforts to further empower each other.

Closet misogyny is a phrase, but it doesnt have to be a way of life for millions of women. But first looking in the mirror and honestly accepting what may be true today could possibly free many women from a deep-seated belief that holds them back from their own power. But will they take the time to look into that mirror?

Once we accept our limits, then and only then are we able to go beyond them. Albert Einstein

Marty KleinKingston

Born free

No one is born married.

SparrowPhoenicia

Indian Point shutdown

The NYISO, the organization responsible for managing New York States electrical generation and transmission infrastructure, announced that in 2021, downstate New York, including the Hudson Valley, received 89 percent of its electricity from fossil fuels. Compared to 2019, this was a 20 percent increase in the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

The shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, the activation of two new fossil fuel plants, Cricket Valley and CPV Valley, and the intensified use of existing generators resulted in the increased use of fossil fuels for electricity generation.

Each year, the NYISO publishes Power Trends, a report on the previous years operation of New Yorks electrical grid with a discussion about the opportunities and challenges moving to a 100 percent renewable energy supply.

Kenneth PanzaWoodstock Climate Smart

Our partner Trump

Again? Theyre not even hiding it anymore. Is the again modifying help? Help again just like they did in 2016? Huh, I think I might have seen this episode. Theyre doing reruns. They really miss Trump in the White House, and we all know why. Yeah, Kremlin propagandists are openly fantasizing about a second Trump term wrecking America. Wow, whew, SMH. Russia, if youre listening, Installed by Russians. Removed by Americans. No thanks. We already dealt with that issue.

Russian state TV host Evgeny Popov says its time for the Russian people to call on Americans to change the regime in the US before its term expires and to again help our partner, former president Donald Trump, to become president once more. I think that Popov meant to say puppet, not partner.

Popovs continued praise of Trump on Russian state television demonstrates that he is their guy, just like he is regaled on Fox News. Trump was angry that Fox News had been ignoring him recently, adhering to a new memo and focusing on other potential 2024 candidates. I guess Mister Popov was filling in for regular host Tzucker Carlsonocoff. Whoa, whoa, weird flex when Russians on state TV tell the truth, but okay. Im always struck at how similar the sets of Russian state TV and Fox news look. Anyway, it looks like our Tucker has his marching orders.

The partnership is confirmed! Russia says the quiet part out loud: our partner Trump, komrade = partner Trump other synonyms kompanion, kompatriot, krony and/or kolleague. Isnt that interesting? Now that Russia is involved, that Fox memo wont be followed. Sheessh, I never like the term Axis of Evil, but they are on a spindle of their own making, arent they?

Since nothing happens on Russian state TV without Putins approval, I see this as explicitly calling for, or appearing to be, Putins confession to election interference to me. And now, their Fox affiliates are doing their best or will be wanting to spread all the Russian propaganda. It wont matter to MAGATs. They literally prefer Putin over Biden, according to polls. So, theyll gladly accept Putin taking things over.

I may be wrong, but thinking about this, seems like this is almost necessarily out of desperation; everything has gone against Putin and getting Trump back into the White House from Moscow is his best hope. Hes desperate. Russia needs to create a total internal breakdown inside the United States, and he said that Trump was just the man to make it happen.

Im not surprised by this. But I am a bit concerned. And not Susan Collins concerned. Keep calm and Fuck you, Russia! So, whats it gonna be in America? Time to pick a side.

Republicans will never wash off the stench of Trump. Do GOP voters have any idea what its like to live in Russia? Democrats need to use this. Dems need to blast this! If they dont run the shit out of this in the 2022 midterm and 2024 election ads, then I have lost all faith in this political party. This is being teed up on a goddamned silver platter for candidates up and down the ballots. Do not miss this golden opportunity!

Neil JarmelWest Hurley

Rent control hurts renters, landlords, communities

The Common Council through their actions have made Kingston radioactive to any new housing development in the City, having caused the problem in the first place through suffocating zoning and other regulations, making it impossible to build. Any promised future zoning reforms will now prove futile, since individuals and companies who would step in and build, which would actually solve any housing shortage, will avoid the toxic environment like the plague now being telegraphed by City government.

The Common Council is engaging in extremist government overreach by implementing New York City-style rent control and bankrupting mom-and-pop landlords throughout the City. These actions will be ineffective, since it only covers ten percent of Kingston renters. Rent control is proven to make apartments less available and will lead to accelerating rents on the other 90 percent of City renters. Just look 90 miles south. ETPA is targeted at older buildings and perversely puts strict dollar limits on improvements, so the ten percent will suffer living in dilapidated and deteriorating living conditions, frozen in time.

The only way to solve the housing crisis is to construct additional supply, but last night the Common Council might as well as put a large sign at the Thruway circle: Housing Investment Not Welcome Here.

Rent control will not add a single affordable housing unit in the City, will kill the needed building that is actually the solution and therefore self-perpetuate the situation. It is not a step in the right direction, but sadly, as might be expected out of City Hall, decidedly a step in the wrong direction.

Rich LanzaroneExecutive director, Hudson Valley Property Owners Association

Be responsible for your own safety

Responding to the article Sharing the road, I am sorry that the young lady was injured and is suffering, and I applaud her goal to make the roads safer for bicycle riders. She has lots of courage and strength and purpose. Allow me to approach this issue from a different angle. Bicycle riders often repeat the mantra: We have as much right to roads as automobiles. Okay, since no one driving a car has a legal right to drive, since its considered a privilege granted by the state after passing a test, you have no rights to the road; you are allowed the privilege unless you have more rights than others? Maybe rethink that argument.

Yes, of course we all need to be cognizant of bike riders and their safety. However, I never hear about their own responsibility for safety. Past wearing a helmet and wearing special shorts so they dont get chafed, what are they doing as a group? Pushing for mandatory lights, signals, horns, rearview mirrors and safety courses? Nope, never hear it. Pushing to prohibit use of bikes on roads unsafe for bicycle traffic? Nope, never hear that one. How about license and insurance for your bikes? How about urging recreational riders to ride on trails provided all over the Hudson Valley for this very purpose? Limit group riding on roads to two or three people and in single file? Never hear those either.

The Idaho stop proposal is just plain silly. The premise is we break the law all the time by not stopping for lights and stop signs, so just let us do it legally. Also claiming that it reduces the risk of riders being clipped on corners. Interesting. I wonder, how much does it increase the risk of getting run over by a car the rider didnt see coming before pulling into the intersection? Dangerously foolish idea. How about following the laws as written like everyone else?

The fact that bikes got more tickets than trucks in New York City is not a very good argument for your cause. It is astounding that trucks that travel thousands more miles a day than bikes could in a month in New York City get less tickets than people on bikes! That not inequity; thats an example of the of the careless attitude of many bicyclists.

I spent about 40 years on the road as truck driver, and from Day One all I ever saw was Safety begins with you. On posters in dispatch, on mirrors in rest rooms, on the door to get in the truck, on sun visors at every safety meeting, it was pounded into us; and I believe that it is the only way to be safe as possible, no matter what I am doing: working, riding my motorcycle, driving my car or shaving. I cannot depend on those I share the road with to do the right thing or even see me. By the way, I cant tell you how many times someone in a car or on a bike did not see my 102-inch-wide, 70-foot-long, 13-and-a-half-foot-high truck on beautiful sunny days. So, do really think you are very visible on your bike?

Ride your bikes safely; its up to you. Keep fighting for safer roads, but start being responsible for your own safety.

Chuck PaneNew Paltz

Got you last!

In the past, I have played the game Got you last with Peter Fiorentino, writing responses to him because of his misrepresentations of my views. With this in mind, Peter is once again misrepresenting something I wrote. In his letter Vaginal politics and the Bible, Peter states, George Civiles letterargues that the Bible supports this SCOTUS [abortion] decision and is viewed as a source of higher truth by most people. The only problem with Peters relating of what I argued is that I argued no such thing. Nor did I say (if context means anything) that the Bible is viewed as a source of higher truth by most people.

This is what I actually wrote in my letter more complicated, indeed: Funny thing about caring about what the Bible says: When one is combating slavery or fighting for civil rights and social justice, the Bible is viewed as a source of higher truth by most people. However, if one is speaking against sexual immorality or abortion, the Bible becomes irrelevant to many of these same folks. This quote was a play on something similar Steve Massardo wrote about the Constitution, and the letter itself was a response to Steves More complicated than that. The point of the quote was not that most people view the Bible as a higher source of truth, but rather that many people will value what the Bible says and even honor it as a higher source of truth only when it validates their views. Moreover, since the major purpose of my letter was to answer Yes to the question gleaned from Steves letter Should Americans care what the Bible says since we dont live in a theocracyyet? it is obvious that Mr. Fiorentino mischaracterized my letters purpose.

It should be noted that Mr. Massardo had challenged my assertion that the Biblical narrative reflected in Genesis 9:6, of humans having been made in the image of their Creator was responsible for the view that human life was unique and held to be sacred, even in the womb, by the civilization (Western) it helped to form. Regarding Peters other arguments, I again recommend Susan E. Wills non-Biblical article Ten legal reasons to reject Roe.

Because there is a great chance that any response from Mr. Fiorentino to this letter will misrepresent my words again, I submit the parody below of the Platters classic hit The Great Pretender, titled The Misrepresenter, for Peters consideration.

Note to Stephen Massardo: Steve, your letter Salvation history is irrelevant to this discussion was not well taken, because its claim that the point of your letter was unclear to me it wasnt (see my letter More complicated indeed and references to Stephen above), and your statement The Bible is not and should not be a source of law in the United States is untrue. To wit: It contradicts the following quote and many more I could present: Since the first settlements in British North America, Christianity and the Bible have had a significant influence on American jurisprudence. This reflects Christianitys expansive influence on Western legal traditions in general and the English common law in particular. (Christianity and American Law by Daniel L Dreisbach, published online by Cambridge University Press, 24 June 2019.)

Regarding my engaging in rhetorical gymnastics trying to convince people that the Bible doesnt condone slavery, it is true that slaveowners and slave traders used the Bible to protect their economic interests to condone slavery by taking scripture verses out of context and ignoring the very relevant salvation history needed to properly understand the Book. However, the Bible speaks against slavery in no uncertain terms, placing slave traders in the company of those the New Testament asserts will not inherit the kingdom of God: lawbreakers and rebelsthose who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoralfor slave traders and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine. (I Timothy 1:8-14).

It is interesting that the song Amazing Grace was written by a man, John Newton, who engaged in the slave trade, and after his dramatic conversion to genuine Christianity which involved studying the Scriptures spent the rest of his life fighting against slavery, aiding William Wilberforces 20-year campaign to end slavery in England by inspiring and helping him found the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, more commonly called the Anti-Slavery Society.

There is much more to say on this and other subjects from both of your recent letters, and I will do so in the future. (May I say, God and the editor willing?) In the meantime, readers are encouraged to interchange Stephen and Peter in the parody below. And, Stephen, Id love to read a parody song from you, so go for it!

(Stanza)

Oh, Peters the misrepresenter

He misrepresents what I say

My words it seems come from his dreams

I feel like a pawn in Petes play

(Stanza)

Stephens the misrepresenter

He makes my words seem unsound

His thoughts of me are not mine you see

He must stop his messing around

Lest his Feedback distortions abound

(Bridge)

His words have the feeling of make-believe

His critiques conceal what my real words reveal

(Closing stanza)

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh Peters the misrepresenter

This missive I will not prolong

My words it seems come from his dreams

So Ill say Got you last with this song

In a game that I hope wont last long

(Wont last lo-o-ng)

George CivileGardiner

Separation of church & state & reproductive rights

Pope Francis has recently joined a growing list of world leaders to apologize for the disastrous impacts of past colonization and forced religious or cultural assimilation. The countries, religions, victimized peoples and legacy of impacts vary from case to case; there is a common theme. Forcing the ideals of one religion or culture onto other people with established culture results in a myriad failure, unrest, strife and disenfranchisement. Although there may not be an outside country invading America, it is affronted by an effort from within our own borders to force the religious beliefs of a few on the established cultural norms and constitutional rights of the many.

The First Amendment prohibits Congress from establishing religion or favoring one religion over another. The recent rash of state laws strictly limiting or prohibiting access to safe abortion caters to a minority of religious zealots (would-be oligarchs) and represents internal religious colonialism. Not all religions or people believe that life begins at conception or that every sperm is sacred (cr. Monty Python it still holds up). Not all Americans practice organized religion, and some dont believe in God, which is their constitutional right. Some of the Founding Fathers werent even sticklers for organized religion and rather opted for deism.

In Thomas Jeffersons own words, the First Amendments prohibition on establishing religion was intended to erect a wall of separation between church and state That wall must be kept high and impregnable. Im no lawyer, but legislation to force the will of one religion across the larger population flies in the face of what Ive learned about the First Amendment over the years, not to mention a slap in the faces of the Founding Fathers, whom were all so supposedly fond of.

In his apology to Canadas Indigenous Peoples, the Pope acknowledged that these problems are not all in the past, warning, Yet today too, there are any number of forms of ideological colonization that clash with the reality of life, stifle the natural attachment of peoples to their values and attempt to uproot their traditions, history and religious ties. America finds itself at a precarious crossroads, with one road continuing the American experiment and maintaining the wall separating state and church as the Founding Fathers prescribed, or a second where the foundations of our democracy are corroded by government-sanctioned internal religious colonialism.

We have an obligation to future generations to keep the ideology of religious oligarchs out of our legislation on the local, state and federal level. We should learn from past mistakes and hopefully avoid the need for another apology for forced religious assimilation.

Jennifer ArmstrongKingston

Back to the garden

The Woodstock Village Green is a beautiful garden. We have this beautiful garden because there are volunteers who, for years, have tended it. They are retiring. They are the last of their kind: gracious people moved to service by civic pride. There is no one stepping up to take on their work. An untended garden dies. Will Woodstock allow that to happen before something is done?

I suggest that the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Woodstock form a public/private partnership to fund landscaping on the Village Green. We cannot get ourselves back to the garden if the garden is dead from neglect.

William C. ONeillWoodstock

Winston Farm development & the publics role

The Saugerties Farm, LLC proposal to rezone and develop the 840-acre Winston Farm is one of the largest projects to come before our Town Board. As the proposed development of the property is under review, the public can play an important role.

The Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC), an advisory group to the Town Board, is charged with surveying and monitoring area natural resources and is a participant in the review process. The CAC does not advocate for or against this project. It identifies environmental implications and makes recommendations. We encourage the public to become familiar with the process and the publics role.

The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) defines the process and procedures by which environmental consequences are identified, investigated and assessed. The Saugerties Farm proposal, classified as a Type 1 project, is subject to an extensive review through the process. The Town Board, as Lead Agency, has reviewed and responded to the Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) prepared by Saugerties Farm, LLC, the applicant. The board issued a Positive Declaration, indicating the potential for adverse environmental effects.

Currently, Saugerties Farms, LLC is preparing a draft scoping document that outlines their plans for responding to the potential environmental issues outlined in the Positive Declaration. Once this draft scoping document is released to the public, there is a public comment period. At this time, concerned citizens and agencies can respond through writings and public hearings with additional comments and suggestions to be considered in the final scoping document.

Saugerties Farm, LLC must then complete a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Any issue not included in the scoping document will not be addressed in the DEIS. When the DEIS is completed, it will be subject to further review and input from the public where additional actions may be called for.

Upon completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), involved agencies may review and respond to the document. With guidance from its consultants, then and only then will the Town Board vote on the applicants request for a zoning change.

The CAC believes that an informed public is important to ensure that any present and future development within the Town of Saugerties is environmentally sustainable and in the best interest of the community. The CAC encourages the publics full participation as the potential development of the Winston Farm moves through the SEQR process.

Mike HarkavySkip ArthurSaugerties CAC

Bypass zoning

If you want to rent out your house and property to someone for a large wedding or any other type of large gathering (a violation of the Zoning Law), it appears, based upon a recent occurrence, that you do not have to get permission from the building inspector or the Planning Board or get a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. All you have to do is fill out an application for a mass gathering permit and get Supervisor McKenna to sign off on it.

Howard HarrisWoodstock

A Kansas moment

In the August 23 Special Election for Congress in the 19th Congressional District, womens rights are on the ballot, and we need a Kansas moment to stop Marc Molinaro from winning.

Go here to read the rest:

Special election, abortion rights, rent control and more letters from readers - Hudson Valley One