Letters to the editor
As Thanksgiving approaches, many families find it challenging to fully embrace the holiday spirit due to the pressures of inflation and various economic factors affecting their livelihoods. In a heartfelt reflection, Bob Sweeney from Warwick, RI, encourages everyone to shift their focus during this season of gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the myriad of services and support systems that contribute to our quality of life in the United States. From the unwavering dedication of our military and first responders to the essential roles played by educators, truck drivers, and municipal workers, Sweeney highlights the collective efforts that help ensure our safety and well-being. Despite the current economic hardships, he urges families to concentrate on the positive aspects of their lives and to appreciate the gifts that surround them, reminding us that gratitude can be a powerful antidote to stress and uncertainty.
In another perspective, Susan Donaldson from Northampton critiques the push for increased reliance on fossil fuels in Massachusetts, likening it to the impulsive decision of a child choosing immediate gratification over a more rewarding future. She draws attention to the editorial stance advocating for fossil fuels, arguing that it overlooks the long-term costs associated with climate change and the rising expenses tied to outdated fossil energy systems. Instead, Donaldson champions clean energy, particularly solar, as the most affordable and sustainable option available. She stresses that while the desire for affordable energy is universal, Massachusetts residents are wise enough to resist the temptation of short-term solutions and to wait for the benefits of a cleaner, more stable energy future. Her message serves as a reminder that patience and foresight can lead to greater rewards, both economically and environmentally.
Meanwhile, Nick McNulty from Windham, NH, expresses his deep discontent with certain Democrats, including Representative Maggie Goodlander, whom he accuses of undermining the military for political gain. Drawing from his background as a veteran, McNulty condemns what he perceives as a pattern of subversion by radical Democrats, pointing to historical instances where political figures allegedly acted against the interests of the presidency and national security. He calls for accountability among those he believes are exploiting their positions for power, emphasizing the need for patriotism and respect for the military. His passionate plea underscores the ongoing political tensions in the country and the complexities surrounding loyalty and governance in a divided political landscape.
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, these diverse perspectives remind us of the importance of gratitude, the challenges we face, and the need for thoughtful consideration of our choices as individuals and as a society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahPH6oc12I
Giving thanks
As we approach Thanksgiving it becomes difficult for many families to fully enjoy the holiday as inflation and other factors have have negatively impacted their livelihood.
When family and friends gather this year, focus on all the gifts and benefits we all receive from the many services that are provided by living in this great country of ours.
Many are fully apparent such as our strong military, heroic first responders, medical providers and our religious communities.
There are also educators, truck drivers for essential needs, entertainers and sport’s teams for our enjoyment, municipal workers, government officials, commercial and retail businesses among many others.
Yes we do have current difficulties that may or may not pass soon so focus on just a few things this year that make your life safer and more rewarding.
Bob Sweeney
Warwick, RI
Fossil fuels
Remember the marshmallow test? Little kids were put in front of a marshmallow, and told that if they could wait for 10 minutes before eating it, they would get a second marshmallow. The kids who were able to wait apparently did better in life.
The Herald editorial staff (“Bay Staters almost caught a break on energy costs”) want to eat the first marshmallow, right away. They want more of the fossil fuels that we have right now, and that lobbyists tell us taste so good.
Bemoaning the stalling of a bill that would allow Massachusetts to throw out the climate targets that the legislature passed, they advocate for more fossil gas, less support for clean energy. This ignores two facts. One is the appalling expense that climate change is going to bring, for all of us. The other is the fact that clean energy – solar – is now the cheapest form of energy available, and that much of the rising cost of energy represents the fixing of outdated fossil energy systems. Clean energy brings price stability, longer term reduced cost, and even more – good jobs.
We all want energy to be affordable, but Massachusetts residents are smart enough to wait for the second marshmallow. Don’t grab this first bite!
Susan Donaldson
Northampton
Democrats
As as a veteran of foreign wars, and the son and grandson of veterans of foreign wars, I can’t say just how embarrassed and disgusted I am by the political display currently being put on by a group of Democrats including our own Representative Maggie Goodlander. This group of politicians are using intentional subversion of the military for their political gains, and it should not be countenanced by any self-respecting, patriotic American.
This pattern of subversion of our president by radical Democrats is not new. People like John Kerry, Mark Milley, and Anthony Blinken having clandestine meetings with world leaders undermining our executive’s authority, the leaking of classified documents by James Comey, John Bolton, and others, the whole Article 25 sham from the same people who would later hide Joe Biden’s incompetence from the American people, these are just nasty, power-mad people, and they need to be held accountable.
Nick McNulty
Windham, NH
