Letters to the editor
As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are grappling with the challenges posed by inflation and economic strain, making it difficult to fully embrace the holiday spirit. In a heartfelt message, Bob Sweeney from Warwick, RI, encourages us to shift our focus from the stress of rising costs to the many blessings we enjoy as a result of the services and support provided by our country. He highlights the essential roles played by various professionals, including military personnel, first responders, healthcare providers, educators, and municipal workers, who contribute to our safety and quality of life. Sweeney reminds us that even amid difficulties, it is crucial to appreciate the gifts that enrich our lives, suggesting that gratitude can be a powerful antidote to the challenges we face.
In a contrasting opinion piece, Susan Donaldson from Northampton addresses the ongoing debate around fossil fuels and clean energy. She draws a parallel to the famous marshmallow test, arguing that while immediate access to fossil fuels may seem appealing, it is essential to consider the long-term consequences of climate change and the benefits of transitioning to clean energy sources. Donaldson points out that clean energy, particularly solar power, is now the most affordable option available and emphasizes the importance of investing in sustainable energy systems for both economic stability and job creation. She calls on Massachusetts residents to exercise patience and foresight, advocating for a future that prioritizes clean energy solutions over short-term gains.
In a separate commentary, Nick McNulty from Windham, NH, expresses his discontent with certain Democratic politicians, including Representative Maggie Goodlander, whom he accuses of undermining military authority for political gain. McNulty, a veteran himself, articulates his frustration with what he perceives as a pattern of subversion by radical Democrats, citing historical instances of political maneuvering that he believes compromise the integrity of the military and the presidency. He urges patriotic Americans to hold these politicians accountable for their actions, reflecting a broader concern about the politicization of military matters and the implications for national security. Together, these perspectives highlight the complex interplay of gratitude, energy policy, and political accountability as we navigate the challenges of our time.
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
