Another View
Dear Editor,
Resident Robert Molleur’s letter to the editor in the June issue which took exception to supposed “Democrats” complaining about the removal of a book on pronouns from being displayed at Kent Library demands a response. If a children’s book whose purpose is to clarify how people would like to identify themselves is deemed harmful, one would think Mr. Molleur would agree that any book that advocates rape, incest, fratricide, mass murder, infanticide, animal cruelty, slavery, human and animal sacrifice, genocide, torture and the subjugation of women certainly would be considered at the very least, equally harmful. Yet, by Mr. Molleur’s own admission, the Holy Bible is wholly appropriate reading material for children.
Rick Stromoski
Request for Courtesy
Dear Editor,
I can’t tell you how surprised and disappointed I was to see the publication of Robert Molleur’s letter to the editor in last month’s issue. I knew immediately that I was faced with a dilemma: Would it be better to ignore this hateful and divisive diatribe, and leave unchallenged all his exaggerations, wild stereotypes, baseless assumptions, accusations and finger-in-your-eye snide suggestions? Or would it be wiser to respond to all these inaccuracies, and risk provoking a backlash of retaliatory letters, postings, yard signs, etc., thereby fanning the flames of disinformation and demonization now plaguing our nation?
I implore everyone to stop and consider this: Do we want our town to become a microcosm of the hate and ugliness that is increasingly characterizing our society and our politics? Should we not be able to express our deeply held convictions regarding controversial topics or proposals in a manner that is respectful, mature and open-minded?
I pray that my questions are seen simply for what they are: a humble request for some decency and courtesy in our town dialogue, and not a provocative accelerant to the firestorm that now passes for our national discourse.
Francis Rago
Yard Signs
Dear Editor,
Yard signs on display around town indicate that many in Suffield are compassionate people who support Ukrainians, kindness and diversity. However, many recent headlines in the Observer suggest that our positive reputation is in jeopardy.
Apparently, in our town, a single private complaint can cause a library book to be removed from a display on kindness. The abrupt cancellation of a well-intentioned school event to celebrate Black businesses and an arbitrary decision about the rainbow flag do not hide the fact that a portion of our neighbors still feel the pain of discrimination. Less than a year ago, we were startled to find Nazi symbols scrawled on sidewalks in the center of our community.
The Democratic Town Committee is concerned that an atmosphere continues to develop in Suffield that perpetuates disrespect and threatens the individual rights of citizens who look, act or feel different from others. We can, and must, do better than this. We are working together to create a culture that is welcoming to all regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Thus, the DTC will be working to elect champions of these ideals in the upcoming town elections this fall. In addition to being fiscally responsible, valuing quality education and understanding professional governance, Suffield elected officials should enhance opportunity, security, and respect for all residents.
Learn more about ways you could help by visiting our web site at http://www.Suffield Democrats.com. Please join us as we work to create a stronger, united, and more welcoming Suffield.
Members of the Suffield DTC submitted by Tom Frenaye, DTC Chair
Town Meeting
Dear Editor,
In the June edition of the Observer our First Selectman made the comment in his First Selectman’s Update column that turnout at the annual budget town meeting was “good”. As someone who attended that meeting, I would like to respectfully disagree with that assessment. I do not believe that under 100 people or less than 1% of registered voters in town is not a good turnout and something needs to change to enable more citizens to participate in the decision-making process in our community.
Those who were able to attend that town meeting were part of a privileged group. No one there was sick, had to care for a loved one, had to work, lacked transportation or had any other reason that prevented them from being there. Is it fair that someone is unable to have a direct say in the way their tax dollars are spent simply because they could not be at that meeting? It’s not and participation in the democratic process is a right and should not be a privilege.
So, what can we do to make the decision-making process for the community fairer? The answer is to alter our town charter to ensure that all eligible decisions go to a referendum automatically. Casting a ballot is much easier for many in our community than attending a town meeting. I call on our elected leaders to begin the process of changing our charter to make our municipal decision-making process fairer and more inclusive.
Timothy Casey