Editorial
An Election Year Plea
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Well another election season is upon us. But this editorial is not going to encourage you to vote.
The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/category/opinion/editorial/page/7/)
Well another election season is upon us. But this editorial is not going to encourage you to vote.
In February 2020, most Suffield students had found themselves continuing to endure a busy and demanding schedule, on track to finish the school year strong; however, Covid-19 suddenly put the year on pause, instilling boredom, fear and loneliness in many.
The coronavirus is no laughing matter. Since March, it’s been difficult to even chuckle.
Well, we are back. With this July edition and an August edition planned to follow (rather than our customary single summer edition), we happily return to our printing roots.
The last several weeks have changed the lives for all of us. The COVID-19 reality has created a storm of varying proportions worldwide. For some, it’s more a time of forced catching up and slowing down, but for many others, it’s scary, disruptive and life-changing in disappointing and terrifying ways we never could have imagined even four months ago.
Included in this issue, you will see a Letter to the Editor from Michael Stevens, regarding his perception, undoubtedly shared by others, that too many articles, editorials and cartoons demonstrate a negative tone, particularly in respect to our First Selectman.
For years, Suffield has worked at trying to build a community center in Suffield. As early as 1995, the town studied how this might be done.
I have been involved with The Suffield Observer for many years. During that time, it’s not unusual to hear comments from people working on the paper, as well as from citizens in town, saying the paper is too liberal; I wish the paper would be more middle of the road or conservative.
At the risk of being overly dramatic, I must say that without a reverse in direction, I fear that our society and democracy are in trouble. Self-interest, greed, hypocrisy, and the desire to beat one’s opponent at any cost seem to carry the day while civility, fair play, and a willingness to compromise are on life support in the public arena.