The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/category/opinion/page/15/)
I am 85 years old and have always felt fortunate to have been born and raised in this country where we have the privilege of voting without being threatened, as in some other countries. I voted for the first time in 1955 and have never missed a vote since.
On March 27, Congress voted unanimously to pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide an historic infusion of resources to families, workers, small businesses, and others impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus outbreak has so far claimed over 45,000 American lives.
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.
As I’ve read the Observer over the years, I have noted that it has become more of an opinion vehicle than an objective source of information.
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.
