On Nov. 8, we witnessed history. We cannot deny the winds of change have swept throughout our nation, and while the outcome is not favorable, the people have spoken. For the first time, the elites were wrong. The pollsters were wrong. The pundits were wrong. Most people in this nation were wrong, but that does not change the result. While it may come as a shock, while we may be upset, we cannot and should not engage in any violence or protest in rejection of these election results. As President Obama has said countless times, “don’t boo, vote.”
Unfortunately, we did not vote, and now we don’t have the right to boo. For those of you upset with the election results, it is our fault. We did not show up. We underestimated the forces of opposition. We were complacent. Now, we must face the consequences of our inaction, for these next four years shall be a struggle to maintain the progress we have made thus far.
But now is not the time for protest. It is the time for political engagement. If we want to make a difference, vote. If we want to stop the forces of discrimination, vote. If we want to ensure that the blessings of liberty apply to all Americans, we must vote. This is how we effect change in our democracy. Protest can enact change, don’t get me wrong, but the most important part of American life, our American duty, is our right to vote.
The sun came up today, the world is still here, and the sun will always come up tomorrow. We cannot be stagnant in our efforts to strive for equality. We can make a difference, we have seen the change that we can effect over these past eight years. Many states were decided within very small margins, and with more effort, we could have changed this election. We now know what we must do to avoid an event like this in the future, and in two years, our fight will continue.
Garrett MuscatelHanover
Election Was Rigged
Well, Donald Trump was right about one thing — the election was rigged. How else does the candidate with the most votes lose? I am deeply embarrassed for our country but proud of Vermont, which again did the right thing.
Alex HenzelNorth Pomfret
And now it’s time to really press Donald Trump on his plans, starting with his 100-day plan. Watch job creation like a hawk. An article from The Washington Post came to my attention on Nov. 9: “Why technology may prevent Trump from delivering on his promise.” It projects that millions of jobs will fall to automation in the next several years. Millions of people without jobs and without insurance, without the money to be ill or old. Sounds to me like it’s going to take much more than job creation to remedy, but if Trump believes the answer is more jobs, he needs people like us to track the numbers. His promises are enormous and seem compelling. And so we need to give voice to what’s really happening — the jobs we see or find being created, in our state — and not just what one big microphone tells us. Right now, ask Trump: How will you get me the job that a robot is made to do? And follow his actions and his efficacy. We all need to hold him to these impossible promises he has made, with local facts and hard numbers. At least I will nurture the hope that’s the reason you elected him.
Kate OdenHanover
Hassan Has Done It
It’s rare for a first-time candidate for the U.S. Senate to beat an incumbent when the candidate’s party nominee gets defeated, but Gov. Maggie Hassan — I mean, senator-elect Maggie Hassan — has done it.
Kelly Ayotte opposed so many progressive issues: voted to defund Planned Parenthood; opposed abortion “except for rape, incest or medical emergency”; opposed Obamacare from its beginning; supported reducing Social Security payments; supported raising the age for Medicare eligibility; opposed Medicaid expansion; opposed campaign finance reform; opposed the Consumer Finance Protection Board; supported Citizens United, stating “Open political discourse is one of America’s most cherished freedoms”; opposed a Supreme Court nomination hearing; considered Trump a good role model; opposed settling Syrian refugees in the U.S.; supported repeal of estate taxes; opposed EPA regulations on greenhouse gases; opposed negotiating an international agreement on climate change; voted to fast-track approval for the Keystone XL pipeline project; opposed background checks for gun show and internet gun sales; and opposed closing Guantanamo Bay detention center… and more.
I am congratulating Gov. Hassan by donating to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, to continue and expand Planned Parenthood’s programs in New Hampshire.
If you, too, would like to express congratulations and support to Gov. Hassan in a tangible way, it’s easy to donate to Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire
And in spite of the Republicans’ gains in the 2016 elections, New Hampshire’s senators and representatives will soon be all Democratic women — another glass ceiling broken!
Michael WhitmanLyme
Give to Hartland Christmas Project
The Hartland Christmas Project is underway, making this its 41st year. The Hartland Congregational Church, the Universalist Church, the North Hartland Community Church, the schools, businesses and individuals in town sponsor this wonderful project. Anyone knowing of a Hartland family that might need a boost with food or clothing please call 802-436- 2792.
Given our current economic time, it is even more crucial that we consider helping our neighbors with donations of money, nonperishable foods, good winter clothing, boots, bed linens, blankets, household products and toys. Please, no footwear, underwear or summer clothing.
All items may be left at the Hartland Congregational Church from Dec. 5 through Dec. 9. Monetary contributions may be made to the Hartland Christmas Project, and mailed to P.O. Box 368 Hartland, Vt. 05048.
This project helps families and individuals throughout the year, including tuition scholarships to the summer program at the Recreation Department; however, this is the time of year when the needs are the greatest. The work is made uplifting by the generosity of such caring people in our communities.
Jeannie L. FrazerChairwoman,Hartland Christmas ProjectHartland