The problem we have with sociopaths is their willingness to break rules and protocols the rest of us generally accept and abide by.
The greatness (or exceptionalism) of the United States lies in our broad adherence to the “rules” of Democracy.
We are generally caught off-guard and do not know how to defend against a sociopath in a position of power since we are constrained by a set of rules the sociopath is not.
Phil Sharp
Bradford, Vt.
Where We Are Headed
Recently, as I watched online growing crowds of protesters opposing what I consider a ban on Muslims, assembling at international airports throughout the country, I felt panic. The gates are closing. The walls are going up. Millions of us are trapped inside a colossal concentration camp of disappearing human rights.
Much more than banning the “other,” we are witnessing our own entrapment and self-alienation. I got on Skype and called our son and his family who live in Indonesia. I wanted to say, “Come home before it’s too late.” Instead, we discussed what the expat communities in East Asia can do to reverse the Trump catastrophe abroad and find solidarity with the many Muslim populations there.
Meanwhile, our border guards have shown that the Constitution and the rule of law are provisional under Trump. What’s next? The right of peaceful assembly? More stop-and-frisk of our domestic minority populations? It doesn’t take an imaginative reading of history to know where this is going.
Charles DePuy
Enfield
United We Marched
On an overcast and chilly Jan. 21, thousands of motivated women, children and men, some bearing signs and wearing pink hats of all shapes and sizes, marched together against the forecast desecration of equal rights in the United States of America.
Our little group included only eight people in two cars, but we soon joined the line of thousands driving to Montpelier for the same purpose: to demonstrate in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington. Initially, only 5,000 marchers were expected, but about 15,000 more showed up. The march was an incredible experience in peaceful unanimity, good will, sameness of purpose and good humor.
I noticed one person carrying an anti-abortion sign, but that person marched in peace as well, not bothered or harassed by others with opposing viewpoints. The march might not have achieved immediate changes in our government, but it most definitely realized its objective in unifying and mobilizing an incredibly large percentage of citizens who share the same goals. It also informed our children that their rights do matter and will be vigorously defended.
After the march, I watched footage of thousands of other women, children and men from all over the country and the world marching in solidarity with our cause. Kudos to the marchers and also to the organizers of the millions of marchers composed not only of structured groups but mostly of complete strangers who respected, uplifted and trusted each other during this historic gathering.
Diana J. Perkett
Hartland
A Cruel Decision
The refugee executive order, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,” is a cruel decision made by our president. It causes more suffering for people who have already endured years of violence and oppression, and have been trying for a long time to come to our country.
Also, it essentially discriminates against certain people based on their religion. The president’s executive order does not specifically mention any one religion, yet it predominantly excludes Muslims while giving officials discretion in admitting people of other faiths into the U.S.
We are not allowing a 67-year-old mother from Sudan in a wheelchair — who cannot walk — to enter our country to see her daughter, because she may pose a terrorist threat. This is inhumane, cruel and unethical. What kind of a message does this send to the rest of our world? What do our allies in the Middle East think of this decision that shows our president degrading their faith? What message does this executive order send to young people in our country? That discrimination is acceptable?
Matthew Wiencke
Thetford Center
“Send me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. … I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” … Oh, never mind.
Francine Vanier
Lebanon
It’s Easy to Voice Your Opposition
A round of applause to Karen Huyck for her letter that appeared in the Jan. 24 Forum titled “Dangerous Nomination in N.H.”
She invited New Hampshire citizens to express their concern over the nomination of Frank Edelblut for commissioner of education by Gov. Chris Sununu to three Republican Executive Councilors, as they have the voting power to derail this nomination. I did exactly that. It took about 10 minutes, a very small amount of time to help avert the potential seating of a clearly unqualified person to a powerful government position.
This nomination is especially egregious as Edelblut has no experience or training in the education field. Why would Gov. Sununu put politics over demonstrated knowledge and competence when the quality of education for the state’s youth is at stake?
Linda Barton
West Lebanon
Dialogue Was Heartening
I was very surprised by a letter to the editor in a recent Valley News. The author was responding to an article about Tim Messen, who had invited people to a gathering on the Dartmouth Green on Inauguration Day to share views. He had indicated that he might burn an American flag in protest of the views of our new president. The author felt Tim Messen should be ashamed.
I should make clear that it has never occurred to me to consider burning the flag, and I can’t imagine doing so. However, I was deeply moved by that article, and inspired to hope.
When Mr. Messen arrived on the Green, he encountered not only sympathizers, but opponents bearing American flags. He explained right off that he was not going to burn the flag, but went on to explain his position, while those who were opposed recited the Pledge of Allegiance over his voice. Had the matter ended there, I would call it a sad affair, but it did not.
Mr. Messen and the leader of the opposition group talked, in Baker Library for a half hour; they parted courteously agreeing to disagree, and, I would imagine, with a much better understanding of where the other was coming from. As well, there were constructive conversations among those who lingered on the Green. I am so proud of Tim Messen for standing up for what he believes, but being open to listening to an opposing view, and I am proud of the gentleman who was willing to give him that opportunity.
If there is one thing we dearly need in our country right now, it is a willingness to listen to each other — and not just “the other” who agrees with us, but “the other” who would condemn us or whom we would condemn. Thanks for the good reporting, Valley News!
Betty Edson
Randolph
Disingenuous About Guns
In his letter of Jan. 26 (“Packing Heat in Concord”), Robert Pollard parroted a favorite talking point of New Hampshire’s left, popularized by former Gov. Maggie Hassan, that the state’s concealed carry permit law has served it well for many years. (Virtually everyone who repeats this is being disingenuous and would, given the opportunity, ban the practice of concealed carry altogether.)
Vermont’s lack of a requirement for such a permit, even for non-residents, has served it at least equally as well since it achieved statehood in 1791.
Anthony Stimson
Lebanon
Please join us for the Main Street March for Human Rights Saturday afternoon at 12:45 on the green in Hanover (on the side near the Hanover Inn). This march is our local version of a nationwide event to show solidarity with refugees, resist deportations and stand against discrimination and hatred toward our Muslim sisters and brothers.
Ronnie Lesser
Lyme
When Mary Came to Dartmouth
Back in the day, nearly 40 years ago, a group of Dartmouth students paid tribute to Mary Tyler Moore when she visited the campus after the end of the long-running show on CBS and a collection multiple Emmy awards.
Outside the Hopkins Center, students sang the theme song from the show and, just as she did every week in the opening of the series, the group collectively tossed their hats into the air. She was touched and amused by the gesture.
The following morning, appearing on WNHV’s Breakfast at the Hanover Inn, she was gracious, funny and lovely. This came back to me reading the recent tributes to her life and career, especially an appreciation by Caitlin Gibson published in the Jan. 27 Valley News, reflecting how her sitcom portrayal of TV producer Mary Richards, had a lasting and positive influence on so many people.
During the interview on the Breakfast program, I recall her answers to two related questions: “Any thoughts about your early TV role on Richard Diamond, Private Detective, when we just got to see your legs and hear your voice as the receptionist?” And, “Can you acknowledge for listeners that there might be a disproportionate number of Ted Baxter types (the egocentric news anchor on her show) in the broadcasting industry?”
She laughed and offered a subtle appreciation for her TV roles. “Yes, I was the one answering that phone.” And, “I have met a few others like Ted. But I think that Mary can handle them.”
It was a short, superficial exchange during a brief radio interview. But when we think about the millions of hours of TV programming since the days of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, it is a fair conclusion to believe that she, the writers and their colleagues did OK. It has been ranked as one of the best-written TV series of all time.
She inspired many and made a real contribution.
Terry Boone
Norwich