The Gathering Storm
To the Editor:
Earlier this week I began a letter regarding how deeply troubled I and many others with whom I’ve been in touch are over the violent rhetoric of Donald Trump. I have to confess I have not listened much to the Republican candidates and their debates and speeches. I suspected that Mr. Trump was “subtly” encouraging conflict. But when I managed to see what was happening, I saw that it was anything but subtle and had erupted into serious violence and what most of us begin to see as incitement to violence by Mr. Trump.
As a German refugee, this is disturbingly reminiscent of what happened in Germany in large part due to polarization of the left and the right leading to what we as Americans ought to remember, and for which millions and millions of people and our own brave military members died.
The polarization came about because of severe economic distress, i.e., many Germans were homeless and starving. Many Republicans as well as Democrats and independents are very much opposed to Mr. Trump’s candidacy and his remarks.
Our people are disturbed and angry because of their lot and allow themselves to believe a Trump presidency is the answer. There is violence overseas with all the wars and violence here. I believe the danger is that things will get much worse for our many poor and troubled if we don’t help them.
This has been a great country and we can be great again if we remain united and stop hating and begin again to care for each other.
Susan Dubroff
Hanover
Different Directions on Drugs
To the Editor:
Did I hear this correctly? Our Vermont Legislature is proposing to regulate e-cigarettes, while at the same time wanting to legalize marijuana use? They’re both drugs. I suppose they’re only recognizing the tax potential of the latter. As I’ve said before, don’t they ever consider what they’re saying to future generations?
Stephen Raymond
Sharon
Ayotte’s Constitution
To the Editor:
Sen. Kelly Ayotte writes to praise the late Justice Scalia as “a staunch defender of our Constitution” (March 4 Valley News). Apparently no constitutional scholar herself, Ayotte then claims “the president has the right . . . to nominate individuals to the Supreme Court.” Not correct, Senator. The president has a constitutional obligation, just as the U.S. Senate is constitutionally obligated to consider such nominations.
Now that she is on the record opposing both constitutional obligations, I can nevertheless agree with her 100 percent when she says, “I believe strongly that the people of New Hampshire must have a say in this extraordinarily important debate.” We have two opportunities to do just that in the coming months: Those who participate in the Republican Senate primary can vote for her challenger, Jim Rubens; and, if she survives until November, we can send her packing then.
Jonathan A. Scott
Plainfield
It’s a Grand Band
To the Editor:
How lucky can you get? Not only is New London a lovely town, with wonderful shops and eateries, but it also hosts a terrific band.
If you haven’t heard the Kearsarge Community Band, you are really missing out. I drove almost two hours to attend the concert on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Outing Club indoor facility in the former Kearsarge Middle School in New London. It’s the perfect venue for this group — high ceiling, no “soft” furnishings to absorb the sound and plenty of seating.
The Kearsarge Community Band is ably conducted by Aarne Vesilind, with Jim Wojewoda as associate conductor and Crystal Carr as assistant conductor. The program notes promised listeners one great march after another. And by golly, they made good on their word.
The first piece nearly blew our socks off with the opening notes, and it only got better from there. Most of the 12 pieces kept the audience’s feet tapping.
Conductor Vesilind added to what was printed in the program, mentioning the origins of some of the pieces, adding anecdotal information about others, and even donning a lumberjack cap for the Jolly Lumberjack piece.
The band is made up of mostly brass and wind instruments, with a hearty serving of percussion, as for any march. The musicians range in age from around 17 to over 80.
If you want to hear this band, keep Sunday, May 1 open — that’s their next concert in New London. For sure, I’ll be there. If there are any musicians — men, women or students — reading this with a secret desire to play in a real marching band, now’s your chance. Aarne Vesilind would like to hear from you (www.kearsargecommunityband.org).
I hope to see a packed house on May 1!
Lynn Cozza Goodman
Hampton, N.H.