The article on the pipeline protest in the Sunday Valley News attempted to marginalize the group as mostly “liberals and activists from the far left of the political spectrum.” Since when is caring about the environment “far left” on the political spectrum?
Only the uninformed would not be concerned about the damage done by fracking (pollution of drinking water, health hazards, release of methane gas, earthquakes, environmental destruction) and the damage that would be caused locally by the construction of an 11-mile pipeline from West Lebanon through Lebanon to Hanover.
Pat McGovern
Lebanon
We have all been concerned about the impact of Russia interfering in our election. It seems to be a legitimate concern. However, I believe there is yet a greater concern lurking in the background. It is one that Sen. Bernie Sanders and other politicians have expressed a concern about.
The Koch brothers, America’s second wealthiest family, are throwing hundreds of millions of dollars into the GOP to advance their political agenda. Their political agenda is the one that you are seeing in Congress today. It appears they have tied this agenda, if achieved, to a reward of hundreds of millions of dollars in donations to the GOP.
Their agenda explains what you are seeing as an effort by Republicans to gut the health care system, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, etc. This is an attack on our political infrastructure.
While I am too old to get into the technicalities of properly citing websites, if you Google “Koch brothers” and read the various newspaper and other postings, you will see for yourself what they are up to. The same is true of researching Citizen’s United, the legal mechanism that has allowed the Koch Brothers and others to, in my belief, insert millions into our political system to achieve their nefarious goals.
I cannot believe even true Republicans agree with the agenda of the Koch brothers or the dismantling of our democratic process. Both, I believe, are pushing us toward a dictatorship with wealthy oligarchs and serfs (the rest of us).
In days of yore, you saw many of the wealthiest citizens paying it forward with endowments and grants. They were our true patriots. They set aside greed and cared for their (our) country which had allowed them to succeed.
Sylvia Heath
Hartland Four Corners
Tragically, about 1,000 New Hampshire children every year are found by New Hampshire courts to be victims of abuse or neglect. Is there anything a compassionate, caring adult can do to help these powerless children?
People can make a difference by becoming a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). A CASA is a trained volunteer appointed to represent the interests of an abused or neglected child, offering the child some stability during a chaotic and painful time, and providing the child with a voice in court.
There are numerous professionals who are part of the legal process, but only the CASA specifically focuses on what’s best for the child. The CASA meets with the children, parents, teachers, therapists and others concerned with the child’s well-being. Then the CASA determines what she or he believes to be the most appropriate action to be taken on the child’s behalf and presents a written report to the court. A case normally takes about a year.
I became a CASA last year and it has been a truly remarkable and rewarding experience.
Please consider getting involved and helping the many abused and neglected children in our state who need a voice. A training is scheduled in Keene beginning Sept. 13. For more information, go to www.casanh.org or call the CASA office at 800-626-0622.
Jack Hurley
Claremont
This is plea to drivers who meet horses on the road. Some drivers do not operate their vehicles safely when approaching horses. Some drivers do not slow down or exercise caution.
Vermont has motor vehicle laws that govern drivers’ conduct when approaching a horse, both buggies and with riders, as well as other farm animals. The statute states that motor vehicles that encounter horses or herded animals must drive using every reasonable caution to prevent startling the animal and to ensure the safety of the animal, rider or person herding the animals.
Vermont law requires vehicles to yield to animals crossing the road or being herded along the road. Some trucks and cars have a loud exhaust, and the noise startles animals. A startled horse or animal can bolt suddenly, knocking the rider off. It also could run in front of the car or truck. Many drivers are mindful of the dangers and slow down or stop when encountering a horse and rider. They seem to understand what it means to be a safe driver; however, some exercise no caution at all. They approach riders at a speed of 35 mph and higher. These speeds are too fast.
Even the best-trained horse is unpredictable, and in combination with a reckless driver, this could be a recipe for disaster. Injuries or death make people feel sorry. This sorrow comes too late.
Please practice safe driving and follow Vermont’s motor vehicle laws when approaching horses.
Christopher Dale Luce
Thetford
Regarding “Few in Vt. Using Food Scrap Bins” in the Aug. 15 Valley News:
Some of us are trying to use the food scrap bins, but there are problems. Our household has been composting for many years, and we’ve been recycling materials at the Bethel-Royalton Transfer Station for well over a decade.
About a year ago, they made available two food scrap collection bins. So we began collecting our food scraps in a container in our basement freezer and emptying it whenever we went to the transfer station with our refuse and recycling. The bins are emptied infrequently and are sometimes overflowing. And clearly there’s no fly control. On my last visit, the bins were absolutely disgusting and so full of maggots that merely lifting the lid dropped many out onto the floor.
This situation suggests that if the public is expected to comply with keeping food scraps out of the landfill, the transfer stations need to be better prepared to receive them.
Abner J. Schlabach
East Barnard