To the Editor:
This is a response to a letter written by Mr. Jack Stephenson of Gilford on 8/18/08.
Mr. Stephenson, your use of the word "negro" denotes that you still see color when you look into the heart of a man. We differ. In Barack Obama, I see light, hope, and inspiration. I see a man who has devoted his life to working for the middle class, a bright Constitutional attorney, a fellow American determined to remedy the sorry condition of our country. I admire him. The future of our country as a peaceful, respected, and prosperous nation rests with him, as does the job, health, financial and old-age security of the vast majority of Americans.
You make reference to a desire for a fair election. I welcome fair elections. I suspect all Americans demand fair elections, because, as we all know, legitimate, open, honest elections go to the heart of democracy, and democracy is the gateway to everything else.
But America has a disgusting history of unfair elections ... rigged elections in 2000 and 2004, which changed the course of world history. Election fraud '08 is already in progress. Yes, the shameful scheming used in Florida in 2000 to purge legitimate voters, mostly blacks, and mostly Democrats, has now spread to the swing states: Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and, once again ... Florida. 19.4 percent of Colorado voters have been purged; 600,000 voters in Ohio purged.
Voters in thirty (30) states this November will vote on electronic voting machines bearing no paper receipt or ballot; thus, no recount is possible. Including New Hampshire's optical-scan machines, more than 85 percent of the total votes cast in November will be cast on electronic voting machines, all of which are programmed in complete secret by corporate vendors. No one is allowed to know how these machines are programmed - not you, not me, not the Secretary of State, and this secrecy is protected by state and federal law. Would it alarm you to know that our privatized elections system could soon be controlled by Allied Technologies, the 7th largest military defense contractor? If you share my concerns for fair elections, here's where you need to start: www.gregpalast.com
It's never been more important for all Americans to unite, to think independently of 30-second attack ads, to reject the hate and fear mongering which has so divided our nation, and to demand from our elected officials meaningful election reform. The great experiment in representative democracy is squarely in harm's way.
Bob Perry, State Representative, Dist. 3
Committee of Election Law
Vice-Chair, Electronic Voting Machine Subcommittee
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Don't Know Much
This is another great ad from the Obama campaign set to the music of the legendary Sam Cooke. What I find especially powerful is the use for a full five seconds of the photo of McCain hugging Bush. It's awesome!
Watch, Digg it, make it viral!
Watch, Digg it, make it viral!
For A Vet, McCain's Record Sorely Lacking
By Seth Lovell
On July 7, at a town hall meeting in Denver, a Vietnam veteran confronted John McCain about his support of veterans' issues.
"I have a perfect voting record from organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and all the other veterans service organizations," responded McCain.
Although this sounds good, it is inaccurate and misleading. The VFW and American Legion do not compile congressional voting records, and other veterans' organizations that do compile records aren't favorable.
Disabled American Veterans is an organization that was founded following World War I, and today has 1.4 million members.
It not only tracks this legislation, but tracks how politicians vote. John McCain is documented as having voted with DAV-supported legislation 34 percent of the time. Barack Obama has voted with the DAV 89 percent of the time.
Another organization that tracks legislation important to veterans is Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the first and largest organization dedicated to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
IAVA is only concerned with bettering the lives of returning veterans, and advocating for their rights. Its records show McCain voting with IAVA 58 percent of the time, and receiving a "D" rating. Obama voted with IAVA 89 percent of the time, receiving a "B-plus" rating.
If the overall records do not speak for themselves the specific examples will. In April 2003 McCain urged Senate members to table a vote that would appropriate more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve Equipment in Iraq. In October of 2003 once again McCain voted to table a bill that called for an additional $322 million for safety equipment for United States forces in Iraq.
On issues relating to veterans' health care McCain's record is even worse. Since 2004 McCain has voted twice against closing corporate tax loopholes to help fund healthcare for veterans. In March 2004 Senator McCain voted against an amendment that would have created a $1.8 billion reserve fund to increase Veteran's medical care.
Again in March 2006 McCain voted against an amendment to close corporate tax loopholes in order to increase veterans' medical services funding by $1.5 billion. In April 2006 McCain joined only 13 other senators in voting against an amendment to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs for outpatient care and treatment of veterans. This amendment provided a paltry $430 million compared to the billions of dollars being spent each week in Iraq, yet McCain opted to vote against it.
His neglect of veterans goes on and on. Most recently in May of 2008 McCain spoke out against the updated GI Bill being sponsored by Virginia Sen. Jim Webb.
On the day of the vote McCain was not present, a convenient way to avoid criticism over his promised oppositional vote. The biggest injustice to those who worked so hard to make this bill a reality came when President Bush praised McCain for his work on this legislation.
Every American should appreciate and honor the service that Sen. McCain gave to our country during Vietnam. There is no doubt John McCain supports the war in Iraq.
It doesn't mean he supports the veterans who served.
Seth Lovell is a veteran of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is pursuing his master at James Madison University. E-mail him at stlovell@comcast.net.
(Note: This column was first published on August 24, 2008 by The News Leader of Staunton, Virginia)
On July 7, at a town hall meeting in Denver, a Vietnam veteran confronted John McCain about his support of veterans' issues.
"I have a perfect voting record from organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and all the other veterans service organizations," responded McCain.
Although this sounds good, it is inaccurate and misleading. The VFW and American Legion do not compile congressional voting records, and other veterans' organizations that do compile records aren't favorable.
Disabled American Veterans is an organization that was founded following World War I, and today has 1.4 million members.
It not only tracks this legislation, but tracks how politicians vote. John McCain is documented as having voted with DAV-supported legislation 34 percent of the time. Barack Obama has voted with the DAV 89 percent of the time.
Another organization that tracks legislation important to veterans is Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the first and largest organization dedicated to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
IAVA is only concerned with bettering the lives of returning veterans, and advocating for their rights. Its records show McCain voting with IAVA 58 percent of the time, and receiving a "D" rating. Obama voted with IAVA 89 percent of the time, receiving a "B-plus" rating.
If the overall records do not speak for themselves the specific examples will. In April 2003 McCain urged Senate members to table a vote that would appropriate more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve Equipment in Iraq. In October of 2003 once again McCain voted to table a bill that called for an additional $322 million for safety equipment for United States forces in Iraq.
On issues relating to veterans' health care McCain's record is even worse. Since 2004 McCain has voted twice against closing corporate tax loopholes to help fund healthcare for veterans. In March 2004 Senator McCain voted against an amendment that would have created a $1.8 billion reserve fund to increase Veteran's medical care.
Again in March 2006 McCain voted against an amendment to close corporate tax loopholes in order to increase veterans' medical services funding by $1.5 billion. In April 2006 McCain joined only 13 other senators in voting against an amendment to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs for outpatient care and treatment of veterans. This amendment provided a paltry $430 million compared to the billions of dollars being spent each week in Iraq, yet McCain opted to vote against it.
His neglect of veterans goes on and on. Most recently in May of 2008 McCain spoke out against the updated GI Bill being sponsored by Virginia Sen. Jim Webb.
On the day of the vote McCain was not present, a convenient way to avoid criticism over his promised oppositional vote. The biggest injustice to those who worked so hard to make this bill a reality came when President Bush praised McCain for his work on this legislation.
Every American should appreciate and honor the service that Sen. McCain gave to our country during Vietnam. There is no doubt John McCain supports the war in Iraq.
It doesn't mean he supports the veterans who served.
Seth Lovell is a veteran of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is pursuing his master at James Madison University. E-mail him at stlovell@comcast.net.
(Note: This column was first published on August 24, 2008 by The News Leader of Staunton, Virginia)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
He May Be Skinny, But He's Tough!
For weeks many Democrats have been lamenting the fact that Obama has not been forceful enough in attacking McCain - that his commitment to running on issues rather than stooping to personal attacks was going to cost him the election.
Those critics might want to rethink their position.
Today he launched a new ad that goes to the heart of why McCain is out of touch with the needs and desires of average Americans. View it below:
Throughout the campaign I've heard Barack say "I might be skinny, but I'm tough." Anyone who doubts it is in for a shock. This latest ad is but one of many produced by the campaign over the past week that slam McCain for his positions on issues.
Another of my favorites points to McCain's history of being associated with some of the most corrupt political operatives in Washington.
As we head toward the Convention and beyond, I feel confident that Barack Obama will successfully control the message and turn attention to the real needs of America's workers and families.
Those critics might want to rethink their position.
Today he launched a new ad that goes to the heart of why McCain is out of touch with the needs and desires of average Americans. View it below:
Throughout the campaign I've heard Barack say "I might be skinny, but I'm tough." Anyone who doubts it is in for a shock. This latest ad is but one of many produced by the campaign over the past week that slam McCain for his positions on issues.
Another of my favorites points to McCain's history of being associated with some of the most corrupt political operatives in Washington.
As we head toward the Convention and beyond, I feel confident that Barack Obama will successfully control the message and turn attention to the real needs of America's workers and families.
Try Harder Next Time Jack, You Don't Write Like A Democrat
To the Editor,
I read Jack Stephenson's recent letter with great interest, but I confess, I'm having a hard time understanding why he's pretending to be a Democrat.
If he really were a supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton, he'd be supporting Senator Obama, since that's what she asked her supporters to do.
It seems far more likely that Mr. Stephenson is trying, not too cleverly, to create division and dissent within the ranks of Democrats.
Mr. Stephenson, I think you're confused about some of the issues you mentioned. I've seen Senator Obama speak in public, with nary a "cue card" in sight. He wasn't using the 21st century version of the cue card, the Teleprompter, either. It's actually Senator McCain who relies on notes and Teleprompters.
When McCain spoke in front of the great wall of cheese last month, he needed to look at his notes in order to find out the price of a gallon of milk! I guess we can't expect a guy who has a private jet, 8 homes, $100 million, and wears $500 loafers to remember silly things like the cost of milk. After all, it's not as if he ever has to shop, like the rest of us do.
As for energy, Senator Obama is, regrettably, in favor of nuclear power. Fox News keeps saying he is anti-nuke, which is probably why you're so woefully uninformed. Nuclear power is NOT a cheap, or a clean energy source, which explains why no nuclear plants are being built. Uranium (a finite resource) mining requires huge outputs of energy and water. The radioactive tailings left behind are quite dangerous, and seldom cleaned up. Most uranium mining in the US takes place on Indian reservations, where mining companies destroy the land and water, and leave the mess behind.
Given your rather racist commentary about "negros", I'm suspecting you don't care too much about the polluting of Indian lands. I'm not sure who the "successful USA negros" you mention are, but one thing is certain, I bet they'd appreciate it if you at least spelled the plural term for negro correctly. It's Negroes, Mr. Stephenson, a term that hasn't seen popular usage since 1962. You need to update your vocabulary.
I am shocked to hear that you're concerned about having a "Hollywood style" president, since I'd bet my life's savings that you voted for Ronald Reagan.
Try harder next time, Jack. You don't write like a Democrat.
Susan Bruce
Jackson
I read Jack Stephenson's recent letter with great interest, but I confess, I'm having a hard time understanding why he's pretending to be a Democrat.
If he really were a supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton, he'd be supporting Senator Obama, since that's what she asked her supporters to do.
It seems far more likely that Mr. Stephenson is trying, not too cleverly, to create division and dissent within the ranks of Democrats.
Mr. Stephenson, I think you're confused about some of the issues you mentioned. I've seen Senator Obama speak in public, with nary a "cue card" in sight. He wasn't using the 21st century version of the cue card, the Teleprompter, either. It's actually Senator McCain who relies on notes and Teleprompters.
When McCain spoke in front of the great wall of cheese last month, he needed to look at his notes in order to find out the price of a gallon of milk! I guess we can't expect a guy who has a private jet, 8 homes, $100 million, and wears $500 loafers to remember silly things like the cost of milk. After all, it's not as if he ever has to shop, like the rest of us do.
As for energy, Senator Obama is, regrettably, in favor of nuclear power. Fox News keeps saying he is anti-nuke, which is probably why you're so woefully uninformed. Nuclear power is NOT a cheap, or a clean energy source, which explains why no nuclear plants are being built. Uranium (a finite resource) mining requires huge outputs of energy and water. The radioactive tailings left behind are quite dangerous, and seldom cleaned up. Most uranium mining in the US takes place on Indian reservations, where mining companies destroy the land and water, and leave the mess behind.
Given your rather racist commentary about "negros", I'm suspecting you don't care too much about the polluting of Indian lands. I'm not sure who the "successful USA negros" you mention are, but one thing is certain, I bet they'd appreciate it if you at least spelled the plural term for negro correctly. It's Negroes, Mr. Stephenson, a term that hasn't seen popular usage since 1962. You need to update your vocabulary.
I am shocked to hear that you're concerned about having a "Hollywood style" president, since I'd bet my life's savings that you voted for Ronald Reagan.
Try harder next time, Jack. You don't write like a Democrat.
Susan Bruce
Jackson
People With Common Sense Will See Stephenson's Letter For What It Is
To the editor,
This is in response to a recent letter concerning Barack Obama, that states "some of us thought that he was the same as most USA negros,"
1. Do you realize computers have spell check and the word "negros" is misspelled. The proper spelling is Negroes. This is a term long in disuse, by the way, and that statement also shows how bigoted you are. To state that "anyone" is the same as "all" black people, white people, Asian people, is denying that anyone can be an individual or different than all in their ethnic group. You cannot clump everyone into one group.
2. You also misrepresent his position on the issues we are all concerned with. Do you believe all the ads you see on TV against him?
3. You insinuate that Obama has stolen the title of "world's best liar" from Clinton. I assume you mean Bill Clinton for you go on to say everyone should try to elect Hillary Clinton in order to have a fair election.
I firmly believe that people who read the letters to the editor and read the newspapers have enough knowledge and common sense to see that letter for what it was/is.
Elaine Seibel
Hill
This is in response to a recent letter concerning Barack Obama, that states "some of us thought that he was the same as most USA negros,"
1. Do you realize computers have spell check and the word "negros" is misspelled. The proper spelling is Negroes. This is a term long in disuse, by the way, and that statement also shows how bigoted you are. To state that "anyone" is the same as "all" black people, white people, Asian people, is denying that anyone can be an individual or different than all in their ethnic group. You cannot clump everyone into one group.
2. You also misrepresent his position on the issues we are all concerned with. Do you believe all the ads you see on TV against him?
3. You insinuate that Obama has stolen the title of "world's best liar" from Clinton. I assume you mean Bill Clinton for you go on to say everyone should try to elect Hillary Clinton in order to have a fair election.
I firmly believe that people who read the letters to the editor and read the newspapers have enough knowledge and common sense to see that letter for what it was/is.
Elaine Seibel
Hill
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Living Under A Rock
To the editor,
Clearly, Mr Stephenson has been living under a rock for years. I suggest he crawl back under it and keep his racist, small minded, uninformed views to himself. He is spreading hate and he is spreading lies.
Betsey Phillips
Franconia
Clearly, Mr Stephenson has been living under a rock for years. I suggest he crawl back under it and keep his racist, small minded, uninformed views to himself. He is spreading hate and he is spreading lies.
Betsey Phillips
Franconia
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Stop Playing at Being Outraged
To the editor,
I am responding to a letter-to-the-editor by Mr. Jack Stephenson (below).I am not sure where Mr. Stephenson is getting his information about Barack Obama and his position on various issues. The Obama Energy plan, for example, includes:
1. more renewable (solar, wind, and geothermal) research and use
2. crackdown on oil speculation
3. energy rebate to American families
4. increase automobile fuel economy standards
5. use-or-loose it for existing oil & gas exploration leases
6. develop & deploy clean coal technology
7. create millions of clean & green jobs
8. reduce greenhouse gas emissions with an industry-wide cap-and-trade program
A full summary of the Obama plan can be found at Barack Obama.com.
Senator Obama has been consistently against the illegal, immoral, and unnecessary war in Iraq throughout his public career. He has not vacillated on this issue. He, as well as, Mr. McCain have adjusted their stance on many issues, as facts change. After all, it was not long ago that McCain was categorically against off-shore oil drilling. I could go on refuting each of Mr. Stepehnson's fallacious assertions about Barack Obama, but we there would not be enough room to print them.
What might the real reason be for Mr. Stephenson's tirade against Senator Obama? I believe Mr. Stephenson is really a conservative McCain supporter playing at being an outraged Hillary fan. We all see through your shannigans, Mr. Stephenson. We know Barack Obama is an educated 'African-American' and the best candidate running. He will be our next President.
Ray Iannuzzelli
Amherst
I am responding to a letter-to-the-editor by Mr. Jack Stephenson (below).I am not sure where Mr. Stephenson is getting his information about Barack Obama and his position on various issues. The Obama Energy plan, for example, includes:
1. more renewable (solar, wind, and geothermal) research and use
2. crackdown on oil speculation
3. energy rebate to American families
4. increase automobile fuel economy standards
5. use-or-loose it for existing oil & gas exploration leases
6. develop & deploy clean coal technology
7. create millions of clean & green jobs
8. reduce greenhouse gas emissions with an industry-wide cap-and-trade program
A full summary of the Obama plan can be found at Barack Obama.com.
Senator Obama has been consistently against the illegal, immoral, and unnecessary war in Iraq throughout his public career. He has not vacillated on this issue. He, as well as, Mr. McCain have adjusted their stance on many issues, as facts change. After all, it was not long ago that McCain was categorically against off-shore oil drilling. I could go on refuting each of Mr. Stepehnson's fallacious assertions about Barack Obama, but we there would not be enough room to print them.
What might the real reason be for Mr. Stephenson's tirade against Senator Obama? I believe Mr. Stephenson is really a conservative McCain supporter playing at being an outraged Hillary fan. We all see through your shannigans, Mr. Stephenson. We know Barack Obama is an educated 'African-American' and the best candidate running. He will be our next President.
Ray Iannuzzelli
Amherst
Mr. Stephenson Hasn't Been Listening
To the editors,
I really must respond to Jack Stephenson's letter of August 19th. First, Obama has proved, by standing tow-to-tow with Hillary through 20 some debates how well he thinks on his feet. She was great - a good person, a good policy wonk and a good candidate - but the "new kid" stayed with the experienced pro in every way.
Second, readers should get their information on Obama's policy positions from Obama, not Mr. Stephenson or the McCain talking points. Obama does not oppose nuclear, but is cautious, and is out front in his support for wind and solar. And forget that tired tax increase rhetoric unless you're talking about the top 1% who got all the benefit from the Bush tax cuts.
But when Mr. Stephenson goes on about "USA negros" and "WAR" his letter just gets too mixed up and flailing to even try to follow. If Mr. Stephenson thinks Barack Obama lacks substance and his positions lack logic, he just hasn't been listening. Go to his website and catch up.
Anyone still talking about nominating Hillary is actually working for John McCain, the only guy reading from note cards.
Bill Duncan
New Castle
Thank You Mr. Stephenson For Reminding Me of How Lucky I Am To Be An American
To the editors,
I know that most read Mr. Stephenson's letter of the other day and dismissed him as an oddball or was offended by his inappropriate language.
For me, I want to thank him for it. It gave me the perfect opportunity to reflect on why I chose to be in public life. There is nothing about my life story that is special but it does remind me how alive the American Dream is today.
When I was three, because my Dad was looking for work, my young parents and I packed up and left New Hampshire for Detroit, Michigan We happened to find an apartment in an area where my school, my church and my neighborhood were all integrated. Skin color meant nothing to me in nursery school, kindegarten, first grade, the playground or in Sunday school.
We returned the summer of 1966 and in second grade I learned of Abe Lincoln, slavery and the Civil War. I was stunned and horrified to learn that my former friends' great grandparents were slaves. Lincoln's childhood of poverty, commitment to justice and willingness to put his values into action inspired me to find a way to make a difference too. In the next election, just months after the assassination of Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy, I organized my friends to help with Democratic candidates and I haven't stopped since.
This week I, just a kid from a poor family without any ties to power or wealth, will travel to Denver, Colorado to lead New Hampshire's delegation to the 2008 Democratic National Convention where, forty five years to the exact date of Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech, Senator Barack Obama will be nominated to be the next president of the United States.
Forty five years ago when Dr. King said "let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire" little did he know that a little boy of a Kansan mother and Kenyan dad would grow up and mark his historic anniversary with such a significant history making occurrence. Nor did he know of the young poor kid from NH who would grow up to join 80,000 other proud Americans to witness the event or the estimated billion across the planet witness his dream come true.
When Dr. King dreamed of a day where people were judged by the content of their character not the color of their skin. He was dreaming of 2008 America. Dr. King's Dream is truly the American Dream. A dream for all Americans and for all members of the human race.
I am sure Mr. Stephenson wanted to inspire animosity and divide but for me, he reminded me of how lucky, and how proud I am to be an American. Let freedom ring indeed.
Sincerely,
Raymond Buckley, State Chair
NH Democratic Party
I know that most read Mr. Stephenson's letter of the other day and dismissed him as an oddball or was offended by his inappropriate language.
For me, I want to thank him for it. It gave me the perfect opportunity to reflect on why I chose to be in public life. There is nothing about my life story that is special but it does remind me how alive the American Dream is today.
When I was three, because my Dad was looking for work, my young parents and I packed up and left New Hampshire for Detroit, Michigan We happened to find an apartment in an area where my school, my church and my neighborhood were all integrated. Skin color meant nothing to me in nursery school, kindegarten, first grade, the playground or in Sunday school.
We returned the summer of 1966 and in second grade I learned of Abe Lincoln, slavery and the Civil War. I was stunned and horrified to learn that my former friends' great grandparents were slaves. Lincoln's childhood of poverty, commitment to justice and willingness to put his values into action inspired me to find a way to make a difference too. In the next election, just months after the assassination of Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy, I organized my friends to help with Democratic candidates and I haven't stopped since.
This week I, just a kid from a poor family without any ties to power or wealth, will travel to Denver, Colorado to lead New Hampshire's delegation to the 2008 Democratic National Convention where, forty five years to the exact date of Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech, Senator Barack Obama will be nominated to be the next president of the United States.
Forty five years ago when Dr. King said "let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire" little did he know that a little boy of a Kansan mother and Kenyan dad would grow up and mark his historic anniversary with such a significant history making occurrence. Nor did he know of the young poor kid from NH who would grow up to join 80,000 other proud Americans to witness the event or the estimated billion across the planet witness his dream come true.
When Dr. King dreamed of a day where people were judged by the content of their character not the color of their skin. He was dreaming of 2008 America. Dr. King's Dream is truly the American Dream. A dream for all Americans and for all members of the human race.
I am sure Mr. Stephenson wanted to inspire animosity and divide but for me, he reminded me of how lucky, and how proud I am to be an American. Let freedom ring indeed.
Sincerely,
Raymond Buckley, State Chair
NH Democratic Party
Beyond Hope, Deserving Pity
To the Editor,
Jack Stephenson of Gilford has tragically revealed himself to be beyond hope. One would have thought that his 75 years of living would have taught him something about decency and civility. Clearly it has not.
Stephenson wrote a letter to the editor that was published Monday in both the Laconia Citizen and the Laconia Daily Sun that was offensive and provokes pity. In it he said, referring to Barack Obama, “Back then some of us thought that he was the same as most USA negroes, but he is not, and he has become a total insult to our great successful negroes in the USA.”
Left to the reader’s imagination is how Stephenson defines most “USA negroes“, or “great successful negroes in the USA”. One can only assume that the aging curmudgeon believes such a definition would be superfluous given that clearly his views must be conventional. Perhaps they were five or six decades ago, but the world has moved beyond such uncomfortable and unsavory stereotypes.
Sadly, Jack hasn’t. Somehow he’s avoided any evolutionary thought.
That doesn’t come as a surprise. Having read his letters over the years, a number of which I refused to publish when I was an editor at the Daily Sun, I’ve always been struck by how miserable Mr. Stephenson is. Seventy-five years of life and all he does is complain.
That’s tragic, and deserves pity. If after 75 years one hasn’t found at least a modicum of happiness and good cheer one’s life must seem a complete waste.
Ron Tunning
Laconia
Jack Stephenson of Gilford has tragically revealed himself to be beyond hope. One would have thought that his 75 years of living would have taught him something about decency and civility. Clearly it has not.
Stephenson wrote a letter to the editor that was published Monday in both the Laconia Citizen and the Laconia Daily Sun that was offensive and provokes pity. In it he said, referring to Barack Obama, “Back then some of us thought that he was the same as most USA negroes, but he is not, and he has become a total insult to our great successful negroes in the USA.”
Left to the reader’s imagination is how Stephenson defines most “USA negroes“, or “great successful negroes in the USA”. One can only assume that the aging curmudgeon believes such a definition would be superfluous given that clearly his views must be conventional. Perhaps they were five or six decades ago, but the world has moved beyond such uncomfortable and unsavory stereotypes.
Sadly, Jack hasn’t. Somehow he’s avoided any evolutionary thought.
That doesn’t come as a surprise. Having read his letters over the years, a number of which I refused to publish when I was an editor at the Daily Sun, I’ve always been struck by how miserable Mr. Stephenson is. Seventy-five years of life and all he does is complain.
That’s tragic, and deserves pity. If after 75 years one hasn’t found at least a modicum of happiness and good cheer one’s life must seem a complete waste.
Ron Tunning
Laconia
'Negro' History 101
To The Editor,
Jack Stephenson's letter of 8/18 ("For it and against it") about Obama smacks of antiquated and current racism as well as ignorance of ethnic history. He claims that Obama needs "cue cards" to speak, cue cards being a semi-antiquated term (the other being Negro — fully antiquated) he uses in his letter.
On the contrary Obama has proven to be the most extemporaneous (and exceptional on his feet) candidate speaker in 2008, unwavering and beyond eloquent without a teleprompter most of the time. I have yet to see him use "cue cards" on any political issue, important to Americans. (When thanking local advocates he uses cards to remember hundreds of names in hundreds of towns). But that's about it!
Beyond belief, however, is Stephenson's use of the term "Negro" twice in his letter, in the year 2008 as a term for an African-American, (albeit he's one-half by DNA). One would think Stephenson's last book he read was "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee in 1960 instead of "The Name Negro — Its Origin and Evil Use" by Richard B. Moore of the same year (1960). Since Senator Obama's mother was white (S. Ann Durham) and from the flatlands of Kansas, Stephenson might be expected to have used the outdated term "mulatto" since Mr. Obama's father was Kenyan making Obama biracial. He is only half-black (or half-white) so why would Stephenson call him a "Negro."
The term "Negro" in 2008 is generally used today for black Spanish olives, not African Blacks, and the oppression of black slaves and their culture has resulted in an evolution of more modern terms of respect for a substantial portion of our nation's citizenry and voting public. The root of the word, Negro, means "black" in all European and African cultures. Admittedly in previous letters to the editor, Stephenson has acknowledged his age as in the mid-70s. He must surely realize by now that the term, Negro is obsolete.
Disparaging terms had their evolution from the 1830s to the mid-1890s when Blacks were called "colored" or even "Colored-American." At the beginning of the 20th century and by 1920, the term Negro was born. From the 1930s on, to the 1960s with the Black Power movement, there was dissatisfaction in general with the Negro term. There was a cultural movement of more respect for Blacks and their heritage/ culture, which was designed to remove "a host of other slurs" that will not be mentioned here. During this cultural nationalism, terms evolved; with "Black" or "African-American" the latter moniker predominating since the 1980s until now. The term, African-American highlights both "historical lineage and ethnogeographic origins" and not skin color, as in the older terms.
Stephenson shows his implied bigotry and ignorance when he says (in referencing Cbama), "Back then some of us thought that he was the same as most USA Negros, but he is NOT and he has become an insult to our great successful Negros in the USA." Is Stephenson thinking MLK, Jr here? Might Stephenson be thinking MLK was the "Numero Uno Negro?" Mea culpa, mea culpa!
Obama is no "insult" to intelligent life on this earth, Mr. Stevenson, and he does speak "for all people" and is far from "Hollywood" in style. One last point. The New York Times began capitalizing the word, Negro (as in African-American history) in 1930, should you wish to use the quasi-racist term again for relevant historical purposes. You didn't capitalize it as a former ethnicity in your last letter and yet "spell check," alerts you. Typewriters don't however.
Jack Polidoro
Laconia
Jack Stephenson's letter of 8/18 ("For it and against it") about Obama smacks of antiquated and current racism as well as ignorance of ethnic history. He claims that Obama needs "cue cards" to speak, cue cards being a semi-antiquated term (the other being Negro — fully antiquated) he uses in his letter.
On the contrary Obama has proven to be the most extemporaneous (and exceptional on his feet) candidate speaker in 2008, unwavering and beyond eloquent without a teleprompter most of the time. I have yet to see him use "cue cards" on any political issue, important to Americans. (When thanking local advocates he uses cards to remember hundreds of names in hundreds of towns). But that's about it!
Beyond belief, however, is Stephenson's use of the term "Negro" twice in his letter, in the year 2008 as a term for an African-American, (albeit he's one-half by DNA). One would think Stephenson's last book he read was "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee in 1960 instead of "The Name Negro — Its Origin and Evil Use" by Richard B. Moore of the same year (1960). Since Senator Obama's mother was white (S. Ann Durham) and from the flatlands of Kansas, Stephenson might be expected to have used the outdated term "mulatto" since Mr. Obama's father was Kenyan making Obama biracial. He is only half-black (or half-white) so why would Stephenson call him a "Negro."
The term "Negro" in 2008 is generally used today for black Spanish olives, not African Blacks, and the oppression of black slaves and their culture has resulted in an evolution of more modern terms of respect for a substantial portion of our nation's citizenry and voting public. The root of the word, Negro, means "black" in all European and African cultures. Admittedly in previous letters to the editor, Stephenson has acknowledged his age as in the mid-70s. He must surely realize by now that the term, Negro is obsolete.
Disparaging terms had their evolution from the 1830s to the mid-1890s when Blacks were called "colored" or even "Colored-American." At the beginning of the 20th century and by 1920, the term Negro was born. From the 1930s on, to the 1960s with the Black Power movement, there was dissatisfaction in general with the Negro term. There was a cultural movement of more respect for Blacks and their heritage/ culture, which was designed to remove "a host of other slurs" that will not be mentioned here. During this cultural nationalism, terms evolved; with "Black" or "African-American" the latter moniker predominating since the 1980s until now. The term, African-American highlights both "historical lineage and ethnogeographic origins" and not skin color, as in the older terms.
Stephenson shows his implied bigotry and ignorance when he says (in referencing Cbama), "Back then some of us thought that he was the same as most USA Negros, but he is NOT and he has become an insult to our great successful Negros in the USA." Is Stephenson thinking MLK, Jr here? Might Stephenson be thinking MLK was the "Numero Uno Negro?" Mea culpa, mea culpa!
Obama is no "insult" to intelligent life on this earth, Mr. Stevenson, and he does speak "for all people" and is far from "Hollywood" in style. One last point. The New York Times began capitalizing the word, Negro (as in African-American history) in 1930, should you wish to use the quasi-racist term again for relevant historical purposes. You didn't capitalize it as a former ethnicity in your last letter and yet "spell check," alerts you. Typewriters don't however.
Jack Polidoro
Laconia
For Some People There Is No Hope
This letter to the editor was published in both the Laconia Citizen and the Laconia Daily Sun on Monday, August 18. It was submitted by Jack Stephenson of Gilford and has prompted outrage throughout the community.
Many have vowed to write letters in response for publication in the two newspapers. As I receive them, I'll be posting them on the blog.
Meanwhile, feel free to leave your comments. I realize that it requires a good deal of restraint to remain civil in light of these kinds of attacks, and I'm hardly one to lecture people about responding with anger. As many of you remember, I was quite forceful in my rebuke of local talk show host Niel Young a couple of years ago while I was still an editor at the Daily Sun.
Nevertheless, I ask that you avoid profanity and consider the source. His message sucks, but not nearly so much as he does.
Many have vowed to write letters in response for publication in the two newspapers. As I receive them, I'll be posting them on the blog.
Meanwhile, feel free to leave your comments. I realize that it requires a good deal of restraint to remain civil in light of these kinds of attacks, and I'm hardly one to lecture people about responding with anger. As many of you remember, I was quite forceful in my rebuke of local talk show host Niel Young a couple of years ago while I was still an editor at the Daily Sun.
Nevertheless, I ask that you avoid profanity and consider the source. His message sucks, but not nearly so much as he does.
The Letter
To The Editor,
It is clear that IF we all had the knowledge about Obama which we have heard since he got the "nomination" (not confirmed until their convention), Hillary would be the Democrat candidate. But back then we didn't know that brilliant Obama could not speak intelligently without his staff prepared cue cards. Back then we didn't know that he opposed any increase in safe, clean, cheap energy sources (long proven nuclear, wind, solar and clean coal). Back then we didn't know that he would propose the biggest tax increase ever in the US! Back then some of us thought that he was the same as most USA negros, but he is NOT, and he has become a total insult to our great successful negros in the USA. Back then we didn't know that he was both against the Iraq war and for it, both against battles in Afganistan and for it, and wants to greatly increase number of our troops in Afganistan (the most dangerous place on earth). He is totally for WAR and totally against war, totally for outrageous taxes and totally against taxes, totally for 100% control of all medical care, and totally oppossed to government control of health care.
It is absolutely clear that Obama is totally for and totally against every issue which Americans are concerned with. IE, he is the ultimate politician, as his Church Pastor long ago told us!
Honesty, practicallity, need, usefulness, has nothing to do with Obama. Clearly, Obama is trying to steal from Clinton the title of the world's best LIAR! Hillary tried that, but Obama beat her out for that title.
We must encourage Hillary to take the nomination away from misleading Obama, and give the nation a chance for a fair election. It can happen, and if it doesn't, we are in for a "Hollywood style" president!
Jack Stephenson
Gilford
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Food, Heat or Medicine?
By Senator Kathy Sgambati
Food, heat or medicine? By all indications, we have a growing number of families and elderly people who will be asking themselves this question as winter approaches.
Several of us in the state Senate have held meetings with our local welfare officers and social service agencies to get a sense of the scope of the crisis we face this winter. As state leaders, we are doing everything we can to prepare and to find ways for aid to be efficiently and effectively delivered to those in need.
But no one expects the energy crisis to evaporate or for oil costs to fall back to the levels of prior years -- which makes energy efficiency and alternative energy that much more critical to our future.
Two major pieces of legislation passed in the last two years have the potential to provide homeowners with some relief over the long term when it comes to energy costs. We are seeking to stimulate the development of alternative energy and to provide much-needed funds to reduce our overall energy use. These initiatives are now more important than ever.
New England has an older housing stock, and drafty old houses waste energy. Improving insulation and other weatherization efforts become essential to make our heating dollars go farther. Few low income people have the resources to invest in making their homes more energy efficient but we waste both charitable contributions and our tax dollars when we fail to address those needs.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, passed this year, limits the emissions that contribute to global warming. But the program also will raise millions of dollars for conservation and energy efficiency in New Hampshire. Homeowners and businesses will be able to tap into this fund for projects that reduce their costs for heat and electricity by improving efficiency or drawing on cheaper renewable sources.
The Renewable Energy Act, passed last year, requires utilities to seek out renewable energy to provide a growing portion of New Hampshire’s electricity. If utilities fail to hit the mark, they pay into a fund that also will be available to certain residential customers who find ways to generate their own energy, for example by installing solar panels. The goal is to provide for a $3 per watt payment reduction for customers under certain circumstances.
Neither of these programs is fully in place as of today. The state Public Utilities Commission must establish rules and application procedures so we know the money is going to appropriate and worthwhile projects. It will likely be well into 2009 before these programs are ready to launch and can begin to show results.
So state leaders and our congressional delegation are right to fight for additional federal heating aid for this winter. We’re right to fight for more federal weatherization money so we can reduce home heating costs. But we’ve taken some smart steps to prepare for the future as well.
Not only did this Legislature make funds available in the near future for more homeowners and businesses to reduce their energy use, we’re stimulating New Hampshire’s economy by creating incentives for developing renewable energy. We’re encouraging new jobs in energy conservation and alternative fuels. These jobs will make it possible for more New Hampshire citizens to afford to heat their homes, feed their families and pay for their medical needs.
This winter, however, many people face troubled times. The number of eligible families receiving food stamps has swelled even as food stamp allotments fail to keep pace with rising prices. Food banks around the state are struggling to stay stocked.
So while I’m optimistic about New Hampshire’s future when it comes to energy, I’ll add my voice to those of others. Many people need help right now and many more will need help this winter. You can help by setting up neighborhood watches to check on your neighbors this winter, especially the elderly. And if you can, please donate to your local food bank
Food, heat or medicine? By all indications, we have a growing number of families and elderly people who will be asking themselves this question as winter approaches.
Several of us in the state Senate have held meetings with our local welfare officers and social service agencies to get a sense of the scope of the crisis we face this winter. As state leaders, we are doing everything we can to prepare and to find ways for aid to be efficiently and effectively delivered to those in need.
But no one expects the energy crisis to evaporate or for oil costs to fall back to the levels of prior years -- which makes energy efficiency and alternative energy that much more critical to our future.
Two major pieces of legislation passed in the last two years have the potential to provide homeowners with some relief over the long term when it comes to energy costs. We are seeking to stimulate the development of alternative energy and to provide much-needed funds to reduce our overall energy use. These initiatives are now more important than ever.
New England has an older housing stock, and drafty old houses waste energy. Improving insulation and other weatherization efforts become essential to make our heating dollars go farther. Few low income people have the resources to invest in making their homes more energy efficient but we waste both charitable contributions and our tax dollars when we fail to address those needs.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, passed this year, limits the emissions that contribute to global warming. But the program also will raise millions of dollars for conservation and energy efficiency in New Hampshire. Homeowners and businesses will be able to tap into this fund for projects that reduce their costs for heat and electricity by improving efficiency or drawing on cheaper renewable sources.
The Renewable Energy Act, passed last year, requires utilities to seek out renewable energy to provide a growing portion of New Hampshire’s electricity. If utilities fail to hit the mark, they pay into a fund that also will be available to certain residential customers who find ways to generate their own energy, for example by installing solar panels. The goal is to provide for a $3 per watt payment reduction for customers under certain circumstances.
Neither of these programs is fully in place as of today. The state Public Utilities Commission must establish rules and application procedures so we know the money is going to appropriate and worthwhile projects. It will likely be well into 2009 before these programs are ready to launch and can begin to show results.
So state leaders and our congressional delegation are right to fight for additional federal heating aid for this winter. We’re right to fight for more federal weatherization money so we can reduce home heating costs. But we’ve taken some smart steps to prepare for the future as well.
Not only did this Legislature make funds available in the near future for more homeowners and businesses to reduce their energy use, we’re stimulating New Hampshire’s economy by creating incentives for developing renewable energy. We’re encouraging new jobs in energy conservation and alternative fuels. These jobs will make it possible for more New Hampshire citizens to afford to heat their homes, feed their families and pay for their medical needs.
This winter, however, many people face troubled times. The number of eligible families receiving food stamps has swelled even as food stamp allotments fail to keep pace with rising prices. Food banks around the state are struggling to stay stocked.
So while I’m optimistic about New Hampshire’s future when it comes to energy, I’ll add my voice to those of others. Many people need help right now and many more will need help this winter. You can help by setting up neighborhood watches to check on your neighbors this winter, especially the elderly. And if you can, please donate to your local food bank
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