The writer notes that this letter was inspired by the post-World War II prose confession by Pastor Martin Niemoller.
PUTNEY-First they came after the Indians, and we did not speak up, because we were not Indians.
If you are a Putney voter, there is one extra-special person seeking re-election to the Selectboard. Anyone paying attention can tell you that Aileen Chute works really hard for our town. She is also very smart, with a thorough understanding of policies and procedures, and with the organizational skills...
You published a statement from the Aug. 23 Putney Selectboard meeting by Chair Aileen Chute. I can't think of a better example of a highly competent leader in local government explaining to people that their behavior cannot change the way town policies work. By simply reading her statement, I...
For the last century or so, we Americans have been taught that we can live better lives by relying on a fossil fuel economy. We were sold a bill of goods, but it turned out to be a lie - and now rapid changes in the climate are, in a very real way, hitting us back with the actual truth. The truth is, we have all become addicted to the mined fuel commodities known as oil, gas, and coal. This...
This planet is getting crowded, and it's getting hot. There is no free lunch; there is no free ride. The prices are going to keep rising. The rules are going to keep changing. It is not a good time to hide your head in the sand. Every freedom has a cost. Each of us will end up paying something for everyone else's freedom. Your personal pursuit of happiness had better not mess things up for everyone else. Sharing is not...
I couldn't read about Ben Coplan's passing without saying at least this: While at the Vermont Association of Business Industry and Rehabilitation (VABIR), Ben helped countless people, including myself, find meaningful employment because he understood people and deeply understood our community. He helped me find work twice. The second time, I was a very discouraged single dad with two children, out of work again and feeling worthless. Ben sat down with me and started making phone calls one afternoon. He...
The first time I met Aileen Chute, she was exploring the town by bicycle with her daughters and husband. Since then, Putney residents have noticed that her engagement with the town, especially its governance, is way beyond respectable. Aileen (a fairly recent transplant from New Hampshire) is serving as a lister, as a member of the Planning Commission, and recently as chair of the Energy Commission. She also works in the Brattleboro Assessor's office, which gives her deeper understanding of...
The Climate Emergency is rapidly emerging as the most important issue in human history. It is a worldwide ticking time bomb that, if not justly and expeditiously dismantled, directly threatens our own grandchildren's future. A devastated ecosystem would rain injustice upon all earthly life for many generations to come. It's clear that this Climate Emergency, the greatest existential problem that humanity has ever faced, is also a social justice issue - much like the Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19...