Jean Anne Kiewel

Killing Windham Elementary

BRATTLEBORO-How to murder a school: Trash talk it and undermine board members; repeatedly vote to close it.

Persuade parents to withdraw their students; drive out dedicated, talented staff.

Sue it.


...

Read More

Crossing a fine line

It's mighty presumptuous to tell the members of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community they are demonstrating "white fragility" when expressing their fears in the current political environment. I believe equating the slogans of "Black Lives Matter" and "From the River to the Sea" and the movements behind them is...

Read More

A ceasefire requires both parties to participate

A ceasefire requires the participation of at least two parties. The demand for an immediate permanent ceasefire in the current Hamas war is a demand that Israel unilaterally surrender to Hamas. Hamas broke the ceasefire in existence on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas's stated mission is to destroy Israel and...

Read More

More

‘Compelling State interest’ is clearly defined

Contrary to what Erica Walch writes, a “compelling State interest” limiting personal reproductive autonomy is clearly defined in United States law, and we need passage of Article 22 to the Vermont Constitution to limit it and protect Vermonters' right to abortion. Article 22 states: “That an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one's own life course and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved...

Read More

Trump administration witnesses deserve no accolades

I have no accolades for U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, or any members of the Trump administration testifying before the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol. It is the least they can do to atone for their roles in putting Trump in power and carrying out his bidding up to the point when even they couldn't stomach it anymore, or got called out. In its post about Cheney's primary defeat, “Liz Cheney Was...

Read More

Balint: supports Vermont farmers, cannabis as medicine

I am supporting Becca Balint for Congress because she has integrity, grit, and compassion. My late husband and I met Balint at a candidate forum when she was first running for Windham County senator. We liked everything she had to say, except about marijuana (cannabis). She was against legalizing it. We didn't vote for her that (and only) time. After she won, at our request, she came to a meeting of medical marijuana patients and advocates of recreational use. She...

Read More

Boycotting art, or not

I am an American Jew. I support Judaism, Jewish history, philosophy, and culture. That includes Israel, Israeli art, culture, and people. Projects, arts, and organizations that support Israelis and Palestinians, Arabs and Jews, communicating, making art, and working together for peace make me happy. My family members have worked in such organizations in Israel and the U.S. That is why I chose to attend and enjoy the Yemen Blues concert at Next Stage Arts in Putney on June 13. I...

Read More

Remembering Judge Ethel R. Brosnahan

I am very sorry to learn of the death of the Honorable Ethel R. Brosnahan. Judge Brosnahan was a strong advocate for the citizens of Windham County. She was also a longtime mentor to me and other Windham County justice workers. I first met Judge Brosnahan when she was a Windham County deputy sheriff in charge of jurors in Windham District Court. Petite and powerful, she cut an impressive figure in her perfect uniform and beautifully coiffed hair. She was...

Read More