Letters to the Editor
Trump must put money where mouth is on NAFTA
President Trump promised to be the “greatest jobs producing president in history.” With NAFTA negotiations, which started Aug. 16, it’s time he puts his money where his mouth is.
In the years since the treaty first was signed into law, jobs and wages in our communities took a hit. NAFTA killed approximately 700,000 jobs nationwide, and also made it easier for corporations to offshore. A new trade plan should push corporations to foster good, family-sustaining workplaces and higher pay for working people across North America.
As trade representatives and Congressional leaders come together to rework this treaty, we can’t hold our breath and hope for the best. We know what life has looked like living under NAFTA for nearly 25 years. A revised NAFTA must provide working families the freedom and opportunity to build better futures for themselves and our region. Anything less is a deal not worth taking.
— Suzanne Fremon Schroon Lake
Registered Democrat, but standing with independents
I grew up in a family of Democrats in upstate New York. When I came of age, I registered as a Democrat, adopting the political identity of the family. Although I didn’t feel particularly loyal to that party, I knew that there was no way my views aligned with those of a Republican. After all, these two major parties were my only options, right?
In early 2016, a major shift in my political disposition took place. I familiarized myself with Bernie Sanders’ campaign. I was always skeptical of government, of establishment politics, and the two-party system which seemingly controlled our “democracy.” Sanders offered an alternative. Hearing him directly challenge the system validated my suspicions, and gave me a sense of hope.
In a matter of months, I echoed the thoughts and feelings of many of his supporters who felt disenfranchised by the DNC. The undeniable voter manipulation and favoritism played by the DNC was a direct betrayal of dedicated individuals and groups of campaign workers for Bernie Sanders. It was in those final moments when I knew I was not a Democrat, but an independent.
As an independent, I choose to vote for candidates based on issues as opposed to partisanship. It’s important that we take a stand against unfair and manipulative voting rules and regulations that serve to protect party interests, rather than encourage democracy for the people.
In New York state we have closed primaries. I have decided to remain a registered Democrat because independents — all 3.2 million New Yorkers — are excluded from voting in the first round even though we all fund the primaries with our tax dollars. I may be a registered Democrat, but make no mistake — my affiliation lies in solidarity with independents.
— Caitlyn J. Parsons
Scotia