LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Pondering consequences of George Floyd’s death
I thought I could balance my mixed assumptions about the George Floyd murder, trying to justify, to be “fair” in my assessment of the tragedy that transpired and the violent aftermath of looting, arson, killings, and vandalism. Thus I simply want to express what I believe — political correctness be damned.
At the heart and soul of the problem — racism systemic; it at the core of the human experience; basically, marginal advancements have been made after 250 years of slavery of blacks in America.
Mr. Floyd was by a white police officer, no matter what the degree. Police brutality a reality which needs reform.
Police should be respected; but for the unions that necessarily protect even the most vile of them — they must be respected.
The concomitant violence was necessary, though peaceful demonstrations are at the heart of our Democracy.
The extreme violence that followed was put on by opportunists who want to destroy democracy.
Continue to protest peacefully for justice — do commit another crime to assuage the initial travesty.
Outrage and anger is righteous and must be expressed. But to put the lives and liberty of fellow humans in jeopardy is the appropriate response despite the inflamed rhetoric of a number of African-American protesters.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. This kind of violent response is counterproductive, “a mask for criminal behavior” as stated by Laila Ali, Muhammad Al’s daughter.
were not victimized. were not assaulted by the authorities; therefore, have no vested interested in, no claim to retaliate, on behalf of yourself.
The foregoing is logical to me. These thoughts are not contradictory or mutually exclusive. They make sense and put my sentiments in perspective. I welcome responses from those who believe otherwise.
John R. Cleary Formerly of Bethel
Fear of fading
Sinclair Lewis said it with clarity, “When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” Who knew it would be a bible — waved, unopened and unread. Untypically, Trump forgot the flag.
But the gesture was plain to see — once an unimportant public was forced out of view. Trump forever fearful of lacking dominance or fading from view. Worrying that his star might be dimming. Contemptuous of those who fall from grace or never make it. Empty of any empathy or forgiveness while strutting his celebrity persona.
James C. Whiteside Danbury
Printing absentee ballot request form
Our New Fairfield First Selectman Pat Del Monaco sent us a copy of the Secretary of the State’s plan for absentee voting during the current coronavirus crisis. Looks like a good, comprehensive plan, though I did not notice any implementation metrics in the version we’ve seen so far.
At any rate, we would like to use the absentee voting system, but have a little issue: The PDF on the ct.gov website appears to be in 8 1/2-by-14-inch (legalsized) format. Quite frankly, I suspect that while most people can access a printer, few citizens outside the legal profession have such paper handy for printing.
Our idea here was to decrease the amount of contact time in the town office, the registrars’ portion of which is only open for one hour per week at this time of year. With the form pre-printed and filled out ahead of time, contact between voters and staff could be significantly reduced.
Is there a way to obtain a readily printable form online?
Paul Donnelly New Fairfield