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Letters To The Editor

Clearing Driver’s License Rumors

To The Reader’s Forum: I would like to clear up rumors and misinformation that has been circulating about Real ID compliant driver’s licenses. I have received many inquiries from county residents about information that they heard on news broadcasts and from TSA agents at the airport. Beginning in October 2020 you will need either a Real ID compliant license or a passport to board an airplane for a domestic flight. As always, a passport will be required for flights out of the country. New York State now issues three different classes of driver’s license. The standard ...

Celebrating Veterans And America

To The Reader’s Forum: This in not my first Veterans Day, however, my emotions seem to be running extra high this year. It could be my age, but I am more apt to think it is the state of our country. Our family has been blessed with many veterans covering several wars. They have all made sacrifices in varying degrees, from giving their all to following orders and surviving their missions. Whatever their story, they have all been forever changed. I can say without a doubt their attitudes are awe inspiring and their patriotism and dedication to our country is surpassed by none. ...

A Case For The Union

Recently, I have been reading the Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman. His time and era, defined by the Civil War, have relevance today. The President, Abraham Lincoln, had been elected in 1860. The South rebelled in 1861 and, as Lincoln described it, “the War came.” What enabled Lincoln to prevail during the Civil War, was his constant, continuing and articulate vision of what the Union was, and how the United States needed to ultimately move forward as one country. This may be a stretch, but, in some ways, I think that is what the country is looking for today—a ...

As Trump Continues To Use His Office For Personal Gain

To The Reader’s Forum: Around the time the Hometown Heroes banners went up, and shortly before the Ukraine whistleblower courageously stepped forward, my father gave my brothers and me each one of three flight jackets he wore throughout his 28-year military flying career. From the Distinguished Flying Cross he received wearing the patch of the 1st Calvary Division to the search and rescue missions he flew wearing the patch of US Coast Guard Station Mobile, the patches adorning his jacket bear testament to the duty and sacrifice with which he placed country before self. Woven ...

What Are They Hiding?

To The Reader’s Forum: Last week a gang of House Republicans stormed an Intel committee inquiry investigating abuse of power and national security concerns by Donald Trump. Their actions broke House rules that they themselves instituted years earlier. Their actions were meant to intimidate witnesses — they failed. Their excuses for the circus event, “we have no voice, this process is unconstitutional, closed doors, inquiry held in secrecy.” The facts however do no bear out their claims and talking points. There are 47 Republicans sitting on that committee, including V.P. ...

Save The Character Of Downtown Falconer

To The Reader’s Forum: I wouldn’t deny the need for additional low income housing in that area but I do think it odd to turn the downtown of Falconer into residential. I also do not understand the need for additional retail stores when there are many empty store fronts available. The heart of the town as Main Street used to be had many retail stores. Five and Dime, news room, pharmacies, resta­­­urants. Most of these retail stores have gone by the wayside due to access of things like McDonalds and Dollar Tree which are easily accessible. Unless you have something that draws ...