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The fine line
for gun owners
Editor of the Reformer:
The letter "A Firearms owner discusses his rights" in the July 25 edition of the Reformer sent chills up and down my spine. As a person who survived a drive-by shooting and lost a friend to a fusillade from an AK-47, I find it frightening that the author of this letter needs to have so many weapons in his possession. If we as a society have descended to the point where we need to arm ourselves for combat to go to the grocery store, pick up a 12-pack of beer, or attend a town meeting, then we have become an incredibly paranoid and sick society not worthy of the name of democracy.
I am glad that the author feels that he is a "responsible gun owner." Space is too short here to discuss what separates a responsible from an irresponsible gun-owner. Every week now, though, it seems more people are taken down by guns wielded by assailants, mostly males, who had been deemed responsible. Last week it was a young girl in Massachusetts, her brother wounded, by her father who had no known record, no psychological disorders, and was a pillar of the community.
My friend, a woman in her 30s with two kids, was blasted at her job in a town hall by a man infuriated over a zoning issue gone against him. I knew him, too. He had been an otherwise responsible gun owner like so many -- avid deer hunter, target shooter, all the rest -- but something pushed him over
It is great that the author would be there to protect me and that he is well-trained to do so. Yet, with this lethal power at his disposal, this person could just as easily become the angel of judgement, able to end my life or influence my fate for a few seconds or the rest of my life, like that anonymous person who shot at me and some friends so long ago.
Walter Carpenter,
Montpelier, July 31
A value of
Crowell Lot
Editor of the Reformer:
I live in Putney but feel especially attached to Brattleboro after teaching in its public schools for 25 years. My career there began in 1970, teaching first grade at Green Street School which has only a concrete playground behind it. I remember how much I appreciated being able to take my students up the hill to the lovely Crowell Lot where they could run and explore and play in safety with more abandon. When the school day was over at Green Street and when I taught at Canal Street School, I loved passing the Crowell Lot on my way home and still enjoy seeing it as I leave downtown Brattleboro with its dearth of green spaces.
There is a need for a skateboard park, but let’s work together to find a more fitting location. The Liberty Union Party idea of securing the Home Depot building for a year round skatepark, an advantage here in Vermont, should be taken seriously and investigated. It would mean a larger fund drive but many more possible supporters. All of us who want to see Brattleboro’s parks preserved would be likely to come on board and work to make it happen.
Mal Herbert,
Putney, July 30
Support for Toleno
Editor of the Reformer:
Though I have know Tristan Toleno for many years, in recent years we have become friends.
Consequently, we have frequent discussions about the town, state and the country, with particular emphasis on the politics involved in all three areas. I enjoy these conversations because they are always carried out in a rational, amicable manner. At times we agree to disagree, but it is never done with rancor or animosity.
Despite any differences we might have, Tristan has an excellent talent for taking a clear look at matters and therefor takes a logical approach to the discussion. He is well read on a wide range of subjects and has a deep abiding interest and love for our community.
I believe he will serve his district and Brattleboro well in Montpelier, and he deserves the support of the voters in District 3.
Bob Fagelson,
Brattleboro, July 30
Share the arts
Editor of the Reformer:
We are privileged to live in a community with an incredible wealth of art, culture and crafts. Our lives are richer as a result in a myriad of ways, direct and indirect. I am writing with a suggestion of how we can use this wealth to make our lives even better.
Most of us have friends who live not too far away who we see too infrequently who also appreciate the things we find so satisfying about living here. The Arts Council of Windham County has produced an attractive brochure that lists some of the signature arts and culture events during 2012, and organizations that have regular stellar events during the year.
The idea is that you look the list over, and if you see something that a friend from away would love to experience, invite that person for a weekend visit. You get a visit with ready-made entertainment (perhaps leading to some great conversations), you get to show off (and take some credit for) the excellence of your community, and you might even get taken out to one of our great restaurants.
This is called "Sharing the Arts" and can be a win-win-win for you, the arts and our community.
The brochure -- "The Art Lover’s Guide to Arts Events in Windham County 2012" -- is available at the usual arts and tourist locations around the county, and also at www.acwc.us. Pick up a copy and give it a look.
Share with your friends, engage with the arts, have a great time.
Doug Cox,
ACWC President,
Brattleboro, July 31
Spofford triathlon a success
Editor of the Reformer:
A big "Thank You" goes to all the participants, volunteers and contributors to the very successful Spofford Lake Triathlon held on Sunday, July 22. Thanks also to the Reformer for excellent coverage. The financial sole beneficiary of the event is the Wares Grove Enhancement Fund.
There will be a "wrap up" meeting on Monday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come to that meeting at Wares Grove. The intention is to make this an annual event and ideas and any suggestions are important -- so please check your calendars and come.
Betty Tyler,
Spofford, N.H., July 31
Upset with
the Co-op
Editor of the Reformer:
Yesterday I met a woman moving herself and her two children out of the Victorian, the building next to the new Brattleboro Food Co-op. According to her, the noise was unendurable and the Housing Trust held her to her desperate need for housing whatever the conditions. The Housing Trust promised a patio area for tenants of the day and night sound harassed tenants then reneged on it once the building was built.
To some, it may be a minor complaint to have compressors blasting all night long, constant severe construction noise and what is worst of all, a promise by your landlord that your suffering, your endurance will be recognized. Instead, the landlord played their tenants as fools, poor gullible and easily controlled because they are individual and not particularly political.
The Brattleboro Area Food Co-op has great support from its members. They decided to locate in an area accessible to downtown. They have totally eclipsed any benefit of their neighbors.
If you have money, shop at the renovated Co-op. If you believe that poor people have a right to organic, low cost food, shop at Price Chopper or Hannaford. The Co-op has failed in its work.
Catherine Eastman,
Brattleboro, July 26
