Though I do not usually share the views of our current Select Board Chair, I would like to offer my gratitude to David Golden, as well as the countless other first responders, plow operators, utility workers, neighbors, and individuals that helped our community survive the recent blizzard. At the same time, I would like to share my thanks to the Plymouth Independent for their coverage of all local events, not just this snowstorm; I have a difficult time seeing any partisanship in their reporting.
Fake news is not a new concept. The muckrakers and yellow journalists of bygone times (some of whom were well-intentioned, attempting to end corrupt practices), certainly presented their ideas in a sensational fashion. Still, there seems to be a resurgence of the practice thanks to the current political climate. Stories meant to sway votes are commonplace. The practice of deriding opponents as “woke” is particularly offensive: the individuals so labeled haven’t been sleeping throughout the periods of discrimination to which they have been exposed… they have been awake through it all.
I would hope, though, that voters would do a more comprehensive search for information about candidates and issues prior to marking their ballot, instead of just one newspaper article. Attend meet-the-candidates events. Review candidates’ stated platforms. Check incumbents’ voting records. Look at their endorsements. Talk with family, friends, neighbors. Request clarifications for statements or actions that might be confusing.
I am an independent voter. I have voted for Republicans in the past. However, in these times, if a Republican wants my vote, they would have to demonstrate to me, in writing, that they detest the truly divisive actions taken by Trump, and that they will work, in whichever governmental office they seek, to overturn the restrictions to personal liberties put in place by Trump and the Republican party.
– Robert F. “Frank” Smith