The Weight of the World

In a world grappling with complex challenges, many Americans are feeling the strain. From global conflicts to domestic policy, the sense that things are “getting worse” is a sentiment echoed across communities.

One individual, Evelynn Ellis of White River Junction, expresses this concern: I am very careful where I get my news reports, how much I follow the news, and what I believe. Despite my quality controls, it just keeps getting worse.

Ellis emphasizes the interconnectedness of global and local issues, drawing on a background in the Black Belt of Alabama to highlight the importance of empathy and community. Growing up in the Black Belt of Alabama in a large loving family, I learned to look out for other people — all the other people. I carry that with me now. As I watch people taken off the streets with no due process,I see them as my family. When I hear of people still dying in Gaza from disease, bombs, and hunger, I see them as my family.

ellis challenges readers to consider their own roles and responsibilities in the face of suffering, posing critical questions about morality and solidarity. If you are OK with all of this as you benefit,what price for your soul next time? If you still don’t care,ask yourself,who will be there when thay come for me? the call to action is clear: Care now. Speak up now. Help those suffering now. It will get worse.

Tariffs or Taxes? A Conservative Dilemma

The debate over fiscal policy continues to ignite passions, especially among conservative Republicans. Anthony Roisman of Weathersfield raises concerns about the current management’s use of tariffs, arguing they are essentially a regressive national sales tax.

Roisman references “the pledge” taken by New Hampshire gubernatorial candidates not to enact broad-based sales or income taxes. He argues that tariffs circumvent this pledge,urging congressional action to reclaim tariff authority. Congress can stop this by revoking the tariff authority it delegated to the president and restore its power under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Echoing a famous Republican sentiment, Roisman implores conservatives to stand firm against what he sees as disguised taxation. To paraphrase a former darling of conservative Republicans, “Read my lips ‘no more taxes disguised as tariffs.’ ” It is time for true conservatives in Congress, and their constituents, to get some cojones and stop this egomaniacal nut from destroying America.

Greenland: A Question of Sovereignty

The idea of the United States acquiring Greenland has sparked controversy and debate. Abigail Fleming of Bradford, Vt., questions the ethics and practicality of such a move, emphasizing the well-being and autonomy of the Greenlandic people.

The people of Greenland would have to be crazy to want to become part of the United States.As Danish citizens,they have free health care and free college tuition. Meanwhile, we pay an arm and a leg for these things. Greenlanders do not want to become U. S.citizens.They want Donald Trump to leave them alone.

Fleming condemns any perceived threat to Greenland’s sovereignty, framing it as a departure from American values. Threatening the sovereignty of one of our allies is not only unethical, it is un-American. We need to stop this bogus colonialist nonsense and let America be America again.

Domestic Threats and Political Divides

Michael Whitman of Lyme raises concerns about domestic terrorism and criticizes the current administration’s policies, particularly those affecting healthcare. He connects these issues to broader political trends and the influence of conservative organizations.

Domestic terrorism is back: More shocking than our 24-year trauma of 9/11 is that America’s president is cutting health care for millions of needy Americans — 10,000 HHS workers fired, according to national news. This includes health care for the very World Trade Center rescue workers who braved, survived and still suffer physical and mental trauma from working at Ground zero to save their fellow New Yorkers.

Whitman expresses disappointment with both the president and those who support him, suggesting they are complicit in policies he deems cruel. For shame, our president! And shame also to Americans who voted for Trump! Did you not believe that he would adopt many of the cruel Project 2025 directives crafted by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation?

He calls for resistance and action, lamenting the absence of prominent voices to challenge the current leadership. Sadly, we can’t expect Rudy Giuliani, once called “America’s Mayor,” to pick up a megaphone and rally the public to impeach Trump for the third time — but he should. Those who don’t get out and resist, are supporting our cynical leader’s twisted values.

The Power of Protest and Media Coverage

Julia Trotter of White River Junction highlights the importance of protest and expresses frustration with what she perceives as inadequate media coverage of widespread demonstrations.

I wanted to thank the Valley News for posting photos from the April 19 rally in Lebanon on the front page. We were energized and passionate, as were millions of folks across the country that day.

Trotter criticizes major news outlets for downplaying the scale and meaning of these protests. Unfortunately, I notice very little coverage of the nationwide (and world wide) protests in the broader media. The new York Times reported that “thousands” protested, and the story was buried on page 28. Other news sources have similarly downplayed it.

She emphasizes the potential impact of collective action and expresses anger at being marginalized. Rough estimates of the total of people protesting are between 2 million and 3.5 million. If we had all amassed in one location, it would have sent out shock waves. I’m angry about the lack of coverage. This is a huge story, and we are being marginalized.