Defending MAGA in the park and a slew of last-minute primary endorsements: Letters
What's wrong with MAGA gatherings in Prescott Park?
Sept. 7 — To the Editor:
What's wrong with MAGA gatherings in the park (in Portsmouth)? It's still supposed to be a free country, isn't it?
If we're honest, we all know that America isn't functioning as it should be. The border is awful, the schools are awful, the taxes are awful, transportation is awful, the whole energy problem is awful. I could go on, but that's plenty for now. And if people want to gather in a park and say so, why not? We all live here and we all would benefit by improvement in America.
True.
Mary Weston
Dover
We need Rep. Jackie Cali-Pitts in NH Legislature
Sept. 8 — To the Editor:
This coming Tuesday's Democratic primary election is important for the future of the people of our state. Among the choices we have is for New Hampshire state Legislature. Among those choices is Rep. Jackie Cali-Pitts, who has been a steady presence and powerful representative for us. She appears on the ballots of Portsmouth Ward 1 voters, and those in Newington.
Through the years Jackie has worked with hundreds of House and Senate members, and she has been tremendously effective on fighting for causes of climate change, science, environmental issues, social justice, women's choice, equality, and diversity. She has been a star in Concord.
Rep. Laura Pantelakos, a legend in the legislature as its longest-serving member, referred to Jackie by saying that she "works very hard in Concord to protect the voters in Portsmouth."
On one issue close to me, Jackie was a leader who made the difference. In 2009, I sponsored the bill that created marriage equality, making N.H. just the fifth state at that time, and the first without court order, to approve gay marriage.
Sometimes we forget how difficult it was to pass the bill. The first House vote on March 26, 2009, was 183 against the bill, 182 for passage. We lost by just one. We had a quick 15 minute "recess," and Jackie helped persuade other legislators. The second vote was 186 in support, 179 opposed. We won, and Jackie was an important part of that victory.
We need the talent and skills of this remarkable leader in our legislature. For all she has done, and for what she will do, she deserves to be our choice on Tuesday.
Jim Splaine
Former state senator
Portsmouth
Gail Huff Brown for positive change in Washington
Sept. 7 — To the Editor:
With the primary elections just ahead, I have given a great deal of thought to which candidate is most deserving of my support. With a large number of Republicans running, there’s a lot to consider. To make the best choice, I have created a profile and measured the candidates against it. Here is my profile:
A mature, independent minded citizen leader who seeks out facts before making decisions.
A supporter of New Hampshire values who understands the needs of our citizens.
A strong advocate for effective border security and law enforcement.
A person with a clear eyed view of the threats posed by our foreign adversaries.
A free market pragmatist who understands what makes our economy and job creation tick.
An opponent of the out of control spending that’s creating debt we will never be able to repay.
Based on these criteria I have concluded that Gail Huff Brown is the most qualified candidate by a wide margin. She is a thoughtful military spouse and career woman who has raised a family. She spent 3 1/2 years overseas with her ambassador husband, gaining valuable experience as president of the Diplomatic Spouses Association. She’s been endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council. She also strikes me as best positioned to win the election in November.
At this late stage in the campaign, I encourage Republican primary voters to carefully consider their votes — we need to nominate a winner and Gail Huff Brown is best qualified.
Rick Blaisdell
New Castle
Hampton and Seabrook: Vote Erica de Vries on Sept. 13
Sept. 8 — To the Editor:
Dear Hampton and Seabrook voters,
Erica de Vries is a candidate on the Democratic ballot for State Representative, Rockingham District 40. She has my vote on Sept. 13; I hope she has yours.
Erica is currently serving on Hampton’s Zoning Board of Adjustments. As an attorney and a small business owner, she has the skills needed to address the specific issues that affect us in Rockingham County. She is a smart woman, a thoughtful listener and is well spoken. And she’s nice. In my book, niceness counts.
District 40 was formed as a result of redistricting done last year. It includes both Hampton and Seabrook. With Erica representing our towns we can rest assured that our interests and concerns will be well represented.
Please join me and cast your vote for Erica deVries on Tuesday.
Thank you.
Corinne Baker
Hampton
I served with Marge Smith and she is an excellent legislator
Sept. 8 — To the Editor:
I was a state rep for a dozen years and was a colleague of Marge Smith’s for all of that time. I remember early in my tenure, I would work late to stay on top of the issues and as I’d leave, I’d notice that Marge, who was chair of the Finance Committee at the time, would still be crunching numbers and trying to understand the issues and the competing forces that make achieving a fair and balanced budget so difficult. As I’ve gotten to know Marge better, in her various legislative roles, over the years this is what I know: She’s very smart; fair; analyzes and is considerate of all perspectives; knows the legislative process and floor strategy very well; is caring and respectful. She is deserving, as she has been for the past many elections, of your support and your vote.
Ed Butler, former chair of New Hampshire House Commerce
Hart’s Location
I will vote for whoever doesn't believe we should have declared martial law and shredded our Constitution
Sept. 7 — To the Editor:
I feel in a different time, like perhaps 10 years ago, I would have gotten along pretty well with Ken McCord. That is the biggest thing I hate about the Trump era. The classic good Republicans who didn't leave the party, perhaps hoping for a return to the honorable days, are still stained by the filth of Trump. I feel I can no longer relate to my former Republicans if they supported Trump and the people around him. And they are probably content to call me a RINO and no longer accept my political donations.
I am glad to hear at least a little acknowledgement in his op-ed about the harm that has come from Trump leading the party. But I also have to point out that it is not healthy to downplay the extreme test of our Constitution that Trump and his allies brought upon us. Mr. McCord, Trump and his advisors were seeking a way to enact martial law to overturn the results of a free and fair election. His supporters invaded the Capitol Building in an attempt to stop the constitutional process of certifying the election. If anyone claims to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," as many of us did while in uniform, these two acts should cause their blood to boil. Who would support these actions Mr. McCord? Besides fascists?
I am glad you did not support these fascist actions, and as you believe it is a small minority of Republicans, I am sure you have not had any conversations with anyone who supported these actions.
When Trump is long gone, and his sycophants with him, maybe the Republican message of lower taxes, smaller government, honorable service and personal responsibility can rise again. And I will be on board with that. But until that day comes, I will vote for whoever doesn't believe we should have declared martial law and shredded our Constitution. You may not believe that is the most important quality in a politician. But I sure as hell do.
Eric R. Christian
Eliot, Maine
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: MAGA in the park and last-minute primary endorsements: Letters
