When I read the local news, I wonder why we have gotten so divided as a country…. and as a small town. Often, editorials in The Valley Reporter present fairly negative opinions about our current president. And yet he was elected by a majority of the voters in the country. You may not have liked him or his over-the-top ego, but he did win. While not a fan of some of his numerous rhetorical and off-the-cuff speeches, he appears to be the hardest-working president in recent times on an agenda for all citizens. The effect on my taxes from the Big Beautiful Bill was great, as I am sure everyone in The Valley benefited. There are a couple of divisive issues I hear over and over again in Valley discussions, though it’s tough to have an “intelligent conversation” when both sides know they are right, based on feelings as opposed to facts. Whether on the left or the right, respect for one another’s facts/opinions has lessened over the years.
What is “No Kings” all about? So many protests in our little town and within Vermont. Did your teachers not educate you about the 22nd Amendment to our Constitution, which prohibits a president from holding more than two terms (unless finishing out a partial term from a previous president)? And what about the 25th Amendment? If a president becomes incapacitated (or maybe too “kingly”) he can be removed from office by the consent of a majority of his Cabinet and the Vice President. Donald Trump is not royalty, not in any sense of the term. He may talk like a king (such an ego). He may live like one, but really, you can’t call him one. It’s pretty astonishing that people can waste their time on this issue. In fact, if it weren’t for the most recent as well as upcoming protests, I feel I just wasted too much of my own time in this opinion. Consider this as well. A recent letter in The Valley Reporter tells you the various organizations supporting this protest. Do you know the agenda of each one? Protesters are often interviewed, and a high percentage have no answer. So, what are the “No Kings” nonviolent protests trying to achieve? Do people take the time off to travel from protest to protest? How about joining together to address real Vermont-focused issues like medical insurance, loss of local medical clinic, high prescriptions, education, and the high cost of housing? When Vice President Vance and family visited The Valley for a ski vacation last winter, thankfully, the protest was non-violent. However, having driven by at one point, I can honestly say the protest was filled with so much hate towards his family and our government, it was embarrassing, and cast The Valley (which depends on tourism) in a sad light. Many think this was a highlight of their political life, but when you try to take away the joy of a ski vacation for young children, you have stepped over the line of good taste.
We need and support immigration in our country. Who is going to milk cows, wait tables and work towards the American dream? Consider this: The current fertility rate is 1.664 children/woman, which is below the replacement rate. In light of this Presidents (Obama, Clinton and Trump) have preached for legal immigration many times. The current work by Department of Homeland Security to rid illegal criminal factions of immigrants was clearly needed because of the Biden/Mayorkas open border agenda. How many more American citizens need to die or be raped at the hands of criminal illegals? How many illegal truckers are on the road today who will cause another fatal accident? ICE is employed to make our cities safer. I suggest Congress pass an annual visa system for immigrants who are here illegally but are currently working. During this time, they would be vetted for any criminal background. When that job/year is up they must return to their country of origin and reapply for a visa for temp or permanent status. A well-written recent Seven Days story by Lucy Tompkins (Sugarmakers Tap Migrant Workers -March 25-April 1) highlighted not only the need in Vermont but the H2 and FN Visa system currently in use. An H2 migrant worker, whom she spoke to for the article, highlighted the risk for undocumented workers, stated, “but in the end, this is not my country. And they also know they are in a foreign country and rules are rules. The government establishes its own rules, and that’s valid.”
Many of us believe our quaint Valley is a special kind of paradise that can hold itself together from outside influences and keep its focus on civility and being part of a country soon to enjoy its 250th birthday. It may not be a perfect ride, with a few potholes and speed bumps, but there is no other country that has delivered on its promises like ours.
Hildebrand lives in Waitsfield
