Letters
A Simple Reaction
Published: Apr 28, 2022 4:30 pm
To The Editor:
About the Wharton Proposal. Marilyn Alexander said it perfectly.
NO.
Cathleen & Walter Stark
Newtown
First the low hanging fruit. Dave; it was a joke, please get over it. You are the only person in Newtown that thought I really wanted to build a stadium on 6 Commence Rd.
Now on to Alex. You might not appreciate my writing style or my selection of words, but let's not loose sight of the fact that by responding to my letter in the manner that you did, you have removed any doubt whatsoever that you have no idea of the quantifiable benefits you are dismissing not only for the town, but also for protesters. Either you stopped listening at the word "ordinance" or you never started.. Your constitutional rights to assemble were never in question and would actually be strengthened and there would be literally no impediments. We could even title it "The Alex Villamil Ordinance" if you want. It could be your legacy and actually show Newtown your willingness to work in a bipartisan way for the betterment of the town. Businesses would be protected. Traffic wouldn't be interrupted. The town would save hundreds of thousands of dollars in police overtime. And maybe most importantly, the town could prevent another tragedy while mitigating legal risk in the event something terrible happens at a protest. Nothing bad could never happen in Newtown right? All that could be accomplished by a simple, non-intrusive ordinance unless all the detriments to our town are intentional in order to bring more attention to your cause. Alex, this was not me throwing a temper tantrum. Believe me, you will know it if that happens. I am just putting Newtown first. From that perspective, if you think critically, the regulation is necessary. It makes sense logically, rationally, and is reasonable. There is absolutely no down side. None. I would be willing to sit down with you to see if we could come to some type of compromise if you want. Let me know. You would be amazed how much you can accomplish when there is dialogue amongst neighbors.
A popular prank circulating on TikTok is “ding-dong-ditch” where a group of young people violently bang or kick someone’s door late at night and then “ditch” or run. On May 3 three high schoolers here in Fredericksburg Va. were participating in such a prank. One homeowner assumed, as in this case, an attempted break in and also took measures to defend his family and property. As the youths were running away he fired, striking an 18 year old graduating senior in the back killing him and seriously injuring a second youth. A wasted life, a family shattered, and the homeowner charged with murder.
You’re absolutely right — no one should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Being startled awake by violent banging at your door late at night is no joke, and it’s a stark reminder that danger can come without warning. That’s why I’m thankful for the right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property. In a moment like that, you don’t get a second chance to call for help before you act — you have to be prepared. Our homes should be a place of peace, not fear, and the ability to defend them is a right worth safeguarding.
Kathy, your countdown to the “end of the Trump Circus” sounds more like a preview for the greatest show on earth. It’s refreshing to finally have a team that knows how to work without a net. It sure beats the stale, grey bureaucrats who’ve been shuffling paper for decades and calling it “public service while literally being asleep at the wheel. With all the juggling, tightrope acts, and cannon shots you describe, why wouldn’t we want an encore? Forget 1,258 days, keep counting, Kathy—just remember, the circus doesn’t end when you think it does. Sometimes, the ringleader just announces a second show.
I can’t help but wonder how many young people heard this advice as a life lesson: cheating is fine if the other side cheats first. What does that teach about character? About fairness? About playing by the rules even when it’s hard?
Sports are supposed to instill integrity, teamwork, and resilience. When we replace those values with “win at any cost,” we risk raising a generation who believe that bending or breaking the rules is acceptable if it gets them ahead. And I wonder — how many of those players, years later, carried that lesson into other parts of their lives? How many crossed ethical lines in business, relationships, or even the law, because they’d been told that it’s okay to do wrong if you feel wronged?
A society that embraces “two wrongs make a right” doesn’t become more just — it just becomes more wrong.