Generosity wins out over fear of migrants

It was really gratifying to read Andrew Waite’s Dec. 31 column, (“Fears about Rotterdam migrants were overblown,”) updating the impact, or rather lack of negative impact, the summer’s unexpected arrival of immigrants in Rotterdam has had on the community.

I remember the embarrassing display of many town residents and how it was overshadowed by the generosity of others and the smiles on the children that you could see from the road as bicycles, toys and new clothes made a scary new place less so.

The efforts of the school district have been what we should expect, but the student outreach has apparently been stellar and ought to serve as an example to some of their narrow-minded elders in the town.

Immigrants made this country the beacon of hope that it used to be known for, and it’s gratifying to hear that these folks are working to be part of the community and not the burden that the summer’s fear-mongers would have had you believe. Now it’s up to the state to:

a) Reimburse schools and localities for what extra expenses they incurred by the situation and

b) Expedite the measures needed to help these folks find the jobs they want to be fully functioning members of the community.

I hope our new neighbors are celebrating these holidays knowing that they have a future here for themselves and their children, and that a lot of us will continue to stand with them in their quest for the American dream.

William Sheehan

Rotterdam

Americans must rise above ignorance

If someone believed thunderstorms were caused by Thor fighting the enemies of Asgard from his wooden-wheeled goat-powered wagon, or that earthquakes were caused by hot-tempered Poseidon pounding the Earth with his trident in a pique of rage, would you deem that person suitable to be Speaker of the House?

Speaker Tim Johnson believes that Noah had dinosaurs on his Ark and two of every other animal species; they would repopulate the Earth after all other people had drowned for sinning against God.

“When a man is certain that he knows God’s will, and is resolved to do it regardless of the cost, he is the most dangerous man in the world.” (Ken Follett, “Pillars of the Earth”)

The top contender for the Republican presidential nomination faces multiple felony charges, including, but not limited to, plotting illegally and violently to remain in office against the will of the people.

Those who allow themselves to be exploited by governmental and religious elites have never risen above “the level of self-imposed ignorance.

“Their minds have become vacuums that shut out light and air and ideas and beauty.

They are robots who will never see themselves as pitifully enslaved.” (Leon Uris, “Trinity”). Think about it.

Anthony Santo

Schenectady

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