coaxny

Editor,

I am writing in response to the letter wondering why there had been no report on hydrofracking by the Arcade Herald. I have to say, that had to be the most disheartening Editor’s note I have ever read.

The fact that our Town Boards are not taking action on these very important issues because “any Resolution they pass could be usurped at the state level,” is very sad. What if our forefathers had felt that way? Had our ancestors not had the courage to stand up and speak out against tyranny, the great nation we call home would never have been born.

Likewise, our freedom depends on an educated electorate. Citizens depend on their local newspapers to bring them information on these important issues. If I am reading this Editor’s note correctly, apparently the newspaper’s reporters aren’t going to cover the issue anymore either, for the same reason that the Board isn’t pursuing any further action — “Albany will just usurp anything we have to say” — so why bother?!?

Have we become so lazy and apathetic that we are willing to let our freedoms slip away without a word? Really??? When our children ask us why we sat back, and did nothing to stop this gradual loss of our freedoms, what will you say???

As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.”

The recent loss of “Home Rule” that occurred when the Power NY Act was passed is just such an example. Most people are not even aware that our local municipalities have lost “Home Rule” in regard to the siting of energy facilities thanks to the passing of this bill, because most newspapers and elected officials alike aren’t talking about it. Why? Because “Albany will just usurp anything we have to say”? That’s a sorry excuse if you ask me.

In response to this attack on our freedoms, a number of citizens from across NYS have come together in a grassroots group called Coalition On Article X (COAX – www.coaxny.org). COAX was formed for the very purpose of working together to encourage our elected officials to speak out against this blatant theft of our freedoms. I encourage all citizens to click in to the COAXNY website to educate yourself about the loss of “Home Rule”, and see what you can do to help rectify this situation.

No matter where you stand on any particular issue, Albany has removed our right to decide for ourselves, and put the control into the hands of distant, unelected bureaucrats. Our elected officials need to tell Albany that this is simply unacceptable! If they won’t, citizens need to elect new representatives who are not afraid to stand up for our rights.

The continual expansion of government that we are witnessing today demands action by concerned citizens, elected officials, and news media alike, if we hope to pass on the freedoms we have enjoyed to our children. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

I would be happy to discuss the loss of “Home Rule”, and what folks can do with any concerned citizen. Feel free to contact me at: mkbarton711@yahoo.com.

Member Coalition On Article X (www.coaxny.org),
Mary Kay Barton