I plan to look forward to the holidays and the new year, but I’d like to set the record straight — clear the table- before moving on.

We do have bigger fish to fry — and may I plug the Sheridan VFW with one of the best fish fries around and Chloe’s Corner, a diner in the center of town with homemade breakfast and lunch as well as Friday fish fries.

Regarding my November column, the word used in the headline was never used in the article and it has connotations that were not intended. I believe it led to negative impressions that could be taken out of the context of the total theme of the piece which was meant to be both supportive and critical, coming from a position of concern and love for my hometown and desire to see it become better, to see local businesses supported and new businesses attracted, to see community involvement.

By using “in a rut” as a metaphor, I wanted to infer a temporary state, one that can be worked out of, there is no motion from a “stagnant” state, and it is just a nasty image.

Now, as a matter of fact, there is a local Sheridan business that does need community support. There will be a Town Board meeting, open to the public, Wednesday night at 7 in the town offices, 2773 Route 20. This meeting will directly affect the success of their business, and indirectly, the success of the town for increased revenue to put into improvements that everyone can benefit from.

The legalization of cannabis in New York state has come with 130 pages of laws regarding its sale and cultivation, which address any concerns that come with allowing a dispensary. Sheridan Liquor and Wine is a business that is already established in the community and deserves the opportunity.

On a broader level, I am encouraged that the House passed President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better bill and hope the Senate will pass it also. At least the bipartisan infrastructure bill already signed into law will begin to move funds down through the system so needed work can be done.

Hopefully our local officials are good at getting our area a nice slice of the pie. It does perplex me that Republican representatives can’t get behind a project that will ultimately help the economy.

It’s the government acting in the spirit of capitalism, which is based on gain from investment, short term deficit for long term gain. Investing in the middle class worked well for our parents and grandparents in the ’50s and the economy of this country thrived. The full plates at the table then are mere scraps for too many now.

Movement toward a more equitable economy will slow the slide toward authoritarianism. The political trend of the extremely wealthy is toward power and control of the masses, we being the masses. If the gap between the wealthy and the rest of us widens without a middle class, democracy is threatened.

A strong middle class is necessary for democracy and the middle class is what makes up small towns like Sheridan. Regular folks having the opportunity for jobs, education, childcare, starting a business, can help save democracy and energize small towns. If anything can motivate folks to get involved in civic participation, it should be the thought of losing the democratic government our founders worked so hard for. We can’t just expect it to be served up automatically.

The fear of losing our democratic form of government is real. A report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance revealed that “democracy is at risk, its survival is endangered by a perfect storm of threats, both from within and from a rising tide of authoritarianism.”

This report identifies the United States as a nation that is “backsliding … falling victim to authoritarian tendencies itself, and was knocked down a significant number of steps on the democratic scale. … Malign foreign social media accounts are pushing right wing extremism posing as Americans,” says historian Heather Cox Richardson.

Traditional Republican lawmakers and public servants are resigning or submitting out of self-preservation to the authoritarians and anarchists. The House committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol is uncovering a dumpster full of deep involvement in the coup attempt.

Misinformation by those who would follow the perceived gravy train of power led the masses to unwittingly do their bidding, to overturn our democratic government, not to defend it as they were led to believe. Keeping average people down rather than helping them and blaming everything from democrats to immigrants to masks – pits us against each other and increases their control. Even some FOX news contributors have recently left the table, disgusted by the lies that Tucker Carlson, in particular, spits out.

The divisiveness and hatred in this country have to heal somehow or the USA will join other failed democracies, abandoned with other unsuccessful recipes at the back of the cookbook of history. In the midst of this season of thanksgiving and hope, we all think of our neighbors and reach across the table to help those in need.

Good will begins locally. Can it overcome the negativity? A small-town pastor’s words of wisdom, “You don’t have to like someone to love them.”

It may sound contradictory, but it isn’t. We don’t have to agree; to be civil, respectful, or helpful and exercise our first amendment rights without personal attacks. Unfortunately, meanness is prevalent on social media where comments go beyond opinions on subject matter.

With COVID and all the other bad apples we have to deal with, maybe we can find some good ones and bake a pie for a shut-in neighbor! Or donate to the local food bank.

It is uplifting to see that most of our local communities have found ways to safely make the holiday season merry and bright, outdoor celebrations with parades, tree lightings, collections for charities, and community spirit that we can enjoy.

The season of giving and good will still has a spark left! You all will have to break the wishbone for me since I would pardon all the turkeys if I could! Happy holidays and a wish for a happier New Year!

Susan Bigler is a Sheridan resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com