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Peoples column

People’s column

Tough decisions with Israel Editor, OBSERVER: Maybe it’s time to cut Israel loose based on their deplorable behavior since October ‘23. After the attack claimed 1,200 Jewish lives it seems Israel knows no bounds with its response. And the terror continues as Israel prevents humanitarian aid from reaching the refugees, leading to starvation and medical emergencies. Where is the outrage from the rest of the “civilized” world? There’s no one willing to stand up to Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him out for the thug that he is. And the United Nations should be disbanded - ...

People’s column

St. Hedwig’s parish pays for misdeeds Editor, OBSERVER: I recently attended the “Last Mass” of my hometown church at St. Hedwig’s. Very sad. A social gathering followed. Every single person I spoke to was angry and disillusioned by the Buffalo Diocese. Points of contention included: — The lawyers are the only ones who get rich off this endless litigation. Will the parishioners be able to see a list of law firms involved & their compensation? — The victims will receive a small fraction of the $150M — Where was the due process when most of the accusations ...

People’s column

Fredonia has chance to be progressive Editor, OBSERVER: I am writing this letter to my fellow Fredonians. I am sick of the whining, complaining and insulting finger pointing we are currently experiencing. In fact, I am very angry. Why does the old guard need to publicly humiliate our current government? Does it make them feel better? Is it to shed any responsibility for what they didn’t or could have done? I am appalled by their boisterous and insulting comments and tones. They succeed in disseminating division, misguided thinking and bitterness. Fredonia struggles now. Their ...

People’s column

Langworthy must do more to hear residents Editor, OBSERVER: Regarding the recent Editor’s corner defense of our U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (May 30), “Ettiquette can go south fast in town halls,” I disagree with the opinion. Certainly, Rep. Langworthy should be applauded for the time spent “making the rounds” in the local community and across the entire 23rd. However, whether one agrees with one’s opinion or not, or feels that a town hall would not change anyone’s minds, and that people’s “etiquette can go south fast in town “ is irrelevant and anti-democratic. ...

People’s Column

Tip-toeing through homeless issue Editor, OBSERVER The May 10 article in the OBSERVER headlined “Destitute man vexes city officials” and its critique in the May 20 opinion piece “’Callous’ council not serving city” has proven the divisiveness of the homelessness issue. Unlike the writer, I am not a native to Chautauqua County, but have spent several years of my life living in Los Angeles, where the homeless problem has become a city-wide epidemic. Though I am no expert, my experience in a city struggling to deal with an enormous homeless population is this: the ...

People’s column

Lifelong lessons, relationships on diamond Editor, OBSERVER: Now that I am almost 80 years old, I look back on my years coaching Little League in Fredonia. I now realize how special a time it was for me and my players. I had both boys and girls on the team. I now understand how important the experience was to me and my players. I watched them grow in confidence and team spirit. It was accomplished with firm leadership but never a harsh word. The players, talented or not, enjoyed the helping hand without harsh words or raised voices. These kids, now adults, stayed in ...