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Peoples column

America born through diversity

Editor, OBSERVER: I wholeheartedly agree with two comments in the Dec. 12 letter headlined: “We need to maintain values of America.” First, teachers should bring everyone to the highest standards possible, and second, Congress should not be beholden to any foreign government or take a dime from any of their interest groups. But other comments require a response. Perhaps the writer was unaware that most Somalis in the U.S. are citizens. Nationally, over 260,000 Somalis reside in the U.S., with significant populations in Ohio, California, and Minnesota. In Minnesota alone, about ...

Hochul secures victory for voter lists

Editor, OBSERVER: Thank you, Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing the ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) bill (S1356A/A3649B). This bill allows New York State to join ERIC, a multistate collaboration to help maintain voter lists. It will strengthen voter protection, election integrity, and efficiency in our state. ERIC is a nonpartisan collaboration of many states to maintain our voter roles. It has been proven to be secure, to help identify those who move, duplicate registrations and those who are deceased. It is set up to prevent wrongful purges and promote civic ...

We need to maintain values of America

Editor, OBSERVER: The illegal immigration issue is not emotional. This is killing our country, finances and culture. You want to come here legally, love the flag, speak English, pay taxes and not take benefits? Come on in and be my friend, but that is the only way we should accept you here anymore. This country is about saving our culture. If you want to experience Somali cuisine, go to Africa. If you want to try sharia law, go to the Middle East. If you cared about Diwali or the Asian New Year, or communism or globalism, or whatever else, go to the countries that do ...

Peoples column

Use of plastics is hazardous Editor, OBSERVER: I would like to thank the OBSERVER for publicizing the recent lunch and learn at the college, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The discussion alerted us to the various types of plastics and the dangers they pose to humans. This spring, I heard a podcast on Sirius Radio about the effects of plastic on our health, and it was quite alarming. Then I watched a few Ted Talks about plastic, again shocking. This summer, I encountered hazardous plastics at our beaches, parks, and homes. Initially, I noticed discarded single-use ...

People’s column

Hometown hospital full of caring Editor, OBSERVER: I recently had gallbladder surgery at Brooks-TLC Hospital, and I couldn’t have been in better hands. The entire team was efficient, supportive, and even jovial, which made a world of difference. Teresa and Tracy handled my intake with kindness and professionalism. Dr. Troutman, the anesthesiologist, was easy to talk to and took the time to explain his role in the surgery and answered all of my questions thoroughly. When I entered the operating room, the team there was cheery yet focused and business-like. And most of all, the ...

People’s column

Intersection needs attention Editor, OBSERVER: I would like to thank the National Grid linesman for outstanding service after an incident at my residence. On Nov. 10, the day of our first snowfall, a vehicle slid through the Bard Road intersection in front of my house and struck the electric pole with such force the transformer was knocked off the pole. It took less than two hours for them to have a new transformer installed and my power back on. On Nov. 29, 2024, a vehicle struck the same pole breaking the pole that also took out the power and fiber optic lines resulting in no ...