Hi! If you’re opposed to a genocide but also opposed, on a technicality, to your representatives speaking out against that genocide… then I hate to break it to you, but you may not be opposed to that genocide. To be clear: this somewhat crude statement is not for those who hold this belief, because, after … Continue reading The first White River abductee
gaza
Gaza Ceasefire resolution 2025
I am here to answer some frequently asked questions about the special meeting, currently scheduled for 4-22, on the topic of a new draft of a Gaza Ceasefire resolution. As always, I'm speaking for myself and not the board or town government. If after reading, you think passing a ceasefire resolution would be more valuable … Continue reading Gaza Ceasefire resolution 2025
Ranked Choice Voting
[The following was written for the town listserv and is reposted here.] I’m a member of the local selectboard but I don’t speak here for town government, nor could I. This is my opinion and I’m happy to discuss it with any of you. (Though I believe listserv rules prohibit personal heckling, so you might … Continue reading Ranked Choice Voting
Remarks about the upcoming Gaza ceasefire resolution vote
“The most revolutionary act is a clear view of the world as it really is.” - Rosa Luxemburg According to a UN report, half the people of Gaza are expected to face death and starvation by July, via the collapse of local agricultural systems and “extreme access constraints” on humanitarian aid. (FYI, while I’m a … Continue reading Remarks about the upcoming Gaza ceasefire resolution vote
How we know what we know: Gaza edition
Marcy Bartlett and I share a love of humanity. That much is clear. I spoke with her at length in the early spring, and I believe her to be a reasonable person. So I feel compelled to bring up that which I’ve been made aware about the topics she addressed to the listserv and the … Continue reading How we know what we know: Gaza edition
Protest arrest & answers to common town questions
This is the third in a series of four posts on related subjects. Yes I’m a selectboard member; no I’m not speaking for the board or the town. (As if I could!) This will be the first time I have publicly discussed this, because I prefer focus not be on myself when hundreds of children … Continue reading Protest arrest & answers to common town questions
Divesting our livelihoods from mass suffering
This is the second in a series of four posts on related subjects. Yes I’m a selectboard member; no I’m not speaking for the board or the town. (As if I could!) Did you know that almost four months ago, the death toll in Gaza largely stopped being counted because most of the people who … Continue reading Divesting our livelihoods from mass suffering
What’s a local politician for?
This is the first in a series of four posts on related subjects. Yes I’m a selectboard member; no I’m not speaking for the board or the town. (As if I could!) “Divide and conquer” is the greatest tool that history’s oppressors, and indeed today’s oppressors, have ever known. If they can convince you to … Continue reading What’s a local politician for?
On “decorum” and things like it
Hi, all. I’m writing for the folks who appreciate my writing. And the folks who are willing to think “What if he’s onto something? What would that mean?” rather than simply “He’s wrong,” at the outset. Most of you, neighbors, have been the former, and for that I am so grateful. Since I last posted, … Continue reading On “decorum” and things like it
Honoring a veteran
I would like to use this post to honor a veteran who lived in Quebec. Jacob Flickinger was a US-Canadian citizen. He was killed Tuesday by Israeli military while delivering food aid in Gaza. Flickinger was a retired master corporal who served 11 years in the Canadian Army, including a tour in Afghanistan. He was … Continue reading Honoring a veteran
Brandon Smith 