Dear Editor, Deceptively labeled with such noble sounding phraseology as “The Reproductive Liberty Amendment,” Prop. 5/Article 22 has nothing to do with reproduction. Its central purpose is all about the liberty to continue to harm women and kill babies at any stage of pregnancy, even up to birth. We must never forget that despite every…

Dear Editor, Regarding Vermont’s decision to recommend going “maskless” statewide, as of March 14, I wish the state had followed the CDC guidelines. Those guidelines clearly state that in areas of high levels of Covid-19, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask indoors in public spaces. Unfortunately, my county (Rutland County) is considered…

Dear Editor, There are times when silence says more than words. But it is words and courage that are now required. The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) has been outspoken in our support of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because what we say and do matters, we support communities and institutions within…

Dear Editor, Editor’s note: Gregory Thayer is a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor. He lives in Rutland. Have you seen the price of gasoline at your local gas station pumps? I paid $3.69 per gallon two days ago. This is happening all across the Green Mountain state to working Vermonters already struggling with inflation at…

Dear Editor, There is an extraordinary exhibit at the Vermont Historical Museum, one that I encourage you to visit. It will be there from now until July 30. It tells the disturbing story of St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Burlington and the children who were abused there. When the documented torture and abuse of children was…

Dear Editor, As our current legislative session proceeds to debate bill after bill that impacts every citizen’s life, an unreported threat to democracy has clearly emerged that nobody seems willing to acknowledge: that only the privileged few are consistently heard in matters of state government. In this day and age of remote telecommunications, affluent urbanites…

Dear Editor, In her recent piece “The problems with net metering,” Annette Smith mischaracterizes the net-metering program that for decades has helped make installing solar power more affordable by allowing Vermonters to send any excess solar electricity they generate back to the grid in exchange for a credit on their electric bill. Who are the…

Dear Editor, The Mentor Connector is a non-profit community based organization that focuses on the youth of today. Created in 2004 by dedicated community members with a belief that every youth deserves to feel valued, supported, and welcome. Since then, the organization has blossomed with a wide range of support services ranging from prevention and…

By Addie Lentzner, Astrid Young and Lydia Beaulieu Editor’s note: Lentzner, Young and Beaulieu are members of the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network. Schools shape everything in society; there is no doubt that education is the key to societal change. However, schools are so cemented in systems, traditions and bureaucracy, which makes that change an incredibly…

Dear Editor, Pomfret Voters: Please consider voting “No” on Article 2. [The article asks: Shall the voters change the 1-year terms of the two additional Selectboard members to staggered 2-year terms? (Note: If adopted, this article will take effect as of the 2023 annual meeting.)] The premise for Article 2 is to avoid the potential…

Dear Editor, The Vermont House has advanced Prop. 5, a proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee a so-called right to “personal reproductive autonomy,” which includes abortion. While portrayed by advocates as a simple proposal to preserve abortion rights in case Roe v. Wade is overturned, the reality is much different. Unlike Roe v. Wade, Prop. 5…

Dear Editor, Proposal 5 is a proposed amendment to the Vermont State Constitution that its supporters say is necessary to protect a woman’s right to an abortion. Unfortunately, it is becoming apparent that the wording of Proposal 5 is so convoluted and vague that it might actually have the opposite impact on a woman’s right…

Dear Editor, With Covid-19 and a harsh winter as a backdrop, I’m writing to provide two bright spots that speak to the positive nature of this community. One is a blood drive fully booked more than a month in advance, the other a fundraiser for the Community Cupboard that has already inspired dozens of donations…

Dear Editor, Now that I have announced my candidacy for lieutenant governor as a Republican for our great and beautiful state of Vermont, I have many questions for the current leadership of our Legislature. We need to learn from those missteps from this session and the past. We need to do a better job for…

Dear Editor, Changing our Vermont Constitution is no small matter. The last time chapter 1 of our constitution was amended was in 1786. The stated purpose of Pop. 5 is to ensure that every Vermonter is afforded personal reproductive liberty, in the article itself it uses the words, “The right to personal reproductive autonomy.” There…