To the Editor:

I read with interest the opinion expressed by Ms. Beverly J. Brownell “Gay Pride Parade in Potsdam” in her 4-30 opus. (It was one of those face/palm moments.)

I also read the headline regarding the Gay Pride Parade with some interest and then moved on to the next article in view of the reality it wasn’t directed at me, my participation was neither solicited nor requested and it was abundantly clear it was not intended to offend, simply inform.

As long as the mayor of Potsdam does their job as a mayor in representing the majority of their constituents, they’ve performed the duties they’ve been elected to do. What they do otherwise is their business, just as any other neighbor is free to engage in what ever activities in which they choose to participate: It’s simply not my concern.

Ms. Brownell informs us, “I did all I could to make things better and happier in schools.” (I’ll take her word on that-albiet with reservation.) “I also have given 15 years of watching over and protecting the rights of the village residents.”

Actually, it’s the job description of law enforcement and the DAs Office to serve and protect. Serving the community voluntarily or in a paid capacity does not give the individual carte blanche to use their position as a bully pulpit: It is an act of self-lessness. Many of us give back to our communities day in/day out for years behind the scenes and consider it an honor and privilege, not an opportunity for self-promotion.

Let me be very clear in stating Ms. Brownell does not reflect my views, I do not require her “watching over” (spying, gossiping) on my activities or her “protection” despite being an old widow. “Is this all for naught?” Ms. Brownell laments. Well, I guess if promoting intolerance, bigotry, hatred, fear, pettiness, gossip, innuendo and shameless self-promotion, the same “qualities” embraced by the Westboro Baptist Church, it certainly was; otherwise, it was a rhetorical question.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson (from “The Conduct of Life: A Philosophical Reading,”) “The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.” Ms. Brownell is dishing up one over-sized self-serving spoon of faux “concern” transparently attempting to hide behind her particular brand of “Creator” for the human beings residing in Potsdam.

I can only conclude the “heart” she professes to have must be of the mechanical variety. The human heart is inclusive, not exclusive, it loves unconditionally, gives in joy, offers solace, peace, and tolerance in the understanding what ultimately binds us together is our shared humanity.

Nancy J. Kimble

Potsdam