To the Editor:

Ms. Hodges wrote “We don’t need sourpusses like Rep. Stefanik making trumped-up, anger-inducing claims - like the one about a “mass exodus” from NY due to “Far Left Democrat leadership.”

That’s partisan political deflecting, Ms. Hodges. A half million New Yorkers exited New York in 2022 because of high taxes and bureaucratic red tape from decades of Democratic rule. St. Lawrence County suffers a lack of viable jobs. Its citizens leave to seek employment elsewhere, and its birth rate is decreasing. Meanwhile Massena’s drug and crime rate continues to grow.

“It’s Democrats who use your tax dollars to improve your quality of life.”

So like socialism, where a small elite in charge determines what’s best for everyone?  As Margret Thatcher said “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” NY state’s debt is currently 160 billion. It is projected to increase by 40 billion more by 2027. You cannot tax and spend into prosperity.

Ms. Hodges thanked Biden for “Bringing jobs back.” Jobs mean little if currency is inflated. Since his term, the Federal Reserve printed $3.3 trillion in 2020 alone, equal to one-fifth of all US dollars in circulation. It’s an iron economic law that artificially increasing the money supply devalues one’s spending power. 

Wages cannot keep up with the increase of 30% or more of the price of consumer goods. Raising the minimum wage exacerbates the problem. Employers will be forced to let go staff to meet rising costs. Few will pay $15 for a Big Mac. Government does not produce wealth. It only taxes it, spends it, runs up a debt, and extends to itself a credit line that no ordinary citizen can do. 

“And what has Rep. Stefanik done? …. she introduced a bill to expunge Trump’s two impeachments from record.”

As well as she should. Both impeachments were without foundation and evidence. Rep. Stefanik cross-examined the witnesses in the congressional hearing concerning Trump’s alleged collusion with Ukraine. All admitted under oath they did not observe him doing so, and withdrew their false testimony. Same with the charge of insurrection. Until one is brought to court, evidence is presented, is tried, and convicted by a judge, one is to be presumed innocent, even Trump.  If Trump is disenfranchised of his civil rights without trial and conviction, so can any citizen, setting a dangerous precedent for individual rights and freedom.

“Political partisanship, negative media hype and anger will be this nation’s undoing.” Agreed. So please stop with name calling, wrongful accusations, and exclusively blaming one side. Let’s seek instead a consensus based on careful investigation, facts, and correct legal process.

Ron Shirtz
Rensselaer Falls