Editorial: Finding A Balance - 27 East
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Editorial: Finding A Balance

Editorial Board on Jul 16, 2020
In abnormal times, it’s understandable to long for the normal. But it’s probably more sensible to recognize the immediate challenges and accept that they will take you into uncharted waters.... more

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Under Attack

Democracy is under attack, and calling out the shifty, shady ways political parties are taking choice away from voters is essential. It’s very much an issue at the national level, for so many reasons. Not least of which, the House of Representatives — with the full support of Republicans, including 1st District U.S. Representative Nick LaLota — approved a measure last week called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act, which would make it much harder for any American to register to vote. Seeking to weed out ballots cast by noncitizens — something that happens so rarely ... 16 Apr 2025 by Editorial Board

A Deeply Felt Loss

Gladys Barnes, an early resident of the historically Black SANS communities — the Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest and Ninevah Beach subdivisions in Sag Harbor — made a monumental impact during her 96 years on Earth. When she died last month at her home in Ninevah, Sag Harbor mourned a towering figure in the local cultural and arts scene and one of the people who forged the bonds that make a community a vibrant, welcoming place. Barnes and others lost in recent years have left a legacy in Sag Harbor that is deeply appreciated by those who will continue to enjoy ... by Editorial Board

Creating Fear

Once again, The Express News Group goes the “sky-is-falling” route between the cuts to libraries [“Institutions React to Federal Cuts to Institute of Museum and Library Services,” 27east.com, April 3] and schools [“Living in Uncertainty: School Administrators Talk Possible Federal Cuts in Midst of Budget Season,” 27east.com, April 14] that will decimate our community. But, will it? Just like the beginning of the year, when they needed a hit piece against Donald Trump, they go to the well once again. But, just like the piece on school administrators bracing for ICE invasions at our local schools [“School Officials Are Dealing ... 15 Apr 2025 by Staff Writer

Not So Great

Russia continues to slaughter civilians and children in its relentless war on Ukraine. Donald Trump said he would end the war even before he took office. He has thus far failed horribly. Crucial medical, social and environmental research is dismantled by Trump. This leads to uncertainty in how we will continue our leadership in finding answers to the most serious questions facing our country. Students from other countries continue to be deported because they say things Trump doesn’t like. Immigrants are sent to the most inhumane prison in the world in El Salvador because they are accused of crimes with ... by Staff Writer

Sordid, Indeed

During the 2023 Southampton Town election, Southampton Democratic Committee Chairman Gordon Herr passed out yard signs that read: “Vote Line A — Democracy is on the ballot.” Based on recent developments, it would be more accurate to say he took democracy off the ballot [“Republican Candidate Drops Out of Southampton Supervisor Race, Joining Democratic Turmoil,” 27east.com, April 7]. Last week’s Southampton Press article described “a stunning and possibly choreographed last-minute shakeup that left incomplete slates and blank columns for the town’s top offices on the November ballot.” The Democratic candidate for town supervisor now has no opponent. Democrats are running ... 14 Apr 2025 by Staff Writer

Time for a Change

I am truly stunned, although no longer surprised, by the steady stream of lies, deceit, turmoil, denial and backroom deals that exist regarding today’s Southampton Town Democratic Committee leadership. Remembering the Southampton Town Democratic Party in 2007, when my husband and I first joined the Democratic Committee, honorably representing our home Election District 25 for several years, and serving on the Southampton Town Democratic Club Advisory Board, it was another world, a truly uplifting political experience. People looked forward to meetings and events and were energized and successful. There was tremendous enthusiasm and camaraderie — which, unfortunately, no longer exists. ... by Staff Writer

Speak Up Loudly

“We the people of the United States.” That is the opening sentence of our common Constitution. Notice, it does not say, “We the citizens.” Words matter. I imagine that the crafters of this vital document realized this vital difference. If this is the case then we must incorporate all who live here as equal under the law. Yes, I believe this to be true. Our founders are correct. Sometimes it is necessary to speak up loudly. This is my protest. What is yours? Reminding our elected officials and our relatives and neighbors of the right and wrong of things is ... by Staff Writer

Open Resistance

John Neely’s rebuttal [“Falsehoods,” Letters, April 10] is so full of misstatements that if anyone is interested, they should reread my comments for themselves. Point one: A declared war is not the threshold for the utility of the Alien Enemies Act. The other specifically mentioned triggers are “incursion or invasion,” which obviously do qualify. I will briefly say that the legalities of the Alien Enemies Act have been confirmed by our highest court. The U.S. Supreme Court has grown weary of the overly active district courts led by liberal judges making rulings over which they mistakenly claim national jurisdiction. The ... by Staff Writer

Stick to Facts

Your article “Federal Shutdown Deal Kills Some Funding Hopes for Local Projects” [27east.com, March 20] is both inaccurate and misleading, and demands immediate correction. Chief among the errors is your misuse of the word “cut.” In doing so, you’ve essentially blamed the Easter Bunny for Santa not answering the request from someone’s wish list. A “cut” means a reduction from an enacted, authorized funding level — one passed by Congress and signed into law. What you’ve described instead is the omission of an unapproved request that never made it into any official legislation. The project in question was never funded ... by Staff Writer

Cilli Deja Vu

Maybe the expectation of spring or some other annual event causes it, but once again we have a proposal to develop the Cilli Farm, compliments of Messrs. John Shaka and Drew Harvey [“Sag Harbor Village Board Hears Call To Spruce Up Cilli Farm,” 27east.com, April 9]. Cilli Farm was acquired for the express purpose of its continuance as a village open space not subject to development — commercial, residential, organic farm or nature trail, etc. As is, where is, with all the characteristics it has acquired over the years. If you would like to explore it, go ahead. It is ... by Staff Writer