Letters

After reading Fred W. Thiele Jr.’s article [“Choices Matter — So Where Are They?” Observations from Long Beach, Opinion, August 7], I felt the need to respond.

In sports, it’s not uncommon for people to understand what a generational talent is: an athlete that is so rare that they define a generation. They are almost bigger than the sport they play and become global icons.

Well, the same happens in politics. There are generational politicians who define a generation. We have been blessed on the East End to have had several: Perry Duryea. John Behan. And Fred Thiele.

I do not disagree with Fred about the current culture or environment of politics in America, and he did a great job not pointing fingers. Fred and I both worked for the late, great Assemblyman John L. Behan. I was crazy enough to run for political office in 1997, which ended in disaster. It was a close race, and I was declared the winner in Newsday but eventually lost to then-County Legislator George Guldi. I know. Please don’t.

Anyway, contrary to Fred’s point, I was offered the honor to run for office this year. I will tell you that Fred’s points are one of the reasons I am writing today. It hits like a punch in the stomach that I chose not to run and at least provide an alternative.

To Fred’s point: A healthy democracy thrives on positive exchanges of ideas and political discourse. Unfortunately, like myself, people are afraid of personal attacks and possibly being “embarrassed,” or embarrassing their families, or making personal sacrifices. As you might imagine, this, in itself, would prevent most people from running for public office.

Truth be told, I love and respect Fred, but we do not agree on a lot of “political” issues. However, as has been reflected recently, we grew up in a time when we could disagree and still care about each other, and our families, and have a beer or a meal. Politics wasn’t a personal battleground that prevents people from being friends, or dividing families. Politics is politics.

It is not the first time that “deals” have been made between parties. I was the victim of a “deal” and a political leader that stabbed me in the back. Surprise, a politician who lied! I know. Please don’t.

Anyway, Fred, great points. We may be in a time when people who are financially solvent, from well-known family names or celebrity names, with little to no baggage, can buy the support of local media that won’t be too difficult on them or ask difficult questions. It will become more and more of a popularity contest, and as long as you don’t do too much or break anything, you just might get elected and reelected.

Kevin L. McCrudden

Sag Harbor