To the Editor:

How does it feel to be “played?” Ask a resident of the Hilltowns. He or she might tell you.

For years now, we’ve been played for fools by an organized few with an agenda and we’ve grown accustomed to it. Maybe even a bit resigned.

So, when I read the article in the May 23 issue of The Enterprise regarding false rumors besetting the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School Board election, it was with disappointment and sadness, but not surprise [“False rumor of bus-driver jobs at stake fuels BKW election furor”]. Nothing these people do surprises me.

What about spreading disinformation regarding a fictitious take-over of BKW transportation by BOCES? Expected.

What about sending propaganda to a 16-year-old girl and, when asked to answer for it, claiming that a woman with the exact same name lived at the same exact address and was born in 1934?

Nope. Doesn’t surprise me.

You may ask then about their motivation. Why are a handful of people going to such great lengths and using scare tactics and lies to get you to hop on their bandwagon? Political gain? Absolutely. Career advancement? Possibly. Power? Probably.

But here’s the biggie. They are having fun. It’s entertaining. These people like to win.

So, the next time you read a questionable or offensive post on that Berne Facebook site that looks official but isn’t, or the next time someone drops by with the latest gossip offered up with a friendly smile and a handshake, or when the streets become clogged with campaign signs and you can’t see oncoming traffic at that curve in the road …

Remember, it’s a game and you’re being played.

Katherine Brown

Berne