No one deserves to be imprisoned and exposed to public abuse

To the Editor:

Lately I have been trying to write letters to the editor about as often as I post something on social media (which is rarely) because, let’s be honest: Very few people see an opposing viewpoint on social media and think, “Oh, wow, I never considered it that way! What a helpful thought to change my opinion!” But, like most humans, I’m fallible, so please accept this letter and consider my thoughts (or not?)

First, I have the utmost respect for my fellow citizens of Altamont. I truly appreciate the time and energy that many people dedicate to serving the village on the planning board and zoning board, among other efforts. I also understand the passion that many have shown over the past few years about Stewart’s — from public hearings to village elections and from lawsuits to petitions — they have been vocal. I get it. I’ve been there fighting for what I believe is right and am still fighting on other issues.

But back to this one (Stewart’s): Reasonable people can look at the same set of facts and come to different conclusions. That is why we have multiple individuals on a board, and multiple boards involved in this process. It is not one person’s conclusion that ends up becoming the final decision.

Therefore, no specific opinion is “right,” or “wrong.” We may have to agree to disagree, and sometimes compromise. That said, I would like to think that any level-headed person on either side of this issue could step back and agree, at a minimum, that no one deserves to be imprisoned and exposed to public abuse or attacked or ridiculed publicly.

I know many people were very upset by the suggestion that all board members in the village should be pilloried for not agreeing with a specific view. There will probably be other letters in this issue to that effect. I also hope that alongside my letter are comments from some of those passionate citizens who are against the proposed Stewart’s expansion.

I hope that, even if we disagree on the expansion, we can all agree that today, in 2020, we need less aggressive, if not violent, rhetoric in our society. I would like to hear from all sides that yes, a line was crossed. I cannot believe that any of the people I have crossed paths with over the past few years are in support of, essentially, “lock them up.” If not in this week’s paper, maybe they will concur here next week.

Second, I love everything about this village, including our hometown newspaper. While I’m truly stunned that The Enterprise would publish this call to abuse our public servants, I am not going to join the crowd of cancelling my subscription. I believe in a free press and support multiple newspapers.

I do, however, hope that the editor will consider implementing some (any!) guidelines, or limits on letters. The Enterprise is not required to publish every letter, and choosing not to is their right. Most newspapers do not publish every letter! Similarly, Facebook and Twitter are not required to allow all hateful or violent language on their platforms. And they don’t. If social media can figure out what is and is not appropriate, I have faith that our newspaper can too.

Lastly, and I might be naïve or too soft, but I think I get it. We are all suffering from a summer case of cabin fever, so tensions and emotions are high. Looking forward, I would love for everyone to try to assume the best in their fellow citizens.

Try to understand their perspective, even if in the end you still disagree with them. Let’s “disagree without being disagreeable.” Because if our amazing village can’t have a civil discourse on the future of a Stewart’s building, what hope do we have to solve the bigger societal issues facing us today?

Let’s not resort to extremism, violence, or rhetoric and let’s do better than what we see on TV from our state and federal officials.

Nicholas Fahrenkopf

Altamont

Editor’s note: Nicholas Fahrenkopf is an Altamont trustee.

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