Letter to the editor: Pence should have waited to get the COVID vaccine

Note: the author sent this email to Vice President Pence earlier this week You had a COVID vaccine shot — why? These first shots are for people working with the ill, people who are exposed to COVID-19 all the time. These shots are for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. You’re out of office in two weeks, you are no longer essential personnel. You should be ashamed of yourself for taking a vaccine needed by others far more than you need it. Barbara “Shulamith” Clearbridge Middlebury  

Ways of Seeing: My budget vs. the U.S. budget

A year ago the Independent published a guest editorial by Bill Schubart that included the startling fact that there is a “$437 million budget for the military’s 130 marching bands.” Setting aside the question of why each band needs to cost over $3 million … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: Getting through and moving on

I have been collecting weird coronavirus benefits. They provided much-needed laughs:  •  It’s much easier to rob banks because there are so many potential suspects wearing masks.  •  Bad breath doesn’t matter anymore.  •  Heard on WDEV Trading Post: “My n … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: A flatlander receives an education

Friends, I moved to Vermont in 2008, after living in many cities and towns in four states and three countries. I planned to stay for a year or two. Life laughed at me, and here I am still. Recently, I came across some observations on Vermont’s uniqueness … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: Pornography and our libraries

I checked out a book from Ilsley Library a few weeks ago that had a back cover proclaiming it a charming satire in the style of a particular author. I know that writer; his books are gentle, non-violent, and respectful of women. In this book I found tortu … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: Ask Your Loved Ones Now

In January of 2016, my father, at the great age of 99¾, was in the hospital on a respirator and it fell to me to be the deciding voice about his future. Should we move him to a nursing home and continue to let the machine breathe for him for as long as he … (read more)