Remembering 41

I was very privileged to be a witness of history in 1988, with a front row to the New Hampshire Primary, especially as a young first-time voter and student volunteer with a major campaign—all were due to my belief that no one was better suited to hold our nation’s highest office than George Herbert Walker Bush.

His temperament and leadership was in the right place at the right time, with an incredibly capable administration that ended the Cold War without a direct confrontation between the U.S. and the USSR. Bush sent a message to the world that U.S. leadership was not just capable of dynamic diplomacy—as with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which made historical progress on the reduction of strategic nuclear stockpiles— but when necessary, this nation could deploy its armed forces unlike any witnessed in the history of human civilization, as shown with the swift ejection of Iraq from Kuwait in 1991.

A true statesman and an expert on so many issues, he never failed to ask questions, to seek out advice, to surround himself with the best and brightest people he could find, who also heard the honorable and altruistic calling of public service.

My admiration for him is on so many levels, but perhaps his grace and humility following his failed bid for re-election in 1992 stands most in contrast to the toxic narcissistic political climate today. He showed us that losing is part of life, no matter where you came from, that life goes on, and all of us must keep striving together to make a difference for the betterment of all, not just for one.

I will forever be grateful for his steadfast dedication and lifetime of service to the principals in which our republic was founded.

God bless you Mr. President, you will be missed.

Ned Sader

Honesdale, PA

Thank you from recently elected assemblyperson

I would like to thank all the voters of the 98th district for re-electing me to another term as your State Assemblyman. When all the votes were counted, I won by 63% of the vote, almost 27 points and 10,000 votes over my opponent, making this one of the most successful races in the Hudson Valley. I am honored and humbled by your confidence in me, and it has been the honor of my life serving you for the past four years. I will proudly continue to fight for you and be your voice and advocate. I will vote for, and also propose initiatives, to lower our tax burden, fix infrastructure, pass comprehensive ethics reform, defend our law enforcement officials, first responders and veterans, and help our farmers succeed. It is also a top priority of mine to continue providing top-notch constituent service to all the residents of the district. Finally, I want to thank my staff, along with numerous friends and volunteers that put in many hours over the past year spreading our message of positive reform. It is because of your efforts that this race was a total success. If anyone ever has a question, problem, or concern, and you think I may be able to help, please call my office at 845/544-7551, or e-mail me at brabeneck@nyassembly.gov. Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a very happy, healthy and successful 2019!

Karl A. Brabenec

New York State Assemblyman

98th District

‘This country is my home’

This country is my home. I don’t allow anyone to just come in and stay at my home/house. I need to protect my wife and son (and self) as well as my traditions/way, material goods and belongings. I write this with great concern in my heart over the issue of illegal immigration in our country and the terrible media bias that brainwashes many of us. The media sends us one-sided sob stories of desperate women and children in fear of being thrown out into the desert so that the agenda of illegal immigration and sanctuary cities can move forward. But the media rarely tells the stories of the hardships of our border patrol, or of undocumented criminals and terrorists who reside among us and cause us harm. I remember 9/11. That was done to us by people who the U.S. invited on visas, but neglected to watch or deport after the visas expired. We should care for and educate and protect undocumented widows, elderly, disabled and children, but they need to be issued a Social Security number and put to work if able so they can pay their taxes too. Please just remember every undocumented immigrant that we care for with our tax dollars takes money away from U.S. citizens who are students, elderly and who are disabled, and pushes our multiple and various taxes through the roof. My grandfather on the Pasquale side came to the U.S. legally through Ellis Island. He worked to build this country. Please wake up and realize the media picks and chooses what story or rally they will publicize to cause “outrage.” I tell you the only truth is Jesus Christ and he will set you free. Merry Christmas.

God bless America, one nation under God. In God we trust.

John “JP” Pasquale

Livingston Manor, NY