The writer served as a state senator representing Windham County from 2003 to 2023.
PUTNEY-A 1928 quote by Calvin Coolidge is carved in marble in the State House - presumably because we believe it and are proud of it: "If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other parts of the Union, and support of our institutions should vanish, it could all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave little state of Vermont."
Many times we are put to the test of whether we really have that "generous store" or not. Sometimes we pass, sometimes we squeak by, and sometimes we fail - and sometimes even a fail is not consequential.
The firing of Dr. Etan Nasreddin-Longo, co-director of Fair and Impartial Policing and Community Affairs for Vermont State Police, is definitely a fail, and it has consequences beyond this action.
Having served with Gov. Phil Scott in different roles, and having often disagreed with him, I do not believe that he is in opposition to the work Etan was doing nor to the values expressed in our fair and impartial policing policies.
What I do believe is that this is a crumb thrown to Donald Trump - perhaps to move us out of his spotlight.
But at this time it is the wrong move. More than ever, we need to call on that "generous store" and refuse to capitulate to the demands of this federal administration.
There will be negative consequences for us to be sure. But by capitulating we are giving even more power to Trump and his cronies. Power is not inherent; it exists only if it is given and acknowledged by those over whom it is used.
So please, Gov. Scott, rethink this move. Do not give Trump more power over us.
If everyone would begin to refuse to give Trump the power by not obeying him, he will begin to lose that power. It is time for those in power, law firms, media outlets, and other institutions to stand up to the bullying.
Jeanette White
Putney
The writer served as a state senator representing Windham County from 2003 to 2023.
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