Vermont delegation’s conservation record

I am writing to express my gratitude for the Vermont Congressional delegation’s impressive scores on the recently-released League of Conservation Voters’ 2023 National Environmental Scorecard. As the chair of the board of directors for Vermont Conservation Voters, I’m proud to see Vermont’s leaders championing environmental protection and democratic values at the federal level.

The Vermont scores for 2023 are: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) – 94% (91% lifetime); Sen. Peter Welch (D) – 100% (95% lifetime); and Rep. Becca Balint (D) – 97% (97% lifetime).

The 2023 scorecard demonstrates the commitment of Sens. Sanders and Welch and Rep. Balint to safeguarding our environment and democracy against unprecedented challenges. Despite a tumultuous political landscape and relentless attacks, Vermont’s delegation stood firm against proposals that would roll back protections.

It is crucial that our state’s leaders continue to advocate for comprehensive and proactive measures to reduce environmental risks and build resilience. The ongoing climate crisis continues to have devastating impacts on communities, as so many Vermonters saw firsthand with the multiple floods around the state over the past year. Our delegation’s work on behalf of communities sets an admirable example for legislators nationwide, especially as political gridlock and partisan discord in Congress continue to hinder progress on climate action and other critical issues.

I am grateful to be represented by leaders who are dedicated to prioritizing environmental stewardship over partisan interests. By investing in renewable energy initiatives, promoting smart growth housing, safeguarding our natural resources and strengthening our resilience to climate change, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

It is my hope that we can continue to work together to overcome the challenges our state and communities are facing, in order to pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all Vermonters.

Linda Gray

Norwich

Support for Lebanon council’s ceasefire resolution

I would like to add another Jewish perspective to Roberta Berner’s letter (“A divisive issue in Lebanon,” Forum, March 8) regarding the Lebanon ceasefire resolution. As she states, the Jewish community is diverse. I do support the ceasefire resolution for a number of reasons: I do not support a state that privileges Jews above non-Jews and that illegally steals land from Palestinians to construct settlements in violation of international law; I refuse to lend my support to a right-wing regime involved in ethnic cleansing and genocide and I reject the definition of antisemitism as anti-Zionist. Historically many Jews have never supported Zionism and do not support it now. We refuse to have our pain weaponized by those who call for the expulsion and murder of Palestinians.

Israel has made Gaza into what has been called the world’s largest open-air prison. To make matters worse, because Israel controls most of the border crossings, it has not allowed aid to enter Gaza and is starving those who have not been killed. This is an issue that affects all of us because we pay taxes that support military aid to Israel, $3.8 billion each year, to uphold an apartheid regime. This does not reflect our Jewish values nor is it moral. Think what we could do with all that money here at home.

I applaud O. Sami Saydjari’s commentary (“There must be room for debate on Palestine,” March 12) bringing to the fore the need to have more and open discussion about what is happening in our name in Palestine and Israel. President Biden could end this instantly by withholding US military aid to Israel and demanding a permanent ceasefire, negotiations, the reinstatement of aid and release of all hostages in Gaza and Israel.

For these reasons, I support the Lebanon ceasefire resolution and the at least 12 others that have passed in Vermont towns so far and those that may be proposed in the future. I want peace, not genocide.

Liz Blum

Norwich

The writer is a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, VT-NH

Lebanon council’s true concern

Perhaps I’m just getting old, but I have no recollection whatsoever of any statements by the Lebanon City Council regarding the use of the Palestinian people as cudgels and pawns by Hamas. Or the Palestinians’ rabid antisemitism. Or the refusal of any of the Arab countries to allow Palestinian refugees to enter them. Or other conflicts in the region which have resulted in vastly greater numbers of casualties. Certainly not regarding the events of Oct. 7. It appears that the council members’ concern is only stirred by conflicts involving Jews, and then only ones where the Jews are painted by the foolish and the perverse as the perpetrators.

If nothing else the council’s behavior serves to illustrate the fact that virtue signaling is always something else.

Anthony Stimson

Lebanon