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Viet Nam Memorial
So now I’m understanding that the Viet Nam war is still alive in Atkinson. A little more than a year ago, I was one of the 71 persons who petitioned the Rockingham County Superior Court, hoping they would order the Selectmen to place the Honor Roll panels on either side of the existing Viet Nam Memorial at Town Hall as mandated by an approved Warrant Article. The case was sent to mediation which resulted in no changes in attitudes. The Selectmen offered an alternative “map” stone if the panels were placed at the Library. The Petitioners refused the stone, not wanting the town to have to foot the bill.
The Selectmen have prepared, signed and delivered to the Petitioners a Stipulation saying that the petitioners agreed to place the panels in a different location. We have two options
Yes – we agree. No – we don’t
As one of the petitioners, I should vote NO! and I probably will. But I have to admit I’ve been thinking about it.
Do I want this issue to drag on forever? Nope, I’m disgusted, and very embarrassed that our Selectmen would refuse to honor a vote of their bosses – Town Meeting..
But, I have always felt, in part, that the panels belong up the hill, together with the panels showing the names of veterans of all other wars. Two reasons: That’s where the most of the ceremonies are held – the speeches, the band, and the crowds of people. Taps is played in the cemeteries where many of these veterans either are or will be interred. Why should these VietNam veterans be isolated? Secondly, I’m a genealogist, and I know very well that – in the future – it’s the panels which will receive the attention, not the map in front of Town Hall, as descendants search for the names of their ancestors. I watched my 5-year old granddaughter – not yet a reader – run her hand over the names of her Revolutionary War ancestors on a tablet in Maine as I pointed them out. It was important to her.
Now I have a third reason. Call it sheer unadulterated spite. If the panels go up the hill, the monument at Town Hall will forever be a symbol of the shame bestowed on Atkinson by the three Selectmen who chose to use revenge as their excuse. In a future re-write of Atkinson’s history, the names of Selectmen Childs, Consentino and Sapia will be labeled as the reprehensible three who chose to thumb their noses at the majority of voters. I can’t think of a more deserving trio.
I like to think I’m better than that; I hope I am, but I’m still thinking about it.
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ATKINSON's Vietnam HONOR ROLL as VOTED and PASSED by 2005 Town Meeting and re-approved at Special Town Meeting Sept. 12
EDITORIAL-
A voice of compassion, an example of fairness and reasonable government.
One who believes in the strength and comfort you, your children and your family can draw from good government leadership.
A person who knows Atkinson is our home -- our most important possession that must be preserved and protected through fair taxes and sound community planning and where our children must be safe to grow to become a new generation of leaders.
One who knows that the citizens of Atkinson are all neighbors with her leadership to be dedicated and responsive to all.
One who believes that when those from Atkinson have served our nation and honors are deserved, those honors must be given.
In Valerie Tobin, we now have a leader we know we can entrust with these responsibilities because they are part of her character.
It is our honor to endorse Valerie for election to Atkinson’s Board of Selectmen.
Just a note for those who wish to count the deer.
In January 08 this blog had 16,000 hits and 1,500 unique visitors (for the month).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
EDITORIAL-
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ." [TP, 1776]
We take no small measure of umbrage at such a hostile official act against this BLOG’s patron. Therefore, a timely Editorial comment is both appropriate and necessary.
Discussion of Atkinson’s financial direction, from any viewpoint, is fundamental and encouraged and we will always attempt to limit and correct errors.
However, Righteous indignation towards purported error of such inconsequential nature is not appropriate.
The ENTIRE car deal is problematic. If it was caused by poor judgement, improper exercise of authority, neglect or mistake or even specious reasoning, this will never trump the facts that the entire questionable transaction started and ended within a very small circle of confidants.
We find the entire circumstances surrounding the disposition of the police Cruiser highly irregular at the least and the "explanations" somewhat trifling and exhaustive of our intellect.
Mr. Consentino: It’s time to go. Being Chief of Atkinson’s Police Department is NOT a birthright. That is a fabled legend of yesteryear.
Historically in Atkinson, police chief appointments were made "under the hand of the selectmen" for terms of one year at a time, as was also the case in the beginning of Mr. Consentino’s assorted and discontinuous stream of appointments to this position.
Your only remaining credential established on a claim of indispensability has faded.
So time is neigh. Plan a graceful exit, Clean out your desk, Accept the gratitude and tearful sentiments from some. We plan no editorial recriminations. It is time. Thank you for your service, We wish you a long and happy retirement. Bon Voyage.
LETTER
"To All Atkinson Residents,
I am writing to ask for your help. A member of the Atkinson Police Department needs our help. I am here to ask for your help in Corporal John Lapham's fight for his life. As you are aware, John has been diagnosed with Leukemia. He has been once again hospitalized with an infection that is threatening his life. He is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. He has never asked of anything from the residents of the town. Now is our chance to step up and help both him and his family out. As everyone is aware John has been out of work for a few months. His family has been busy helping John to get better. He needs our help, and I am hoping that this town can step up to the plate and help. From the moment that I met John, I have admired him. He does alot, but never asks for anything in return. He has helped so many people in this town. I for one am one of those people. Please help him.
There is a fund set-up in his name at TDBanknorth in Plaistow. Any amount will help John, while he is out of work. It would be great if this town could help ease a burden off his wife.
Thank You
Also if anyone would like to send a card, please address it to:
John Lapham
c/o Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Ctr.
Inpatient mail
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States
Please show Corporal John Lapham, that this community can stand up and show our support to those in need. I for one, miss John and can not wait until he can get better and return to work. Please show him that we support him. "
3 comments:
Well, at least you're thinking about it and wondering if you're doing the right thing. Those three self-absorbed individuals certainly are not!
Although not the desired or perfect outcome, I agree. Let's get these monuments up and actually honor our veterans.
Am sure that those 3 Selectmen in power never served their country as it has been so EASY to dishonor our vets.
Forever shame on them and their childish ignorant behavior.
The bottom line however is to honor those who have gone before.
Please post under VietNam Scoop
Valerie Tobin
I recently received this information from a blogger and was asked my position on this issue. I told them my position, and now I will respond to the voters. If elected, this will be voted on at the first board meeting. I will support the will of the people that voted to have the honor rolls placed at the town hall as so voted on the 2005 warrant. It is amazing to me that the board of selectman believe that they have the authority to undermine the vote of the people. No more legal funds should be spent on this issue and never should have been spent regarding this issue. If other concerned citizens have specific issues they want me to address, blog away, or feel free to call me and discuss your issue.
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