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Dear Editor:
I'd like to thank those who have contacted me in
regard to my protest against the Heidcamp Report.
In last week's episode I announced I was protesting
Mr. Heidcamp's bullying and intimidation tactics by
boycotting the organizations that he represents;
namely, the Saugerties Policeman's Benevolent
Association and the Conservative Party. I implied
that enduring the torture of his weekly attempt at
expose journalism is too much to ask. As a result I
would not donate to the PBA or vote for any
candidates endorsed by the Conservative Party.
I thought that my little crusade would be a
one-man effort but I was very flattered at the
telephone calls received and those good people who
are willing to join in this effort. I haven't kept
count, so I can't give an accurate number of those
who are joining my effort. The best number I can
give is to count the number of traffic tickets that
George Heidcamp has issued over the years and
multiply by two.
People are asking how they can help protest
against the Heidcamp Report, but each person has
different concerns. I feel that the best way is
categorize the protesters, and they can choose
where they belong. These are: Gold Star Protesters;
Silver Star Protesters; and Bronze Star
Protesters.
The Gold Star Protesters are those who will not
vote for any candidate endorsed by the Conservative
Party. For example, I saw a sign for a candidate
who was endorsed by the Democratic, Independent and
Conservative Parties. A gold star protester would
not vote for this candidate even if said candidate
had donated a kidney so the protester's only child
could live. A gold star protester is 100%
committed.
A Silver Star protester likes the principle of
not supporting candidates endorsed by the
Conservative Party, but really wants to vote for
this particular candidate. The silver star
protester feels that this candidate deserves his
vote because of the whole kidney thing and the
candidate also keeps a well manicured lawn. The
silver star protester would then vote for this
candidate on either the Democratic or Independent
line. He would not vote on the Conservative line
for this or any other candidate. A silver star
candidate is 50% committed.
A Bronze Star Protester would walk into the
voting booth and flick levers at random in the
belief that by voting his name is entered into a
lottery with a jackpot of a million dollars. A
bronze star protester shouldn't be voting.
All joking aside, I am not happy about
suggesting a protest of this sort. I think the PBA
is a good organization. The police do a great job
and deserve our support. But, I also believe that
Mr. Heidcamp is committing a travesty on our
community each week. For example, when I saw how he
savaged Mr. Brennan last week, I was sickened. Mr.
Brennan is a good man. George Heidcamp is not.
Because of the trashing of good citizens by Mr.
Heidcamp, I will not donate to the PBA because he
represents it.
I also am not happy to suggest that we do not
support candidates endorsed by the Conservative
Party. There are good people who run on that line.
But again, I think Mr. Heidcamp is over the line
with his bullying techniques. By not voting for
candidates endorsed by the Conservative Party, you
are directly eroding Mr. Heidcamp's power base. You
send a message that you are not in favor of the
tactics he uses in the Heidcamp Report. Remember,
the voter is always more powerful than any
candidate or political party.
I will admit another concern that deeply
troubles me. There are people in this town that
will not speak out because they are afraid of Mr.
Heidcamp. The stories I am told are not
flattering.
If you are afraid of Mr. Heidcamp, and are
afraid of writing a letter, or speaking your mind,
then feel free to join in this protest. It's
totally anonymous.
Sincerely,
James Harris Sr.
Saugerties Post Star
8-31-06
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