Letters: Trump has ‘darkened all of our lives’; Grateful for student’s donation
Trump has ‘darkened all of our lives’
I awoke this morning in a pleasant frame of mind listening to the sound of wind whipping through the trees, walked into the living room to light our lovely Christmas tree (yes, it’s still up), hugged our cat, trekked out to the driveway to retrieve our Sunday morning papers, and suddenly realized that for ten glorious minutes my mind had not ventured to its dark place: for 10 minutes not one thought of Donald Trump. And then the black cloud of despair descended. I was reminded of Richard Friedman’s article that appeared in the CDT last week asking why so many young people were depressed and why so many were killing themselves. Although far from being the only answer, I would venture that part of the problem with so many, especially young people, is that the world of Donald Trump has darkened all of our lives. If young people need constancy and reaffirmation, as I believe they do, what do we make of the administration’s desire to create chaos? Trump embraces chaos, flouts rules — including the Constitution — thinks mockery is good sport, berates, demeans, divides and insults. He inspires what is the worst in us all. He denies our imminent climate crisis. If young people see the courage of someone like Greta Thunberg who gives them a voice and hope, then what are they to do I when her cries fall on deaf ears? These are indeed sad times. And not just for young people.
Grateful for student’s donation
Good things are still happening in Centre County, and in our schools. Just this week, the Lemont Village Association got a donation from a fifth grader at Spring Creek Elementary School. Clayton Barger explained in a letter that his class had an “Arts and Crafts and Caring Fair” at the school, and that to qualify for a “booth” the children had to make a contribution to the State College Food Bank. They sold things in the booth that they made to other students at the school, a long-standing event at the former Houserville school.
They also were encouraged to make a donation of part of their profits to a charity of their choice. Clayton chose the Lemont Village Association because, as he said, “I think Lemont is historical and needs to be preserved for future generations.” Since that is one of the main goals of the LVA, it is wonderful that this idea of preserving the past, our culture and heritage, is being passed on to future generations. Thank you to Clayton, to his teacher, and to his parents for encouraging the preservation of our important history. We are proud of you!