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Inside Thoughts

How Some Coverage of Hillary Clinton Lacks Basic Respect

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By Bobbi M. Bittker
Photos by Grace Bennett

I realized there was a problem when my husband said, ‘how was your rally? I heard on the news Bernie supporters interrupted it.’ What? That’s what was reported?! Read on…

Commentary on yesterday’s Hillary rally at SUNY Purchase from someone who was actually there:

Why am I reading myriad articles reporting on the 40 minute speech with headlines, ‘Hillary Clinton rally interrupted by 20 Bernie supporters’ as if this is THE story? It’s not even A story.
Hillary Standing

Fewer than a dozen college kids, standing in the back, heckled her with ‘You Win We Lose’ for about 5 seconds, if that, and walked out. Hardly impactful, nor impressive. Seconds of no-substance interruption by a few almost-adults became the focus of media reporting on the packed, line-out-the-door, people-had-to-be-turned-away, Westchester County rally of a former FLOTUS, NY Senator, Secretary of State, front-runner Democratic Presidential candidate.

I’m wondering how they will lose if she wins. As Senators, she and Bernie Sanders voted together 93% of the time. That’s neither here, nor there. It’s simply a fact.

Hillary Clinton spoke to rousing cheers about a concrete plan for affordable college–free community college and debt-free public university; expanding full human and civil rights for workers, women and LGBT communities; clean water for all; expanding the job market and growing the national infrastructure with domestic jobs; raising wages; combating climate change; quality education for every child regardless of zip code, a focus on early childhood education; continuing the success of the Affordable Care Act; reigning in drug costs; restoring voting rights; ensuring gun safety protections. She talked about action and a proven record of accomplishment.

Controversy sells. Anger sells. Dissension sells. Bad behavior sells. It’s about clicking the almighty link. A candidate making promises she backs up with action, experience, plans and a room full of well-behaved supporters doesn’t garner the attention the media wants. But a strong candidate like Hillary Clinton IS exciting. Being in the room with her and the passionate supporters WAS exciting. Voting for her on April 19 will BE exciting.

Yet, the focus is on a sophomoric peanut gallery demonstrating disrespect as Clinton replied with cool aplomb, “We’re very sorry you’re leaving!” As if that’s all that happened. Forget the spirited women with the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester banner, the parents anticipating history being made with their children in tow, the crowded room, the cheers and the loud, wild applause for a solid candidate. The people trying desperately to touch her, shake her hand, speak to her. The energy and zeal people think is reserved for the Senator from Vermont, only something that can be conjured up by the most angry of college students was IN. THAT. ROOM. But who will know?

Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.
Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti
Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti

A recent article said Hillary supporters are the most enthusiastic, contrary to the image portrayed of the populist Trump/Sanders proponents. We are the sleeper enthusiasts who no one acknowledges. We are happy with our candidate. Not aggressively angry. Not poorly behaved, engaging in negative behavior. No one knows we are here, but we are and we are politically active and we are voters! But there’s no story in that.

Take the focus off the disrespect. Take it off the bad behavior in political discourse today. Not all of it is coming from Trump and his cronies. The media can craft its narrative but these are FACTS. Or should I just be thankful they’re not reporting on her hair and clothes?

Information is best gathered first-hand. Go to Hillary’s speech website for the full video.

#imwither
#Hillary2016

Bobbi M. Bittker is a Stay at Home Mom and Attorney, on the Board of the Bedford Community Theatre, member of the Chappaqua Friends of Hill Group and a vocal supporter of Israel, Gun Safety and LGBT, Women’s and Civil Rights.

SUNY.crowdSUNY.hillaryAndNita

Hunts Place: STILL a Poor Choice for Affordable Housing Here

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The Hunts Point Location
The Hunts Point Location

By Eileen Gallagher

In February of 2014, I wrote an editorial about affordable housing in New Castle, specifically the Conifer proposal for 54 Hunts Place, which had first been brought to the public’s attention in 2012. Four years later, this project is still under vehement discussion.

It is fair to ask why this project has been taking so long to get the required variances and permits. After all, in the span of about 16 months, two affordable housing units are already underway at 300 King Street in town, and 28 units are set to go at Chappaqua Crossing. Why has it taken more than four years for Conifer to get the go ahead?

The answer can be found in one word–safety. There are a myriad of safety issues, stemming from a plan to shoehorn 28 units into a tiny plot of contaminated land literally hemmed in by a bridge, highway, and railroad tracks, and at a current cost of $17.2 million and rising.

The numbers are staggering, as are the issues. Equally distressing is the fact that this location defies just about every stipulation of the 2009 affordable housing settlement, which called for seamless integration into the neighborhood and the avoidance of isolation or stigmatizing the units as affordable housing. Clever interpretations of wording can help to steer this project forward, but cannot overcome the known safety issues.

Conifer’s visual rendering of the proposed a ordable housing
Conifer’s visual rendering of the proposed a ordable housing

At Conifer’s most recent appearance before the town board on February 9, several residents, myself included, appealed to the town board to carefully consider the latest decision by the NYS Department of Transportation to not allow the construction of a fence along both sides of the bridge, which the board of 2013 had required as part of the special permit. The DOT cited dangers of such a fence in case of a car accident, for example, which would pin a car to the fence and not allow for removal of an occupant of the vehicle. With the fence out of the question, there is nothing currently in the proposal to ensure the safety of the residents of the building who would be tempted to cross in the middle of the bridge to get into town, especially children on their way to the park, to school, to the library, etc.

Nor is there a plan for an emergency generator for the building. One reason might be the lack of space (other than on the already-crowded roof) due to the plan to build lot-line to lot-line. When asked about the lack of a generator and what the contingency is during a power outage for the 14 apartments steps from the tracks that will be built with inoperable windows, an architect hired by Conifer replied, “As far as I am aware, emergency generator operation is not required for the mechanical ventilation of those units.” Their attorney’s comment during that same Board of Architectural Review meeting, “I hate to deal with hypotheticals,” speaks volumes.

Unfortunately, this has been a pattern throughout the years Conifer has come before the town board. Minimum requirements take precedence over safety and comfort. Loopholes in the wording of permits and variances give rise to victories for them, but not for our community.

Both our police and fire chiefs have conveyed to the board that this project continues to be dangerously located with major safety flaws. Fire Chief Russell Maitland characterized his department as having been “waving the flag,” describing his writing letters, appearing before the state Board of Review, meeting with the developer and the town board, and asserting that “not a lot has changed from our perspective.” At the town board meeting on Feb 9, he reminded the board, and all who were watching, that the fire department has no political agenda. “We’re not elected. We’re not paid.” Maitland ended with a plea to the board to do the right thing to ensure the safety of all.

The sad truth is that this misguided, misplaced project with its skyrocketing costs and ever-mounting obstacles will cost us way more than the monetary price tag. Fortunately, we are in the process of building two lovely, safe, and welcoming affordable homes at 300 King Street with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester.

Additionally, 28 affordable housing units will be built in the cupola building at Chappaqua Crossing. Both of these projects are being designed with the comfort and safety of all involved. They speak to the warmth, care, and generosity of time and talent within our community. But 54 Hunts Place would tell a different story.

Conifer continues to pursue 54 Hunts Place for their building, despite being offered an alternative site with the potential for even more units. Their claim is that they have already spent too much money on plans at the current site.

A commenter on Facebook said she feared if we put the brakes on Conifer, a potential lawsuit would cost our town too much money. My question to Conifer, and to everyone, is this: how much money is a life worth? The lives of families, of volunteer emergency responders, of the community?

When you take a step back, clear away the social media frenzy, and consider the lives that are at stake, can you truly believe that 54 Hunts Place should be the home for 28 families?

Eileen Gallagher is a 13-year resident of Chappaqua with her husband and two sons. A member of CFRAH, Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing, she has been working diligently for the safety of future residents of our town. Her latest volunteer efforts include working with her husband at 300 King Street–the site of two Habitat for Humanity affordable housing condominiums.

Save the Date

Conifer promises to return to town on March 29, when they will continue their efforts to obtain the necessary permits. Please consider attending the meeting that evening and/or writing to the town board at the addresses below to add your voice to this important issue.

townboard@mynewcastle.org

Rob Greenstein

RGreenstein@MyNewCastle.org

Adam Brodsky

ABrodsky@MyNewCastle.org

Lisa Katz

LKatz@MyNewCastle.org

Hala Makowska

HMakowska@MyNewCastle.org

Jeremy M. Saland

JSaland@MyNewCastle.org

From Paper to Screen: How New Media Platforms Are Changing Journalism

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“And I am learning that writing truthfully and emotionally about my own experiences often resonates with readers the most.”

By Lindsay Hand 

Being a young millennial is a truly unique experience. Born in the mid-90s, I have been privy to incredible technological and societal change and advancement. I am still young enough to never have lived without a computer in my house, but old enough to remember a world without smartphones, now staples. As a college student, I cannot even begin to imagine my life without my iPhone, Macbook, and constant access to e-mail, social media and the Internet. In our increasingly multi-media world, journalism is perhaps the largest field affected.

lindsay hand picture for odyssey story
The way people access and read content is evolving, mostly moving online to various outlets. My parents still watch television news and read the newspaper, but I definitely do not. Especially since coming to college, though, keeping up with current events has become extremely important to me; I get daily news blast e-mails, and use Twitter and my phone’s News app to constantly keep myself updated between classes. I also enjoy and search out different ways to see my peers’ thoughts about events both on campus and around the world, and visiting the growing online outlets where college students express these opinions.

Part of the Change

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work directly with one of these groundbreaking new platforms. As Contributing Editor for Cornell University’s branch of the Odyssey, I have the privilege of playing an important part in the growth of this exciting new business. Founded by two Indiana University students and launched in 2014, Odyssey already has over 3,000 writers and a massive presence in campus media nationwide. According to Odyssey Editorial Director Kate Waxler, “We believe that the traditional top-down editorial model is broken, and created Odyssey to flip that model upside down. We’re redefining the way content is created, tapping into the relevance and engagement associated with hyper-local content and distributing our content in a unique and authentic way.”

Odyssey is unique in that it is both entirely online, and allows for the expression of diverse viewpoints and opinions. This was what initially drew me to Odyssey: the idea of writing each week about whatever I wanted, without limitations, constraints or assignments. It is a distinct platform for college students to speak their minds, explain their views, and discover how influential their writing can be. “We felt that there were many perspectives unrepresented and many voices not breaking through to the surface,” Waxler adds. “Odyssey enables those perspectives and voices to be heard.”

Advertisers love it, too. According to Waxler, since Odyssey is closely integrated with millennials, brands and agencies are “offered access to and insights about this sought-after demographic through our research and advertising opportunities.” What also makes Odyssey unusual is its reliance on social media and “shares” to spread content. “We are a hybrid between a publisher and a social media platform, and bring the best of both,” Waxler explains. “Our audience encounters Odyssey content (90% of the time) because someone they know shares it with them in social channels.” In this way, Odyssey is distinctly attuned to millennials–our lives, particularly our online lives, are defined by our mediated social circles, the way we hear about happenings local, national, and international.

Looking Toward the Future

Beyond gaining important leadership experience and practice meeting weekly deadlines, I have found in Odyssey an outlet to express things I would have never previously thought to write about. And I am learning that writing truthfully and emotionally about my own experiences often resonates with readers the most.

Possible topics are unlimited. I have written about everything from a review of “Supergirl” to heartfelt reflections about my sister and being a summer camp counselor. Interestingly, these personal pieces have clearly struck a nerve in others, based on the number of social media shares they have received. Other Cornell Odyssey pieces have ranged from campus libraries to the show “Friends” to the current conflict in Israel. Odyssey always gives students the opportunity to express their thoughts about absolutely anything.

Odyssey and its ilk represent the future of journalism. As a millennial and a Communication major, I know that I have an obligation and a challenge to bring traditional journalism into today’s world. It is a changing field, and my generation will help bring about this change. As Waxler says so well, “We are investing in the next generation of writers, and are using our proprietary technology and data science to bring content and ideas to the world.”

Interested? Check out theodysseyonline.com. Search for particular colleges on the Odyssey homepage.

Two-time Inside Chappaqua Guest Editor Lindsay Hand is a sophomore at Cornell University. 

 

Little Red White Blue Lies

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By Dan Levitz

Many first-time parents realize quickly that honesty is not always the best policy. Situations with children arise where it’s just sensible and prudent to deny them the truth which, if told, may cause fear, anxiety, or any reaction a parent would want to avoid. For example, think of all the kids comforted by their dog or cat going to that idyllic farm upstate. You know, the one with the pet-loving owners with acres of golden sun-soaked fields for Socks or Trixie to romp in unencumbered. Eventually children may catch their parents playing with the truth to be kind: “Mom, why do you now say Aunt Roberta looked like a stuffed sausage in those jeans when you told her she looked cute?” We explain that sometimes in life one may have to be a little dishonest simply to not hurt another’s feelings. The discussion of The Little White Lie can lead to an important moment in a young child’s maturation as they come to realize a rule like “Lying is wrong” absolutely has exceptions. This may be the moment where a child learns that life is not as simple as black and white.

The presidential election is about a year away, but the fun and games have already begun in earnest. Before the leaves of 2015 began to turn, mud had already been slung, party saviors self-appointed and political debate is in the air. I have strong opinions about issues, policy and, most of all, candidates. Believe me, I could go on and on about this candidate who, for many, is refreshingly not politically correct (and, to others, a vulgarian) or that candidate who some see as the latest representative of an exhausted political dynasty (and, to others, a nation’s savior whose turn has finally come ’round). However, when talking about politics, especially with friends, neighbors and relatives, I know from hard-learned experience that a Little White Lie of silence is generally the best policy. And, believe me, I’m using imagery of children with this type of lying quite intentionally!

Years ago, we had a dinner party where a college buddy of mine aggressively offended just about everyone with his political bombast. From fried calamari all the way to the appropriately flavored blood-orange sorbet, our friends felt assaulted. That night, I learned the sanctity of the seating chart and, more importantly, how one must tread cautiously in the context of politics and personal relationships. An even greater lesson was to just keep my mouth shut. You see, I agreed with everything my friend said, but by dumb luck or a rare sensible instinct on my part, I somehow kept my opinions locked down.

Let’s say I’m on line at Lange’s Deli to get my ham & egg on a roll, and another fellow starts with the political chit-chat. The specifics are irrelevant. I go into full political Omerta. I never thought I could truly identify with the characters from Goodfellas, but, in this scenario, De Niro was right about the most beautiful thing in the world: “Always keep your mouth shut!” Especially if the person next to you wants to get into Hillary, Jeb, The Donald, Guns, Gay Marriage, Obama-care, Bernie, or Carson. Or maybe The Godfather had it right when he said, “never tell anyone outside the family what you’re thinking.” I have to admit, it’s not at all bad feeling like a connected guy in these otherwise mundane scenes from real life.

When basketball immortal Michael Jordan was at the peak of his playing days, he was asked to endorse a Democratic African-American candidate from his beloved home state of North Carolina. His Airness flatly refused, and infamously explained that “Republicans buy sneakers too.” At the time, I felt disgusted and betrayed. The cynicism of his response was crass and shocking. I think for many people, that moment destroyed his image of something more than just an athlete/businessman. However, I can’t help but think that if he had just kept his mouth shut about his politics (or lack of political commitment), he might have maintained the transcendent high-regard he’d experienced up to that point. Eiether way, there is power to be gained from the restraint of keeping it to yourself.

I’d be remiss to at least not touch on social media in regards to political discussion. Ugh! I’m something of a lurker, keeping virtually quiet, but the “discussions” there are just astounding and often times vicious. Between memes, links and video, what used to be just a vigorous verbal debate can now devolve quickly into a full blown multi-media personal attack. I think the false feeling of distance provided by typing in your underwear allows people a frankness and directness that, in real life, would be amazingly inappropriate. Again, I urge restraint and civility, especially when online.

It may sound counter-intuitive or passive to deny expressing one’s opinions when confronted with a conflicting view. As a young man, I would never back down from any kind of discussion especially if my sensibilities were offended. However, the idealism of youth tends to mellow towards a more realistic perspective; one forged to make it easier to just get through the day and simply avoid those inevitably unwinnable political debates. The political, issue-oriented milieu is not one that results in agreement or positional adjustment. Now, if you’d like to debate Yankees vs. Sox (not this year!), Beatles vs. Stones (not easy) or evolution vs. creationism, I’m right there ready to go. Well, then again, maybe not that last one!

Dan Levitz, an art dealer and writer, has lived in Chappaqua for 12 years and has a blog on The Huffington Post.

Life Begins at the End of your Comfort Zone

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Screenshot 2015-10-15 13.27.35By Jodi Baretz, LCSW, CHHC

I received a candle with the above quote from one of my clients. I’m so glad that message resonated with her, as it rings so true for me as well. Most of us are afraid of the unknown and pushing ourselves beyond our limits. We are comfortable with the familiar, and have trouble with change, even if the “familiar” isn’t serving us so well. Doing something new or different produces anxiety by its very nature. Our brains have to switch out of autopilot (default mode) and focus on the new circumstances. Without this ability, there can be no courage.

Courage comes from the Latin words for heart and era meaning “the era of the heart,” symbolizing the conscious decision to follow your heart. Courage means willing to be vulnerable. To have courage means to “put yourself out there,” even if you may fail. Courage does not mean that you don’t get afraid. You feel the fear and do it anyway. It means that you start to master the fear and it doesn’t prevent you from following what you believe to be right or do what needs to be done.

No one is fearless. Being fearless sounds great and inspiring, but the fear always returns and the inner voice will always be there second guessing,(unless, of course, you’re Donald Trump). Our critical side is there to protect us from pain, vulnerability and failure. We have to acknowledge the voice, but not pay much attention to it. We can thank it for trying to keep us safe, and keep mov- ing toward our goals. The people we admire for being fearless are not. They are just good at managing their fears and keeping them at a distance.

Most people play it safe for fear of ridicule, failure and shame. This is a creativity and innovation killer. It is a travesty in the workplace because we are cheated out of wonderful ideas from employees who do not have the courage to take risks. Furthermore, those who go to Ivy League schools may not have the courage to take a challenging math or science course because of the fear of not having a perfect grade, cheating the world of their brilliance. As a culture, when we use shame to motivate, either in the workplace, school, family or even in The Biggest Loser show, it may work temporarily, but will eventually ham- per willingness to take the risk to do something truly courageous and mean- ingful. The same goes for our children. As parents, we may want to stop emphasizing achievement as the marker of self worth. They need to know they are special, win or lose. That way they will not fear failure and always be will- ing to take risks and know whatever the outcome, they are still worthwhile. We need to be proud of them for just showing up and willing to take risks.

Our core beliefs can also hinder us from being courageous. When I first started my business, I struggled with my belief about myself that I couldn’t speak in public. How was I going to get my message out there? I had to acknowledge the fear and do it anyway. My first “mindfulness” group was in my basement with six friends. I remember not being able to eat beforehand because I was so nervous (and nauseous).

The first ten minutes were awful and I’m sure my voice was shaky. What was I so afraid of? What would they think of me? That was my ego talking, the inner critic who always second guesses. When I stopped worrying about what others thought of me, and focused on getting my message out there, I was at ease. Just because I haven’t done it before, didn’t mean I wasn’t capable. It wasn’t easy, and still isn’t, but each time it gets easier. It also doesn’t hurt that I begin the workshops with a meditation!

Political candidates and public figures are no different. It is courageous to put yourself out there and subject yourself to endless criticism. Every- thing you’ve ever done gets rehashed, and people are always there to watch you fall.

Now with social media, people can be exceptionally cruel and more anonymous. It takes tremendous courage to stand up for what you believe and make changes. Maybe we can all think about that the next time we attack a candidate with whom we don’t agree. The courage is showing up and playing the game.

I will leave you with part of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech from The Man in the Arena that perfectly describes true courage.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Jodi Baretz, LCSW, CHHC is a psychotherapist and holistic health coach at The Center for Health and Healing in Mt. Kisco. She specializes in helping busy men and women reduce stress and anxiety using mindfulness and meditation. Jodi runs a Mindfulness Bootcamp group called “Mindful is the New Skinny,” and speaks to various groups, schools and organizations on the topic. Please visit www.jodibaretz.com.