A furor has started in the Executive Council over a historical marker in Concord regarding Elizabeth Gurley Flynn. It seems the most vocal member on this issue is Councilor Joe Kenney. Now Governor Sununu is jumping on that bandwagon. I urge Concord’s Mayor Bouley not to give into this nonsense and to retain the marker. In the Associated Press, Councilor Kenney is quoted as saying, “We are the ‘Live Free or Die’ state. How can we possibly promote her propaganda, which still exists now through this sign in downtown Concord?” First, this is a “historical” marker. Do he and the governor oppose history? Since we are the Live Free or Die state, doesn’t Concord have the right to put up a marker with facts about someone who, other than being a Communis, was quite remarkable?
As a woman, I’m offended by this attack. She was also a labor activist, championed women’s rights and helped found the American Civil Liberties Union. Or are those facts also part of the issue? Why can’t Councilor Kenney handle facts? Aren’t we done with “Red” scares and McCarthyism? While worshippers of the Live Free or Die motto don’t want their rights trampled on, they would trample on rights of others. Don’t Republicans and Libertarians stand for “local control” and less government? Doesn’t Concord have the right to local control? Hypocrisy is something I really don’t like. Put this issue in the rearview mirror, stop meddling and move on.
Cheryl Jensen
Bethlehem