BRATTLEBORO-I'm generally not a big fan of crowds - partly from being an introvert, partly from the stories these days about seemingly random shootings and people driving into throngs - but when I saw the Letter from Viv Woodland about the recent rally at the post office, I knew I had to shelve my concern and show up.
And I'm very glad I did. It felt good and right to add my body and voice to the rising noise about the current administration's desire to destroy every way that we take care of each other and this planet.
I appreciated that those who spoke at the rally focused mainly on what is community-oriented and -strengthening about organizations like our postal system and libraries. They helped us understand the need to include everyone, especially those farther out from hubs who are dealing with some measure of isolation (even if it's chosen) and the need to look out for one another regardless of any differences.
I was reminded of the Pack Horse Library Project, a Works Progress Administration project from 1934 to 1943, which hired (mostly) women to deliver books to remote regions of the Appalachian Mountains. The lengths people have gone and continue to go to, to get resources - books, mail, food, health care, etc. - to folks in need is one of the best things about our species.
Thank you to our postal workers for their immeasurable service - and thanks to Viv for letting us know about the rally. Viv is my mail delivery person, and I have always appreciated her kindness and awareness about what's going on in these neighborhoods.
Jenny Chapin
Brattleboro
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