On January 5, 2025, VTDigger published a commentary by then-senator-elect Scott Beck from Caledonia County, entitled “We Won’t Forget Vermonters.”
In it, he wrote, “For some, the most difficult part of passing systemic change will be confronting well-resourced special interest organizations that have been behind a myriad of self-serving policies and programs that do not serve Vermonters well and have caused countless negative unintended consequences.” Oddly, Sen. Beck’s first effort at public discourse in this newly formulated Legislature is a lesson in demagoguery, not hope, not cooperation, not extending a helping hand.
I challenge Sen. Beck to explain what specifically are the “self-serving policies and programs that do not serve Vermonters well and have caused countless negative unintended consequences.” Statements like this do little to advance any constructive discourse amongst the many citizens in our state, all of whom presumably want the best for all of our citizens.
Understandably, and inevitably, not everyone in Vermont’s diverse population, gets what they want or have the same interests. But, to use the divisive rhetoric of the “other,” as Sen. Beck does, is a disservice to everyone, his own self-interest included. These “others” are Vermonters too.
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So, Sen. Beck, if you’re the plain-spoken, directly spoken Vermonter we expect you to be, please name the well-resourced special interest organizations you refer to in your letter. Are they the sick? Are they the disabled? Are they the financially challenged? Are they students? Are they property developers? Are they insurance professionals? Who are these individuals that you take such issue with?
Identifying these diverse groups is far more productive in searching for solutions than your general, vague, and so far unsubstantiated statements.
Let the genuine debate begin, with identified facts. I look forward to a publicly published reply.
Chris McVeigh
Middlesex
Read the story on VTDigger here: Chris McVeigh: Sen. Beck’s message is not one of cooperation.