CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

 

 CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

Published 7/19/25

As one who grew up in central New Jersey, I was embarrassed at how little I knew about the southernmost community in the Garden State, Cape May. I had passed through the area on several occasions., but never did a deep dive into its many offerings. This all changed during the first week in June when our three couples that normally take up residence in Chincoteague Virginia, decided a change of scenery was in order.

Rather than search through Vrbo or Airbnb, we contacted a local realtor specializing in Cape May rentals. We were rewarded with a beautiful in-town renovated home with three bedrooms, all on one level. Parking is a problem in Cape May and our rental came with off street parking to accommodate the three vehicles. When parking elsewhere in the community, Cape May uses a phone app that records the number of your parking space and accepts payment.

It is helpful to know something of Cape May history to understand the development of this beautiful beach town. According to information published by the City of Cape May, as early as 1766 the location became a resort destination for Philadelphia’s upper class and plantation owners from the South. Stagecoaches, sloops and schooners brought those escaping the heat, to stay in rustic public houses to enjoy sea-bathing and the plentiful seafood.

In 1852, the Mt. Vernon, which was then the largest hotel in the world, was built to accommodate 3500 guests. Unfortunately, this building and other landmark hotels were destroyed by a beachfront fire. The Civil War brought hard times to the Cape, when all the southern vacationers disappeared.

In the late 1860s, the completion of a railroad line from Philadelphia to the Cape started the next surge of development, known as the cottage era. Middle class families could now step off the train onto the beach for the day. Others built modest cottages on small parcels of land. At the close of the century, Cape May struggled to compete for wealthy patrons when Newport, RI and Atlantic City became the more accessible go-to summer locations.

Two events put Cape May back on the map. First, in 1954 the Garden State Parkway opened, making the isolated area more accessible by automobile. Second, in 1963 Cape May received $3.5 million, the first large urban renewal grant for a small city. Preservationists restored the many beautiful Victorian homes that are now the hallmark of the town. Today, the pedestrian Washington Street Mall and dozens of excellent restaurants make Cape May a year-round destination.

Getting three couples to compare schedules and chose a week away is always a challenge. Somehow, we were in luck with great weather and interesting events taking place in Cape May. Our vacation was the designated “restaurant week” that featured inexpensive prix fix dinners at many of the better eateries. All of us consumed more gourmet desserts than we had planned. We decided that the Cape May raw oysters were every bit as good as the famous Chincoteague variety.

Our week was also the scheduled Cape May Music festival. Vacationers looking for some excellent classical music could purchase tickets for matinee and evening performances all over the city. Professionals from New York City and New Jersey provided chamber music at churches and beautiful outdoor settings.

Cape May beaches do not feature a boardwalk like its northern neighbor, Wildwood. The beaches are wide, beautiful, have morning to late afternoon lifeguards and require a daily or weekly pass. On each beach visit we observed pods of jumping dolphins, just off shore.   

What is missing in amusement rides, pizza joints and tee shirt shops is more than made up with a long stretch of beautiful Victorian homes and hotels, facing the ocean, with others located in the historical district.  Cape May is renowned for its stunning variety of architectural styles and colorful facades. The big fire of 1878 destroyed much of the town. The city rebuilt itself quickly when the Victorian era was in full swing. The preservationist movement has guaranteed that these beautiful structures will be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.

One tourist activity I would recommend is a guided tour on one of the many city trolleys that provide an introduction to the historical district and surrounding area. Once the different types of architecture and famous homes are explained, you can return for a more leisurely close-up view and photo opportunities of these magnificent buildings.

I found that Cape May shopping, while geared for tourists, is more upscale than many shore towns. There are more boutiques, book stores and lobster roll establishments; less taffy and trinket shops.

The last but perhaps most famous Cape May attraction is its conservation areas with world-renowned bird watching. The location and diverse habitats (salt marshes, swamps, wet woods, fresh water marshes, ponds and pine forest) are perfect for migrating birds. At the South Cape May Meadows nature area, birders recorded over 75 species during the month of May.

Well-marked, flat walking trails make it mandatory to pack your binoculars and camera with zoom lenses. For those interested in native plants there are several botanical gardens. There are boat tours to view unique birds like osprey, along with dolphins and humpback whales during the spring and summer months.

Cape May offers a unique shore experience that vacationers should add to their bucket-list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TRUTH ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP

 

A fellow Democrat approached me at the gym. He was frustrated with the recently passed Republican Big Beautiful Bill (BBB). He could not believe that in his conversations with young men, many continue to support Trump and his policies. I have experienced the same reaction from Trump supporters of all ages.

Despite the Jeffery Epstein kerfuffle, most Republicans could not be happier with their elected leader. It is time for the rest of us to wake up. Do not underestimate Donald Trump or the loyalty of his followers.

My epiphany will be painful to Democrats who live in a universe populated by like-minded progressives who rely on liberal news channels, Atlantic magazine, and New York Times editorials. Our world rightfully paints Trump as an authoritarian, white nationalist, showing signs of old age. For Democrats, Trump’s power is propped up by an administration of unqualified, loyal followers who never question his decisions.

We believe Congressional Republicans follow his edicts based on fear, not principle. Our heroes are the Democrats in Congress and the courts, who continually remind us that they are the last line of defense against the total collapse of our constitutional republic.

The problem is not a lack of consequential issues on which to attack Trump. His demeanor is oppressive, anti-democratic, and racist. His statements are boastful at best and outright lies at worst.  His treatment of immigrants lacks respect for human dignity and is accompanied by militarized political theater to instill fear in minority communities. His treatment of elected officials from other democratic countries is abhorrent.

The passage of the BBB came with its own set of outrages. There are Medicaid cuts of nearly $1 trillion. There is no extension of Obamacare subsidies to help low-income Americans afford medical insurance. The bill calls for tens of billions in SNAP (food stamp) cuts.

The problem is that none of these actions that Democrats find repugnant have moved the needle with the President’s voters. Some members of his coalition may disagree on the Epstein files or the budget deficit, but they still support him. Why does Trump remain an immovable force in American politics?

The answer starts with the 2024 presidential election. The twice-impeached former President with 88 criminal offenses in four criminal cases and one criminal conviction easily won the election. MAGA made overwhelming gains in working-class counties across the country, including our own. According to the New York Times, “Mr. Trump has increased the Republican Party’s share of the presidential vote in each election he’s been on the ballot in close to half the counties in America — 1,433 in all.”

Immediately after the election, the NYT expressed the opinion, “Trump conquered America not by force, but with a permission slip. He would fire thousands of career public servants. He would deport millions of immigrants in military-style roundups. He would crush the independence of the Department of Justice, use government to push public health conspiracies and abandon America’s allies abroad. He would turn the government into a tool of his own grievances, a way to punish his critics and richly reward his supporters.”

Six months later, Trump has kept most of these domestic campaign promises. The Republican Congress helped by keeping taxes the same, with passage of the BBB. While the Senate did not honor Trump’s promise to not cut Medicaid, the President continues to ignore the damage. To soften the blowback against Republicans, the drastic cuts do not take effect until after the 2026 midterm elections.

When Trump turned the financial world upside down in April with his tariff policy, many, including me, thought he had reached his Armageddon. Today, the stock market is back to all-time highs. Our most important trading partners are negotiating to end the tariffs, to not lose market share. His supporters are not alarmed that the tariffs will spur higher inflation and act as a tax increase.

It is time to admit the truth. Trump, based on the dimensions of his record, is the most important political figure of the modern era. As POLITICO has pointed out, “He is a force of history.” Trump’s election and the disruptive promises to his voters gave him an opportunity to confidently attack domestic and international democratic institutions. For the next 3½ years, He will continue to push the limits.  Hopefully, our constitutional republic will bend, but not break. Democrats must never doubt his political skills or his combative and resilient character.

What is to be do? Only attacking Trump will win back few voters. Here are some other ideas. 1) Treat young male voters with respect and stop talking about “toxic masculinity.” 2) Choose new party leaders attractive to the working class, not just to government bureaucrats, academia, and the socially liberal sectors of the wealthy and upper middle classes. 3) Make sure the voting public understands that it was President Biden’s Democratic programs, opposed by Republicans, that brought infrastructure projects back to the Rust Belt. 4) Democrats need to assail financial and corporate elites with more enthusiasm than Republicans attack cultural elites. 5) Democrats need to utilize social media and popular podcasts with the same commitment as the Republicans have in recent years.

Winning back the working class and the White House will require hard work, new faces and new ideas. We should not waste resources attacking Trump’s character and statements to please our own supporters.

 

  

 

WHY WE NEED FEDERAL WORKERS

 

Since January, the President has moved with more aggressive force than a summer thunderstorm. With a storm, we quickly lose interest unless the power goes out or the basement floods. Similar to a summer storm, we became disengaged from the disruptive upheaval of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in terminating thousands of federal workers when this threat was replaced by other dire headlines.

Unfortunately, because of recent events, and without Elon Musk, DOGE is about to recapture our attention. Recent flash floods in Texas have reminded us of the importance of FEMA and the National Weather Service. DOGE terminations in other federal agencies are being increased.

In a June 27 ruling, the Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s request to halt the lower court’s nationwide injunction blocking Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. The ruling means that using lower court injunctions to prevent national termination of federal workers was also overturned. On July 8 and 14 the Supreme Court signed two additional orders permitting the firing of government workers, while the cases are litigated.

It is not hyperbole to claim that before the end of the year, each of us or someone we know, will be impacted by the loss of federal workers. Significant cuts at the VA have impacted both staffing and contracts. According to recent reporting by PROPUBLICA, “In Pittsburgh, two trials to treat veterans with advanced head and neck cancer, have not started because of the hiring freeze.”

Budget cuts and workforce reductions at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have already impacted summer travel. The National Institute of Health has been impacted by job losses, grant cancellations, and a chilling effect on research funding.  

DOGE has made cuts in the US Forest Service that reduced the number of personnel available to prevent wildfires. The National Parks Service has experienced reduced staffing.  According to the National Resources Defense Council, “Laying off thousands of park service employees makes it a lot easier to exploit public resources for profit.”

OSHA has undergone budget cuts and office closures. These have directly impacted its ability to ensure workplace safety. On July 1, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported that the Mine Safety and Health Administration will end its lease at the Mt. Pleasant location in Westmoreland County, “the busiest office in the nation.”

At agencies like the FDA and USDA, DOGE cuts have led to fewer food safety inspections, reduced research on foodborne illnesses, and potential disruptions in the food supply chain. At the Army Corps of Engineers, DOGE has implemented lease terminations and proposed layoffs. These cuts are raising concerns about the Corps' ability to fulfill its mission, including maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety. Many other agencies that provide an array of public services have also been targeted.

How does the public feel about federal government workers? In January of 2025, the Pew Research Center conducted a nationwide survey. As expected, Americans are evenly divided on the importance of government’s size and scope. 49% say they’d prefer a smaller government that provides fewer services, while 48% say they’d prefer a larger government that provides more services. It will be interesting to revisit these survey questions after the full effect of DOGE’s cuts are felt throughout the nation.

While we wait to absorb the fallout from DOGE’s handiwork, two recent books by the best-selling author, Michael Lewis, can provide us with some hard facts and heartfelt stories on the role that federal workers play in our lives. According to a review in the Guardian, the books together make a strong case that “you could lift the lid on any federal department and find people you’ve never heard of, doing work whose importance you’ve never understood.”

The earlier book, The Fifth Risk, was published in 2018 during Trump’s first administration, when reducing government was only a threat. The second book, published earlier this year, Who Is Government? The Story of Public Service, was based on a series of articles that Lewis had previously published in the Washington Post.

In The Fifth Risk, Lewis’s focus is on bureaucrats from the Department of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce. The title of his book draws attention to the qualified employees that provide risk assessment, that he calls “program management.” Without these individuals, carefully working in the background, the existential “risks” that we never knew existed will never be mapped out until it is too late. The chances of preventing a nuclear, weather, or viral disaster all increase exponentially. The Fifth Risk vividly points out the consequences of voters giving control of our government to a Trump administration that has no idea how government works.

The more recent Lewis book, Who is Government? focuses on the quiet employees who represent public service at its best. The stories of workers across the bureaucracy clarify that federal employees emphasize teamwork, not individual accomplishments. In many examples like the mine safety employee or the epidemiologist at the FDA, the private sector would simply “let people die” without the input from these federal specialists.

After reading both books it is clear that DOGE’s politicalized agenda is the opposite of the civic values held by dedicated federal employees.  Lewis’s two books could not have come at a better time. It turns out that behind the worker who adjusts our Social Security benefits are ten unknown employees who are keeping us safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFINING THE BIG ISSUES

 

Some of us that graduated from liberal arts institutions have recently found ourselves returning to our dusty textbooks on American political theory, philosophy, and economics. This refresher course has become more common (and necessary) since President Trump and his MAGA followers took over the country. Fundamental concepts like the meaning of the Constitution, the role of Congress, democracy, republic, freedom, liberty, justice, and the rule of law have suddenly become disrupted and even threatened.  

This commentary will discuss each of the above “big issues” that are so valuable in explaining our form of government. To debate our tribal disputes, we need to agree on the terminology that describes our political system. Once the definitions are settled, whatever position we take, we should remain consistent. It is not acceptable to ignore an adopted basic principle just because Trump changes his position to “get a win.”

The United States of America is not a democracy; it is a democratic constitutional republic. Policy decisions are not made directly by voters. They are made by elected representatives. These representatives, including the president, are bound by the rights and restrictions contained in the Constitution. The only “directly democratic” policy decisions recognized across America are citizen referendums placed on local and state ballots.

The Constitution is 237 years old. While it is known as “a living document” because it can be amended, this has only happened 27 times. The Constitution built our nation out of a weak confederation of states. It organized government so that its powers could not be captured by factions, or the general public, or by the president. It guaranteed property rights. It preserved the autonomy of the states. Most importantly, it granted people essential rights against potential government abuses.

The Constitution assigned to Congress the responsibility for organizing the executive and judicial branches, raising revenue, declaring war, and making all laws necessary for executing these powers. The president is permitted to veto specific legislative acts, but Congress has the authority to override presidential vetoes by two-thirds majorities of both houses. The Constitution also provides that the Senate advise and consent on key executive and judicial appointments and on the approval for ratification of treaties.

In recent years, Congress has not exercised many of its important responsibilities. It has permitted the executive branch to consolidate additional power, outside the parameters of the Constitution. In addition, the Supreme Court has ratified this trend to strengthen the powers of the presidency. Trump supporters who claim to support the Constitution should take notice.

What is the distinction between liberty and freedom? While often used interchangeably, they are different. Liberty emphasizes the importance of individual rights, bestowed by the government. It can be defined as “living without oppressive restrictions imposed by the state on one’s way of life, behavior, or political/religious beliefs.” The idea of liberty is enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Freedom is more focused on the ability of individuals to pursue their own interests, free from economic or social hardship. It refers to the ability to achieve a good life without being hindered by outside forces. It is often associated with the idea of the pursuit of happiness.

Under our form of government, favoring either liberty or freedom can lead to very different political ideologies and policies.  For example, libertarians and many conservatives, prioritize individual liberty and limited government intervention. Conversely, progressive Democrats tend to place greater emphasis on government-provided social and economic freedoms like healthcare, education, and a living wage that allow individuals to achieve their potential. In my view, it is inconsistent for those opposed to government intervention, to also oppose family planning and the rights of the LGBTQ + community.

Since the New Deal, the raging domestic debate has been whether the overriding goal in national policy should be more liberty with less government intervention or more government intervention that guarantees cradle to grave freedoms for all Americans. Achieving an acceptable balance between liberty and social freedom is a complex and ongoing challenge. The polices that may help attain balance include progressive taxation, access to quality education, social welfare programs that reduce poverty, and policies that ensure freedom from discrimination.

The great political philosopher John Rawls tried to unite both liberty and freedom through his concept of justice. His theory of justice describes “a society of free citizens with equal basic rights who work together cooperatively in an egalitarian economic system.” Rawls believed that his theory was the best framework for the legitimate use of political power.

The last “big issue,” the rule of law, is the principle under which all individuals and institutions must be accountable to laws that are publicly known, equally enforced and independently adjudicated. Unfortunately, since Trump’s reelection, well established laws have become obstacles to be ignored not directives to be followed.

His repeated actions in disregarding court orders that follow the Constitution, that attack the justice system and judges, that target political opponents and the press, and that initially challenged the results of the 2020 presidential election with no basis to do so, have been unprecedented.

For Trump supporters who hope their next traffic ticket, their daughter’s divorce or their son’s drug arrest will be handled according to the rule of law, please be consistent. Once we permit the President to carve out exceptions at his whim, the legal system will begin to crumble.

 

 

 

  

AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE

 

Most people would agree that the more you get to know someone, the more human they become. As you learn about someone’s background, struggles, and motivations, the less bias is placed on their ethnic background, political views, or quirky personalities. In our divided tribal nation, simply having a pleasant conversation with others in the community who hold opposite political views can reveal shared connections and a new perspective.

This same principle holds true regarding the complex issue of how immigration should be viewed. Getting to know a recent immigrant’s individual journey in coming to America and efforts to build a life for their family is an important component in calming the angry rhetoric and divisive tensions that have developed. 

The nation’s broad policy discussions on immigration normally focus on history, the law, economics, and the prejudices of white America. There is minimal consideration of individual immigrants and their incredible stories of hard work, sacrifice, and willingness to assimilate to become part of a shared future.

It is not surprising that urban areas often label themselves “sanctuary cities” while rural communities are more on board with the Trump administration’s efforts to indiscriminately round up millions of immigrants and to deport them. Many recent immigrants have set down roots in our cities and are an important part of urban life. They have become “human” as they participate in workplaces, schools, and houses of worship. They have developed close community ties. 

On the other hand, immigrants in rural areas are far fewer and often appear only seasonally to pick crops or to work at temporary construction sites. These immigrants rarely become an integral part of the community. Accordingly, rural residents often rely on Fox News, spewing out MAGA rhetoric, as their only frame of reference on immigration. 

In this commentary, I will share an immigrant’s tale of the woman who married my brother. Her story has done more to shape my views on immigration than any Congressional policy paper or cable news discussion. If all of us could experience a similar situation, immigration policy could be resolved in a more humane and responsible fashion.

Bhavani (affectionately called B) was born in the tropical city of Madras in southern India. She was an outstanding student who found her passion in the field of science, graduating with a top national scholarship award for her academic achievements. She followed in the footsteps of her scientist father and worked as a young businesswoman in the medical field.

My brother and B met through family and were married in India in the early 90s. B obtained her “green card” and left behind her family, business, and friends for a new life in America.

Despite her extensive training and experience, B worked in a day care center for several years. During this time, she applied for accreditation equivalence and took specialized courses at local universities on the newest techniques in her field.

Recognized for her talent, she was offered positions in biological research at three different companies. In 1998, she began working as a research scientist at a large biopharmaceutical company in NJ that focused on the research, development, and commercialization of therapies for hematological cancers and immune-inflammatory diseases. B applied for and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.

One of the most prestigious annual competitions for scientific excellence in New Jersey is the Edison Awards where winners are chosen as the “best of the best” within their respective categories. The awards honor excellence in new products, service development, and innovation.  After 15 years of research, at a black-tie dinner, B’s team was presented with an Edison Award for their discovery of a novel cell therapy to treat leukemia patients.

B currently continues her research where there are unmet medical needs. Her projects are confidential and require long hours and dedication. Her work never missed a beat during the pandemic and was considered an essential occupation. 

This immigrant’s tale has made a difference that should not be taken for granted. Most of her team members over the years were born and/or educated abroad. She has worked with research scientists from Japan, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Korea, Egypt, Ireland, Israel, Estonia, France, and Germany. B gave an enthusiastic shout-out to the skills and dedication of all these researchers who emigrated to America. 

Since Trump came to office, he has drastically cut science research budgets at major universities and has restricted immigration of bright foreign scientists like B. Two additional MAGA agendas are to punish research universities for their liberalism and to curtail research at federal health agencies for their views on pandemics and vaccines. This brain drain will quickly degrade our nation’s innovative engine that has produced cutting edge discoveries that save lives. 

According to the New York Times, “In the American defense industry and in fields like engineering and life sciences, at least half the workers with doctorates are foreign-born.” Europe and China have started massive recruitment campaigns to relocate our nation’s best foreign scientists, who are no longer able to complete their research here.

B is concerned about the loss of university research funds and of its talent pool. For decades, collaboration between private companies and universities has strengthened both entities. 

Before reaching conclusions on immigration, take a recent immigrant to lunch and hear your own tale of sacrifice, success, and of love for our country. You will gain a new perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

YUGO IKACH: WASHINGTON’S MUSIC MAN

 

In the 1957 Broadway musical, The Music Man, a grifter masquerades as a boys’ band organizer to sell musical instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk. Before “Harold” can skip town with the money, he falls in love with “Marian” and risks getting caught to stay and train the local boys. At the end of the production, they are able to play a barely recognizable “Minuet in G.” As the curtain comes down, the music-hungry locals cheer the performance and the romance prevails.

For the past several decades, Washington County has celebrated the work of its own over-the-moon music man, Yugo Ikach. Like the original, he has brought the joy of music to thousands of local residents. Unlike Broadway’s music men (originally, Robert Preston and recently, Hugh Jackman) Ikach has performed his magic across several different local venues.

At California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest), Ikach began his career in 2003 as Adjunct Professor of Music. He is now Associate Dean of Education, Arts, and Humanities. At PennWest he has served as an Assistant Music Professor, Director of University Choirs, and on multiple department, and university-wide committees.

Ikach was the Music Director at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington from 1992 to 2021. He has served on the WQED Multimedia Advisory Board. Early in his career, he worked in numerous roles with the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra, at Wheeling Jesuit University, Community College of Allegheny County, and West Virginia University.

Many local residents first became aware of Ikach’s vast talents when he assumed the position of Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Washington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) in 2005.  A small but loyal group of patrons were then attending the four yearly performances. Now, the WSO plays to sold-out audiences at its latest home in Olin Fine Arts Center at Washington and Jefferson College.

We have been supporters since Ikach assumed his responsibilities. It has been fascinating to watch the WSO capture the heart of Washington County. Ikach knows his patrons well and seeks to deliver entertainment with fireworks. There is never simply two hours of classical music that may not be familiar to many in the audience.

Ikach has developed a formula that begins with a theme for the overall concert. He then introduces those in attendance to several classical pieces that follow the theme, interspersed with lighter fare. Every concert contains at least one composition that brings the audience to their feet because it is both unique, and unexpected. It might be forty-five ukulele players marching down the aisles, or a fiddler who played with Charlie Daniels giving us an electrified version of the Daniels’ theme song, or Ikach’s two daughters belting out the most recognizable hits from the female rock group, Heart.

With classical music, Ikach always explains the history of the piece and why he chose the composition. In the beginning, this felt a bit condescending. But times have changed when it comes to classical music. Now, when we attend the Pittsburgh Symphony, conductor Manfred Honeck often does exactly the same thing (with his heavy Austrian accent) to help his younger audience gain an appreciation for each work.

Ikach’s interests and knowledge encompass multiple musical genres, from Broadway, to jazz, to rock, and of course classical. More importantly, he knows accomplished musicians across all musical platforms who are always eager to show up at one of the concerts and lend a hand. Ikach has learned that the more local performers he enlists, the better the box-office. After all, a parent will purchase a ticket every night to see their child perform in a choir or as part of the orchestra.

The orchestra’s holiday performance, “HO-HO-HO with the WSO,” has become a tradition as important to Washington County as the Nutcracker in Pittsburgh. An extra presentation has been added and many additional tickets could be sold. Each year, Ikach comes up with new holiday music to accompany the traditional favorites.

My favorite Ikach/WSO story occurred on a night in November 2012 when they performed, on short notice, for a national television audience on Monday Night Football (MNF). The Pittsburgh Symphony was unavailable so the WSO rose to the occasion, to play the opening theme song for MNF before the Steelers took the field. For hours, the orchestra sat under hot lights, in gowns and tuxedos, until dozens of takes were completed. The footage is still available on www.youtube.com.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to discuss music with our conductor. His knowledge and love for all things musical is astonishing. On one occasion, I asked for his opinion of the Leonard Bernstein movie Maestro, starring Bradley Cooper. Ikach proceeded to give me a mini dissertation on Bernstein and how important his work was to American music. I had to go back and watch the movie again.

When I asked Ikach how difficult it was to keep a volunteer orchestra together, he noted that, “the strings are often on a different political footing than the brass section.” He explained that it works for the orchestra and for the audience because, “music is a safe space. We are all united for a common cause. It crosses all boundaries and celebrates our shared humanity.”

We should all be grateful for Washington’s own music man and look forward to the unique performances that are sure to inspire us for years to come.

 

 

WASHINGTON’S “NO KINGS” RESISTANCE

 

I have never considered Washington County to be a hotbed of political protest. Until recently, it was a moderate to conservative community that prided itself on its many houses of worship, taking care of its underprivileged citizens, and sharing its community values.

There were few major political disagreements. For example, unlike other Pennsylvania jurisdictions, the oil and gas industry and its fracking technology were supported by elected officials from both political parties.

In the past, elected officials served the public by keeping taxes low and remaining non-controversial. Residents could get agitated over national political events while remaining calm at home. Their local county government was predictable and did its job.

When the MAGA movement hijacked the Republican party, including the Washington County Republican leadership, slow and steady was replaced by unpredictable and outrageous. Republicans built a coalition of voters who felt ignored by established politicians, including many first-time voters, into a populist political machine. This MAGA party cares more for white nationalist ideological precepts and its political standing than about governing for all.

Many traditional county Republicans jumped on the Trump bandwagon, knowing that, for the first time in decades, they could seize local political power. Democrats and others could only shake their heads in amazement at the speed of the MAGA takeover. Competence and experience were no longer necessary requirements to run for office. The only essential trait was a total buy-in with the MAGA movement.

With our local Republican commissioners and other county leaders on the same page as the Trump administration, it was only a matter of time before Democrats, Independents, and other concerned citizens would become more politically involved. On a recent muggy, cloudy Saturday, those who disagree with Trump’s policies and with local Republican implementation of those policies had the opportunity to respond.

The “No Kings” movement was an organized event of approximately 2,000 protests across the country. The Washington County Courthouse steps hosted our local version of citizens showing up to challenge national and local Republicans and to show dissatisfaction with their abuses of power.

The protests were planned to be a day of defiance, demonstrating that the president is not a king and that democracy is not defined by the actions of one individual. The protests were initially scheduled to coincide with President Trump’s military parade in Washington, DC to commemorate his 79^th birthday and the 250^th anniversary of the United States Army. The military parade is estimated to have cost $45 million, and featured 6,000 Army soldiers, 49 aircraft, 128 vehicles and 25 horses.

As other Trump executive actions unfolded, the event also came to represent protest against “billionaire first” legislation (the Republican, Big, Beautiful Bill), the militarization of our democracy, and brutal ICE actions against non-criminal immigrants in schools, churches, and places of employment.

When I arrived at the protest, the crowd of an estimated 500 continued to grow. By the time I left an hour later, both sides of main street were covered with signs and boisterous participants of all ages. Some of the loudest were older citizens holding their signs with one hand and their walkers with the other. A grass-roots political protest movement in support of democracy and in opposition to totalitarian government was alive in Washington County.

After Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, local MAGA Republicans spent four years challenging the county election results (even though Trump won here by a large margin). They disrupted commissioner meetings and made it difficult for Diana Irey Vaughan and her non MAGA Republican administration to govern county government. After Vaughan decided not to run for reelection in 2023, the path was clear for the MAGA faction to take over. Now commissioners Nick Sherman and Electra Janis seek to mold their decision-making in lock step with the Trump administration.

Ironically, on the same Saturday as the “No Kings” protest, the Observer- Reporter ran a front-page article announcing “Washington County Sheriff’s Office seeks to join ICE task force.” This action would bestow immigration authority on county sheriff’s deputies in efforts to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. In the article County Commissioner Chair Sherman is quoted as saying, “I think this is a good thing, we’re using local law enforcement to aid federal law enforcement.”

Our local majority commissioners and the Trump administration are now joined at the hip. The ACLU has vehemently objected to local law enforcement performing ICE functions. The organization’s website warns “immigration enforcement is the job of the federal government and localities need not involve themselves.” Not only is local law enforcement kept from their regular responsibilities that tax payers expect them to perform, they are open to lawsuits for racial profiling and other civil rights violations.

Trump and the Republican commissioners have kicked the bear and it is not going back into hibernation. Protesting residents must now up their game by letter writing, phone calls, and by becoming involved in voter registration drives. Well informed protestors need to show up at every county commissioner’s meeting to voice their concerns.

The alternative is ongoing authoritarianism at both the national and local levels. We are on the verge of waking up to observe local deputy sheriffs directed by ICE, pulling members of our immigrant community off of ladders, off of lawn mowers, out of classrooms, and even out of church pews.

I am convinced that many in Washington County will continue to protest such actions.