Steven Fenichel takes issue with state Sen. Jeff Van Drew's view of those who use the Star Spangled Banner as a form of protest.
To the Editor:
State Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-1st Legislative District, recently wrote a letter critical of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling when the "Star Spangled Banner" is played at the start of games.
If only Van Drew would take time out from pontificating and "patriotic" grandstanding and read the third verse of America's national anthem, he might appreciate Kaepernick's courage.
Here it is:
"No refuge could save
the hireling and slave
From the gloom of the grave,
and the Star Spangled banner in
Triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and
The home of the Brave."
Some background about the anthem: When it was written, the British were actively emancipating slaves and recruiting them to fight American forces in the War of 1812. Its author, Francis Scott Key, was a slaveholder. It was his anger at African slaves who escaped their owners and fought gallantly against American forces that led to his pleasure in the death of these Africans: "No refuge could save the hireling or the slave...."
Key's anthem glorifies the death of these ex-slaves in a perverse way by transforming their killers into courageous freedom fighters.
Senator, please look before you leap into subjects about which your ignorance is spectacular.
Steven Fenichel
Ocean City
Editor's note: Fenichel is an independent candidate for the 2nd District congressional seat held by Republican Frank LoBiondo, who is seeking re-election Nov. 8.
Widen federal probe of DRPA
To the Editor:
The recent ruling by a federal judge saying there's a substantial need for reform of the Delaware River Port Authority's contract award process reflects poorly on state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who also wants to be New Jersey's governor.
Sweeney has refused to allow any proposed DRPA reform legislation to advance in the state Senate, even though there is an ongoing federal investigation into how the agency spent $500 million in economic development funds on non-transportation projects.
Maybe the feds should question Sweeney, D-3, who was able to obtain DRPA funds for one of his pet projects, and has a brother serving on DRPA board. The Senate president's friend, Democrat power broker George Norcross III, has also been a lucky recipient of DRPA generosity.
In the recent court ruling, the judge found no emails, no minutes of discussions, and no witnesses to back up the award of a $17.8 million bridge-painting contract to a bidder whose price was not the lowest. It's just business as usual at the DRPA.
Just ask Matthew Boxer, New Jersey's former state comptroller, who exposed how business was done at the bi-state agency, but, whose 2012 report was ignored by Sweeney and Republican Gov. Chris Christie.
Carol Rhodes
Barnsboro