Letter: White House Changes
Warwick, Goshen, Newburgh and much of Orange County is an area fortunate in its deep connection to the American Revolution. Colonists living in the Hudson Valley rose up against absolute monarch George III, in part, because they felt they were treated more like subjects than citizens with rights and liberties.
This past June 14, as No Kings rallies drew more than 5 million people to streets all across America and the President threw a military parade in Washington, D.C., I took a moment to reflect on our nation’s history.
General George Washington, after his election, when asked how he would like to be addressed, said, “Mr. President.” He wanted no “Your Highness” or “Your Excellency.” Although Washington never lived in the White House, he helped with the design during his presidency. He said the President’s residency should be called “a house” – not a palace. Indeed, after it was built, the White House was also called “The People’s House” and Americans could walk right in. The President is the tenant; the American citizens are the landlords and an incumbent is only given a 4-year lease, with the possibility of a one-time renewal. In lieu of rent, the President has to work for ALL THE PEOPLE. President Washington gave up power after 8 years. King George III of England could not believe someone would willingly do this.
More than 1000 people turned out for Warwick’s “No Kings” protest against authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of our democracy. I spoke to a woman who had taught 5th grade civics. She said her students had a better understanding of what America stands for and its founding principles than Trump. Retired U.S. Marine Corps General John Kelly, Trump’s Chief of Staff during his first term, said Trump “has no idea what America stands for and has no idea what America is all about.” We are a great nation but democracy is fragile. On June 14, 2025, Americans in cities and small towns like ours across the nation, stood up for democracy, the rule of law, the separation of powers as described in the Constitution, and decency.
Gail Buckland
Warwick, NY
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