Dear Neighbors,
My first-ever editorial comment is prompted by a flood of anonymous and identified comments received over past days. I have learned a lot and had a few thoughts to share in response.
For the benefit of anyone who has not been following the recent big story in one of America's smallest towns – six days ago Vice President Vance and his family selected Sugarbush Resort and The Pitcher Inn for a family vacation. The Pitcher Inn, a luxury 12-room lodging and restaurant, and The Warren Store, a country store “Almost World Famous,”, are the only businesses, other than an art gallery, in the lovely downtown of Warren.
The Warren community is decidedly not happy with the current administration policies. The community’s response to this visit was anticipated. It was also anticipated that our receiving VP Vance would hurt our business.
I have learned that the Secret Service team is well-intentioned and has a tough assignment. I would encourage everyone to treat them with respect for their benefit and your safety.
I am told that the last visitor to our ski area that included Secret Service protection was Amy Carter. Amy was an accomplished skier, who the Secret Service could not keep up with – I am hoping this team is up to the challenge. The Vice President, we are told, is a good skier.
I have learned that the public statement from the Warren Select Board was really well drafted.
We have learned that a Saturday protest in Warren is likely. We have plans to put coffee out in front of The Warren Store for those who want a free cup. The visit of the VP presents a rare opportunity to communicate to him. I hope that happens in a way that is sensitive to his three small children.
The Man, the Policies, and the elected office of the Vice President – sometimes it is difficult to separate them. Harry Truman did that well. Truman fired MacArthur and my mother never forgave him for it.
Truman explained, however, that he did not fire MacArthur for being “dumb” nor did the President do so because the general stated publicly his low opinion of Harry Truman. Truman stated he fired MacArthur for disrespecting the office of the President of the United States.
Our decision to welcome the Vance family to The Pitcher Inn was never in question – he is the duly elected Vice President of the United States.
Protester activity invites my offering a suggestion – a protester sign, in front of the Pitcher Inn, accuses me of being a “Quisling.” After looking up the word I learned that it meant collaborator.
My suggestion: If you want to have an impact, I suggest you avoid the use of words that are unknown to 90% of the U.S. electorate.
Lastly, we have just been informed that Vice President Vance has changed his lodging plan and the Vance Family will not be staying at The Pitcher Inn for this visit. We have not been guided on his revised lodging plan.
George Dorsey, owner
The Pitcher Inn and The Warren Store
