By Guy Page
A photograph from the September 1 Labor Day parade in Chester has stirred controversy on social media after it showed two state senators posing for a photo with a man wearing a T-shirt that read, “Is He Dead Yet?”
The T-shirt was reportedly made popular by singer Joan Baez, with the ‘he’ being President Donald Trump. Both the T-shirt wearer and the photographer are unknown. Trump has been the target of two known assassination attempts, which his supporters say are encouraged by messaging like “Is He Dead Yet?” The Labor Day parade occurred nine days before conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah.
VDC emailed Sen. Rebecca White (next to t-shirt wearer) and Sen. Joe Major (at right), both Windsor County Democrats. VDC received an auto-reply from White, but received this prompt response from Major, a first-term senator and U.S. Army officer veteran:
“I want to be very clear that I am against violence of any kind,” the candidate said. “I was unaware of the shirt in question at the parade and have not seen the photo you referenced. I wrote a ‘letter to the editor’ in the Valley News on Saturday [following the September 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk] that expressed my strong belief for differing points of view and tolerance for disagreement. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.”
The parade, an annual tradition in Chester, typically draws large crowds and features community groups, political candidates, and local organizations marching along Main Street.
Also of interest, at least to people interested in Vermont’s political history, is Major’s hoodie, referencing himself as the latest among five African-American men elected to the Vermont Legislature: Alexander Twilight (1836), Caledonia County Sen. Julius Canns (1993-2005), Rep./Sen./Sgt. At Arms Francis Brooks (1983-2017, except for one year) of Montpelier, current Franklin County Sen. Randy Brock.
Guv ensures Covid-19 vax available – Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Health September 18 announced a standing order allowing for the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine based on guidance from national medical associations.
With recent federal changes to vaccine administration guidance, this order will enable pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Vermonters who choose to receive one, as they have in past years.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way for us to protect ourselves and others, especially as we head into the fall season,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This order is a necessary step to make sure those who want a vaccine, can get one.”
“These recommendations should make it clear to Vermonters and providers that COVID-19 vaccines are available to all who want and need them,” said interim Health Commissioner Julie Arel. “The science has not changed. Vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.”
Pellet stove subsidy – The Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) at the Public Service Department September 15 announced a new program to help low-and moderate-income households in Windham County convert to wood pellet heating or to change out their old wood stove to a new, more efficient model. With these new incentives an income-qualified Windham County homeowner can receive:
- $800 for cord wood stoves and $1,200 for wood-pellet stoves.
- $15,000 for Low Income, and $12,000 for moderate income households to install a central pellet boiler or furnace.
A total of $208,095 is available for incentives from the CEDF. In addition, homeowners can receive incentives available to all homeowners state-wide from Efficiency Vermont for pellet boilers/furnaces ($6,000) and wood/pellet stoves ($400).