To the Editor:
Granny D, born Doris Rollins in Laconia on Jan. 24, 1910, enthralled many across the United States by walking a southern route 3,200 miles across the country at ages 88-90 promoting campaign finance reform. She walked 10 miles per day, on x-country skis as she neared D.C. in February! Early, she recognized what many “see” now – corporate-backed elections cut out the average citizen when campaign donations lead to “service.” The big money gets the service.
Today Apple Corporation is large in the news for bringing home stashed billions – because the Trump Tax Bill gives Apple a break. “Apple, which has 94% of its total cash of $269 billion outside the United States, said it would make a one-time tax payment of $38 billion on the repatriated cash” (New York Times). It turns out that Apple CEO Tim Cook gave about equally to candidates from both parties, last election, with slightly more for Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader and Republican. Granny D would be on top of this news, well aware how the little citizen with little needs is again pushed aside for the big needs of the big guys.
In past years our New Hampshire governors have decreed her birthday, Jan. 24, “Granny D Day.” Will Gov. Chris Sununu recognize this strong-voiced woman who started the movement that is so needed today – calling for “dark” money to be out of our elections?
Gov. Sununu, please continue to honor this grand activist who lived to 100, having her 100th birthday celebration in our New Hampshire State House. Decree this Jan. 24 as “Granny D Day.”
Lynn Rudmin Chong, Sanbornton