Imagine having thousands of years of history, countless cultures, multiple ethnicities, and a great pool of diversity. Then, imagine taking that, and diminishing it all to one word.

Words Editors note: This column ran a few weeks back after listening to how some of our public officials speak to each other. Since the first publication I have come to find that more and more individuals, both public officials and private citizens, really don’t think about what they say or how they say it.

I want to thank our commanders and the men and women serving under them for their execution of the dangerous retrograde from Afghanistan as scheduled – in the early morning hours of August 31, Kabul time – with no further loss of American lives. The past 17 days have seen our troops execute the largest airlift in US history, evacuating over 120,000 US citizens, citizens of our allies, and Afghan allies of the United States. They have done it with unmatched courage, professionalism, and resolve. Now, our 20-year military presence in Afghanistan has ended.

Eighteen days ago, the United States and our allies began our evacuation and relocation operation in Kabul. As you just heard from the Pentagon, a few hours ago, that operation was completed.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As the world continues to experience the effects of the COVID-19 virus, I have received several inquiries about the obligation one has concerning the available vaccinations. It is my hope that the following information will help the faithful in the Diocese of Gallup to better understand this complex subject and give guidance on how to approach the issue.

As defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, stereotype is defined as “something conforming to a fixed or general pattern… especially a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment.” When we think of stereotypes, we do not typically think of them in regard to certain occupations. I think it is worth discussing though.

Dear Editor: I would like to offer what seems to me to be not a complete proposal but perhaps the nucleus of something that could help our community, our country, and even Afghanistan. Like any new and rather large suggestion, it would require more thought than a simple letter might demonstrate.

VILLAGE OF MILAN N.M. – On Thursday, August 19 at 5:30 p.m., the Village of Milan Board of Trustees held a regular meeting. All board members were present, and before approving the agenda, the board removed items (g), (h), (i), and (j) of number ten, which all referred to a closed session in which the board had planned to discuss village manager applications. According to the board, consideration of these applications was rescheduled for a later date. The board then approved the meeting minutes for a July 7 Board of Trustees workshop, July 15 Board of Trustees regular meeting and July 26 Board of Trustees special meeting. The board also swiftly approved the budget report and the municipal court cash journal for July of 2021.

A new adjective passed my ears, a word that I couldn’t believe: Modeyfied. Let me address the glaring.

No place for cynics Dear Editor: I am always impressed by the optimism and can-do attitude at the Coffee with The Manager meetings, the first Thursday of the month. There is such a community feeling at these meetings that I never grumble about getting up early enough for the 8:00 start time.