Ordinarily it wouldn’t be, but clearly, in this case, it was for the specific reasons I mentioned. If it weren’t, her story wouldn’t have inspired negative comments. I have a lifetime of experience with this phenomenon.

If you ever lived for many years in a small, insular, community, that is much loved and cherished by those who grew up there, you would understand. I didn’t say it was fair, or that it’s the way it should be, I just pointed out that that’s the way it so often is.

My parents moved to New Paltz in the 1940s and eventually became beloved members of the community, because they earned it. How? Through hard work, honest business dealings, being good neighbors, and doing a ton of community service. You have to earn your place in towns like this. It’s just how it is. Nobody hands anyone the key to the city until they know they can be trusted with it.