Gun Club Should Reconsider

This letter to the editor, by Carol Skinner, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on December 4, 2025.

Gun club should reconsider I have owned a law practice in downtown Hudson for 33 years. I care deeply about the Hudson community. I am shocked and alarmed by the idea that the Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club would consider signing an agreement with ICE to allow for training and storage — of what? weapons? people? — here in our community.

I love Hudson. I love the friendly atmosphere of our downtown; the owners and workers of shops, offices and restaurants, all of whom strive to bring their “A” game every day to serve our community. While the holiday lights sparkle, I love meeting a friend for a cocktail and conversation.

So I strongly oppose any action that would bring more armed federal officers, ICE agents, to our community. They have already arrested people from their workplaces, people who work to provide for their families and to make our meals. I don’t want people in our town to fear coming to work or play in our community.

We know that ICE has been weaponized to divide us. The billionaire class is blaming immigrants for the issues they cause in our communities. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those now in charge consolidate and extract and pass laws to use our taxes to give benefits to the already obscenely rich. While the rest of us struggle to afford healthcare, homes and funding for our schools.

The only way to defeat the divide and conquer this fearbased hate is to stand together in solidarity. When all of us, the 99%, lock arms and stand up for our community to remain a safe and welcoming place, we can all thrive.

If you are a member of the Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club, please reconsider your decision. There are other ways of raising $50K. If you know a member of the Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club, please ask them about the type of community that they want for themselves and their friends and families. Now, before it’s too late.