Defend against our government
Familiar? Though I don't have the privilege of conversation with the all the local "conservative," "patriotic" "Americans," I can make a good guess that most of them have called Joseph P. Brill, if they read his letter, many unkind things. And my best guess is that in local living rooms, facts are mostly fabricated and mostly selective for "patriotic" "American" self-convincing propaganda. Since at least FDR, very familiar.
McCain is nothing but a political dirt bag, a la Bill Clinton and Dick Cheney. Pure, raw, juicy exploitation. Funny thing is, libertarian-esque "conservatives," many of whom are even warmongers, are having a hard time supporting him with any enthusiasm. In fact, his enthusiasm lies mostly within himself and the "us vs. them," "they are our enemies" crowd. These same people think America is oh so strong, morally righteous, yet has the need and moral authority to kill and bomb.
Choke on your own Bibles and Korean War-era globalist propaganda, "conservative patriotic Americans." Keep to yourself your unadulterated-with-facts angry, raving, hatred for the "non-patriots."
Only in this "American nation" can we find Christians who are less Christ-like than their secularist detractors, states' rights/Second Amendment advocate "Republicans" who are more complacent with a police state than "commies," and a socialist party that takes the name of Democritus.
"If you're looking for heroes, find the people who are busy defending the country against our government."
John Sanzone
Wells Bridge
Food must involve profit
This is regarding Devorah Tarrow's letter to the editor printed May 1: She doesn't think food producers, transporters, retailers, etc., should make a profit on their production? That is their labor. If the farmer doesn't make a profit, how is he to buy and maintain his very expensive equipment? How is he to provide for his family? How is he to save for retirement, to live, other than in poverty? How is the trucker who transports the food to her in New York City to make a decent living? How is the grocer to survive?
Perhaps she should try making a living as a farmer. She certainly would not be able to afford to live in New York City, in fact she would probably quit farming after the crows ate her first crop, which, by the way, barely survived the July drought, which cost her about half her expected profit to irrigate.
She told us that food production should not involve a profit, I have just explained why it must! Now why doesn't she explain how the system works without profit? Oh, wait, I know, government ownership of the entire system. Why not, it worked in Russia, didn't it?
Ward J. Mack
Sidney
Ironic sponsor of march
There is an eerie irony in the fact that Planned Parenthood was one of the sponsors for the "Take Back the Night" march. Otsego County Undersheriff Cameron Allison is quoted as saying, "Let's remember this night when we all made a decision to give a voice to every victim ..."
Planned Parenthood recently released its report of activities for 2005. It admitted to killing an average of 5,095 babies a week! Instead of being protected in their mothers' wombs, these innocent, helpless, voiceless babies are being chemically burned or hacked to pieces. Can anyone deny that this is the ultimate child abuse?
Who will speak up for these innocent victims? Will you? Who will protect them? I hope their parents will.
Deborah M. Sanna
Worcester
Ways to save state funds
Energy savings can combat global warming and a runaway state budget:
Why are we mowing so much land around our highways? Why are we mowing so often? How much do all those mowers and man hours cost? How much pollution? How about a maximum of 20 feet for mowing on any state or county road? Replant all open areas with state nursery stock. This is a more-efficient use of DOT funds.
Do we really need mile markers every one-tenth of a mile, and please explain the electronic signed crosswalks on 205 and 23 or in Emmons, neither of which I've seen used.
Some people say you can't fix stupid. but maybe we should try.
Also, do any of you politicians know how to read and think at the same time?
John F. Fisher
Otego
Former Bresee's could be library
Here's an idea to add to the ex-Bresee's think-tank.
How about developing the building into the fabulous, LEED-certified, expansion of the Huntington Public Library?
The visionaries who developed the Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca renovated the defunct Woolworth's building into the current, beautiful, modern facility. Since the opportunity to purchase the former P&C Plaza for this purpose has passed in Oneonta, why not consider the ex-Bresee's site?
Top-floor housing units could still bring in commercial revenue, the current library expansion dilemma would be solved and lots of people would come downtown to visit the library and utilize public meeting spaces.
What a perfect boon for downtown and the extended community! And all the people who used to love hanging out in Bresee's could hang out there again ... including introducing area youth to this wonderful space. Think about it.
Rebecca DeMulder Mietzelfeld
Unadilla
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