Published: October 05, 2009 07:52 am      

Letters to the Editor: October 5, 2009

Obama best hope for our integrity

Some right-wing ranters have tried to label President Obama a Muslim. Others have compared him to Hitler as a "Maker of Great Speeches." Both are attempts to demonize Obama in order to undermine all his programs.

Hitler's message was one of hate and war. The powers-that-be in Germany in the 1930s either supported Hitler or caved in to his aggressiveness. Obama's message, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, not of his making, aside, is one of good will and cooperation. Some of the powers-that-be in the United States are funding the noise-makers who oppose him and his programs.

Long before Obama or Hitler, there was a man whose message was of peace and goodwill to all humanity. Common people found him quite persuasive. According to surviving accounts, he was opposed by the powers-that-be of the time and eventually destroyed by them and those who always kowtow to power.

Barack Obama may not be the man to save what is left of our national integrity, but he is the best hope, possibly even the last hope considering the unrest that seems to be increasing. Certainly those who oppose Obama, whatever their proclaimed "principles, have no such agenda." The "prophet" they believe in is not symbolized by a cross but a dollar sign.

William F. Roberts

Otego

Memorials in park looking wonderful

I had the opportunity to attend the gathering that Mayor John Nader sponsored in Neahwa Park awhile ago and have read most of the letters in The Daily Star in regards to the proposed renovations. I congratulate our mayor for taking the time to listen and now moving forward on this project and realize that no one will be completely happy with the outcome.

I have driven through the park several times since the construction has begun. Personally, I am quite excited to see the results of this renovation. Already in its infancy it is quite amazing how the statues and memorials already stand out instead of being for so-long hidden. I personally think it is important we honor and remember the many veterans and servicemen that have given their lives for this country.

I think this is more important and am quite excited to see the final outcome. I hope more people will take the time to see the process of this project. Driving through the park last Sunday, Neahwa Park was humming with activity. I hope all those that utilize this beautiful park will take a moment to remember the purpose of these monuments and memorials.

William Pharr

Oneonta

Burning sometimes is necessary

I understand a need for burn laws to control the burning of items toxic to the air we breathe. I do not understand what effect burning leaves in the fall would have to do with the air quality.

We only burn once a year, and it's only for a short time. Would the state Department of Environmental Conservation rather have us cut down the trees, thus eliminating the problem and also increasing carbon monoxide in the air, which trees help remove from our environment? What are we supposed to do with the leaves? Our town has no system in place to pick up this type of waste. It doesn't have the extra funding to buy this equipment and people to operate it also. I have four large oak and two large maple trees that surround my home, and these trees produce a very large amount of leaves. I hope someone at DEC has the magic words to make them go away after Oct. 14. Outdoor furnaces are OK, so just put the stuff in the furnace and your problem is over _ or the indoor wood stove. I smell items burning every morning when I take my 2.5-mile walk that are not wood material. I hope the state wakes up soon.

Anthony J. Tophoven

West Edmeston

Not time to joke

While our men and women are in Afghanistan giving their lives and limbs for our country, our so-called commander-in-chief is sitting on the Late Night with David Letterman Show, joking around. I hope all out there who voted for him are proud of yourselves.

Janet Whelan

Mount Vision