(letters from February 2, 2006)
Dear Editor,
I am writing to encourage members of the Onteora Central School District Community to attend the Board of Education Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th, at 7 PM at the Phoenicia Elementary School. At that meeting the architects who have been hired by the Board will be making an important presentation.
As you may recall, the architects have been meeting with Onteora faculty and staff members and PTA/Community Members and have been analyzing the condition of our buildings for the last several months. They have recently completed and submitted to the State a required Building Conditions Survey. Now they are ready to present a Master Plan Update to the Board of Education on Tuesday, February 7th. I hope you can join us for what I know will be an important step in the process being followed by our Board of Education to plan thoughtfully for the upkeep and improvements needed in our buildings.
If you are unable to attend the February 7th Board of Education Meeting, you may access the Master Plan Update the following day on our district website, www.onteora.k12.ny.us. We are maintaining on the website all of the presentations made by the architects so that community members can stay informed. This is an exciting time in the Onteora Central School District, because we have the opportunity to plan for future generations of Onteora students, and we hope that you will participate in the process. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 657-8851 or jwinters@onteora.k12.ny.us if you have questions. I hope to see many community members at our February 7th Board of Education Meeting at 7PM at the Phoenicia Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Justine C. Winters,
Superintendent of Schools
Onteora Central School District

Dear Editor,
As 35 year tax paying residents of the Town of Shandaken with a family presence in Woodland Valley for over a hundred years, we wish to go on record in opposition to this ill conceived and self-serving plan (the Poncic Water Harvesting proposal) which directly flaunts the wishes and well-being of nearly all the residents of Woodland Valley. This plan unquestionably breaches both the intent and many specific parts of our town’s R-5 zoning laws, with clear intentions of misleading the Planning Board.
Do these laws not exist for the protection of both our residents and visitors, and our preciously precarious environment? Or are they written with loopholes for the benefit of commercial exploitation?
Switching from potable to non potable water trucking may have been a brilliant move on Mr. Poncic’s part but it also makes the purpose of his venture highly suspect. He can easily obtain non-potable water from many legal sources including Turco water out of Rosendale who will even truck it for him. We each have our suspicions as to his reasons but unfortunately they are therefore inadmissible at this point.
Simply on a superstructure basis alone it should not be permitted. Only recently 3 bridges serving Woodland Valley have been replaced and there are several aging smaller bridges and numerous culverts that, under the pounding of regular 30 ton trucks, will soon have to be dealt with – not to mention the narrow, winding road with perpetually crumbling, often shoulder-less edges, which on many curves (some blind) will represent a real hazard to pedestrians and cyclists. And there are the visual / psychological affronts we are supposedly protected against in our zoning and the definite threat to property values.
We ask each member of the board to seriously consider how you would feel about the project if you lived on Woodland Valley - or if this trucking venture were planned to interrupt your residential tranquility 4 times a day.
And my concerns go beyond Woodland Valley. The passing of this commercial encroachment into our pristine residential dead end road will set a precedent threatening all of our lovely hollows and valleys in Shandaken.
Mr. Poncic’s identified site plan is insufficient, misrepresented and does not meet requirements.
The very specs of his site plan are seriously misrepresented and appear illegal re: proximity to the environmentally sensitive Woodland stream.
A few years back Mr. Poncic himself led a campaign opposing the modest expansion of a pre-existing campsite because it would “detract from the wonderful rural nature of Woodland Valley”.
Only this past August (in spite of his hydrologist’s flawed representation) Mr. Poncic himself had a fire consuming an entire structure and even though it was raining at the time, our firefighters had to go a half mile down valley to find 2 pockets with enough water in the creek to fight it.
There have already been several tragic losses of life in auto accidents in recent years on our charmingly narrow valley road. I understand one of Mr. Poncic’s own relatives came close to losing her life in a bad roll over accident. Dare you even consider further burdening us with regular huge truck traffic which by necessity, must consume both lanes on several of our turns – not to mention turning them around just before our busy State Campsite, the fameous hiking “Long Path” and part of our National Trail System.
Please consider the wear and tear on our little road, its crumbling shoulders, ancient bridges and culverts; The added diesel fumes and dust pollution in our front yards 4 times a day and most likely idling while filling; The visual disruption in our bucolic valley of turn-arounds, storage hut and plastic pipe bridging our stream; The perhaps subtle but none the less disruptive impact on our fish, wildlife and vegetation; The sheer affront of the first purely commercial venture in six miles of our pristine valley, half of which is (supposedly) restricted as Residential, R-5 thus setting a very bad precedent for the rest of our residential areas.
As for the water itself which his hydrologist regards as “inconsequential”, he has only to witness our occasional droughts as a fisherman or firefighter.
We understand that, because of the close nature of our valley, it is virtually impossible for Mr. Poncic to meet legal setback requirements or to provide the legally required screening to avoid adversely affecting the natural, visual beauty of the neighborhood and several homesteads in particular - thus requiring immediate neighbors to continually endure his extractive operation up close from their front porches.
Our PB members must recognize that they not only have ample legal reasons to deny this precedent setting application, but an overwhelming public opposition to it as well.
And on a larger scale:
- We question how NYC’s DEP can permit the actual removal of “their” water (as defined when they insist on dictating our local usage as merely allowing us to “borrow” their water - on the condition that we return it to the ground using their standards);
- If you remember a few years back, NY State put a stop to Middle Eastern tankers from ‘stealing our’ Hudson River water as ballast, because they might be profiting from shipping it back to their arid countries.
- How can the DEC permit this incursion into “their” protected forest and stream (again) (when they won’t even let us protect our own properties from flood waters)?
- And how can our own town permit such a commercial precedent so negatively impacting the lives of some 400 plus tax paying residents for the sole benefit of one man’s profit, no tax base and who I don’t believe even resides here?
Is it a misconception that our zoning regulations exist for the protection of our residents and of our delicate environment? If you want to put up a shed on your property that is one foot oversize you must get the consent of your neighbors. But if a developer comes in and wants to drastically change the traffic, the landscape, indeed our very way of life for his personal profit, he is welcomed even though virtually all of his neighbors for six residential miles are drastically opposed to how his wanton commercialism will adversely effect our lives.
I ask the members of the Planning Board what they would do if they had chosen to make their home 6 miles up a quiet, dead end residential road in the geographic heart of our Catskill Park only to have that sylvan lifestyle disrupted by such a commercial venture; how they would feel about their property values being threatened; or how they would then have to time their country walks or jogging constitutionals so as to avoid the hazards of regular heavy truck traffic on our otherwise bucolic country road. And how would you feel when your Zoning Board refused to have an open public forum on such a controversial issue – and even refused to explain why!
Because of the controversial nature of this project we feel it is an affront to our residents not to have an open forum on the matter. All we can do is appeal to the consciences of our PB members and hope they can project themselves into our predicament. There are abundant legal reasons for you to simply deny this proposal.
Mr. Poncic’s timing is unfortunately typical but effective. Wait until the vacation season is over and hope the ‘locals’ won’t get it together in time to effect a legitimate opposition. But with the help of our compassionate PB members we trust we will be heard and his absurd proposal will ultimately be denied.
We have no objection to home computer businesses, B&Bs, cottage industries, and other inoffensive, low profile, ecological economic development in our neighborhoods but Mr. Poncic’s proposal is out of the question from any reasonable perspective.
We therefore beseech our Shandaken Planning Board zoning representatives to respond to the outcry of so many long time local taxpayers in and around Woodland Valley to reject this one-sided controversial proposal.
Dakin and Doris Morehouse
Woodland Valley, NY

Dear Editor,
Paul Smart's glib report on the recent Coalition of Watershed Towns meeting (an article which he sold to publishers of Shandaken, Olive and Woodstock papers) omitted the comment of substance by the Town of Andes assessor: that invoking Large Parcel in Andes would destroy her town. I was sitting near her when she made the comment, and Smart also omitted the comments I made at the meeting. I said that the Coalition was a good place to bring the Large Parcel issue, because the member communities all have experience in watershed issues, and several of the towns have the liability to be crushed by Large Parcel. Neversink has the only exposure in Sullivan County and their county government invoked Large Parcel, saving the average Sullivan County taxpayer about $7, 1.38%, while raising Neversink's levy by about $400 per resident parcel, about 78%.
Delaware County has several towns with large parcel exposure, Andes, Middletown, and Downsville, but they all have single town school districts, so the fury of the Woodstock assault on Olive would not be replicated. The fine Delaware County gentleman referenced by Mr. Glib, excuse me, Paul Smart, observed that he did not believe Delaware County residents would ever inflict such intentional harm on their neighbors, such willfull nastiness. I clapped and the Woodstock contingent turned red.
The Woodstock contingent, including the two Ulster County legislators featured in flattering portraits in Woodstock Times, Shapiro and Gregorius, badgered the meeting with challenging questions before announcing their identities. Neversink was trying to show the impact of Large Parcel on their tax rolls, and giving a history of the law, relating through the words of the act's sponsors how it is being misapplied in reservoir cases, contending that the law is flawed. Gregorius, who is a very nice fellow, kept intimating that the CWT should keep its nose out of the issue, merely because it was divisive and contentious (and might pit one watershed town, Woodstock, against another, Olive). His feeling was CWT should only act on issues against NYC where all would be united.
When the sentiment of the board seemed to be running towards indignation about Large Parcel, the Woodstock representative managed a tabling of the issue, and the Woodstock contigent asked to make a report in support of their side, talking about 40 years of tax unfairness.
I have lived in Olive for more than nine years. I have also owned homes in Shandaken, Andes and Rosendale. Olive's tax situation was well known, realtors always billed it as "Low Tax Olive". If you don't want to pay Woodstock taxes, buy in Olive, its been an oasis of sanity. Want to lower your taxes in Woodstock? Build a tax base. Sell Comeau to Marriott, let them build a $200 million resort, you'll have your tax relief. You have a choice, and you choose bucolic rusticity. I respect that, I love Woodstock. But, Woodstock has issues, it strangles its supermarket and then complains when it leaves town. But, now, Woodstock lusts after Olive's reservoir tax base, its about half our town, and this Large Parcel thing comes along and Woodstock pounces.
Smart also failed to mention that an inventory of Large Parcel affected properties in New York State was disclosed at the meeting. It included a total of 25 parcels, 18 of which were power plants or hydroelectric installations, the rest were reservoirs in the Catskills. These reservoirs exist in towns heavliy impacted by their presence, with minimal commercial activity or growth. In some cases the reservors oblitereated the traditional centers of community life. How these inert bodies of water can be compared to power plants, heavily capital intensive industrial installations which are depreciated and sold on a manipulated market (ask California), is madness.
Hopefully, the Coalition of Watershed Towns will rise above the fray and decide to support the exclusion of reservoirs from the Large Parcel act.
Robert Selkowitz
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
The Woodstock Town Board, Gordon Wemp, and Brian Shapiro have taken their show on the road. It is the traveling Whine and Cheesy Show. They whine about how their taxes are too high and everyone else's are too low. They set out a cheesy smorgasbord of almost-true statements taken out of context all designed to benefit their town at the cost of all others. Whether it is the Onteora School Board, Ulster County Legislature, or the Coalition of Watershed Towns, their message is the same. They consider the misunderstood Large Parcel Bill to be their own personal "gift" and "present" to alleviate Woodstock's taxpayers' woes.
Frankly, Woodstock's taxes are the business of Woodstock only. Home Rule allows towns to set their own budget and raise taxes according to their evaluation and assessment. They are not named the benefactor of any other town' s fiscal obligation.
It is interesting to note that when the cast of this road show uses the pronoun "WE," they are referring to themselves in the plural. They have no alliance to any other group whether that group is a school district, County or coalition of twenty some watershed towns.
Woodstock uses the "Fair and Equal" mantra and points to exceptions or expired data. The Woodstock Town Board has suckered Shandaken's supervisor into partnership by NOT mentioning Shandaken's tax structure with 76% of its land owned by the state at an under-assessed value of $600. an acre. If that isn't a large parcel, I don't know what is! Instead it points to Olive and its Ashokan Reservoir. Now that Sullivan County towns are suffering and commiserating, Woodstock shows up for Act III of "Their Fair Share."
Woodstock attacks Neversink for not having a reval and reminds us that Olive didn't have a recent reval. Now that Olive has finished its data collection, its reval is the most current. Jeremy Wilber is cautious NOT to mention that Shandaken has not conducted a reval since some time in the seventies. Yes, politics sure does make interesting bedfellows. Robert Cross needs to look across the pillow and take a good look at the wolf in grandpa's nightshirt.
Kathryn Gardner
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
Can anyone tell me why the White House refuses to disclose the identity of the people former high-powered lobbyist Jack Abramoff met with at Senior Level Staff meetings? All Scott McClellan (Bush’s press secretary) can say when asked to provide information (again and again) is “No, this is sticking with our past policy. We're not going to engage in a fishing expedition.”
A fishing expedition!!
Fact: A man who has been convicted of buying politicians to create and pass laws in his favor, met with Senior White House staff members.
Fact: When the President’s spokesman is asked a simple question "who did he meet with?", the reporter is told he came to a couple “Hanukkah celebrations” and then gets accused of going on a fishing expedition. What is wrong with that question.
Who did Jack Abramoff meet with in the White House? Doesn’t the American public have the right to know which White House staffers have meetings with criminals? Why is it such a big secret? Oh right, everything with this White House is a secret. I forgot. I’m sure it must have something to do with spreading freedom and democracy throughout the broader Middle East via smart bombs, white phosphorous, torture and spying on Americans, since that seems to be all this administration can focus on. Lest we, the
people, not forget the culture of corruption is deep!
Please hold ALL of our leaders accountable to truth and transparency regardless of who you voted for.
David J. Turan
USAF Veteran Iran/Iraq War
Stamford, NY

Dear Editor,
Al Gore spoke on Martin Luther King Day about our impending loss of Democracy. Those that chose to watch his speech on C-Span, over the Golden Globe awards, made a clear decision, and will find that there is no turning back, after hearing his irrefutable report. Those that did not, continue to hide from a clear and present danger that is happening in our government right now. I simply cannot understand how mothers and fathers can ignore the fact that they will not be leaving behind democracy for their children.
Al Gore laid out the facts in a clear and scholarly manner. Surely you can give l hour of your time to watch his speech on C-Span.org, or at least read it. It's a lesson in democracy and in our Constitution. In summary, our Constitution is based on 3 branches of government, which by the nature of their existence, provides "checks and balances" that protect us from dictatorship.
With the confirmation of Judge Alito, it is certain that the Judicial branch will be subservient to the Executive branch. That leaves only the Congress, and it is clear to Gore, and to many of us, that the third branch is already helpless to use their slim remaining power and is presently subservient to the Executive branch. That leaves only one branch of government, and thereby the end of democracy.
If you're thinking that it's none of your business, you may change your mind when your neighbors disappear in the night, for speaking out against unwarranted infringements on our rights to privacy.
I implore you to listen to this historic speech. which Republicans and Democrats alike have applauded. Even the FBI is grumbling about the inefficiency of the rampant use of spying. They have said that the insignificant information gathering kept them from access to important information about 911, which was hidden amidst unwarranted, useless wiretapping. What should you do? Use your unlimited calling plan and your email to let Republicans and Democrats in your district and across the nation, know where you stand. Apparently, they still need us.
Hope springs eternal, even in the dark of winter.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
Last year when I was evaluating the candidates for Onteora’s school board, I felt that all of them understood the need to reduce the tax burden in the school district. I guess understanding the need and what to do about it is a whole different ball game. It cost this school district $400.00 more per student then any other school in Ulster County and beyond. That’s an estimated$800.000 per year. Why should it cost the tax payers of the Onteora school district so much more to educate? Dave Patterson has said that one of his primary reasons to run for the school board was the escalating cost in our district. Some candidates even told me that if I had any suggestions that I should pass them along. I recently e mailed all the board members with a suggestion. Although I didn’t ask for a specific reply, I feel that I should have received some kind of acknowledgment from at least one board member. I thought surely after the second e mail that at least one of the board members would respond. I called one board member and had a very brief discussion, but as of this writing I have not received any correspondence from any board member.
The 2006/2007 budget review has started. The budget review is a big wish list from all those charged with input to the budget. Before the review process started the board could have, according to the New York State Board of Education, requested that the budget increase be held to a certain percent increase. It’s much more difficult to reduce spending after all the wish lists are presented and they all try to justify what they submitted.
There’s something else the Board of Education can do. They could be more careful of how our tax dollars are being spent. Tax payers paid to take a bus load of parents to Giants Stadium. In all fairness Superintendent Winters said that she asked Business Administrator, Victoria McLaren, to notify staff that the District will not be paying the cost for spectator busses. Now paying for a bus trip may not sound like it cost a lot of money, but how many other bus trips did the tax payers pay for? How many other bills have slipped through the cracks? Who knows, maybe tax payers even paid the admission price for that bus load of parents to get in Giants Stadium.
William Warnecke
Glenford, N.Y.

Dear Editor,
As we learn more about the tragic death of a dozen coal miners in Sago, West Virginia - for instance, rescue teams didn't enter the caves for almost twelve hours after the explosion, even though some miners survived for up to ten hours - let's not forget that Central Hudson relies more heavily on coal than do other major utilities in New York, such as NYSEG, Con Ed, and Niagara Mohawk. According to the State Public Service Commission, Central Hudson depended on coal for 32 percent of its power from July 2003 to June 2004, compared to NYSEG for 13 percent, Con Ed 13 percent, and Niagara Mohawk 14 percent. As a result, Central Hudson's a worse polluter. It's responsible for sulfur dioxide emissions (acid rain) 177 percent above the state average, nitrogen oxide (smog) 160 percent, and carbon dioxide (global warming) 148 percent.
Coal is cheaper than alternatives like natural gas. But why? Because coal mining regions have remained mired in poverty for generations despite the vast fortunes taken from their lands? Because coal mines are allowed to destroy Appalachian mountains and streams through exemption from environmental laws not given other industries? Because coal miners aren't protected by good safety systems?
The movie Syriana dramatizes the corrupt side of the oil business. The Sago tragedy reminds us that the coal industry can be deadly, as well.
Will Nixon
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
I am Kevin O'Connor's grandmother and I am very angry with what I saw happen in my grandson's case. I watched the wagons being circled as my grandson lay in the driveway of his parents' business, by people without morals or a conscience trying to hide the truth. That truth is Mr. Paul Bresciani should not have been driving a school bus that day or any other day. That Mr. Mike Grehl knew of Mr. Bresciani's medical condition and falsified the fact that he was not certified to drive a school bus. With his medical condition, how would he have been certified to drive, and who was the doctor that signed his paper?
When my daughter searched and searched for the truth, the same people said terrible things about her, trying to make her look like a crazy grieving mother. That didn't stop her. Cindy was relentless in her effort to find out what really happened. No, the next step was trying to find someone to listen to them, which was very hard. They went to the different newspapers, to the school and the District Attorney's office looking for help. With her sheer determination, they finally had to listen, there it was in black and white. That led to the Ulster County Grand Jury. They decided not to file any criminal charges. Another thing I didn't understand. Mr. Bresciani didn't even get a ticket, let alone be charged with vehicular homicide.
By conceding liability in my grandson's death and allowing Mr. Bresciani to drive uncertified, the Onteora School District has admitted to non-compliance to multiple New York State DMV Vehicle and Traffic laws, the Commissioner's Article 19A Special Requirements for Bus Drivers and New York State Education regulations governing school bus drivers. It is inconceivable to me that by violating so many laws and regulations my grandson's death was not deemed criminal. How many laws have to be broken before people are held accountable for their actions?
Assistant Capt. Richard Smith gets 18 months for passing out at the helm of a Staten Island ferry boar. Mr. Smith suffered from extreme fatigue, was on medication and lied to authorities about his medical history. What is the difference? The amount of people hurt or killed. I wonder if the Grand Jury's decision would have been different if it was a big yellow bus with more than one child hurt. But there was a big difference - Capt. Smith apologized to the families.
Former bus driver/mechanic Mr. Paul Bresciani and former transportation supervisor Mr. Mike Grehl may think they walked away free and clear, but you have to walk these streets and have to face your neighbors. Mr. Grehl walked away with his tail between his legs and left others to face the music. Not to mention if Mr. Hal Rowe, the former Superintendent of Onteora School District was doing his job this accident would not have happened.
One question to Mr. Bresciani. How do you stand out there directing traffic at motor vehicle accidents when you killed a child?
Justine Winters, the new district superintendent, seems to be committed to the safety requirement of our students and enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the administration. Ms. Winters, I do thank you for your sincere sympathy and your help through this trying time for my family.
I would like to welcome the new transportation supervisor Maureen Stancage. You have taken on a job in which a lot of changes have to be made. There are a lot of problems in the transportation department which we all know about, and it will take courage and determination to follow through. I do hope you are strongly committed to the safety of our children.
I would like to tell you something my young grandson Troy, Kevin's brother, said. With all the meetings going on one day he asked his mother, "how did the meeting go?" She said, "OK." He then wanted to know what they talked about. She said, "We are trying to make changes and change the laws." Troy said, "Did you make the changes he asked?" "I think so," she said. Then he said "I wish they would have made the changes before Kevin died." This comes from a child who loved and misses his brother very much.
In trying to get our lives back on track, I would like to tell my daughter Cindy and son-in-law Brian how proud I am of the courage and determination they displayed in this uphill battle. They had to face many obstacles. People telling them this was just an accident. People telling them they have to go on with their lives, and on they did. They focused on the truth and because of them we all know what really happened on that day, June 18, 2002, the day our lives changed forever.
Jean M. Daniels
Hurley, NY

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A thank you does not seem enough for what you have done for my family. Your generous donations made it possible to purchase a generator which is vital to have for Bruce's health. Dave Smith and his daughter Becky hooked it up for us. Everyone gave freely to help us financially and with moral support.
I hope everyone realizes what a wonderful group of people we live with, no matter what their likes or dislikes in a time of need they are always ready to help.
Without their help I don't think we would have been able to overcome.
You have made my family and I feel so very secure knowing you are always ready to help.
Again, I just want you to know we do appreciate all you have done for my family and myself.
We may be a small town but we have the biggest giving hearts in the world. Thank you all.
Linda Storey
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
The Palestinian election has come and gone with the unwelcome result being a terrorist's dream come true. Hamas, the outspoken militant political group that advocates [as does Iran] the destruction and elimination of Israel won fair and square in true western democratic fashion. Not much we can do about it other than remove these "outlaws" from our welfare rolls. Hamas replaces Fatah in governing the Palistinian people and it remains to be seen if Hamas can continue the peace initiative with an attitude.
This event may be comparable to the election of the NSDAP [National Socialist Workers Party] later nicknamed the [German] "Nazi" party in 1920. The crown prince of terrorists, Adolf Hitler had joined the party as a spy for the German Army in 1919 but found he was in concert with their goal of cleansing Germany of all those with other than German blood. Jews fit this profile and so the discrimination and hate for these citizens was born.
We can follow Hitler through his infamous jouney through life as he became the leader of the Nazi Party in the 1920's, led the Nazi Party to election victory on September 14, 1930, then replaced President Hindenburg as chancellor on January 30, 1933. Less than two months later he became dictator and with his brown shirted Storm Troopers, his Gestapo and the assortment of "sick", unstable assistants began his reign of terror. On November 9, 1938 Hitler's "Goons" ran about the streets of Germany breaking windows and "torching" Jewish shops, homes and other property. This bizarre event became known as "Kristallnacht", the Night of Broken Glass; the beginning of serious harassment of Jews in Germany andlater, other captive countries. Thus began the "round-up" of Jewish families to be separated and shipped off to concentration camps and ultimately death. We all know of the holocaust [that some insist never happened].
Now we have come full circle to witness a new Nazi Party, aka Hamas. Khaled Mashaal the leader of Hamas dwells in relative security and comfort in Damascus, Syria where he directs terrorists in Palestine, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. His main target, ala Nazis is the Israelis and the destruction of their country by whatever means. Blowing up school buses, pizza parlors and other Israeli assets hosting children, senior citizens, the lame and infirm have been practice for Hamas. Now official new and more intense forms of torment commences. What is left for us, the United States and our friends to do in behalf of those who depend on the free world for freedom and security?
The difference between the Nazis and Hamas is the method of extermination. Hamas uses a young man or woman to become a walking bomb whereas Hitler [stupidly] expended resources to arrest, transport, guard, feed, house and clothe his victims. All this after German [citizen] Jews had served well in WWI earning medals including Iron Crosses or worked in the factories.
Reviewing the financial history of Fatah, the creation of Yasser Arafat a Kuwaiti born graduate engineer we find that world aid and assistance of 11 billion dollars has been misappropriated through graft, corruption and plain stealing. Most of it is in Swiss banks and Arafat's widow is living "high on the hog" in a villa in France. The big-wigs of Fatah living in Gaza and the West Bank reside in exquisite mansions complete with servants, fine limos and cuisine worthy of potentates.
I suggest that George Bush [and other decent world leaders] with-hold any and all aid [including money, food and mediical supplies] targeted for the Palistinian Authority and redirect it to New Orleans and Biloxi. Hamas leaders will soon understand why and may decide that bombing and terrorizing isn't worth the anger and ire of their constituants. No food while living in a refugee camp is not exactly what those [Palistinian] voters had in mind. And the last thing we need in this world is another holocaust the dimensions of which would excede the last one.
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
For the last hundred years, the U.S. government has exercised political and economic hegemony throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. But major political developments are currently taking place in this region that directly challenge some of Washington1s policies, such as gathering opposition to the Free Trade Area of the America1s ‹ a major U.S. goal.
Key countries in this region have been moving to the political left. Most Americans know about the existence of Cuba, and may have heard something about Venezuela and the progressive program of President Hugo Chavez, but in general they know little about the political ferment in the rest of the region. For example, about the new left-leaning president of Bolivia. Or the new president of Chile who heads the Socialist Party. Or the leftist president of Brazil, who leads the Workers Party. Or the progressive president of Argentina.
This shift to the left in Latin America and its implications for the U.S. and the world is the topic of a free public meeting at New Paltz Village Hall Sunday, Feb. 5. CUNY Professor, magazine editor and progressive political activist Andy McInerney will be the speaker. He will give his views about the political importance of this shift, whether it will be of short or long duration, and what Washington may do about it.
The event is sponsored by the Caribbean and Latin America Support Project (CLASP). New Paltz Village Hall is on Plattekill Ave., a block south of Main
St. and a block north of the SUNY campus. (Turn south on Main St. at Starbuck1s corner.) There is parking in the Village Hall lot. The talk starts at 7 p.m. sharp. A potluck dinner open to all will begin at 6 p.m.
Information and directions, (845) 691-8289 or email jacdon@earthlink.net.
Jack A. Smith,
New Paltz, NY

Dear Editor,
This is to put into words the thoughtfeelings I've had a number of times about the paper's POV space and that is, that it's a unique and wonderful gift the publisher is giving to the readers. No other newspaper I know of prints excerpts from the works of recognized authors from previous eras; even literary journals do not do this. What appears is usually pertinent to the time or emotional atmosphere and reflects the publisher's sensibility and extensive awareness of literature.
It came home to me powerfully with the end of James Joyce's, "The Dead" appearing in the 12/22 edition. I had read it some years ago and I had seen the film directed by John Huston a couple of times (I believe it was his last, while he was dying from emphysema and featured his daughter Angelika). It was one of the most beautiful and poignant movies I have ever seen.
I read it again while listening to a recording of the Irish actor, Jim Norton reading it. There it was, stepping outside at 'four o'clock in the afternoon' on New Year's Eve, the whiteness of snow and the darkness of night falling together on my sculptures that were a presence from another world. I thought of my mother dead over twenty years.
"His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead."
Robert Jacobson
Mount Tremper, NY