(letters from May 25, 2006)


Dear Editor,
I’d like to thank everyone who came out from all the towns and voted to put me on the Onteora School Board. I really appreciate it. I look forward to working with the community, the Board, the teachers and administration to insure that Onteora Schools provide a great education for everyone. And, that we prudently manage our budget to achieve this.
On a sad note, though I didn’t know Justine Winters well, nor did I have the privilege of working closely with her, she was a lovely and very impressive person. I found her thoughtful, an intent listener and very skillful in the implementation of her vision. Her leadership at Onteora will be acutely missed.
Thank you.
Maxanne Resnick
Chichester, NY

Dear Editor,
I have read, and re-read, those comments from Mr. Brueckner concerning the safety controls and bussing issues facing Onteora School District.
I sympathize with Mr. Brueckner. The horrific events of that afternoon will forever be with Cindy & Brian O'Connor and anyone that was witness that day. It is definitely something no parent should have to go through - and something no amount of money will change.
I'm sure though, that before you wrote your letter, Mr. Brueckner, you checked the facts in this case.
By your words, you are indicating that Tonche Transit did not bid on the new contract because of the new rules and higher safety standards being implemented at Onteora. You indicate, by your words, that they might have been awarded previous bids only because of "the good old boys club" and not because they offered a fair price for a job well done. You did NOT mention that Tonche's safety record and history of safety checks with the STATE DEPARTMENT of TRANSPORTATION far exceeded those of Onteora School District's. And you failed to mention that Kevin O'Connor is not with us today due to Onteora School District owned/operated transportation - NOT ANY of the contracted transportation companies.
I'm not so sure that ONE contractor is the way to ensure that our very large district is adequately provided with the best service we can give our children. And price is not the issue when it comes to SAFETY.
Cindy Johansen
West Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
I have a good friend who is a physicist named Eric J. Learner who wrote “The Big Bang Never Happened, (See http://www.corewave.com/moves/005.htmlx). He was working under the Clinton Administration on a special grant on fusion, which was cut soon after George W. Bush Jr. became President. Eric is a person with a brilliant mind and a true humanitarian and I admire his ability break things down based on the qualitative facts. He specializes in cutting away the fat and grist and gets right down to the bone. He sent me e-mail recently concerning what he calls is the hidden “oil tax.” Eric is known for his application of the scientific method and there are times he applies this social-economic and political analysis. I would like to share this with all of my fellow citizens.
“Some information concerning the “oil tax” we are paying to the oil companies:
Production and exploration cost of oil are15 cents/gallon, $6.50/ barrels.
Refining, transportation, distribution and retailing costs of gasoline: 29-cents/ gallon.
Total costs of gasoline: 44 cents/gallon
So, at 3/ gallons, we are paying an "oil tax" of $2.56/ gallon. For the average US working person, that is about as much as paying either the Income tax or the social security tax:
The oil tax-- $785 billion /year at $3/gallon prices
The income tax--$873 billion/year Social Security tax--$793 billion/year
Since total wages are $3,880 billion, the oil tax is roughly a 20% tax.[1]
So the next time you listen to George W. Bush Jr. remember that he cut Eric’s program that would have resulted in an almost free and non-environmental intrusive energy. At the same time he has done little or nothing to change hands off the oil companies profits and gains conservative market economy. An economy that is going to sooner or later tank because the strain and greed of one and two people is going make little difference. If Congress and the Legislators within the State of New York do not act affirmatively within the U.S. and reverse this real and present danger of government enhanced price gouging. It is a sweetheart of a deal and just lie he lied about Iraq he is lying now.
Thomas R. Siblo-Landsman
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
Now here's something you may find interesting. The company that will be gathering data from your phone conversations and emails is ChoicePoint. Sound familiar to you? Well, ChoicePoint is the very company that gathered data for the state of Florida, (brother Jeb's State), during the 2000 Presidential election. They were paid $4 million in a no-bid contract, to list felons with the election officials, so that they would be disqualified for voting.
They gathered enough information to disquality an estimated 90,000 blacks and deny them their vote. The only problem was that ChoicePoint was found to be wrong by about 97%. The so-called felons who were mistakenly listed as such, were actually legally qualified citizens, but black and more likely to vote Democratic.
Now, we learn that ChoicePoint is getting about a billion dollar contract for this new "data gathering", or spying on all of us, black or white.
Although the President Select stated that when a communication is monitored, "one end of the communication must be out of the US", that turned out not to be what's been going on.. In case you haven't followed this story, (perhaps you were in a coal mine, or in a submarine this week), the NSA was found to have been receiving records of millions of phone calls from AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth
When they turn over their information, the Government then takes the records they already have from the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, etc. put it all together, and create a nice tight dosier on you.
General Hayden, our future CIA director, was director of the NSA from 1999 to 2005, when this procedure was implemented, which he claims was legal, or more to point, the laws don't apply during a state of war.
Hayden interpretation of the 4th Amendment in the Constitution conveniently ignores the mandate for "Probable Cause.".to justify the use of widespread wiretapping.
In addition, he CIA is not supposed to be under the military, mostly because our government was set up to be a democracy, not a military state. But, here we are.
Some American Citizens are beginning to join the fight for Democracy. Those who are, are hoping and praying that the still tiny demonstrations and voices will grow. If they don't - well, I guess we'll find out what it's like to live under a different form of government. Maybe it will be better. At least there will be less talking on the phone and emailing for me.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
I have nothing to hide but that doesn’t mean that I can condone Bush and Company illegally spying on me. As a US Air Force Special Security Officer, I was granted Top Secret security clearances and later, working as a civilian for a defense contractor, my access actually increased. Trust me when I tell you that we are now in VERY DANGEROUS territory. Our right of privacy is all but gone. What the current administration is doing under the false shield of “terrorist surveillance” is undeniably ILLEGAL and morally incomprehensible (anyone who ever had security clearances can verify this). This latest example of data mining millions of Americans telephone traffic is a blatant abuse of executive power and yet another
slap in the face to every one of my fellow veterans who have fought, and are still fighting, to protect our constitution and rule of law. Bush is so quick to “Spread Freedom throughout the Middle East” with bombs, but has no qualms whatsoever with eradicating freedom after freedom on our OWN SOIL! The President is supposed to protect the Rule of Law, not break it or abolish it! Enough is enough! Impeachment is the only thing we can do to prevent the inevitability of martial law. Please call your congressional representatives today. How many more freedoms can we really afford to lose?
David Turan
Stamford, NY

Dear Editor,
If we give amnesty to illegal aliens from Mexico, who are literally invading our country, then in order not to be racist, which we should not be, we must offer amnesty to millions of the poor in India, China, Bangladesh, other countries in south east Asia, and Africa, who manage to make it to our shores, or pass over our boarders, whether it be by skill, stealth, luck, or lack of boarder control..Either we enforce the LAW and be fair to those who apply for LEGAL citizenship, or we submit to an unarmed (so far) invasion of Mexicans, many of whom claim that they are retaking territory which once belonged to them.
We MUST secure our borders and ENFORCE immigration law or, in addition to other even more serious results, we will be known as the suckers and chumps of the world!
Phil Sullivan
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
All day [May 15] I have patiently listened to the interpretations of the anticipated speech to be delivered at 8 PM this evening. It is now 9:26 PM and we have been spoon fed the medicine that cures "immigrantus undocumentus" but the Doctor [GW Bush] sold us "snake oil".
The most outstanding point in meeting the challenge of what to do with so many people invading the United States over, around [or under] the southern boarder was his cavalier dismissal of the current immigration laws while at the same time reminding us that we are a nation of laws. This is role modeling at its worst for the young [and old] of the nation. But then what should we expect from a person who is less than truthful and full of himself.
When I hear that the National Guard personnel will be in "shadow" [and rumor has it they will be unarmed] they will be doing nothing more than the "Minutemen". In fact I believe the Minutemen will be removed by the Guard which will facilitate more illegal entry.
I would remind Emperor Bush that immigration law already provides for "Guest workers". It's called a Work Visa which means there is a sponsoring employer who will pay appropriate wages and benefits with the guest paying taxes and other obligations.
Then there is the specter of family and friends who will overwhelm medical facilities, schools, social services, police, fire, sanitation and court systemswhen they too arrive. There are approximately 11-14 million uninvited guests now and will grow to a total of 36 million assuming each one has a wife and child coming here; a daunting prospect indeed.
I am convinced that a change in DC is in order. We need to elect Democrats to Congress in '06 with the expectation that funding for the Iraq debacle will end, effectively ending that adventure. I think the Dems can alleviate the "illegal" problem with a comprehensive plan with order at its core. Existing immigration law does just that if it is enforced.
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
At the May 10 meeting of the Ulster County Legislature, Majority Democrats failed to support a Republican amendment to eliminate health insurance benefits for part-time Legislators. If adopted, taxpayers would have saved about $130,000 this year and over $260,000 in 2007. Why wasn't the vote mentioned in the pages of the Daily Freeman?
Democrats are cutting funding to important programs at the same time they're feathering the nests of their political cronies. Democrats cut the School to Work program so they can create a new job for Vie Work, a long-time partisan Democrat and the husband of Judge Mary Work. Why wasn't this reported in the Freeman?
Earlier this year, Democrats promised $3 million in budget cuts, but could only deliver less than $1 million (excluding job attrition duplication). If the Republicans were still the Majority, the Freeman would have run double-bold headlines announcing the failure. Why isn't the new Democratic Majority held to the same standard?
In 2004, Democrats said they would not support an increase of the-mortgage tax (they also said they could cut $10 million from the budget!). But, at the May 10 session, many of these same Legislators, including Dave Donaldson, Jeanette Provenzano, Hector Rodriguez and Alan Lomita, voted for the mortgage tax. Why wasn't this flip-flop reported in the Freeman?
It's time for the Freeman's honeymoon with the new Democratic Majority to end. It's time for the paper to hold Democrats to the same standards they held Republicans to over the years. If the Freeman continues to abdicate it's responsibility to fairly report the news, Republicans will have no choice to bring the truth directly to the people.
Glenn Noonan,Minority Leader
Ulster County Legislature

Dear Editor,
I applaud the New York State Senate and Assembly for agreeing on a bill to cap the state gasoline tax. The agreement will cap the state sales tax on gasoline at $2 per gallon (the maximum tax will be eight-cents per gallon) and will allow counties to opt in and match the state cap locally. The cap would be lowered proportionally if gas prices fall below $2.
If the Governor signs the proposed bill into law, I will join with my Republican colleagues in the Ulster County Legislature to introduce legislation to cap the local gasoline tax. Local motorists with a 20-gallon tank will save approximately $1.65 per fill up if the state and county caps are adopted.
It is my hope that Republicans and Democrats can join together to act quickly to provide local residents with much-needed relief at the gas pump.
Joe Roberti, UC Legislator
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
I was hopeful when the Democrats won a majority of the Ulster County Legislature - but the reality of responsibility seems to be overwhelming them. Petty infighting and the inability to put their "money where their mouth is" not only results in an embarrassing lack of leadership but is destroying years of worth programming. Taxpayers and our most needy citizens will suffer for this lack of foresight.
David Donaldson seems more interested in taking revenge on anything Republican than serving the needs of Ulster County. He is more intent in tearing down brass plaques than building rapport. Richard Parete, who once claimed that there was a cover-up at the jail while holding secret meetings at Democratic Headquarters with State Auditors, now refuses to release the million-dollar jail study?
Where are the 200 job cuts we saw in headlines a few months ago? Where are the five percent across the board cuts? Can't pull it off, can you?
Democrats were literally screaming that Republicans were overestimating sales tax revenues in the budget process yet now we see their estimates were not only reasonable they were low! But Democrats are proposing adding new "hidden" taxes on motor vehicles and increasing the tax levy on mortgage taxes. Why would do this? The Republicans left over $12 million in reserve. Repeat after me "tax and spend."
Not only are they replacing seasoned county department heads with their inexperienced Democratic cronies, they are suggesting the creation of new "no-show" positions for people like Victor Work (spouse of Judge Mary Work) and claiming that it is strictly business? Yeah, monkey business!
The Democrats are out of control and the media ignores it like an indulgent parent of a spoiled child. I am ashamed I bought into their hype. This is why I don't belong to any political party.
David Austin, Jr.
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Roman Catholics should boycott The Da Vinci Code and let the world know it offends and defames the Church. The calculated errors in Dan Brown's best-selling book and the film based on it are attacks on Catholicism which would provoke a world-wide uprising had they been written about "the Quran or the Shoah (the holocaust)."
Archibishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, spoke about The Da Vinci Code during a speech at the Vatican in Rome where he said, "Christians should be more sensitive to rejecting lies and gratuitous defamation," and that the Church had to face the fact that many of its own members lack a basic understanding of their faith.
The Da Vinci Code has sold 40 million copies world-wide in three years and still sits atop the New York Times best-seller list, a testament of New Clear America media power to spread fabrication and lies designed to destroy Catholic faith. The film version starring Tom Hanks is a good example of NCA corporate instruction to America, where people get their "education" fed to them while sitting in $10 movie seats, and then leave the theater assured what they've just seen is totally accurate.
The NCA film industry has dumbed-down America to a point where maniacs like George Bush can be elected "director," and garbage like The Da Vinci Code can be seriously presented as gospel truth; two good reasons to boycott the film, impeach the President, and avoid further pollution of your mind.
Michael Walsh
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
I am a 14-year-o1d baseball player on a local travel team called the Hudson Valley Heat. Our team is collecting new or used baseball equipment and apparel for "Roberto's Kids", which is an organization named for Roberto Clemente that sends baseball equipment to disadvantaged children. The items we collect will be sent to children in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and the US Gulf Coast states that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Two of my teammates from the Onteora school district, Kofi Boundy and Justin McLoughlin, and I, will be collecting baseball equipment throughout the month of May. You can contribute by calling my family at 657-8492 or emailing nantucket90@hvc.rr.com to arrange collection. Items can also be dropped off at the Onteora High School baseball field during our Babe Ruth games on weekends.
It's a great time to clean out your attics and basements and donate to a great cause. We want all kids to be able to experience the fun of baseball. Please pass the word on to your friends and thank you for your support!
Adam Greenlese
Shokan, NY