July 2007 Archives

This year, Pennsylvania citizens will elect or re-elect 96 judges to 10-year terms. This includes Judge John H. Chronister, Judge Sheryl Dorney, Judge Stephen P. Linebaugh, Judge Richard K. Renn, Judge Gregory M. Snyder and Judge John W. Thompson Jr., who seek another term as common pleas judge in York County.

During those 10 years, each judge will get nearly $2 million in salaries from the taxpayers. So it seems reasonable to ask where they stand on proposals to improve our court system.

After the state Supreme Court’s secret role in the Pay Raise of 2005 and its decision in 2006 to keep the pay raise even though it was repealed, many proposals emerged to reform our courts.

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My friend needs help. He is caught in a situation that you read about in books. What do you do when it's real life? Is there any hope or help for this man? Is anyone out there listening? Is America so messed up that it would allow a man seeking help to sit and rot in prison? Can you help? Do you care? I hope so…..

Sameh Khouzam has been my friend for a little over seven years. I am proud to call him a friend for many reasons. He is an intelligent, articulate and honest individual. His mother, Georgette Shehata, did a wonderful job raising him. Above all else, Sameh Khouzam is a devout and well-read Christian. Due to this strong conviction he had been subjected for years to mental abuse and physical pain (torture) from his fellow countrymen all in the name of Islam.

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The editorial in your paper on July 25 on the "Tragic Homecoming" of Spc. Zachary Clouser grabbed my interest immediately upon reading. At the beginning of the editorial I was pleased that the YDR so honored this fallen American hero. To humanize this tragic event with kindness, thoughtfulness and recognition is wonderful and appropriate.

After finishing the editorial, I was taken back. This was not an article about recognizing and saluting a local fallen soldier, this was about your paper's agenda on the Iraqi war. Shame on you! Is there no respect and decency within the managerial ranks of the YDR? Is it to much in asking that the family and friends of Spc. Clouser be given a few weeks for mourning and closure?

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Why didn't the YDR editorial on Zach Clouser’s death mention that Zach was in Iraq for his 13th month? That if it wasn't for Stop-Loss, Zach would have been home in June, missing his appointment with the IED that took his 19-year life? Why didn’t it say that protective equipment exists, but won’t reach troops for several years?

Todd Platts and like-minded politicans aren't worthy of cradling soldiers' lives in their hands. Their hands flow red with the blood of every fallen soldier with their unwavering votes to continue this immoral war while doing nothing of consequence to alleviate troop and equipment shortages.

Troops recruited too young to understand they’ve been hijacked into extra years and extra tours.

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I write to voice my amazement at Congressman Todd Platts' recent vote to defund Planned Parenthood centers by supporting the Pence amendment (H.R. 3043, Amendment 594). The amendment specifically stated, "None of the funds made available under this Act shall be available to Planned Parenthood for family planning projects under Title X..." Fortunately, there were many more level-headed members of Congress who chose to support family planning and Planned Parenthood by defeating this amendment.

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John E. Mickey states that Sameh Khouzam should face the justice system in Egypt, where he is wanted on allegations of murder, rather then our justice system here. But Mr. Mickey fails to recognize the difference between Egypt and America. While our justice system is far from perfect, the Egyptian government has a known and documented (by various human rights organizations) use of torture and abuse against its prisoners, as well as unjust trials and false convictions against religious minorities. And Sameh, being a Coptic Christian in a Islamic country, is a minority. Sending him back to Egypt is paramount to sending him to be tortured.

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West York Borough Council Member Metzler has asked a group of concerned citizens to cease painting curbs in the borough. The citizens are from the south east section of West York who are concerned about the conditions in their area. Once a month they go out and clean up trash and paint the curbs yellow. All the paint and trash bags are all donated by businesses in York County.

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PennDOT has done it again! They managed to take a bad intersection, and made it considerably worse. This morning, I had my first challenge of driving through the Spring Grove serpentine. That has got to be one of the dumbest if not THE dumbest projects I have seen perpetrated on the driving public by PennDOT.

It's worse than it ever was before. Traffic lanes are coming at you from every which direction. That was going toward Spring Grove. Coming back toward York was worse! The first thing that came to mind was a serpentine because of the way the curb undulates. I thought I was in the "circle" or whatever it's called and had the right of way. I wasn't and darned near caused an accident. What appears to be a sort of straight albeit squiggly through road is not the thoroughfare portion and traffic already in whatever this abomination is called has the right of way. I was trying to pay attention to the weaving road and where I was going and didn't notice the yield sign until the last minute when I almost pulled in front of another car.

There is already evidence of where trucks have run up over the curb.

When is PA going to get some common sense and hire some traffic engineers who know what they're doing!

Robert Martin
York

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Those of us at Central who are concerned about the high schools trend away from recognizing outstanding academic performance would like to thank the Record for their editorial support for our position.

Although the elimination of the Valedictorian/Salutatorian designation is one of our concerns, perhaps an even larger issue is the elimination of the departmental awards at the Academic Banquet. Historically, one top student in each academic discipline (i.e. math, English, science, history, etc…) was acknowledged for each of the four high school grades. These academic awards have been replaced by recognition for Character, Service, and Leadership. While I have no issue with adding these new awards, they should not be substituted for recognizing academic performance.

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The Southern Branch of the YMCA located in Shrewsbury is not listening to its community in Southern York County and Northern Maryland. It has decided to shut down the roller rink in favor of expanding the fitness center and adding other new programs based on a “comprehensive” survey (rumor has it, of less than 50 people).

The rink has been in operation since the mid-1990’s and is currently used for roller hockey, roller skating, daycare, birthday parties, summer camp, youth basketball and adult morning walks . The YMCA made this decision without input from the users and stakeholders of the roller rink. As a result, local residents have put forth their desires for keeping the rink open in on an online petition with over 700 signatures and excellent comments. They also held a protest rally at the YMCA on July 21 where the petition was submitted to the YMCA for their consideration. Unfortunately, the YMCA management decided not to be there to receive it.

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The question posed in a recent letter to the editor,"What has Todd Platts done for you?" did remind me that we are only a year and a half from the next Congressional election. Perhaps it is time for me to point out that Rep. Platts and his office staff have been responsive to all my questions.

Although I am not in the Republican party, I have always found help and attention. Moreover, when I sent a letter protesting the recent ruling that personal care workers are not titled to overtime to the senators from PA and to Rep. Platts, Todd Platts was the only one who responded with a personal letter, and with some insightful suggestions.

On many issues I disagree with Todd Platts, but his service to his constituents is exemplary.

Karen Pearce
Fairfield

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The unfortunate event of Richard Hupper's mugging should bring home the reality that we live in a world filled with evil -- and our world begins with us. A comment was reported that "the inherent good that resides in the majority of folks was in plain sight immediately following the attack."

Therein lies the core of the problem: It is unrealistic and fantastical to believe that people are inherently good. There is an observation recorded in the Bible that says, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Although written a couple of thousand years ago, it's never been more apparent than today. That passage describes the sin nature of man. God's solution was to send Jesus to save us from our pending self-destruction.

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York city has changed terribly over the past 10 years or so. I lived in York County almost 50 years before I moved to Delaware.

York city isn't safe to even walk the streets anymore. With the daily shootings drugs and people being robbed or beaten up. I can't ever see York city ever coming back to the way it was when I was growing up. Parking is awful and the fact it's not safe to even patronize businesses within the city.

I'm shocked that people actually go to the new baseball stadium and chance being beat or robbed entering or leaving a game.

Orvin E. Reidel II
Lewes, DE

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My wife Susan and I just got home from our very first Revolution game. Boy, was I wrong! I'm not sure just how the tax payer will make out in the long run, but as long as the stadium operators promote the total experience, and not just baseball we have a winner.

We left home very early at 5:30 p.m. and parked in the railroad station handicapped area. I'd give up the parking permit in a second if Susan didn't have MS, but I must say parking is better than any big league stadium I have visited. Oh yeah, we came early and stayed to the final out. Want to see our picture of the final scoreboard? Nice experience that I did not expect.

Larry Bowers
West Manchester Township

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We attended the York Symphony concert in Farquhar Park. The weather was great and the music, as is standard fare for YSO, was delightful. In short -- the perfect venue for a gathering of about 300 friends. About half-way through the concert, my wife and I decided to make the downhill trek to use the restrooms. Along the macadam pathway, we encountered groups of all colors/races who were enjoying the park's facilities. Children's laughter and squeals of delight were emanating from the swing-set area that's immediately adjacent to the restrooms as we approached.

A scream rang out and parents frantically snatched children from the swings to dash away. Our first immediate thought was that a bee's nest had been disturbed. Others walking down the hill froze in their tracks. We noticed two men standing a short distance away with one bleeding rather badly. Lois and I immediately approached them to render assistance while I dialed 911 to request police and an ambulance. Others in the area came up to see if they too could help.

It was heartening to see that those who stepped up to offer assistance represented an ethnic cross-section. There was no color or race barrier -- just folks looking to help another individual who was obviously hurt. The folks who later offered to pray were also doing what they too thought was right.

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I see George Trout (York Sunday News, July 22) has subscribed to the right-wingers' conspiracy theory of global terror.

There is not a coordinated effort by "Islamo-fascists" (could right-wing Christians be called "Christian-fascists") to take over the world.

Trout says we've been at war since 1983, when 220 U.S. Marines were killed in a bombing in Lebanon. This was a result of one of Ronald Reagan's many misguided foreign policies (the U.S. was supporting Saddam Hussein during that time, remember?)

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After three tiring days of travel, I recently arrived back in Afghanistan, where I’m serving a 15-month deployment with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. I had just completed my midtour R&R leave, which I spent with family in my wonderful hometown of York, PA.

Saying goodbye to family and friends is always difficult, but it is considerably harder when you’re leaving your loved ones to travel to a war zone, where your life is in constant peril. Thus, you can imagine my dismay and despondency at the disgraceful treatment I received from the Harrisburg International Airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners.

After saying a tearful goodbye to my parents and grandmother, I entered the security screening line with my fellow civilian passengers. I was traveling in my Army Combat Uniform under military orders, with airfare paid by the U.S. Government. I dutifully presented my military ID card, removed my combat boots, took off my dogtags and belt, emptied my pockets, and walked through the metal detector.

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In response to the comments of Larry Aiken, I would make the point that some perceived “extravagances” in school spending are very important and necessary. I take particular exception to his remarks on the building of swimming pools. My home school district in New Jersey thought as Mr. Aiken did, that pools are an unneeded waste of tax dollars. My home district didn’t listen to arguments that swim lessons and water safety courses would help prevent kids from drowning in nearby bodies of water.

A few years after this debate my best friend and I went swimming in another friend’s small 7 foot deep pool. My best friend Roger never had the luxury of formal swimming lessons nor did he ever have to take a water safety course. To make a long story short, after about an hour of swimming I had to rescue my best friend. I pulled his then lifeless body out of the pool.

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Once again the Democrats who lead the Senate proved that they are very effective in wasting time and taxpayer money. The theatrical staging of an all night snooze fest to debate the war in Iraq went over like a lead balloon. The Democrats have only been able to create the lowest approval ratings for Congress in the history of approval ratings.

The Democrats have not been able to build a coalition that will move the country forward on such vital issues as national border security, support for our troops fighting to protect our freedoms, and to pass a budget. Instead they plan slumber parties.

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As the Daily Record’s article makes clear, House Bill 251, introduced by state Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery) to outlaw hunting within 150 yards of bait, is bad wildlife management and deceptive lawmaking. (“Official against baiting bill,” 7-19) Hunting over bait is already banned in Pennsylvania, and Rep. Godshall’s bill is an attempt to make it legal while appearing to do just the opposite. It is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Both the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the majority of Pennsylvania hunters oppose House Bill 251 for the same reasons that The Humane Society of the United States opposes it. Hunting over bait is unethical and violates basic principles of scientific wildlife management. It has no place in Pennsylvania and the diversity of groups opposing it should send a strong message to the legislature that this is a bad bill.

Pennsylvania wildlife officials, hunters, and the humane community are all lined up together on this one. Please contact your local state Representative and ask him or her to oppose House Bill 251.

Andrew Page
Campaign Manager - Hunting
The Humane Society of the United States

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I took my six- and two-year old grandkids to the New Freedom parade and they really enjoyed it. We decided to go to the carnival for a little while afterwards. Of course they wanted to ride some rides so we bought tickets, mind you tickets are a dollar a piece unless you buy 15 or 40.

We walked around to the kiddie rides and were shocked to see the that they were three tickets each! Three dollars for a kiddie ride and five tickets or $5 for the bigger rides! Can you believe this? I know this is supposed to be a fund raiser, but who can afford to take their family to these carnivals anymore? On top of that the games, that are impossible to win, were anywhere from
$2 to $5 for the 25 cent prizes. Remember when you could pick up a duck for 25 cents?

Come on people, we want to help support our local fire departments and such, but these carnivals are getting way too expensive for the average family these days. Needless to say, we won't be visiting the carnival next year.

Elizabeth Fuller
West Manheim Township

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What is happenning to our town? I was mugged on Saturday, 7-7-07, not a lucky day for me. I was attacked by 6 to 8 kids, 13 to 15 years old. They used a TASER® on me and beat and kicked me even after I gave up the dollar and change and pack of cigarrettes -- that was all I was carrying. This was three blocks from my home, the 400 block of Maryland Ave.

It used to be that the "Avenues" were the quiet, "safe" place to live in York. Not any longer. I know of at least a dozen others in the past several months who have shared my fate, in this same area. All in this so-called "safest" neighborhood in town. I grew up in a "not-so-safe" part of town, where my parents still live, and gun shots are ignored as a daily part of life.

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The City of York would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bill Diskin, who recently completed his voluntary term as poet laureate for the City. His dedication and hard work as poet laureate is well-appreciated.

We wish him and his family well in Charlotte, North Carolina where they relocated recently after Diskin accepted a job at the Cannon School.

As the City prepares to announce the arrival of the City's third poet laureate, we will continue to do our best to maintain the tradition of sharing the spoken word with people of all ages throughout the community as our past poet laureate's have done. The two-year voluntary position is one of many initiatives taking place to foster the arts in the City.

During his term as poet laureate, Bill published a 28-page double-sided book which includes collections of poetry from County residents, including two high school students. The book was well-received and helped to promote literacy and poetry with people of all ages. In fact, he spent a lot of time working with young people to share his love for poetry. He participated in poetry teen groups at Martin Library.

In addition, Diskin promoted poetry brews throughout the City and he wrote a regular column for the York Daily Record. He was a strong supporter of the arts through his work as a member of the Arts District Task Force.

A big thank you goes to Bill Diskin for making poetry fun and enjoyable for people of all ages. We look forward to welcoming our new poet laureate at YorkArts on August 3 at 5:30 p.m. Please come and join us that evening as we welcome our new poet and continue this tradition in the City of York.

Mayor John S. Brenner
York

In this day and age, it is rare to find a sincere and caring person. I found those qualities in Robert Noel and his wife.

My 87-year-old mother who has terminal lung cancer, was in desperate need for someone to repair her outdated hearing aid. I tried to get her help everywhere, so she could hear for as long as she is with us. All the government agencies refused her help. They said "they only help with hearing aids if the person can rehab for employment." What about all the people who get free medical care, food stamps and free housing who won't work? What kind of rehab are they on?

Mr. and Mrs. Noel came to my mother's aid, and repaired her hearing aid at no charge, and no red tape. Thank God for people like the Noels, and thank you Mr. and Mrs. Noel. We will always be grateful to you for helping to improve my mother's quality of life for as long as we can.

Eugene Morgan
York

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Every day it’s more demanding. Give me your time, your patience, your job. The “Great American Chocolate Bar” becoming the Great Chinese Chocolate bar? You have got to be kidding me; they can’t even make food fit for dogs. They’re equivalency of the FDA not nearly as strict as our standards, and what about Mexico? If it’s so great there why are THEIR people risking their lives to get out? MONEY. Isn’t that all we care about anymore? We want to earn top wages but we want our stuff CHEAP. That’s why Wal-Mart is so popular. Try and find something American made there, in any retail store in the area.

Companies have you by the short hairs. Hire you for less than was offered in the 80s and demand more from you. Stand by the front door so they can mandate overtime before you get off the property.

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On Sunday, July 22, members of The Pinchot Sailing Club hosted a wonderful event at Pinchot Park. Sailboat rides and lunch were provided to several hundred people who came from all parts of the county as well as outside of Pennsylvania, many of whom were first time or inexperienced sailors! My gratitude goes to all of those who devoted so much their time to organizing this fun day. I look forward to participating again next year.

Donna Austin
Springettsbury Township

My main point in this letter is to inform you of some people abusing firework laws. I live in Dover Townshp which is in the country. Many people are abusing the laws and using explosive fireworks in a woody area. Fireworks are not guaranteed to work so in the country if something would go wrong it could ignite hundreds of acres of land. These people are putting other people’s lives, property, and animals they might own, in danger.

Some of the fireworks these people are using are as equal to those at the York Fair Grounds and the Outdoor Country Club. I understand that the Fourth of July is a traditional holiday and setting off fireworks is a traditional event. The thing that bothers me is the people using the fireworks do not just set them off on the fourth; they set them off the rest of the week too. I would not have a problem with the people just setting them off on the fourth; it is the rest of the week that bothers me. Many of my neighbors are with me on this point of interest.

A firework was set off, scared my dog and it ran through an invisible fence and was found dead across the street at my neighbor’s house. This was a sad event in life for me. My dog had died of a panic attack from the loud sound that fireworks bring. The people who were setting the fireworks off may have had a good night, but my family surely did not!

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By Robert Nugent

Following Pope John XXIII’s historic Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) the Catholic Church underwent startling and exciting changes in its attitudes towards its Jewish and Protestant co-religionists.

Even earlier, in the post-war era, some Catholic leaders had already begun to realize the need to collaborate with others in finding faith-based solutions to major moral and social issues facing the world and individual cultures.

The Council put its stamp of approval on these trends. Unfamiliar words like “ecumenism,” “inter-faith” and “dialogue” entered the Catholic vocabulary as relationships with “non-Catholics” began to thaw centuries after the major split by Martin Luther.

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‘Anytime you have the opportunity to make things better and don’t, you are wasting your time on this earth’ is a quote from my hero, Roberto Clemente and words that I live by everyday.

After four great years, it is with great sadness that Pasos Caribenos Folkloric Dance Group’s last performance will be July 28, 2007 at Saint Mary’s Hispanic Festival. This difficult and painful decision was made because of ‘growing pains.’

When Pasos Caribenos was born, the majority of the group members were high school freshmen or attending middle school and time didn’t stand still. This Fall some of us are entering college and the remaining members will be graduating in 2008 and 2009.

In 2004, we dedicated ourselves to the positive promotion, preservation and education of the Latino culture through dance and entertainment. I can honestly say that we accomplished this goal!

I would like to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart to our families at the Crispus Attucks Association, Saint Mary’s Church and Met-Ed who helped us make our dream reality. I would also like to recognize Mayor John Brenner, Loyda Esbri, Lillian Baquero, the Puerto Rican Parade Committees of Lancaster Pa. and Trenton NJ, Angel Suliveras, for all of their support.

Thank you members of Pasos Caribenos! Vonmarie Rivera (‘07) and Andres Zayas(’09), York Catholic High School; Damaris Vargas (‘08), York Suburban High School; Kiana Chow-Kai (’11), Central Middle High School; Glorielis Gonzalez (’09), York Co School Of Technology; Samary Perez (’09), Katiria Rivera (’08), Juan Pichaldo (’08), Diego Rivera (’09) Ronnie Acosta (’07), William Penn High School.

May you continue to share your Latin pride, goodness and talents with others so that together we make this world a better place. I’m proud of each and everyone of you and of our legacy, Pasos Caribenos. Until we meet again…

Andy Zayas Jr'
York City

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The YWCA of York would like to thank everyone who supported the Third Annual Ladies’ Sprint Triathlon on June 24. Through the help of volunteers, donors, and sponsors, the event was a success.

The YWCA would like to recognize The Wolf Organization, York Newspaper Company, and FOX43 for generously sponsoring Y-Tri 2007. Also, without the commitment of almost 100 volunteers, our event would not have been possible.

This growing event drew nearly 170 women of all shapes and ages from across the region. The camaraderie between so many of these women is what keeps them coming back each year. Strength and endurance were just two of the admirable qualities demonstrated by each of the women who crossed the finish line.

Y-Tri 2007 drew 50 more athletes than the 2006 race, raising even more funds this year for the YWCA fitness programs. The proceeds will continue the mission embodied in the event: empowering women, both mentally and physically.

We truly appreciate the support extended to us for Y-Tri 2007. We hope to further involve the community and expand the triathlon even more next year.

Tara Neff
Fitness Director
YWCA of York

On behalf of my wife and myself, would like to say a "special" job well done, to the Lower Windsor Township Police Department and to Sergeant Tim Caldwell, who investigated a hit-n-run to our vehicle during our stay at Long Level.

Also, a special thanks to two witnesses. Jeremy Weaver and Ryan Greenly who reported the incident to the officer directing traffic, who reported it to the township police department. Because of the witnesses' accurate description of the incident, Officer Caldwell was able to make a thorough report of what had happened. He also called us and assisted us in making our report to our insurance company. We can not thank you enough for your helping us and being an example of good citizens.

Guss & Norie Pappas
Manchester

I was dismayed to read the ethnic 'joke' about Polish firefighters in the July 15 York Sunday News Viewpoints section. Your paper has written at length about the recent church defacements, and in the past about other hate crimes, including editorials decrying those crimes. Can your writers really not grasp the fact that while hate crimes are the extreme end of a continuum, ethnic 'jokes' are on that same continuum? That's Diversity 101. I found the 'joke' at the expense of Polish people juvenile and offensive and I hope that such humor is not repeated.

Peg Welch
York City

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This is in reference to "Ban to light up nixed", by CARYL CLARK, front page, Tuesday, July 17th.

“Smoke is dirty,” Kopanis (owner of Starlite Diner) said looking up at his white ceiling. “Every five years, we have to put in a new ceiling.”

If smoking is such a public health threat, why doesn't Gov. Rendell outlaw the selling of cigarettes? How much do you think your business tax would go up, if PA didn't collect tax on the sale of cigarettes? Starlite Diner would be paying more in business tax than it costs you to replace your ceiling every 5 years. I think your business and other bar/restaurants would suffer if the ban was passed. Statistics from NY show there was not a drastic drop in business, but we all know how you can twist statistics.

Bill Smith
Sewell, NJ

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In light of the regular roses and thorns segment, I feel it is necessary to point out that the editorial staff of the YDR/YSN deserves thorns of their own.

The Sunday, July 15th paper included the rarely, if ever, funny "What Have We Learned" penned by Argento, Frantz, and Joyce. However, instead of recycling simply tired or obvious puns, this week they decided to pull out the ethnic card that has to be the lowest type of humor. While they wrote a Polish 'joke,' they deserve pity, not thorns. Evidently their humor level never got past a simplistic, prejudiced, third grader.

Instead, the editorial staff deserves the thorns. Editors decide what runs and what does not. If Argento, et al., had submitted a purportedly humorous item about Jews, African-Americans, or those in wheelchairs, I doubt it would have passed editorial review. The fact that this item did shows that someone on the editorial staff finds ethnic prejudice worthy of print.

Shame on you.

Rory Kraft
York Township

I read with interest the article "Central York Parents Protest Lost Honor Titles" (YDR 7/18, page 4C). The superintendent explained that the idea dates back to 1996 when a committee of parents and staff advised the school board in recognizing more than just the top two students of each class. I find it very sad that their solution was not to add the recognition the committee called for to more students, but to simply eliminate the valedictorian and salutatorian.

I would suggest that Central should drop all of it's varsity sports programs. After all, when the athletes work hard, get in shape and learn the plays, they might beat someone. And we certainly don't want anyone to feel bad, do we?

Jon Frey
North Codorus Township

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On behalf of M J Anderson’s Loving Care Inc. a Pennsylvania nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization board and it’s subsidiaries we would like to thank all of our sponsors that helped make our Lincoln Kennedy Celebrity Golf Classic and Silent auction a huge success.

Your financial support and donations helped support the business in a manner that is professional as well as beneficial to the community as we move forward. It will also enable us to bring into fruition our mission “to provide gracious and secure retirement living in a pleasant Christian environment at an affordable cost”. To further show our appreciation and thanks for all you have done we would like to take the opportunity to show the community who you are.

Memorial Hospital, ESPN 1350 radio, York Dispatch, WHTM – TV abc27, Apple Outdoor,
Susquehanna Valley GTO Car Club, Untame Riders, Cobblestone’s Restaurant & Sport Emporium, Rev. Jasmine (Jazz) Schulark, Onyx-Sports & Entertainment, Apple BMW/Cadillac, Diehl Toyota, FedEx, Dick's Sporting Goods, Diehl Toyota, Red Lobster, Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center, Williamsburg Estates, TJ Maxx (Lancaster, PA), Suburban Bowlerama, Integrity Bank, Collage Specialty Shop, Royer’s, Paragon Engineering Services, Inc., BonTon Stores Foundation, Brewery Products, Todd Horn, Columbia Gas PA/MD, Crown Trophy, York Graphic Services, Staples, The Wolf Organization, J.S. Johnessee, D.D.S., PC,
George R. & Diane M. Robinson II, Carl E. Anderson, Esq., Garden of Vision, Carla Penn,
Diane & Anita’s Beauty Salon, Jeffrey & Maggie Galbraith, Gatter & Diehl, Inc., Grace T. Quartey, CPA, DDESIGN “The Chocolate Lollipop Stop & More ...," Strategic Business Alliance, LLC, The Tennis Rack, Shaffer & Son, Inc., Flying Feet, Vito’s Pizza, Wagman Construction, Douglas & Tracey Green, The Stewart Foundation, Subs & Suds, CGA Law Firm, PC, Carl & Jessie Anderson, George R. & Diane M. Robinson II, The Wolf Organization, Visual Impact Production, Osram Sylvania, Inc., Paragon Engineering Services, Inc., Sophia & Brighton Farnsworth, Jeffrey C. Ragland DMD, PLLC, Crispus Attucks Acctg. Dept., Keith & Marian Anderson, Xclusive Music (owner ECKO), Phillips Funeral Home PA & MD (Jonathan D. Hibner, CPC), Coldwell Banker/Bennett Williams, Open Door Christian Fellowship Church, Rev. Leighton & Dr. Deborah McMillan, Joseph & Simone Hawkins, Kaylor Architects, Inc., Isaiah & Zhana Johnson, Fulton Bank, Marie McClellan.

We also thank our golfers and look forward to working with all of you with our future endeavors.

Marian J. Anderson
President & CEO

On the front page of today's paper (7/17) in the "Update" section it discussed that Chris Daughtry and his band was coming to the York Fair. In doing so it used terms such as "American Idol Castoff" and "American Idol Reject." In light of the recent letters to your paper claiming negative reporting on our new baseball stadium, I found the Daughtry announcement VERY negative as well.

Why did Ms. McCracken not use phrases such as "American Idol Finalist" or "American Idol Contender." Will you please try to lean toward the POSITIVE and a little away from the NEGATIVE in the future?

If I were Chris, I think I would simply bypass York so you could really have reason to write something negative.

Bill Garrett
New Freedom

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There’s an image burning a hole in my conscience for about six months now. I’m upset about the Pennsylvania Black Bears living alongside Lincoln Highway in Hallam. The Black Bears are an exhibit next to a miniature golf course and ice cream store. They’re labeled as a “Zoo.” Have you seen them while passing by?

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My wife and I have had the pleasure of attending a few baseball games so far this year and intend to attend many more. We did not hear anyone say they were upset that the stadium wasn’t completed, we did not hear anyone say they were fearful for their lives to be downtown, we heard no complaints about parking, traffic or any other reason the naysayers want to throw out there.

What we did hear was; what are you doing after the game? We’re going to Sam & Tonys, Harp & Fiddle, White Rose, Left Bank, etc. None of these people were afraid to stay in town after dark. What did we witness? Young families with children in tow, smiling faces, gloves in hand, excitement, young and old together for one reason – baseball. It didn’t matter if we won or lost. All that matters is that York City now has an affordable venue for family time. And what is wrong with that?

Perhaps if the whiners would invest as much time in positive action, they might actually enjoy themselves. But then they couldn’t be themselves, could they?

I want to thank Keystone Baseball and everyone involved for having the vision and determination to make this stadium a reality. Revolutionary things are taking place within the city and I don’t mean just baseball.

Larry D. Homsher
York

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Your July 8 editorial, “Make Plan B available,” falls short of accurately portraying the mandated emergency contraception issue. You correctly state that emergency contraception averts pregnancy by preventing fertilization by stopping the release of an egg or preventing sperm from penetrating, but you omit the third, and more problematic, effect of the drug.

According to the manufacturer of Plan B, a name brand of emergency contraception, the pill “may also work by preventing it (the fertilized egg) from attaching to the uterus (womb).” www.go2planb.com

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How low of your paper to run Henry Payne's "shoot the messenger" cartoon this morning. I am speaking of a sketch of Al Gore appearing on a stage morbidly obese with an observer saying "The original live aid was about addressing world hunger. Apparently we've solved that problem". What is the point here? His message whether he is liked politically or not is no longer disputed. His message is so profoundly important that it seems frighteningly foolish to denigrate it.

Here is an idea for a more useful cartoon: Al Gore is on a stage,and behind him an innumerable band of people representing future generations. Behind them is a portrait of all animals, all food and vegetable plants, all fruit and nut-bearing trees, all running streams . Then, behind all of this is a gigantic sapphire blue sphere with its translucent atmosphere resting in the heavens. In the cartoon Al Gore is looking toward the audience overhearing a remark such as mentioned above. We look closer. He is crying.

Mary E. Barnes
Springfield Township

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As the Iraq war continues, and American opinion is split, we will have to learn to discuss our differences with care and integrity.

I hope that as the debates continue we learn to spot illegitimate arguments, half-truths, and guilt-by-association accusations. Both sides have allowed ugly rhetoric to overshadow their arguments.

I was frustrated with Michelle Malkin’s July 12th column where she implied that some violent episodes committed by participants of some anti-war events are somehow indicative of the whole peace movement. I know that not everyone who attends protest marches are saintly, but it is not my experience to see the weird stuff she cites. (Signs encouraging soldiers to kill their own officers, etc.) I don’t know why she thinks these are somehow illustrative of anything other than angry, immature protesters...

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The Codorus Creek Improvement Partnership would like to thank everyone involved with making our 6th Annual Codorus Creek Cleanup in June a success. Our thanks goes out to Central Family Restaurant, The WaterWay, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Culligan, and Dick’s Sporting Goods for supplying us with food, water, and waders. We’d like to especially thank our over 50 volunteers who removed 10 tons of bicycles, shopping carts, tires, and other assorted debris from the Codorus Creek and the banks in downtown York. This is hard work and we appreciate everyone’s efforts.

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Class of 2011 packing its bags thanks to generous York Countians

Philanthropy happens quietly here in York County.

While many young men and women are considering their dorm selections, roommates and travel plans for the year ahead, many of them are also thinking about the challenge of financing their education. After all is said and done, financial need is often their greatest challenge. What may elude us amid the celebration and preparation is the example of generosity and stewardship set by scholarship donors; our friends and neighbors throughout the community who provide the ‘chance’ for many students to take the next step in attaining their dreams.

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I recently attended my first ball game at Sovereign Bank stadium with some friends and just wanted to tell everyone what a wonderful time we had. The stadium is beautiful, even though it is not finished yet. We walked the perimeter and there is not going to be a bad seat in the house. We had a fun group of fans sitting all around us who really got into the game and the music. The game was exciting, the food was very good and the fireworks to end the evening were amazing. Please come downtown and enjoy a game. You won’t regret it and I’m sure you’ll come back for more!

Janine Paff
Manchester Township

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According to the Department of Health & Human Services (2006), as the baby boomers reach the age of 65, the cohort of retirement age Americans will increase significantly. This group will represent approximately 35 million of the total US population and will increase to 40 million by 2010. The resultant health care needs of this population will undoubtedly rise as well. This has tremendous implications for the already overburdened and strained US healthcare system. One of the primary concerns is the shortage of nurses, which has reached crisis levels with no immediate relief in sight (AACN, 2007).

Registered nurses encompass the largest group of healthcare professionals in the workforce today (ICN, n.d.) and is responsible for approximately 65% of a hospital’s total operating budget (Clark, Leddy, Drain, & Kaldenberg, 2007). Mennick (2007) predicted that there will be a deficit of registered nurses of approximately 340,000, while others predict up to 800,000, within the next decade. The Health Resources and Services Administration (AACN, 2007) predicts that the nursing shortage epidemic will reach greater than one million by 2010.

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Pennsylvania State Lawmakers: Don't use tax dollars to compensate furloughed state workers!

Apparently there is a sense of guilt that has caused the Governor and many state lawmakers to consider paying furloughed state workers for the one day of lost wages. While I sympathize with these workers who were the pawns in the budget debate, it is totally unacceptable, most likely illegal, to pay them without having worked.

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A staunch Republican and supporter of the President, I feel betrayed by the man I elected into office. When it comes to securing our borders, I believe President Bush failed to protect them by not enforcing immigration laws that are already on the books and have been for years.

From day one, President Bush has had no intention of carrying out these initiatives that would have gone a long way to controlling the flow of illegal aliens across our borders and keeping us safe.

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Thank you for your great editorial explaning and supporting Pennsylvania’s House Bill 288, the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act.

Rape, we all know, is a horrific crime. Victims are in shock and feel powerless – they may feel alone, scared and question why this happened.

Your explanation of the bill was clear, but there is one point I want to clarify.

We do agree that emergency contraception (EC) is most effective (95%) up to 24 hours after unprotected sex, or when a woman is raped. It is still very effective (89%) up to 72 hours (three days) after an assault and may be administered up to 120 hours (five days).

A victim’s sense of trust and security are taken away after an assault. Regardless of when a victim seeks treatment, it is important for health care professionals to empower rape victims with comprehensive and medically accurate information. The CARE Act is written to assure that women will be treated with respect by their health care providers.

Suellen Craig
President/CEO of Planned Parenthood of Central Pa.

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I was a member of the Board of Supervisors for West Manchester Township in 1993 and 1997 when these two eminent domain cases that were referred to in the York Sunday News, July 8th edition “Chronister’s past votes questioned” and the July 11th editorial in the York Daily Record with the headline “Chronister credo pro-development” occurred.

Since these two articles did not tell the entire story, I believe it is my duty as a former West Manchester Township Supervisor to set the record straight.

First of all, all three supervisors were involved in the votes for the two cases, which I will describe further in this article. I would also point out that both proposed developments were within the growth boundary where development was encouraged to occur and both had been zoned for such development prior to Mr. Chronister’s election to the board.

History/Background – Brenneman, Loucks Road case:

The Brenneman property was a vehicle repair facility that sat adjacent to a large tract of commercially zoned land bordered by both Roosevelt Avenue and Loucks Road.

I am writing regarding the article printed on the front of the Sunday, July 8 living
section as part of the ongoing Harry Potter series. I believe that it was irresponsible
and in poor taste for it to be printed.

In a time when sex offender data is made public because of parental concern and internet predators make prime time television; newspapers should not give out the names, ages, and addresses of local children. Not only that, but the article's subject matter gives a would-be offender access to the children's interests. In the future, I would hope that the editors take into account the well-being of local children when printing an article of this nature.

Angela Krebs
Springettsbury Township

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Plenty of parents have complained about the uniform policy at York City schools -- I am just one of them. The school board doesn't take this issue up during the school year, when more parents are involved and connected with the school-they wait until summer, when many families are on vacation and involved in other activities and not as likely to be aware of it -- same way they did when they passed the policy back in 2002. And while I have seen the articles in the paper, I am sure many parents haven't. Why didn't you bother to mail out some information to parents, so they would all know what's going on?

I was surprised back when the York City School District first instituted the uniform policy. What was initially represented to district parents as a "suggested dress code" was instead passed by the board during the summer of 2002 as a "mandatory uniform policy," intended to "enhance education." Looking at test scores in the district, it has certainly been an abysmal failure in that regard, and it has got to be one of the most asinine policies ever mandated by a public school district in this area, at least that I am aware of.

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Reading too much into isolated quotes is sometimes misleading, but Commissioner Steve Chronister’s statement regarding his April primary victory is revealing: “The issue isn’t the use of eminent domain for public safety. The issue is we didn’t need another park.” (YDR 7/8/07)

It is unfortunate that the “taking” of Lauxmont Farm discussion focused on the eminent domain scare tactic rather than the economic, recreational and ecological value of the proposed park versus residential development of the land. Most agree that eminent domain is government power that needs to be carefully implemented but sometimes is needed for the collective good of society (e.g., roads, schools, parks). As is zoning, which, one could argue, has more impact on property owners, as it takes away economic opportunities with no monetary reimbursement. Yet hopefully everyone agrees on the need for zoning.

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Does anyone else have a problem with the lack of recycling and pro environment things happening in York? I find it disturbing that the school I graduated from last year (Central York) has recycle bins in every room and promotes recycling in many of its curriculum courses, along with other enviornmental issues. And yet, everything put into a recycle bin never reaches a recycle plant but goes with the rest of the trash and is disposed of as if it wasn't meant to be recycled.

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Cuts to historic preservation, libraries and parks funding is one of the casualties of Pennsylvania’s new budget. Highlights include a notation that $40 million has been allocated to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund (known as HSCA). The funding for HSCA will come directly from the existing Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Keystone has been used for the last 14 years to fund projects in communities across the Commonwealth. Keystone provides important funding to historic preservation, museums, historic sites, libraries, heritage parks, conservation, recreation and parks. In fact, it is the ONLY source of bricks and mortar historic preservation grant funds available.

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On March 15, 2005 I started making power with my 3Kw solar pv system. I built this because my energy costs were too high, not the .09 cents that Adams Electric charges per killowatt hour but the unseen costs on my bill, that being climate change, depleted fossil fuels and Mideast wars.

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As you may or may not know, up until just a few years ago Social Security was always paid on the first day of the month. Well that rule has been changed. It is now based loosely on your birthday but always paid on a Wednesday. In my case my birthday is the 25th so my check arrives the fourth Wednesday of every month which sounds fine. But because it's the fourth Wednesday rather than the 25th of the month I never know when I will get my check without consulting a calendar and counting Wednesdays.

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Government work has been very, very good to Todd Platts. With the exception of a few years at law school and a brief stint at a law firm, he has been spent his whole post-college adult life working in either Harrisburg or Washington, collecting a taxpayer-subsidized salary.

Being a career politician has its perks. This year—his seventh in Washington—he will collect his millionth dollar in federal salary. In addition, he has been collecting a $4,000+ annual state pension since he was in his late 30s. Nice work (or non-work) if you can get it.

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Average Joe who owns and lives on his little piece of earth should be able to feel secure in that no matter what, they will have a place to live and can not be thrown off it simply because they can not pay the property taxes.

Limit the ‘No Property Tax’ reform to only residential properties. All commercial properties still need to pay. Anyone who does not live on the land will have to pay. Anyone whose property is valued over say a million dollars even if they do live on it, should pay something.

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My letter is in response to the following quote, which appeared in QUOTABLE on page B1 of VIEWPOINTS in the YORK SUNDAY NEWS of July 8, 2007:

"I think it's great. I think he showed an incredible amount of balls. And every cop I've talked to said the same thing."
- BILL GRAFF, first assistant district attorney, on President Bush's commutation of Lewis "Scooter" Libby's prison sentence for perjury

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NAACP Chairman Julian Bond's truly ignorant remarks (Monday YDR, p.6A from the Detroit Free Press) are a continuing reminder to civilized Americans of the existence of virulently racist attitudes pandemic within the black community.

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Wrightsville Borough residents are in the process of putting together a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the people who went through the borough the other weekend, and vandalized close to 30 vehicles the other Saturday night. They were wondering why nothing before this hasn't apppeared in the paper before.

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I have lived here for over three years now, and I fail to understand why the residents of York County, particularly the Red Lion Area School District, just lie down and take the school tax situation. I am beginning to think that it would be better if everyone paid "tuition" to attend what is supposed to be public school, rather than get ripped off in the form of the ever-escalating school tax.

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Kudos to City Councilwoman Toni Smith for her strong attitude toward the crowd of juveniles throwing fireworks, bottles, trash cans and other items on the night of July 4. This outrageous behavior was not any kind of a "celebration." It was violence and vandalism and it demonstrated a flagrant disrespect for the many solid citizens who live in that neighborhood.

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In his column of Sunday July 8, Mike Argento, in one of his usual pitiful attempts at commentary, or whatever it is he thinks he does, tried to make a case that the commutation of the imprisonment portion of Scooter Libby's sentence for "lying" to federal investigators was an injustice.

Scooter Libby's transgression was not using the Clintonian "to the best of my recollection" or "I don't recall" preamble when trying to relate "when who said what to whom" to investigators. Libby was being sent to prison for a bad memory.

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Larry J. Macaluso is retiring and the new elementary school here in Red Lion is to acquire the retiring Superintendent's name. However, I feel, it should have been named after, Dr. Eugene Segro as he gave his life for the students of the Red Lion Junior High School. And all we gave him was a memorial in front of the Junior High School and hand prints in the cafeteria which will eventually probably be painted over in years to come. Most of all the schools are named after deceased people. And I feel Dr. Eugene Segro was an important member of our school district and should have had more recognition for giving his life.

Alice Smeltzer
Red Lion

On behalf of P.I.N.K, a York County breast cancer networking group, I would like to thank the York community for their support of the first annual P.I.N.K. in the Park breast cancer awareness walk on May 12 at John Rudy Park. More than 300 walkers participated in the Walk, and we were blessed with a beautiful day in the park. This was the first walk of its kind in York County; specifically to raise awareness of the impact breast cancer has on York County. The event not only raised awareness, but donations as well. We raised $6,000 for the Breast Center at Memorial Hospital.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today (after lung cancer) and is the most common cancer among women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2007.

P.I.N.K. (Power-Information-Network-Knowledge) is a networking group for breast cancer survivors and their families. The second annual P.I.N.K. in the Park breast cancer awareness walk will be held on May 10, 2008. We hope to see the York community out walking in support. Anyone interested in more information concerning P.I.N.K. can visit our web site at www.survivingbreastca.com. Thank you again to everyone for their support and generous donations.

Dr. Lisa Fritz
York

I want to thank the York Daily Record for its recent article regarding my experience with Drew Lachey and Joey McIntyre of “Dancing with the Stars,” but I need to clarify the use of the word “masseuse” in regard to my profession.

The word “masseuse” is actually a derogatory term that belittles and offends most Professional Massage Therapists. While the general definition of masseuse is “one who does massage,” and it is a fact that Massage Therapists do massage people, it is only a small portion of what a professional Certified Massage Therapist is trained to do. A Nationally Certified Massage Therapist spends thousands of dollars to become educated in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Kinesiology, Ethics, Muscular Terminology, and general health practices. A Medical Massage Therapist, which I am, continues their education by studying Orthopedic Evaluations and Treatments, Joint Dysfunctions, Specialized Medical Conditions such as Fibromyalgia, and many advanced techniques to help reduce chronic muscular pain. Massage Therapy is a viable part of the Medical community and as such should be referred to with pride and dignity.

Tracey L. Roberts
York

Once again, another group plans to conquer the world with their ideology and way of life. This time it is the Islamic terrorist. I know that we Americans understand that not all people of the Islamic faith are terrorists. I and some other people from my church, pray for the end of this war, for our soldiers, as well as for our enemies.

Our government is not perfect, but we don’t go chopping people’ heads off either because we don’t see eye to eye on everything. They must not like how we get up every morning and go to work, pray at churches of our choosing, and how we don’t hide behind a black mask defending all that we stand for. I pray that they understand that God see all of us as his children.. We are given so much as a nation, and America has given a lot to the world. I would ask all my God loving brothers and sisters of this world, to pray for peace. Pray that God grace us all, with knowledge, that he is watching us, and that we are his children. We will not hide from God by using a mask, or from our lack of understanding and concern for each other.

Ralph Sierra
Mount Wolf

On behalf of the Friends of Legal Services, I’d like to thank all the people and organizations that made our 23rd Annual Book Sale a smashing success. We are especially grateful to the Lincoln Square office of the Adams County National Bank in Gettysburg, Frank Chiteji at Gettysburg College, and the other many offices and businesses in the surrounding area that served as donation sites. We extend our thanks to thousands of people for donating books, to Wilson College where we have held the sale for 23 years, and to the hard-working volunteers who sorted, priced, and sold tens of thousands of books.

We are pleased to have served the community for the past 23 years, and we invite readers to our 24th sale on May 2, 3, and 4, 2008.

Carolyn L. Carter
Friends of Legal Services
Gettysburg

As the investigation of the terror plots in London and Glasgow unfolds, American Muslims are experiencing the emotions we always do in hearing that people associated with our faith are involved, shock, anger, outrage, sick in the pit of our stomachs, that once again these heinous acts are associated with people professing to be Muslims. Each time our sense of disbelief and betrayal reaches a new level.

Their horrific acts are a direct contradiction to the Quranic teachings. A particular verse comes to mind that equates taking the life of one innocent human being is as if you have killed all of mankind.

These suspected criminals, should be given due process, if found guilty, must be brought to justice. These individuals who choose evil are a betrayal of their faith, profession and humanity.

Samia Malik
Director of communications
Council on American Islamic Relations

Our Independence day ended with a bang! Unfortunately, the bang was from a pickup truck plowing into our property at approximately 8:00 PM and destroying our mailbox and post. The driver then caused more damge to our lawn by sliding around in it and creating smoke from his truck tires as he continued to sit in the ruts and spin his tires. We yelled at him to stop but he finally sped away and thanked us with a one-finger wave. Fortunately, there were no cars coming on Bull Road as he continued driving north-bound in the south-bound lane. We are
thankful our daughter was no longer in the driveway and there were no children in the yard.

Our forefathers believed in the concept of equal justice under the law; however, the Bush administration has again trampled that ideal. By pardoning Lewis Libby, Bush has shown that he views anyone in his inner circle as above the law.

A jury of his peers found Libby guilty, and a respected judge sentenced him to prison time, a fine, and probation. Definite guidelines are in place to determine sentencing, and Libby’s punishment was well within the law. Bush decided the sentence seemed too harsh, and, on his whim, the prison time disappeared.

Libby will have no trouble paying the fine, since other inner-circle cronies have raised substantial funds to help him through his legal “issues.” Even though he deliberately lied and obstructed a federal investigation, he is now free of the prison sentence, and there is the strong possibility that Bush will eventually pardon him completely.

When did "We the People" become "They in Power"? While I was growing up I was told that our body of representatives were duly elected and were therefore responsible to vote and only enact laws based upon their public's interest and indicated desires. Lately, however, I have noticed a disturbing trend to enact and enforce laws we have never been asked to vote upon or even review.

What am I am talking about? Most recently it is the proposed smoking ban. Whether or not I smoke or even like it is not the issue, what is at stake here is whether or not we are willing to allow our government to proscribe how a private business owner may conduct/operate his/her business. Is it healthy, absolutely not! However, I was not asked to vote as to the allowance of this matter before the assembly, were you? This frightens me as it should anyone else.

ID is not well.

I am amazed by the ease with which some proponents of intelligent design continue to misrepresent the facts and engage in faulty logic. Floyd Eyler’s letter (July 4) is replete with such examples. Moreover, the examples are so evident that they scarcely warrant attention. Still, letters of this sort are printed and should not be left to stand without refute.

Concerning the facts, Mr. Eyler contends that there is no scientific explanation for bee flight. Scientists at Caltech and the University of Nevada disagree and note that the claim that bee flight represents a gap in science “is just not true.” Similarly, in contrast to Mr. Eyler’s claim, scientists can explain the bioluminescent reactions that produce firefly light. It is not the misrepresentations that are most distressing in Mr. Eyler’s letter--a high school student could, thankfully, dispense with them quickly. I am most concerned with the logical errors contained in his letter.

There should be NO SMOKING anywhere at any time for any reason whatsoever in any public place including private clubs and casinos. I am the daughter and granddaughter of tavern owners and also a nurse. My mother recently died a horrible death from lung disease due to smoking. My dad died at age 52 in 1980 from cardiac arrest. Both events due to smoking ! One hospitalization out of 8 in the last 9 months for my mom cost over $30,000, not including countless tests, 5 months of nursing home care at $7,000/month, ambulance trips, ER visits, in home nursing care, medications, breathing treatments and time lost from work for my siblings as we cared for my mother's health problems.

We all complain about healthcare costs - smoking is a huge drain on financial resources for society and is totally preventable. There is no reason why any employee or non smoker should be exposed to smoke . It is just plain stupid knowing you will definitely develop respiratory problems. Smokers have the worst cases of bronchitis and pneumonia when cold and flu season rolls around.

I hate cigarette smoke. That's why I rarely go out to bars in Pennsylvania. Most of my friends don't smoke either and avoid bars more than they would if smoke wasn't an issue. They would love to go out for drinks without feeling like taking a shower afterwards to rid themselves of stale cigarette smell.

It's not like we're in the minority on this issue. According to the PA Department of Health, only 23% of adults in Pennsylvania smoke. That means 77% do not smoke. Shouldn't the majority rule? And shouldn't the majority be free to eat a meal or have a drink in public without tasting someone else's cigarette or facing the threat of second-hand smoke killing them?

Independence Day should be a celebration, but I don't feel like celebrating. The nation I love has become a nation I don't recognize. It is run by a President and Vice President who have no respect for the rule of law. They remain unchallenged and unchecked by a legislative branch which has no spine. The judicial branch is stacked with friends of the President. The ink was barely dry on the order DENYING bail on appeal to convicted White House felon Scooter Libby, before President Bush intervened to "commute" his sentence. Has any ordinary citizen sentenced to prison EVER before in the history of American jurisprudence received such a commutation BEFORE serving a single day of that sentence? I remember the outcry when President Clinton pardoned a man who had served time for a crime. I didn't agree with the pardon then, and I certainly don't agree with this commutation now. It is time for all reasonable people to call for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

Franklin Spence
Dover

The new stadium in York has proven to be even better than our family anticipated. We purchased a partial season ticket package, thinking ten games plus opening and closing night would be plenty of opportunity to support the new team and enjoy this new venue. We were vaguely eager to have the chance to attend games before the construction was complete, because we thought it would be fun to see the changes each time we visited as the final phases progressed.

We were unprepared for just how much we were going to enjoy spending time at Sovereign Bank Stadium. We have been to five games so far, and only one of them was included in our partial season package. We keep going back because The Revolution puts on a great show and because the atmosphere the stadium staff has created made us feel instantly comfortable. And the unfinished construction has given us a sense of ownership we didn’t feel as we drove past the construction site every day. Opening the stadium before it was complete has given fans the chance to be insiders and see things come together before their very eyes.

There really is no reason for all the anger and ranting and raving over the Libby pardon. I call it a pardon because I feel most certainly that Libby will be given a full pardon when King George leaves office. In comparison to many other Presidential pardons this seems very tame. The problem is not with Bush, it is with a president power that has become nothing more than a corrupt political payback program. What the American public needs to do is let their government officials know that they would support a constitutional amendment to take this power away from future Presidents. As long as they have this power they most certainly will use it. This is one of the few absolute powers left in our democracy. It's time put an end to this insanity. This is not a partisan issue, this power has been abused by Presidents of both parties and they will continue to use it as long as it exists!!
Jeffrey Hunt
York

My wife, Nancy, and I take great pride in living in York County with special emphasis on the treasure we all have in the City of York. Certainly it's not perfect, but we admire the work being done to make York a better place to live and work and play.

We especially enjoy the Strand Capitol; the architecture; the restaurants,such as The Left Bank, Harp and Fiddle, Sam and Tony's, Mezzogiorno and the newest, Colosseo; Central Market House; and the people of the City. We take pride in saying that we are Yorkees at heart.

Jim Seip's article about the new stadium was not needed. We all realize that the project is not complete, but we've put up with projects that were incomplete and worked around them. I remember the opening of many shopping areas, especially the York Mall, which opened with only three stores ready for business on an unfinished and half paved road.

I was quite surprised to read Jim Seip's article in the Sports Section on Monday titled "Stadium disarray keeps fans away." There are over 31,000 people that might disagree with him.

I've been to eight of the nine home games. At nearby restaurants we see other people from the Shrewsbury area. One of the selling points for the stadium was to attract people from the suburbs. Before a game, we have dinner downtown. It looks like that selling point is working.

Mr. Seip says "the Revolution have drawn fewer than 3,000 three times already..." Attendance through last Sunday averaged 3,564 - 764 more than the target of 2,800 for break-even. This month Bridgeport played before 1,002 and Newark had 1,476. Those are established teams playing in finished ball parks.

The coverage of Team Body on the front page of Sunday’s paper was more than enough. On the front page, at least, would it be too much to ask that women wear shirts? The display of vanity and immodesty was excessive. And yet you insist on subjecting your readership to seven more days of this scandalous series. Perhaps a rerun of the June 7th article in the Living Section, Fashionably modest, would be in order? Perhaps we need to remember that Jesus included the immodest among those who would not enter heaven.

Joseph Yula
West Manchester Township

This letter is in response to Republican Margaret Leaman of York printed on July 1

Bush need's a way to rebound in the polls, so it was inevitable that if a small terrorist attack was ever found and stopped he would patronize the attackers for his own benefit. Most experts (even Republicans) said that the terrorist attack planned for JFK airport would not have been successful because it is impossible to burn the fuel underground with out a source of oxygen, which the attackers didn't have. Not to add they still didn't have the materials, the expertise, or the funding to ever fathom attacking the gas lines. So now we have cronies like Margaret who feel that the Bush administration is doing a bang up job at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue. But the severity of this planned attack would have been miniscule compared to any car bombing. And therefore I support the ACLU protecting the simplest of freedoms that we still have to fight for which is already guaranteed by the constitution.

Cole Herbst
Springettsbury Township

Within "Stadium disarray keeps fans away," Jim Seip criticizes the handling of the Revolution's inaugural season. Writing as someone who has attended 2 of the Rev's first 7 games and has the potential to become an avid Rev's fan, I'd like to point out one punch that he didn't throw and one solution that he didn't propose.

To me, what's most damning about the decisions made in the past is the saturation of the July and August schedule with home games. I propose that, given any level of ticket prices and performance of the team, there are only so many ticket sales available for a single month, e.g., I only want to attend 2-3 times per month. By compressing the July and August home schedules, the Rev's ownership has divided a fixed number of ticket sales over more games and ensured low attendance per game.

Jim didn't get to the heart of the situation by considering the underlying economic principles. Regardless of the level of convenience or inconvenience to attend games at a stadium in disarray, there is a price that each individual is willing to pay. Here, please consider how Southwest Airlines induced us to forego assigned seats by providing low prices.

Given the disarray, would you consider sitting in the rear of section 1, 2, 3, 24, 25 or 26 if the price per seat were $6? $4? $2? There DOES EXIST a ticket price which will fill every seat in the stadium, and an empty seat has never purchased a $5 beer! Perhaps, Opening Day Partners will get a clue before the end of August.

Donald E Coho
West Manchester Township

Forgiving Scooter Libby is just another signal by this president that it is okay to commit any crime as long as it is in support of the Republicaan Party, George Bush and Dick Cheney. There has never been an administration so corrupt as the present one in the history of the republic. Emperor George I, ruler of all creation has decided to do away with the idea of equal protection under the law.
Dave Dunlap
Pensacola FL (Native Yorker)

After thirteen years living in this small town, we have come to accept that if you "break wind" in East Prospect, the power will go out. Yes Miss Mackley, we are very tired of it also. One day two weeks ago the power went on and off 12 times in a row. I would guess that out of the entire month of June we had to reset our clocks 25 times. Unbelievable. We are looking into a whole house surge protector, at a cost of about $300. Maybe I should send the bill to PPL? You would think that $1,000 to $1,500 a year would guarantee satisfaction. Oh yeah, big business does whatever they want, I forgot.
Kim Godfrey
East Prospect

Dallastown Area School Districts has proposed a new intermediate school for grades 4-6. This school is to be located along Susquehanna Trail between Loganville and Jacobus; more specifically between Beck Road and School Road. Anyone familiar with that area will realize this is now a big field along the Trail. It’s all fine and dandy to be building a school there. I fail to understand why there is a need to take other people’s property to make an entrance into the school at Beck Road when they own so much road frontage and it would be attractive and efficient to have a drive into the middle of their property from the Trail.

The third annual YWCA womens triathlon was held Sunday, June 24th at York College. Women of all ages and abilities participated in this challenging event. The event is well organized, the new facilities at York College were wonderful to use, and the tremendous efforts of the volunteers are truly appreciated. A special 'Thank You' to the girl scouts who had two water stations for the athletes. Your time and energy given to support this event was a gift to all involved. Thank you !

Sue Meyer

York, PA

A leading US Senator stated that the Senate phone system was so overwhelmed by the calls opposing the Immigration bill that it crashed early in the morning on the day of the vote. I have asked several Senators and several news organizations to look into this matter. Did it REALLY crash or was it simply shut down by the Bush Administration or Pelosi and her gang to shut up the American public?

I would like to see an article on how the immediate residents affected by the recently built stadium for the Revolution feel about the elevated noise levels in their neighborhood.

I live in North York, and I can tell you that the fireworks have become a pain in the butt. My wife is 8 mos. pregnant. After the baby is born how am I to get it to sleep and stay asleep while this goes on at 10 oclock or 11 oclock at night?

I have lived here for six years and the ballpark has been there two months. I can understand having fireworks on opening day and if...if...if they ever win a championship. But please not every weekend!
Matt Caudill
North York