September 2007 Archives

Dave Workman's article, "Pushing gun control by lying," which appeared in the York Sunday News on Sept. 23, raises a couple of interesting issues:

1) Is Mr. Workman the senior editor of Gun Week, an idiot, or is he a shrewd propagandist who thinks that newspaper readers like you are idiots?

2) Did the York Sunday News publish Mr. Workman's article to demonstrate that he is an idiot, or did none of the newspaper's editors realize that the basic premise of the article is nonsense (in which case they are idiots)?

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I am writing in frustration with the lack of help there is in Pennsylvannia with unsolved crimes. My Grandmother, Annie L. Fetrow, was brutally murdered on Aug. 16, 1980, and STILL there is no one being held responsible for this crime. She was working at the old Strinestown theatre and was brutally shot during a robbery gone bad. I was only a year old at the time of the crime and wasn't able to pursue her case, now I am older and can and being given the run around when trying to collect ANY information from the State Police. I originally contacted them in May of this year and still after many messages left with them I have yet to receive even a phone call on the status of my grandmother's case. Is there anything else I can do?

I just want justice and peace for my family.

Heather Davis
Etters

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Sept. 22 while trying to cross downtown York I was both highly entertained and concerned that the organization entrusted with the redirection of traffic, apparently had no plan in place for their own parade. This begs the question does anyone know how to plan such traffic flow patterns, and if there is such a person were they on vacation? I saw roads closed with barriers, and no personel, also I witnessed on several occasions fire trucks closing intersections, surely these individuals should know the importance of maintaining free flowing streets in situations like this.

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Joel Sears, presumably representing the York County Taxpayers Council, advocates eliminating the school property tax, and cutting business taxes by 50 percent. What does that mean? It means the greeter at the mega-store will pay more school tax than the business. The student with the summer job hauling bricks will pay more than the wealthy out-of-the-school-district developer. The guy clearing snow at the apartment complex will pay a higher percentage than the non-resident landlord. And the lawn care service for the McMansion will be taxed on a larger percentage of income than the people who spend six months in Florida. Mega-mall and strip mall land owners will have a free ride, all on the backs of retirees and ordinary workers who will be sales-taxed on everything they have to buy.

Perhaps a more accurate name for the York County Taxpayers Council would be Stick-it-to-the-little-guy Council.

Carl Huber, Jr
Springettsbury Township

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Notice to all York county residents: hang on to your hats!. With election day fast approaching, and at least three commissioner prospects vying for election who have backgrounds directly related to real estate development, you can have the pleasure of witnessing the potential rape of our county green space, by the forces of Rayac (the real estate commission); Steve Chronister, our absentee commissioner; Doug Hoke, his cousin; and Ned Grove all are, were or are, sympathetic to this county's realtors.

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I believe Mitrick and Kilgore should be made to repay the taxpayers all monies, including legal fees, that they wasted on their "pet" project Lauxmont Farms. They both can afford it, the county taxpayers cannot.

There has to be a political motive behind this, not just to clear the record before the end of their terms. They do not have the do-gooder reputation.

Edith Weber
Springettsbury Township

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I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to the residents of East King Street who helped me during one of the most terrifying incidents I have ever encountered. On Tuesday, Sept. 18, my beloved dog, Malcolm, was violently attacked by a pitbull while we were enjoying our morning walk. The wandering pitbull came out of nowhere and starting mauling Malcolm. I froze with fear. I started screaming for someone to help me.

Suddenly, people were surrounding me to offer assistance. Unfortunately, I did not get their names. However, I would like to personally thank the two gentlemen who freed the pitbull from Malcolm, the woman who ushered Malcolm behind a fenced yard to keep him safe, and the young ladies who called police and helped comfort me. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude I have for all of you. Each of you will forever hold a special place in my heart as you helped me during my time of need. But, most importantly, you have helped restore my belief in human compassion. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Sonja Mittel
York

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As I read the front page story regarding the County Clerk's Office accidental leak of personal information of county constables, I feel that the editor is more irresponsible than the Clerk's office for bringing more unwanted attention to this sensitive matter.

The Constables did not deserve to be further victimized by the need to sensationalize such an incident. Anyone who is looking to retaliate against these constables for doing their job will be dilligent to try and find this information on the internet. I find it incredibly ironic that while this incident occured more than a year ago, the reporting is happening immediately prior to the county elections. It makes me wonder what the true motivation is behind your reporting.

Tim Yelton
York

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I was wondering if you could do an article about the lack of courtesy shown on the road. We, in this country talk about how rude the French are, but we need to look in the mirror. I have seen so many people look at someone in anger, after that person was trying to park their car, or even just turn in front of them. If they have to slow down at all, it is like it is life/death. And the two-second rule? Most of the time, if you counted, you may get to one thousand one. Why do we feel we have to ride on the person's bumper in front of us? You aren't going to get there any faster and are more likely to cause an accident because now that person is worried about what you are doing.

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The most recent outrage coming from the Clerk of Courts office in York County (“Outrage over posted IDs”) should be the final straw for its (for lack of a better word) manager Don O’Shell. His continued ineptness in this position and his continued “mistakes” can not be tolerated by the people of York County. He needs to be removed from office before he can do anymore harm to the individuals and the court system of York County.

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I am writing this letter on behalf of the Kennard-Dale Sports Booster Club officers and members. Our school family recently suffered the traumatic loss of one of our senior student athletes, Cynthia Fuller in an automobile accident. Our students, faculty and community was devastated by this loss. On Sept. 8 the Kennard-Dale Rams varsity football team hosted the Littlestown Thunderbolts varsity football team. At the game a moment of silence was observed and a 50/50 drawing was held in honor of Cynthia with all proceeds going to her family.

I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Littlestown fans for their incredible generosity, sincerity and support at our time of sadness and loss. The actions of our visitors that day showed the true spirit of good sportsmanship and it was recognized and truly appreciated by the Rams. Littlestown should be proud of their team, coaches and fans that represented their community on Sept. 8.

At this time, I would also like to thank the Kennard-Dale fan who won the 50/50 drawing and generously donated her winnings back to Cynthia's family. I can only hope that Cynthia's family can find strength from the support and caring of the community.

Theresa Geroux
Stewartstown

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Neo Con desk generals like Bill Kristol and John Bolton, think the American people are dumb as sheep. They think they can lie us into another war, a war with no discernible upside and a potential catastrophic downside. This war would start with an attack on Iran and possibly Syria, but could spill over into the rest of the Middle East, and include Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It would also, quite possibly, bring swift economic retaliation against the U.S. from China and Russia, and perhaps the European Union.

I cannot understand the so-called logic behind this war frenzy. Turning the Middle East topsy turvy seems to me to be in no nation's interest, particularly ours.

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As one who has been counseling and mentoring young people for almost a decade, I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Fields that the needs of our young people today are much deeper than simply displaying ones undergarments. Teen life has become overwhelming, as suicide, drugs, gang violence, and sexual pressure represent a stark reality to the younger generation. I also agree that the “Officials” are not the ones to address the problem of sagging pants - certainly that would only add fuel to the fire of youthful rebelliousness. However, while Ms. Fields cries out for recognition of the deep problems of our teens, she also concludes her article by stating that the sagging pants of young men are just a “goofy American fad” or a “youthful fashion statement.” It is here, at this contradictory crossroads, that I must depart from the path of agreement. My concern is not even the fact (or urban legend, as it may be) that this fad finds its origins among prisoners and criminals (and, by the way, if the legend is true, then sagging your pants does not indicate a level of authority or high status; it actually identifies you as something not to be discussed in a family-friendly newspaper.) Rather, this manner of dress displays not only undergarments and poor taste, but also signifies a distinct attitude which pervades youth culture today: that of willful disrespect. The real crime is that so many of us adults actually put up with it.

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This letter is for ALL those concerned about education. The SKILLS Act, otherwise known as the Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries bill is up for a vote in Washington, D.C. within the next two weeks.

In this age of NCLB (No Child Left Behind Act), librarians are the profession that provides students with the opportunity to acquire and practice the skills of information location, access, and use using both print and electronic resources. Librarians are often the only constant staff member that a student encounters through their elementary, middle and high school years. They have the opportunity to build a strong rapport with students in this hectic world we live in. Librarians teach not only reading, writing and arithmetic (Dewey Decimals), but encourage and foster a love of reading for joy of a good story. We reach out to students who are at the fringes and help them find themselves in literature to see they are not alone. Librarians teach students the skills needed to allow them to gather information needed when they have a question about a topic that is personal and use those research skills in life after graduation. However, there are very few school districts in York County that employee a full-time "highly qualified" school librarian in every building.

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Last week, I witnessed a social tragedy. The tragedy was that an enthusiasm not often seen in the youth of today was stamped out. It was as if the very heart and soul of 40 young high school students were ripped out.

I’m speaking of the York Suburban girl’s volleyball game against Northeastern last week.

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Folks, call your State Representatives and tell them that you heard enough talk.It's now past time for action to eliminate School Property Taxes. This is not a fair tax. It holds only the property owners responsible while every one else gets a free ride.

Tell them that the 5 percent sales tax would hold everyone responsible for supporting the school systems. Tell your State resentatives that you mean business, it's time for positive results. Tell them to put all their other meaningless projects on hold until they eliminate the School Property Tax. Tell them that the voters are watching very closely. Some Representatives may need to find work that is more fitting to their skill and abilities.

Richard Axe
Windsor Township

My daughter disappeared from the fair last tuesday night. I, of course, assumed the worst had happened. She is 17 and her ride left the fair without her, it was just one bad decision after the next from there. But thanks to the hard work of Northern York Regional Police Officer Dull and the West York Police Department, my daughter was found safe on Wednesday afternoon and returned home.

I just wanted to send out a very big thank you to Officer Dull and the West York Police department for all the time they spent searching for my child! I will forever be grateful.

Melissa Elrod
York

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My attention was recently brought to comments made in the Sept. 14 article "After months of mystery -- Why Codo?" Mr. Swartz made a comment of how York's "older" population is going to have to "get used to" the way people 30 and younger handle things because they are the ones "with the money now."

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Three cheers for the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). Their Harvest Celebration Dinner at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and Hilton Harrisburg Sept. 14 definitely lived up to its promotion as “the food event of the season.”

A benefit for the non-profit, the event’s success is a direct extension of the work done daily by the organization and its 4,000 plus members to promote profitable farms which produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment.

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You know, as I read about Codo and other "redevelopment plans" for our beautiful city, my rational thoughts have come back full force. The old York Auto parts building will bring 30 jobs to the city, according to the Sunday business section.

Thirty?! Thats it?!! You really have to be kidding me.

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While driving home from my son's soccer game, late Sunday afternoon, we were delayed by traffic. The following day I learned the traffic delay was due to a suicide on Interstate 83.

It disturbed me to learn that General Counsel for the Newspaper Association, Teri Henning is of the opinion that the woman's name should be released as a matter of Public Record. I applaud the County Coroner, Barry Bloss and State Police for having the ethical fortitude that the General Counsel lacks. Public Record or not, I do not need to know the identity of the woman. My thoughts are for the family and her friends she left behind.

Ms. Henning stated that she is "not trying to be insensitive" in her assertion that the woman's identity should be released......It is, what it is Ms. Henning.

Paul Johnston
Seven Valleys

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Charles H. Robertson is my friend and I am proud of it. When I ran for city office two years ago, Charles H. Robertson reached out to a stranger and offered sound advice. When my campaign office opened, Charles H. Robertson was there to offer his public support. When negative publicity hit the newspaper, Charles H. Robertson was one of the first to call with understanding and support. When the campaign was over and the election was lost, Charles H. Robertson stood with me that night with unwavering support. When my wife recently passed away, Charles H. Robertson, among others, came to my home and provided comfort and understanding in my time of overwhelming grief.

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Regarding George Trout's writings on Sept. 9 about the so called "fairness doctrine," we used to have a fairness doctrine in broadcasting and as I recall it worked OK. At least it shut up that dope who used to have the Red Lion radio station and his pal, the Rev. Carl McIntyre.

What's wrong with saying that if a talk show host attacks a candidate on the air, that person has to give the candidate the opportunity to respond if they choose to? Who knows, it might even make some of the "winger talk shows" a little less boring.

John Loeper
Waynesburg

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This last summer the Maryland State Board of Education ruled against parents’ rights. Their statement as reported in the Washington Post said concerning the right of parents to determine the upbringing of their children "that right is not absolute. It must bend to the State's duty to educate its citizens." This was Maryland’s answer to parents who did not approve of the sexual curriculum that was being taught to their children.

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Well leave it to the federal government to create another "fee" to be paid. I wonder if when the federal government came up with the requirement that an annual $25 fee has to be paid to help reduce the federal deficit, they realized that they would be taking money from our nation's children.

I guess the government feels its okay to reduce the income of the people that pay and receive child support since that money goes towards our children. So why not take the money from them since they are our future and the federal deficit will be theirs to deal with way into their future.

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I am not in the habit of writing letters to the editor! However I felt the need to express my disgust at the crude comments made by Bill Swartz, spokesman for the investors of Codo, in the article which was published on Friday, Sept. 14.

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Harley is shutting down the week of Nov. 26.

HORRORS! It is deer season.

Any consideration in "public opinion" being given to those who now have the choice of transferring 'scheduled vacation times' into times when Harley is in operation?

Any consideration in "public opinion" being given to those who, because of low seniority, have been gifted the time off without pay (and no consequence) for time that they may be considering taking anyway?

Jim Seidel
Spring Garden Township

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During this week of the York Fair, there has been much written about it including it's history, which I, as a Pennsylvania citizen for the past two years only, find most interesting. I have subscribed to the YDR since my wife and I moved here and read it from cover to cover each day. This, of course, includes all of the fantastic writings of Mike Argento. It didn't take very long to realize just what an absolute literary genius Mr. Argento truly is; so when his recent column was about the daily process of removing cow manure from the fair grounds during York Fair week, I was absolutely excited and anxious to absorb each and every word put to paper from this man's magnificent mind.

I cannot put into words (I am not anywhere near Mike's stature) my true feelings when I digested this monumental column and felt totally satisfied knowing that Mike Argento finally, finally, finally wrote something about that which he is the world's greatest expert - MANURE !!!

Vince Powell
West Manchester Township

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Let me get this straight. President Bush authorized a surge in troop levels in Iraq when the majority of Americans wanted him to begin to pull out of Iraq. Then he manages to maintain those levels for months until Gen. David H. Petraeus delivers his report in mid September.

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As I wrote this, it was going on 11 p.m. on a weeknight and my wife and I, who live in Manchester Township, just returned from going outside to see what was making an awful racket. Being late on a weeknight, we couldn't imagine what civic disturbance could be so raucous. Lo and behold, it looks like it's coming from that accursed stadium in York.

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In regard to your editorial of Sept. 13, now you’ve resorted to calling those of us who oppose fluoridation of the public water supply “paranoid.” Why is it so difficult for you to accept that we’re not stupid or fringe elements who believe in conspiracy theories. We’re simply well-reasoned, intelligent consumers who prefer that we not be forced to ingest fluoride in our water.

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As a patriotic citizen of York City, I was concerned at the number of businesses that did not lower their flags to half mast in honor of the men and women killed on 9/11. My niece Anna, friend Candice, and myself called and visited several of these businesses to politely ask why. Several of them thanked us for bringing it to their attention, and rectified the situation immediately.

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The holiday started off at the Dover Firemen's Carnival, a show at 2 p.m. and another at 4 p.m. As soon as that show ended, they were off to the Kawanis Lake performance at 8 o'clock.

This is definitely one for your "Roses" section. Roses to local musicians from the band Face First (Hugh, Turtle, Randy, Dan, and Joe). They played three shows at two locations in one day -- Labor Day. You guys played fantastically and all to benefit our community run events.

Also, a "shout out" to the boys who make all their shows run smoothly, TR, SpongeBob, Stockey, and Matt.

Melissa Taylor
Dallastown

With regard to Fred Rosenmiller's letter concerning immigration, it used to be "America, love it or leave it." Now it seems to be "America, if you're not from here, get the he-- out." In his letter, Mr. Rosenmiller seems to assume that every Spanish speaking immigrant just wants to come here to get on welfare and Medicaid.

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Here is my nomination for the worst railroad crossing in York County. The York Rail crossing on Stoverstown Road in the Village of Bair Station has to be near the top of the list of railroad crossings in dire need of immediate repairs. Please! Thank you.

Jerry Allison
Dallastown

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Despite all the "surge" hype and "progress" reports, the truth remains: the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 based on lies. There were no chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in Iraq; Iraq had no part in the 9/11 attacks; Saddam Hussein was not supporting Al Qaida. Our invasion and continuing occupation is a violation of international and U.S. law and has weakened our ability to defend ourselves at home, while causing more people to hate and despise us. It is bankrupting us morally and financially, and is killing more U.S. soldiers and Iraqis every day.

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Leona Helmsley was not a pleasant person. Some people mock her bequest of $12 million dollars for the care of her dog. I wish to offer a different perspective.

One item which is tossed off as an afterthought on every newscast are the billions of dollars left to charity. In addition to $5 million left to each of two grandchildren, and $100,000 to her chauffeur, are the billions given away through the Leona and Harry Helmsley Charitable Trust. I wonder why the exact number of billions is not trumpeted by the news media, the same way that $12 million for the pooch are trumpeted.

Arthur M. Litoff
Franklin Township, Adams County

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Another Presidential race approaches with the usual assortment of celebrity law school graduates. The stars include an actor who worked on an Oval Office set in Hollywood, as well as a former First Lady with White House experience and the furniture to prove it. The leading “conservative” candidates include two notorious northeast gun-grabbers, who change positions with the polls. The other “liberal” team offers a superstar trial lawyer and the uninspiring Illinois Senator whose resume includes almost a decade of continuous campaigning for higher office. All of the lawyer-candidates see no reason to protect our borders or enforce immigration laws, except at election time when giving speeches.

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Upon reading the York Sunday News opinion page, I stumbled upon the paranoid ramblings of former County Commissioner George Trout. If you are not an ultra right wing bible twisting neo conservative that aligns totally with his way of thinking, you are in his words, "an insideous, destructive, anti-religious, secular progressive." Think about that critique for a moment, if you don't see a lot a paranoid hatred in those words, you are not putting much thought into it.

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The St. Joseph's Holy Name Society of York, would like to thank everyone for their support of our yard sale on Sept. 1. The response of parishioners, vendors and the shoppers was overwhelming and our success will allow us to contribute to needy students at St. Joseph's as well as contribute to the St. Vincent de Paul poor people's fund. Special mention to Wal-Mart, Weis Markets and Giant Foods for their support.

Michael Moul
President, St. Joseph's Holy Name Society

As an educator, I became concerned over the fuzzy math utilized by David Petraeus in justifying continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. According to the Washington Post, Petraeus and the Pentagon are using a bizarre formula for measuring violence in the country. For example, deaths by car bombs don't count and assassinations count only if you're shot in the back of the head — not in the front. Furthermore, we should learn to trust the opinion of those closer to the action than Petraeus has been; the Iraqis themselves believe the surge has failed.

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I am astonished at the audacity of the “journalists” of the York newspapers. In case you haven’t heard, they are currently running radio spots asking the public to support them in their labor negotiations with the owners of the newspapers, located in Denver. Their slogan is “We’re York County; They’re Not!”

I’d like to ask these so-called journalists a question: When was the last time you supported any of York County’s workers in a labor dispute? Whether it’s been the workers of Harley-Davidson struggling to maintain their health benefits and get the company to share their huge profits or any of the local teacher unions seeking wages commensurate with their educational level and the importance of the job they do, you have invariably “reported” with a strong anti-union bias. You certainly have done nothing to deserve our support. Why don’t you do what you feel other workers should do — accept whatever it is your owners are offering and be thankful you have a job.

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As today marks the anniversary that most of us would like to forget I wanted to share with you a brief experience that I had two weeks ago.

I was in the BWI airport getting ready to fly out to see a friend of mine and there were hundrededs of men and women in the airport, some going home, some to Fort Bragg and some to Iraq. I took a moment to speak with as many of these brave soldiers that I could. At the end of a conversation that I had with a young woman and a young man I cried.

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I agree with the letter on fixing the crime problem (Fix crime problem-or no taxes). Boycotting the high city taxes is a good idea. I don't live in the city, but I used to a long time ago. I know not all of it is like this but its sad that one has to lock their car doors while driving through and hope you don't have to sit at a light too long in fear of getting shot or carjacked (its happened, I know someone who was).

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Your editorial page reached a new low with the Sept. 9 edition. The ultra-right diatribes by Cal Thomas, Fred Rosenmiller, Bill O'Reilly, and George Trout were balanced by what, the Mike Argento piece on the good fortune of satirists bestowed upon them by Sen. Larry Craig? Can your pathetic rag have at least some pretense of presenting ANY viewpoint other than the far right? Perhaps your political tunnel vision is so myopic you don't know of any centrist or left-leaning columnists. Contrary to what Mr. Trout indicates, if he was to actually read the Washington Post or New York Times (something I doubt given his admission that he seems to get most of his information from talk radio) he would discover that all manner of political opinions are represented by the columnists who appear in those newspapers, in contrast to the York Sunday News "Viewpoints" section. That's supposed to be "viewpoints" plural, Mr. Fisher (editorial page editor), not singular.

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If there was an emergency or a disaster would your family have enough water and non-perishable food to last for at least three days? What if your family was separated during an emergency or a disaster, would everyone know where to meet?

September is National Preparedness Month. Although we only recognize preparedness on a national level once a year, every person should take steps throughout the year to be better prepared for natural and man-made disasters or emergencies.

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Apparently, George Trout listens to a lot of conservative talk radio. His remarks in his Community Columnist article (Sept. 9) are a regurgitation of the daily text of these shows which use the following techniques:

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In one of Shakespeare's plays, a ghost says to a young man, "There is a tale I could unfold whose lightest word would harrow up thy soul freeze thy young blood."

Fred Thompson (R), Grade B actor.

Mitt Romney (R), A member of a religious denomination who from its inception practiced racial discrimination, and for a century has covered up and tried to hide the murder of innocent men, women and children.

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Hatred is hatred. It doesn't matter if it comes from the other side of the earth in the mountains of Pakistan or here in York County.

Osama Bin Laden labels anyone who disagrees with him an infidel or a heathen. He has told us that, to be saved, we must eliminate all forms of corporations, leave the middle east, reject our own religious beliefs, and embrace his form of Islam. If we do not, he will be forced to kill us.

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Every time I travel north on route 83 and see the old Consolidated Freightways site I feel a sense of nostalgia and sadness. What a shame that the CF landmark tractor trailer sign is slowly deteriorating. It will soon be lost forever. It should be saved. It is a piece of our local history. Isn’t there some way to obtain it and preserve it? Perhaps it could even be on display in the York Industrial Museum?

I remember as a child being enthralled by that larger than life tractor trailer sitting high in the sky and if we were traveling at night, WOW! What a sight to see those lighted moving wheels! It was like seeing Christmas lights year round. It also signified that we would soon be home from wherever we had been and that was a good feeling.

Are there others who feel the same way?

Linda Leavesley
Windsor Township

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I lived in Iran for four of my 68 years and have experienced the Middle East culture first hand. It's futile to impose our will, no matter how well intended, on that culture.

So, please, in the name of God, if you believe in one, do what's necessary to get out of there and let them settle their differences.

Joseph Cunningham
New Freedom

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On Sunday Sept. 2, I was interested to read Matt Jackson's article "Nine Points to Northwest Triangle." Being a relatively new resident to York city, I was looking forward to getting a clearer idea of what this new development project entailed. I appreciated how he outlined the many facets this project.

However I was disappointed in his first point. I found his matter of fact statement that "...this project does not include subsidized or low-income housing in any shape or form," both disconcerting and shocking. When my husband and I moved to downtown York one our motivating reasons was to live in an ethnically, racially and economically diverse community and to be part of the city's renewal.

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In his letter "TND will worsen sprawl," John E. Bowders asks us to believe that “TNDs are a developer-driven concept…[that allows] developers to build high-density…neighborhoods that increase traffic congestion.” I would have guessed that increased traffic congestion is a result of the increase in the number of cars traveling longer distances on inadequate roads because people must drive virtually everywhere -- even to take children to visit a “neighbor” only four houses away.

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I would like to know why there are no ordinances to deter cat owners from letting their cats run free. There are many people in our development who are very unhappy with the cats coming onto their properties. In recent months we've had cats dig up our gardens to defecate, come through our screened patio to urinate in our garage and kill baby bunnies who were born on our property.

It has been a few years since we have seen much wildlife in our neighborhood. This summer we enjoyed watching the rabbits play and petting and holding the baby bunnies. The first litter of bunnies were picked off by a neighbor's cat. We witnessed it running off with one and listened to the horrible sound the bunny was making upsetting the children terribly.

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We are supposedly a "civilized" society. However, back in Roman times there was a coliseum where humans were pitted against animals or other human being to tear each other to shreds and the audience applauded.

We had slavery for a couple of hundred years and in the early 20th century were still hanging African-Americans while the "audience" of whites looked on and smiled. (See the book "Without Sanctuary.")

We call those horror stories but we have our own now.

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I was denied the right to buy a gun on Monday September 3, 2007, which is an obvious and obstinate infringement of my rights as a Pennsylvanian, and an American.

PA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 1

Right to Bear Arms

Section 21.

The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

US CONSTITUTION:

BILL OF RIGHTS

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Delay is denial when it comes to rights. Were I to be denied the right to free speech for 3 days while Ed (Rendell) and his minions got their database of conservative speech in order, would that be accepted by the masses?

The only argument against me getting the gun that I heard was: arm a regulated militia... to whit I would say:

a) The rationale given for the right can, in no part, be held as the only reason for the right. Here’s an example of that in action:

The first amendment guarantees the freedom of religion:

When this amendment was created there was no such thing as Scientology, therefore it was not part of their rational in putting the right in… based upon your argument requiring me to be in a militia to bear arms, the Scientologists have no rights afforded under the first amendment, and I really can’t think of anyone who would question their rights to believe whatever wack-job concepts they believe.

b) The tenth amendment conveys all further regulations not expressed by the constitution to the states, and, as evidenced by the above referenced PA Constitution the right is guaranteed.

See amendment X US Bill of rights.

Jay L. Andrzejczyk
York City

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Rather than being castigated, Congressman Todd Platts is to be commended for his vote in favor of an amendment which would have restricted taxpayer dollars from going to the nation's largest abortion operation, Planned Parenthood ("Platts' vote on family planning 'outrageous'" August 26).

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I would like to let you know how our health care system really works. I was working and then stopped working. Between jobs I was offered COBRA, a government sponsored health program. I paid more than $3,000 for four months.

Until now, for an unknown reason, COBRA cannot contact my prior health company, Capital Blue Cross, that indeed I do have coverage. It is August 31st, and I am not eligible for the medicine that I require, even though I have paid between May 1, 07 and now. I would like to tell that cruel president in the White House that he and all of his idiots can pretend that they care, but I know the truth.

Diane E. Lotfy
York

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President Ronald Reagan remarked in 1987 that “No one can predict when the next river will flood or the next storm will hit. No one can foresee the next threat to the nations’ health. What is predictable is that we will face such threats and emergencies, and that the American Red Cross will be there to offer help and hope.”

As we enter September, National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross stands committed to help you Be Red Cross Ready for disasters and life-threatening emergencies by helping you Get a kit, Make a plan, and Be informed.

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I would like to thank all the folks who came out to the 2007 Craley Day Bake Sale during the annual Craley Day. It was a rousing success!

I have had the fortune to work with many of you over the years and I am always so rewarded by all the time, generosity, creativity and willingness of everyone. My thanks to all the bakers of cakes, pies, fudge and other goodies! I want to express my gratitude to all the help that I received at the bake sale table -- the weather was delightful and catching up with everyone is always wonderful!

Finally, I want to thank all the folks who purchased the excellent baked goods! We raised over $900 for the Craley Fire Company and the Playground, and achieved that at less than $1.75 for almost everything we sold! Thank you, everyone!

Judy Higgins
Bake Sale Chairperson

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Sunday morning at 2:15 AM a drunk driver ran into my parked Ford Explorer pushing it into my fiancee's Volvo. Within minutes of calling 911, Spring Garden Police, Fire and EMT services arrived. These men and women were astounding, caring and helpful! The officers went over the accident reporting process in great detail. The fire crew cleaned up the mess and helped remove the vehicles. The EMT's looked after the driver of the vehicle and took him to the hospital. And most of all, everyone of these individuals were kind, friendly and there to help us in the middle of the night.They will tell you it's their job, but there is a hell of a lot more to it than that!

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To the patrons of the Northeastern Community Independence Day Celebration, hosted by Strinestown Community Fire Company and held on the property on Canal Road June 30, 2007, the Fire Company would like to thank you for your support. We realize that there were a few glitches with parking and traffic issues. This was a new site for us and we are working diligently to correct them for next year’s event. We are also looking at a more definitive start time for the fireworks as well as a stated time at which we close the gates to parking. This will hopefully insure that everyone will be able to get in to park and enjoy the show.

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In the Aug. 30 paper there is chart reflecting schools test performance based on race and family economic level. 35 to 40 years ago a law was passed eliminating the listing of your race on application forms to eliminate racial preference. I was very pleased as I thought this was a step to minimize racism. A short time later I applied for night school courses and the application asked for my race. Later I attended a committee meeting with the PA State Treasurer attending and I asked why I was asked for my race on the application. He said so we can keep track of how minorities are doing. This was the state failing to follow the law and I rate them a big fat "O."

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In recent news it has been reported that the Government Accountabilty Office states that Iraq has met only 3 of 18 benchmarks for political and military progress. This result certainly doesn't fall under my definition of success. Our President and his policies are deluded.

I would hope that Congressman Platt's support of the unjust, unprovoked war in Iraq would soon change to coincide with the will of the majority of the American people.

Before the war even started, I was writing the White House imploring them to not invade Iraq. I was following the situation daily, and felt that the UN inspectors were doing their job and that they should be given the time to complete their mission. We did not have support from other world powers, we were alone, we were diverting forces and intelligence from Afghanistan (consequently we still haven't eliminated Bin Laden) to Iraq for what I perceived was part of the Bush administration's agenda from DAY 1. Cheney, Rumsfeld and the other "Chicken Hawks" saw in Iraq potential for oil reserves. Yes, Saddam Hussein was a nasty man. But I was convinced that the aging dictator's regime was doomed to eventual failure and that some subversive group from within his own country would seize the day and remove him. I had no access to CIA reports, but I knew I was right. I could even see in Colin Powell's face the lingering doubt. He was duped by his bosses. And it infuriated me that the most Americans were falling for the fear mongering and the "They attacked us first" rhetoric spewed by the Bush group. Americans had become lemmings, following our leaders blindly into a a failed foreign policy.

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I think they should have more airport signs. On a recent Friday night my family was traveling to pick a relative up from the Harrisburg International Airport and the only sign I saw was on I-83 and the sign just said 76 West. That was the only sign I saw and they didn't even have a sign at the exit so how are out of town people going to know where to go to the airport?

Then when we got to the airport we had trouble finding the terminal because HIA reminds me of a ghost town. Most of the lights were out and the runway was almost "dead." So PA, do you think you could add more signs and HIA make your airport less spooky!

Landon Roe
Chanceford Township

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