January 2008 Archives

January 21, 2008 was a wonderful day across the USA as we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Crispus Attucks Association chose to mark this occasion by offering an event focusing on the theme of “A Day On, Not A Day Off.” The purpose was to encourage our youth and neighbors to give back to the community.

Our annual breakfast attracted 525 people who celebrated the spirit of Dr. King. Thank you to our young people who helped to organize this program.

It is my opinion that the program message was a huge success: our young people took a leadership role in volunteering in our community. More than 125 volunteers committed to community service projects that day such as picking up trash in our streets and visiting seniors in nursing homes.

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I have written a letter to the local Newspapers with the same title a couple of years ago. I am writing this one with such anger over the treatment of Barack Obama’s Endorsement by Senator Kennedy, Congressman Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy. This was a historic moment in the lives of Americans and anyone who loves and respects the Kennedy family. However, it came as a horrible shock when the local news in York County, PA acted like it did not happen. The television stations and newspapers did not even mention it.

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The owners of Suburban Park Apartments and the property management company, RP Management, Inc. are deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred at the property the morning of Tuesday January 22, 2008. Many residents lost their homes and possessions and we are doing everything in our power to accommodate them in this moment of need. We are thankful that no lives were lost, nor serious injury sustained.

Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Springettsbury Township Emergency Services and the American Red Cross. They are to be commended for their hard work, dedication and response to this tragic event.

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As a Township Supervisor, I have taken the views and desires of every resident very seriously. I pride myself in making decisions based on what I believe is best for the township and residents as a whole and not for any one person. I believe I have been working towards a comprehensive plan that focuses on the development, growth, and preservation of the township that represents the majority of the residents. To that end, I voted to hire Spotts, Stevens, & McCoy, an engineering firm in Reading, PA to conduct a survey to assist in developing a comprehensive plan that fits the needs of the township as a whole.

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I am distressed that the fire/suicide attempts in Springettsbury Township this year have cast, at least for the moment, the Community Hospitalization Integration Project Program (CHIPP) and its partner mental health organizations in this area in a bad light. All these organizations service people with mental health issues.

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By all means, let us prevent people with mental illness from living among us. Let us be satisfied with the rapists, murderers, pedophiles, abusers and habitual criminals who live in our community instead.

This "debate" on whether the mentally ill can live among us is ludicrous at best. One out of every four Americans have a mental illness. Before you call your landlord and tell him you want your mentally ill neighbor removed take a look in your mirror. Anyone can develop a mental illness at any age. Thousands of people in York County are dealing with mental illness themselves or with someone who is close to them. Anyone you meet in daily life could have a mental disorder and you may not know it; yet you have lived successfully along side them all along.

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When most people shop I don't think they decide to by a product based on where it was manufactured or assembled at, or what percent of the material was from what country.

What people care about is the quality, and most of all the price. If we have our food labled by Nutrition Facts, Charitable Organizations listing how much is actually going to the charity and how much for overhead expenses, why shouldn't we have the true cost of the items we buy. How much is going to pay for large salaries for CEO's, and how much of our hard earned dollars are going towards severance pay packages, and bonus retirement deals. Where do these people think this money comes from anyways?

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Mike Argento continues to reveal how the looney left wingers operate. In the article in Sunday's paper about Bill O'Reilly, he starts out saying that he is "defending" Bill....then uses the rest of the article to do nothing but attack and attempt to degrade him.

Typical left wing hypocritical way of doing things. Say one thing, and turn around and DO the opposite.

Thanks, Mike, for continuing to show the public how the left operates. I sent the article to Bill. Hopefully, he'll read it, and have a field day with it. I would pay to see that.

Deb Hosler
Springettsbury Township

How many of you, going back to the summer of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, remember all the global warming stories the hoaxers were out pushing? "This is only a forerunner of what it's going to be! It's going to be so bad; it's going to be really worse. It's global warming, and global warming is causing increased sea surface temperatures, and the increased sea surface temperatures, why, they're providing all the fuel for these hurricanes, and it's going to be horrible!"

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It would appear that Ruth Marcus has failed to provide a grade on all Republican candidates. As usual, the press is trying to manipulate the election process by failing to give coverage and credence to Ron Paul. The press can't allow someone to become president who actually abides by the Constitution.

Ms. Marcus needs to provide coverage on ALL candidates, not just the ones she wants to cover.

Lewis Mayer
Stewartstown

I am writing in hopes that everyone advertising in the pet section of the newspaper, refrain from listing their beloved pets for FREE, if for some reason or another are unable to keep the pet. Unfotunately there are people out there that do not care about our pets as most of us do. I want everyone to be aware that those pets that you are hoping will find a nice home for, are sometimes used for other horrible reasons other than being our companions.

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I believe Ed Dayhoff overstated his view ("Protesting War Treason" 1-27) making statements about soldiers and veterans that are not factual. While he has a legitimate concern, he wrote things that are simply untrue.

Firstly, he said that all soldiers in battle are demoralized by war protestors back home. That may be often true, but there are some soldiers who are glad Americans are doing their American thing -- trying to shape their democracy by making their voices heard as active citizens. Agree or disagree, they are proud of our American traditions of dissent and believe they are fighting for just such freedom.

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I realize the sensationalism the newspaper was going after when it printed the Taylor story as headlines; however, I do think that the paper should have exercised a bit more responsibility by not putting it on the front page. I really wonder if it should have been reported on in such depth at all. It seems to me that the York paper goes after anything that will sell papers.

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I am outraged and appalled that you would decide to place the above referenced story on the front page of today's paper. My 13 year old son retrieves the newpaper daily from the delivery slot and, needless to say, scanned these blaring, bold typed headlines as quickly as he could while walking back to the house. I was incredibly embarrassed as he sheepishly handed me the newspaper. Aren't we and our children innundated by enough sex in the media? Don't you have a responsibility to report news with accuracy and yet with some restraint as to what, I believe, is "too much information"? I fully understand and appreciate how sensationalism sells newspapers. However, this exploitation of someone's death is not only rude and irresponsible, but a slap in the face to this poor woman's family. Do you realize that your newspaper is placed in elementary schools and utilized by the students as a learning tool to instill a love of reading ? I've been a subscriber for 13 years and today I'm deciding whether or not to continue. If I wanted to read intimate details of someone's sex life, I'd purchase the National Enquirer at the grocery store. You owe an apology to Mrs. Taylor's family and to your readers.

Deborah Rishell
Jacobus

Are we living in the end times? It seems everyday I pick up the paper and read the letters to the editor I am floored by the shear futile expression of ignorance by insignificant people. Wether it's someone boo-hooing over dead seagulls, or another lunatic making some bizzarre equation between Micheal Vick, torturing dogs, and pedophiles working in schools(?). Another dolt points out how he is so dismayed by the lack of weather reports on the radio, and he is jilted by the fact that someone would try, allbeit unsuccessfully, to entertain their listeners with a silly Clinton impersonation. Every last one of you backwoods hicks who read this all suckle the same teet. We are all spoon fed the same reality, we are all part of the same machine. Sometimes it's an awful reality we live in. Instead of wasting time waxing over "the way it was" or "the way it should be"; how about you accept the way it is, grow up, and deal with it. We are all only one little car crash away from the big Wal-Mart in the sky anyway.

Justin Bradley
Red Lion

Somewhere back in the late 1990’s some people got together with our government and decided that they would replace our already free over the air channels with High Definition (HD) forcing everyone to buy new TV’s or converter boxes. Currently we get our over the air channels included in almost any base package that cable or satellite service offers. However, now as you are forced by 2009 to go to HD you will still have to pay for basic but to get HD over the air you will now also have to pay for a special HD box and an additional fee to actually get the HD not to mention all the special high cost cables.

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The article titled “Spend Quality Time With Kids” may have been well-intended, but was way off the mark. In these days, when children don’t get enough exercise and there isn’t snow on the ground for sledding, or frozen lakes and streams for ice skating, it seems a great idea to have an indoor physical play area for children. The fact that there is a coffee bar, lounge and free wireless Internet access for parents while their children are within view does not suggest that parents are abdicating responsibility.

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I received Congressman Todd Platts’ recent newsletter where he says, and I quote, “H.R. 3773 would require intelligence agencies to obtain a warrant in order to conduct surveillance on a foreign terrorist “suspect” located outside the United States whenever the suspect may be communicating with “anyone” located inside the United States.” What the congressman is trying to let you know is that he would like to remove any barriers that might hamper the intelligence agencies ability to wiretap terrorists. What he is trying not to let you know is that he would allow the intelligence agencies to wiretap American citizens without a warrant even if they were talking to someone who turned out not to be a terrorist.

On the 35th Anniversary of Roe v Wade, January 22, it was very clear the point of view your editors took. Rather than presenting both sides of the issue; your newspaper chose to print the anti-choice column by the right winger, Cal Thomas.

Thomas would “empower” women by making it increasingly difficult to obtain an abortion; creating ever more hurdles to overcome before being allowed their rights.

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Since 1998 Sameh Khouzam has had to live with the fear of a slow brutal death at the hands of the Egyptian Islamists and the cruelty of prison in the hands of INS/ICE. Being a prisoner in the US immigration system is inhumanly degrading and 9 years of it is torture.

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Rev. Robert Nugent's editorial of Jan 2, 2008 epitomizes the dismal head-in-the-sand mentality of some of the Catholic faithful.

If "the traditional Roman Rite of the Mass was never juridically abrogated and, consequently, in principle, was always permitted," why would permission be needed?

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It was with both sadness and outrage that I read your recent article entitled, "Planned Parenthood Heroes". Have we as a society sunk to a new low? Do we now hail as "heroes" those misguided individuals who escort vulnerable young women into abortion mills? Do we honor those individuals who aid in the murder of innocent unborn babies? What a disgrace! What a tragedy!

Marie A. Bair
Springettsbury Township

At the end of each year I've prepared an annual report for the Board of Commissioners, the Court of Common Pleas, and court related and court supporting county departments detailing the Clerk of Courts' activities and accomplishments for the prior year. This year and in years going forward as I begin my second term I'd like to share that information with the people of York County - our "shareholders" - to whom I ultimately report and am responsible to for the resources you provide as taxpayers.

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Recently there was a letter from a West Manchester Township resident who was questioning if there was anyone else out here who is very upset about the increase in our sewer rates. Here is one. I agree with them 100%. Why should those of us who only have two people living in a residence have to pay the full $128 for our sewer. That is the same amount that a house full of people will pay. Does this make sense? Not to me. The 'old' way made more sense. Your sewer bill was based on the amount of water usage. You use a lot, you pay more. You don't use a lot, you pay less.

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On my way to work today I witnessed what appeared to be a mother and father seeing their little girl onto the school bus. They both waved until the bus pulled away and walked back to the house together. It was such a sweet moment and I thought how loved that little girl must feel.

My father died recently and my memories are filled with lots of these kinds of moments. It was such a simple reminder about how important the seemingly little things can be. So, thank you to the couple on South Queen Street -- you warmed my heart on a chilly January morning.

Kay Deffinbaugh
York Township

After reading your Jan. 23 editorial it was perfectly clear that whoever wrote this did not do their research.

Yes, Sen. Punt is 'out of our area' as you say BUT speaking as one of the Dover Township Supervisors whose municipality is in his 33rd Senatorial District, Sen. Punt and his staff were always available and helpful with any issue where we needed help. Sen. Punt and Skip Strayer (in Sen. Punt's Gettysburg office) never hesitated to come to the Township in person and work with us in solving issues.

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I was appalled to learn from your Wednesday edition that President Bush and his employees lied to us 935 times to get our support for a war that will leave thousands of Americans dead or maimed and bankrupt the U.S. Treasury for generations to come. It's a good thing I made it back to page 8A or I would have remained blissfully ignorant of this act of treason. Maybe someday soon you can run a front-page story entitled "Where the Hell Are the Impeachment Hearings?"

Regan J. Straley
York

I can not in good conscience leave Ms. Spagnola's statement unanswered concerning her take on Wellspan's "Intro Into Reiki."

Although this method of self-healing shares many roots in both Hindu and Buddist beliefs, it also embraces several well known Christians doctrines including the "Laying on of hands." In case someone has missed those teachings during their earliest lessons, Jesus himself practiced healing in just this method and I may add, it is still in wide-spread use in many Christian religions today.

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I have an idea that most conservative York Countians will not like, but with which they may agree. It has been suggested that the U.S. allow illegal immigrants to stay after they pay a fine and back taxes, etc. Just think folks. If we do allow these people to stay and they pay their fines, etc, what great gains social security will receive. The baby boomers will have more workers to lean upon as they retire: 12 million more. Besides, with only a few exceptions, we are all descendants of immigrants.

Thomas Daughton
Spring Grove

Phillip Figdore hit the nail on the head about York countians. I didn't move here from Maryland. I came here two years ago from a point further south and west. But in my time here I've found what Mr. Figdore says to be true.

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On January 22nd America commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion in the United States for all nine months of a women’s pregnancy. Probably 50 million abortions have been legally performed in the United States with 1.2 million being done each year. In Pennsylvania, over 36,000 abortions were performed in 2006 with 766 abortions being performed in York County. This is such a sad picture of our respect for life in America.

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I am a Christian Minister who is also a Reiki Master/Teacher/Practioner. I am responding to Ms. Spagnola's letter saying Christians should not participate. She is greatly misinformed in all of her comments in the letter 1/18/2008 and obviously not an expert on the subject.

Many Christians are like myself, involved in this wonderful prayerful healing technique and have helped many people become well. This includes doctors, nurses and others who heal. Please discard her ill informed and prejudicial letter and call or go on line for the real information.

Rev. Marian Conboy
New Oxford

Re: the article by Michelle Malkin, “Wanted: A ‘suck it up candidate’ YDR 1/17/08, I would add that there should be some fingers pointed at Congress for creating this mess.

Not too many years ago the banking business was a highly regulated industry. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured bank deposits up $100,000. As a condition of that insurance the FDIC examined insured banks annually to assure the safety and soundness of each insured institution. Loans the examiners deemed to be too risky had to be charged off against the income of the bank. Federal regulation prohibited an insured bank from making a mortgage of more than 80 percent of the appraised value of a property. Most banks also had loan review committees that looked over loans. Loan officers who made risky loans had to shape up or ship out. A loan officer’s primary concern was that he/she not make any bad loans. A loan officer’s pay raises and chances for promotion were tied to these performance standards.

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I was disappointed that you failed to give a Rose to the 13-year-old boy from Red Lion who won the National Punt, Pass and Kick competition sponsored by the National Football League. It was quite an honor for a local young man to capture! Your staff fumbled the ball. Give yourselves Thorns!

Ed Miller
Springfield Township

I am writing this letter in response to the Dallastown School Board’s recent approval of the Middle School foreign language course. Next year’s eighth graders will have a language course as a ‘major subject’. To fit this course into the schedule, the Health course has been ‘bumped’ to the sixth grade curriculum. Parents in the Dallastown School District need to realize the implication of this ‘subtle’ change. The Middle School Health Department teaches an excellent curriculum to eighth graders. The course is age appropriate and covers in detail many aspects, which our 8th grade students need to know. Changing the curriculum to sixth grade means that much of what is taught now to eighth graders will need to be modified to make the information age appropriate for 11 & 12 year olds.

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January 22, 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade. This case is a powerful reminder that deciding whether and when to become a parent is one of the most personal and important choices we make.

Thirty-five years after Roe, the struggle to protect women's health and safety continues. Now, though, the battle isn't just being waged over abortion, but over some of the biggest ways to prevent unintended pregnancies, access to contraception, and comprehensive sexuality education.

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Wednesday morning my wife and I were awakened by a house full of smoke as well as the noise of the smoke detectors. We called 911 and reported the problem. By the time we opened the front and back doors we could hear the W. Manchester fire trucks in the distance.

Immediately a police car pulled up accompanied by several fire trucks. Before we knew it, they entered the house and traced the source of the smoke to the basement. Our furnace which had been serviced the day before had malfunctioned. The volunteer crew promptly ventilated the house checking it thoroughly for any other source of smoke. This all occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Both my wife and I were pleased with the quick response and the many courtesies shown us by Chief Nichols and his crew.. We were very impressed and remain thankful that these fine gentlemen, all volunteers, are available to protect the safety of our township.

As it turned out the lining of the fire box had deteriorated obstructing the fuel spray pattern causing the problem. We were reminded that an annual checkup, smoke detectors, and fresh batteries for them are a MUST.

Bob and Katy Spangenberger
West Manchester Township

Among the first actions of our new County Commissioners was the removal the ceremonial opening prayer. That was sad. The newspaper quoted an unnamed, County source that said the Commissioner's action was taken because clergy were not available to pray. I find that hard to believe.

I have been a clergyman in a large congregation in York for more than twenty (20) years. When asked, I have prayed often before sessions of the PA Senate, at West Manchester Township events where my congregation is located, with the Springettsbury Township Supervisors, and more. The point is I have never been contacted to pray before a meeting of the Commissioners nor have I been unavailable. I have been asking my clergy colleagues from across the County, from many faith communities, if they have ever been contacted. At this point I have not found anyone. How could someone in the Commissioner's office have scoured the phonebooks and exhausted potential volunteers to pray in this capacity?

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Digital pictures on license plates - another half-thought-through idea proposed by our esteemed legislators.

Instead, put barcodes on new plates, and on a second registration sticker. Then provide scanners that read the code and print the ticket.

That data could then be off-loaded to the enforcement group's computer, and then the state, to deny scofflaws a new registration until they pay up.

This solves multiple problems in one shot.

Carl Huber, Jr.
Springettsbury Township

I would like to congratulate the owners of the Roosevelt Tavern for stopping smoking in their restaurant. This is a huge step and one that is greatly appreciated by we non-smokers who frequent your establishment. Let's hope that all other restaurants in and around York follow suit and ban smoking. There are several restaurants in York that we will not patronize because they are so smoky and my guess is that we are not the only ones who stay away.

I would bet that the employees will be most happy as well. It is the right thing to do for everyone's sake.

Ann C. Pettigrew, VMD
York Township

Joyce Bupp hit upon several important points when she addressed the dangers of ice storms in her January 13 column "Nature can still top technology.”

We applaud her efforts to raise awareness that Mother Nature can still temporarily get the upper hand despite our best efforts, and in the case of an ice storm, cause real dangers. She was correct in pointing out that icy conditions in one area can quickly affect power delivery in other areas where the ice may have melted or never formed in the first place.

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I’ve been thinking about Red Lion & why people think there is so much vandalism. The reason there is so much vandalism is because there is nothing to do.

A couple of examples are when my friends and I were riding our skate boards home from TAE-KWAN-DO & we were stopped by a cop & he told us to get off the skate boards, we aren’t allowed to ride them in Red Lion. Another example is we were riding our bikes from TAE-KWAN-DO & we were stopped again for doing something illegal in Red Lion. The last example is when we were just running home from TAE-KWAN-DO when a cop stopped us again and told us to stop running.

If people are so concerned about childhood obesity then let us play outside and skateboard and ride our bikes! We aren’t bad kids, causing trouble and getting in people’s way. We just want to play outside just like you used to be able to do. If you don’t want us skating on your sidewalks, provide us a place to skate!

Robert McCaddin, 13 yr. Old
Airville

You, as a newspaper reader, are probably better informed than the average person. So, tell me, how many people were executed in the U.S. in 2006 and in 2007? You don't know? How many were executed in 2005 and in 2006? You don't know that either? Well, don't feel too bad. I didn't know either.

Lawrence L. Eveler wrote on Jan. 5 ("More executions, fewer murders") that "There is a decrease in killings in direct correlation to executions each year. Michael Smerconish, a frequent 'Today Show' guest, and Roy Adler and Michael Summers, both professors at Pepperdine University, have publicized this fact." Indeed, Smerconish devoted much of his Nov. 21 column ("Death penalty a proven deterrent") to the report prepared by the two professors, who found that, in the period 1979 through 2004, each additional execution was associated with 74 fewer murders the following year.

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Kay Grove wants "people" to get a grip on reality? How about the reality that Bill Clinton was impeached for something that should have been between him and his wife ONLY!

This is a free country and we ALL have a right to privacy. We should look the other way,
however (says Kay Grove), when high treason is committed. That would warrant the death penalty in any other free country. We should look the other way when our government, even though unprovoked, decides to wage war. If anyone should be impeached it is George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, because what they did does concern the U.S. citizens. Gee, uh, they have wmd's, gee, uh, we need to oust Saddam, gee, uh, we need to liberate Iraq. Kay, the message and reason for our Iraqi occupation has changed far too often to be believed anymore!

Kay also doesn't like the media (a common complaint of Rush and his listeners). If you really want to think for yourself, Kay, then you won't need to rely on Rush Limbaugh for your thoughts. Why isn't the media allowed to show flag draped caskets on television? A couple more years of republican censorship and Kay may be hearing exactly what she wants from the media.

Matthew Klinedinst
York Township

Violent crime and governments' adjoined reaction/response to its existence has sparked yet another questionable law enforcement program. The 222 Anti Gang Initiative represents the latest in a slew of public policies implemented under the expansive guise and pretext of "crime fighting.” The initiative, which is under way in York City, is a microcosm of the institutionalized ills inherent within law enforcement.

The militaristic targeting of black youth, and selective enforcement, all veiled euphemistically behind public relations slogans in turn sold to the public at large. The initiative eliminates genuine probable cause and supplants it with base level profiling. Under the initiative -- white tees, hats turned backwards, baggy pants and the "hip hop look" in general are purportedly gang dress and thus justify police engagement and the elimination of the fourth amendment.

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While I am pleased to see the interest in moving our primary voting date to an earlier time, I believe the efforts should be centered first on making sure everyone has an opportunity to even vote for their chosen candidate in a primary election.

PA continues to live in the past by recognizing only two parties. People like myself who are independents are discriminated on many levels. School board candidates cross file on the two parties for elections but never consider the 3rd party.

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I was appalled to read Hugh McPherson's quote in your article in Saturday's paper from the new Maize Quest Winter Fun Barn "Combat cabin fever at Fun Barn." Not every parent's goal is to just drop off their kid at some "fun barn" so they can go get a cup of coffee at the coffee bar and let their child run ragged until they get tired. Some actually like spending time with their children.

How about this idea, parents? How about you spend some of that time thinking of a quality family activity to do TOGETHER. Or has this idea become so antiquainted these days? Is just sitting them in front of the tv or video game become so boring now that you have to think of somewhere out of the house to take them just to wear them out?

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I think a telephone "phishing" scam is going on.

Twice in the past week I received phone calls in which the caller admits to calling the wrong number right way, engages me in conversation by providing some correct information, then turns the conversation toward fishing for a date.

Both calls went something like this:

Ring!

Me: Beth Fowler.

Caller: Oh, I think I have the wrong number. Is this Beth Fowler? (Or, the caller recites my phone number correctly.)

Me: Yes.

Caller: I have your number here. I got it from so-and-so? Do you know him?

Me: No.

Caller: I apologize if I disturbed you.

Me: That's OK.

Caller: You sound like a nice person. Do you go clubbing? (Or, You sound like a nice person. Can I call you again?)

I think girls and women should be warned not to fall for the "Sorry, wrong number" gambit. And not to reveal any personal information.

Beth Fowler
Springettsbury Township

Five years ago, after going through months of angina, and facing yet another cardiac catheterization, my family doctor and cardiologist agreed there was an alternative, noninvasive procedure available. Having been informed that additional heart surgery, of any kind, was not in my best interest, this option sounded good to me. The procedure, labeled EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) was, and still is offered at Apple Hill Medical Center. The process takes one hour per day, five days per week for seven weeks. I finished this procedure and followed it with 12 weeks in Cardiac Rehabilitation, again at Apple Hill. After just a few days of EECP, the angina was gone and has not returned.

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We received the notice from West Manchester Twp. that states... as of 01/01/08 the sewer rate was going to a flat rate of $128 per quarter for residential customers. This is to help pay for Pa. Dept of Environmental Protection mandated repairs/updates to the sewage system.

Is this fair?

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I was initially gratified to learn that the County Commissioners had finally entered the 20th Century, much less the 21st, when I read the recent article indicating that Commissioner meetings would now begin with a moment of silence rather than a prayer. However, I was quickly disappointed by the Commissioners' comments indicating that this was done due to lack of clergy assistance rather than the altrusitic attempt to separate religion and government as our forefathers had so wished.

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Safety is a high priority among the transportation field, be it PennDOT or municipal engineers. The intersection of S.R. 0024 and Deininger Road was just improved for that reason. That being said, to make the intersection truly work, the northbound approach would need to be re-graded and re-aligned. What that means is that S.R. 0024 would have to be taken down a couple of feet and more property would need to be purchase by the state, making land owners not happy.

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The members of the York Twinning Association want to express our gratitude to those in the greater York Community who participated in the 2008 Twelfth Night Holiday Home Tour. This year's attendance was the highest in the 20 year history of the event! We are certain the combination of spectacular homes and fabulous January weather were catalysts for the turnout.

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I am very disappointed in your paper's coverage of the Farm Show. There were numerous youth and adults from York County showing their best livestock there this week and you showed little, to no attention to it. It is a great achievement to show your animals and do well with them at the state level.

Since you chose not to let your readers enjoy some good news, I would like to take this opportunity to extend congratulations to all the exhibitors from York County who worked hard to represent us, and especially to Chad Menges, a 4-Her and senior at Spring Grove who exhibited the Grand Champion market goat. Taking top honors at the Farm Show is no easy feat...way to go Chad!

Karena Bankert
East Berlin

After waiting for 3 years to still have no DSL service deployed by Verizon I pursued them to get an answer. The Pennsylvania legislature recently enacted a new law instructing Verizon and other telephone companies to give their Pennsylvania customers an opportunity to complete a Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR) for high-speed Internet service.

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It never ceases to amaze me what mindless dribble one can become anointed to while trying to catch a little news or weather forecast on a local radio station.

All you want to hear is a little weather forecast but instead your dignity is exposed to this clown attempting, very poorly I might add, to impersonate and make fun of former President Clinton.

It makes you just shake your head and wonder what mentality level this is aimed at.

Keith A. Oberdick
Manchester

In 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier: "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government." He added, "A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority will vote for candidates who will give them free handouts and every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy."

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This letter is to thank the clients, friends and families of Delauter's A-1 Moving Helpers for their generous support over the holiday season with the company fundraiser.

Our moving clients boxed unwanted items while getting ready for their move and mark them for donation. After their move was complete our employees would take the donated clothing and household items to Goodwill and food to the York Food Bank.

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As the Founder and Executive Director of Olivia’s House, I would like to take a moment to thank the York community for their wonderful support in 2007. Although we face challenges daily as we continue to provide services to grieving families, I am proud to say we have had a remarkable year! Over 150 children and their families gained support from the educational programs offered after the death of their loved one. We have had countless families served through the lending library at Olivia’s House. In an effort to support schools, our educational in-service programs reached out across the county.

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As we approach February 5th, please keep in mind the importance of what we do and how we can do it. If we want to attract and retain high caliber individuals in the world of child care we have to have the money to pay for them. If we want to provide safe, attractive environments for our children we have to have the money to spend. If we want to continue to fund Child Care Works, Keystone STARS, and Pre-K Counts, we have to have the money. These are all crucial investments at a crucial time. Please remember us when it comes time to make your decision.

Stephen Vernon
York Jewish Community Center

Sean Adkins recent story “Gas prices fuel grumbling” aired drivers’ concerns about high fuel costs. Commuter Services can help many of these people stop worrying as much and start using alternatives, such as carpools or transit, through our free services.

Our recent survey of commuters in our seven-county area revealed that most are more concerned about energy costs than about healthcare or taxes. It also showed that many are interested in information on alternatives and finding carpool partners.

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As we begin a New Year, national parks across the country will see a much-needed increase for park operations—an important first step toward restoring Gettysburg and all of America’s national treasures by their Centennial in 2016.

Thanks to the leadership of our many elected officials, including Congressman Todd Platts, passage of the omnibus bill provided a much-needed $122 million operating increase for the national parks, and nearly $25 million to begin funding the National Park Centennial
Challenge — a new program that will provide added federal funding to match private donations for parks to complete important projects, potentially including the rehabilitation of Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg National Military Park.

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As an Early Childhood educator and parent I have learned that developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth, along with the involvement of the parent and teachers as partners, results in a life long benefits.

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I was watching c-span on New Year's Day as Bill Clinton was hawking for Hillary telling a group of people how experienced and qualified Hillary is and that she is ready to manage the country's problems starting on day one. If elected Bill Clinton said that Hillary will bring the troops home from Iraq as soon as she can.

Now, give this statement some thought? We are now in Korea going on 60 years. According to Bill, Hillary can now walk on water.

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In response to Tyler Dyrdan's letter on Unions destroying U.S. Manufacturing, Wake Up. Do you realize how many Union workers you insulted by calling us greedy, lazy, and petty. I'm not saying there's not a few, but most of my Union Brothers and Sisters work hard for their pay and benefits, and for you to imply that only non-Union workers put in a fair's day work for a fair's day pay is absurd. I'd also like to inform you that as a Union worker, if I don't produce or follow the rules, I get fired also. Tyler, you do understand that Unions not only help their members, but everyone in regards to safety standards, better work environments, and better wages

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Whatever happened to Daytime Running Lights on automobiles?

Once hailed, in the mid 1990's, as the greatest safety device since the seatbelt and standard equipment on many domestic and imported vehicles, this 'great safety device' seems to have gone the way of the dodo. Why? Was the (assumed) $30 switch junked in favor of several more cup holders or a few more watts in the overly loud sound system?

Am I the only one scared 'to the point of constipation' when winter traffic approaches a stop sign from the right?

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In response to Jeanne Spohn's Jan. 5 letter to the editor, "Improve Mount Zion Road," why are there no traffic lights at Mount Zion and Deininger roads and at Druck Valley Road. Well I also wondered that a year ago when they were doing all that road work on Sherman Street. I called the Springettsbury Township office and I was told that they don't put 'traffic lights' on hills. I can understand that now as it would be scary to try to stop on the ice for a traffic light or a stop sign going down a hill. I also know how busy Mount Zion Road is as I live not far from there and try to avoid that road at busy times of the day. Especially if on our motorcycles I'll take the long way around just so I don't have to cross over Mount Zion Road.

Gloria Miller
Springettsbury Township

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For the love of GOD people, get a grip on reality and give up the whole 'impeach Bush and Cheney' mentality ("Impeach Cheney," Jan. 6). We have much better things to do such as sucessfully manage the war in Iraq, deal with illegal immigration, tax reform and working towards unity in our government system rather than this constant and ongoing battle to divide.

I am glad we have a President who worked to protect our country finally, after several attacks from terrorists in prior years that went unanswered and many years of our own intelligence finding evidence of WMD. Ignore what you will, but you are buying hook line and sinker what the media feeds you.

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The Iowa caucus has proven the american people are tired of the establishment in DC, we all want change and on Jan. 3rd, two presidental candiates Barak Obama and Mike Huckabee proved they are the best two candiates to turn this country around. To begin with both were against this war in Iraq and both are willing to use diplomacy first rather then invade other countries. Both of these men will do the right thing for the right reason because they are not in it for the money, they want to work for the people of the united states, which is something that has not been done in decades, both men will fight for universal health care.

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Before addressing my intended subject, I must first respond to a letter submitted by Phillip Bloch, suggesting that qualified Presidential candidates MUST endorse the use of torture. As a combat veteran, I can think of NO LOWER STANDARD of behavior than that proposed by Bloch. Information gleaned by such methodologies is unreliable and the damage done to our nation, and the substantially higher risk to our troops, are without measure. Your suggestion, Mr. Bloch, is patently outrageous and insultingly ridiculous.

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Here is a question for everyone who plans on voting in this year's presidential election. If your candidate wins, what practical influence will the new president have to influence the direction of the country if the Congress seems unable to shed their partisan intransigence? Putting aside your personal wishes for a minute, do you realistically think that Obama, the sunshine and hope candidate, can persuade congressional members with vastly more experience than him to suddenly stop what they’ve been supporting for over seven years and to begin to cooperate with members of the opposite party? Answer truthfully, now!

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Our politicians keep advising us that we need to constantly pay them more so that we attract only the brightest and most capable of individuals to run our government. They tell us how important it is and how fortunate we are to have such “leaders.”

Let’s be frank…we never elected these morons as our leaders. We elected them to be our representatives and if they can’t tell the difference, than they aren’t as smart as they portray themselves and they should not be in a position of trust.

They have over the years lost the ability to “take the pulse” of those they are to “represent,” so that they can act in the interest of the majority of the constituency. Somehow they have hoodwinked us into relinquishing our right to be their boss and constantly try to remind us they know what is better for us. As if that was not bad enough, they have even taken to the belief they are royalty and that we must support their lifestyle of luxury.

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If you're like me, and you're tired of the presidential political process we have in this country, then I propose a change. First of all, if you're a U.S. Senator or Congressman and you're running for re-election, or even private citizen for that matter, then you should be mandated to use c-span. We pay for that already, so the candidates can get on there 24 hours a day, and say what ever they want. Then make all statements binding by making them part of the official congressional record, like how the rest of us have to check that little box that says we agree to the terms on some websites.

Then perhaps we will get some honest statements, and real facts. This way, they can stand in front of the camera on their lunch hour, or week-ends, not have to travel all over the country, having to raise a lot of money that they have to pay back to some lobbyist in way of a vote.

Besides think of the money we will save by not having to give them contributions to fill up those gas hog buses they travel in, and not to mention the time we would save by not having to listen to them telling us how we should conserve energy.

Ralph Sierra
Mount Wolf

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I wondered if the irony was intentional on the front page of the Saturday, December 29th York Daily Record. One of the front page stories, "Woman follows dream rehabbing schoolhouse" discussed one person's efforts to re-create history by bringing a one room schoolhouse back to life. A second story, on the "Coming Sunday" front page sidebar told about Donald Klunk "pursuing his dream" of opening a business, which turns out to be a strip club.

I hope any young person reading the front page that day was able to decipher which of the two dreams was the more noble and worthy to pursue.

Eve Gardner
York City

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Michelle Malkin, in her column which appeared in this paper on 12/31/07, thinks the military "surge" of 22,000 additional troops in Iraq should be the "top story" of 2007. There has been, finally, a heartening decrease in violence and an elimination of many, if not most, of the al-Qaeda-in- Iraq forces which had made Anbar the most dangerous province. But 2007 was also the deadliest year since our invasion, with 899 U.S. military killed.

What really happened was not merely the surge, but a dramically new way of dealing with the enemy. It was a stark reversal of Bush administration policy under Defense Secretary Rumsfeld. It was a new military doctrine aimed at winning the support of the people in each locale. It was Gen. Petraeus' insistence on talking with the enemy. He knows and preaches that showing respect begets respect. He has made it military doctrine that his troops will respect and appreciate the Sunni point of view in practical matters. And so, where previously Sunnis were part of the insurgency and fighting our troops, they are now cooperating with our troops in fighting the al-Qaeda.

We should celebrate, not the number of our dead, not the four preceding years of disastrous leadership, but the new military doctrine of diplomacy, of talking with the enemy.

J. Edward Muhlbach
Shrewsbury Township

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What happened to First Night York? Last year, I went with my family downtown and stood in the rain to welcome in 2007. Even though the weather was wet, it did not dampen our spirit. We thought that the dropping of the White Rose with the fireworks in our town square was a great way to ring in the New Year.

Now comes December 31, 2007 and even though the weather was great, our spirit and mood was dampened by the New Years Revolution celebration. It is now held in our new downtown stadium, which is great for baseball but lacks the intimacy of the town square. While I understand that these events don’t come cheap, you now have to pay an admission to come to the stadium turning this into a premium event, not a free event for the entire city to enjoy with your neighbors.

The White Rose was so far away, it looked like a "daisy" in the field. Then, as midnight struck, it disappeared. It did not drop in the “vase”, it dropped behind a wall, then about 15 seconds later, a rinky-dink display on the field lit up to resemble the White Rose. Oh yeah, the “Happy New Year” sign as well as the “2008” sign decided to light up about 12:12am. Opps…you missed it! The fireworks were also a bit of a disappointment as well. They have been much better at games as well as at First Night York last year.

I know that many people worked very hard to pull this event together but it no longer has the hometown atmosphere and intimacy of the celebration in the town square. Please reconsider this for next year and bring back First Night York to the center of our town.

Chuck Lambert
York

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