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February 3, 2010

Speakout: Feb. 4, 2010

Packages
Going out of my house Christmas morning, I was surprised to find six packages on my front porch labeled "from Santa," which he had delivered to my Washington Street residence in Peru. What an unexpected surprise to find these gifts. Thank you, Santa, for making that day so special.

Mistrial
When is the DA going to step up and take responsibility for recent mistrial? He was asking the questions, not the witness. If rule number one is "never ask a question you don't know the answer to," then what is the logical assumption here? Yes, perhaps someone wanted a mistrial. That's fine, but don't let your witness be the fall guy. For those of you bashing the witness, enough already. All he did was remain true to the oath he took when he got on the stand.

Haiti
It is my hope and prayer that any individual in the USA making a significant amount of money can and will make a contribution to Haiti. There are so many people making millions of dollars playing sports, appearing in movies, producing movies, owning magazines or large businesses, receiving exorbitant bonuses, etc. I know those of us making enough to survive will do all we can to assist those in need but there are many people who can and should give more than we are capable of giving. Thank you, Plattsburgh and surrounding areas, for caring!

Projects
Why as local taxpayers are the tax-exempt projects still going on at Wyeth when they are scheduled to close? I'm sorry, but I cannot afford to keep paying for construction projects for buildings that are scheduled to be torn down if they are not bought. Also, if I lose my job, I don't get paid to go to school, if I'm in school I am not eligible for unemployment ... and I don't get three years of unemployment. Quit your whining, and join the real world.

Layoffs
Excellent observation on the work visa question. Pfizer is letting go some very talented employees while keeping foreign employees on visa. I thought if U.S. employees were qualified for the same job, then they could replace that person. Whatever the case, this seems wrong. Pfizer should ensure that the best people are in the available positions regardless of whether you are intimidated by their talent. No cuts at the top of RP plant, very strange in a cost-conscious layoff.

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