Shoveling
Yesterday we had our first "real" snowfall in Plattsburgh, and the city plows did a great job. However, I think a lot of us could use some sidewalk shoveling help. Many would be glad to pay someone. What happened to the days when kids or young men would walk about during/after a storm and offer to shovel for you? This was handy because you didn't have to have a contract with anyone and felt like you were encouraging personal enterprise. It kept the youth gainfully employed and out of trouble. Why don't kids/young adults do this anymore?
Positive
My recent experience with the local DMV was very positive. I received excellent advice and help, and all of the staff was polite. This is not a rare experience for me when dealing with the local staff. Recently I was upset when told a "clunker" rebate was to be taxed, but the person I was dealing with was gracious and calmly explained the law. I didn't like the law, but the staff was professional. BTW, no relatives or friends work there.
Bridges
People need to learn to read before typing. On the bridge comment, I said the person was not educated about how many bridges currently cross from New York to Vermont. They said one while there are actually two. It seems if you people had your way, you'd have bridges every 10 miles along the lake. Now wouldn't that make the lake look lovely? It's been researched, and bridges between Cumberland Head or other spots are not feasible. Deal with it. Ride the ferry or drive a few miles up the lake and use the Rouses Point bridge. Stop whining.
Personal
Is the Speakout column really the place to discuss your husband cheating on you? That's your personal life and your personal problem, not something to air on a media site. No one really cares about it but you and those personally involved. Let's keep this forum for discussions on area events, not for personal axe-grinding.
Flag
What a nice Veterans Park in Keeseville. One thing is wrong, however. If the American flag is flown at night, it is supposed to be illuminated. The light at the base of this flag pole shines on the pole, not the flag. Get it fixed, mayor.
Workers
When are you going to realize that it takes your people to make your business work. It would be nice to recognize your hard-working employees this season, we all know the managers and supervisors are. How about the people actually doing the work rather than taking credit for what is accomplished. Shame on you for overlooking your employees. Without us, your business would not be.
Spitting
The reaction to the city councilor who allegedly spit in another's face has been overwhelmingly negative. Where I come from, spitting in another's face would be considered one of the more peaceful ways of resolving a barroom dispute. The councilor should be given some credit for not striking the person. Perhaps the councilor was simply trying to introduce the region to a new method of conflict resolution. Basically saying, "I'm really angry with you, but instead of punching you, I'm spitting in your face because I care about you." Come on, let's not be so quick to condemn.
Example
I cannot believe the counselor that spits in another man's face was not run right out of the city council. What kind of example are you setting in city government these days? Are we to believe that the city tolerates this kind of disgusting behavior without taking immediate and forceful action against this individual. It just goes to show you what this country is turning into.
Pets
I agree with the folks writing in about taking care of your pets. Please, unchain your dogs. If it's cold, give your pets a warm place to rest their heads. I've never understood humans feeling that they are somehow better than animals. We are all God's creatures. The only difference is that many animals have to rely on us to feed and protect them. I can't help but know that if animals ruled the world, they would surely treat their humans like kings and queens. Walk your dogs, snuggle your cats, and treat them with the respect they deserve.
Risky
News Flash: If you walk along North Country roads in the evening and wear dark clothing, your risk of being hit by a car increases dramatically. Please use some common sense and put reflective tape on those dark jackets or carry a flashlight while you walk. The life you save could be your own.
Save
If the economy is so bad and communities are attempting to save dollars, why do so many villages/cities/townships have electrical Christmas decorations? I'm no scrooge, but this year I have downsized my electrical displays in order to save money. Municipalities should only use non-electrical Christmas displays. Please save us taxpayers some money.
Co-pay
I recently wrote in on Medicaid people paying a co-pay from age 13-65. I have heard a lot of people agreeing with me. What about it, state of New York, we have people from other states coming here for our Medicaid
Marriages
As much as we'd like to not acknowledge, some women believe it's an internal challenge for them to try to break up a marriage and to see how many they can break. My ex was involved with such a woman. I am better off without a cheater, and you will see that you will be too.
Caring
If you've seen an injured animal and done nothing to help it, shame on you as well. Don't care if that cat is owned by someone that doesn't care. You should take it to the vet knowing it's injured as you become just as guilty for inhumanity not attending to its needs.
