Working together
TO THE EDITOR: Do you think someone who has never had to worry about paying a bill or look at the price on a new home, car or college education can relate to the struggles of poor or middle-class families?
Ann Romney struggled with illness, but didn’t have the added stress of wondering how to pay for medical treatment.
Mitt Romney’s trickle-down philosophy will not work because of greed. With exceptions, the wealthy do not look at profits as a way to hire workers or provide better wages and benefits for existing workers — they pocket huge bonuses. The wealthy are people whose interests and skills put them in fields that involve money, technology or entertainment or they inherited their money.
People who work with people — teachers, medical professionals, etc., don’t make huge figures, nor do people like farmers who work long, hard hours daily.
President Obama has made improvements in our economy, but no one could fix the mess we were in in four years. Furthermore, he cannot do it alone. Congress needs to step up by compromising and giving the president’s ideas a chance.
The wealthy need to step up by paying a fair share of taxes and investing in American businesses, rather than stashing their funds overseas.
The middle class could step up through a graduated, one-time surcharge to our income taxes dedicated to reducing our national debt.
The unemployed could step up by taking jobs that are available, while looking for another job.
Businesses, governments, and educational institutions need to unite to brainstorm and implement ideas for economic growth.
We live in a great country, and our economy can thrive again, but it will take all of us, led by President Obama.
LORNA MARX
West Chazy
Remembering the lost
TO THE EDITOR: Thank you to all who participated in Clinton County Annual POW/MIA Service on Sept. 13.
Thanks to Ken Hynes, Vietnam veteran and keynote speaker; James P. O’Connor Squadron Civil Air Patrol; three young men from Stafford Middle School, Jessie and Alec Flora-Miller and Joshua Gonzalez, and Jason Miller, home-schooled fifth-grader; it is encouraging to see our youth step forward to honor our military and veterans.
Thanks to Col. Christopher Kreig, USAF Reserves; the Rev. Edie Poland, the Rev. James Miller and Deacon Jack Cogan; Councilman Tim Carpenter; and candidate David Kimmel, veteran.
We were honored once again to have the Memorial Choir with organist George Cantin and conducting Vickie Washburn.
Special this year, World War II former POW Robert Munn sang “Taps.” We also want to thank all the Honor Guard units who participated.
“When one American is not worth the effort to be found, we as American have lost.”
We appreciate all those who support this annual service, as we continue to call for a full accounting of all our POWs and MIAs.
MARY E. SOMODY
POW/MIA coordinator
Plattsburgh
Veterans Appreciation
TO THE EDITOR: Clinton County American Legion Auxiliary wishes to express appreciation to all who donated and helped with our efforts to support veterans in our area on Sept. 8, Veterans Appreciation Day.
Special thanks to the Hungry Bear Restaurant, Panera Bread, Dunkin Donuts (Skyway Plaza) and American Legion Post 912. With all your assistance and open-heartedness, we received $650 toward the Warrior Family Assistance, Children and Youth and Educational programs.
The American Legion Auxiliary, Legion and Sons of the Legion support our veterans, national security, children and youth and community in a variety of ways.
To learn more about American Legion family, visit any post in area.
LOUCINDA LAFOUNTAIN
President
Clinton County American Legion Auxiliary
Toy Run helpers
TO THE EDITOR: Thanks to all who participated in our annual Toy Run. It was a great success.
This event is held at the same time every year. This ride is open to the public, and everyone is welcome. We had a fantastic turnout and hope to have even more next year.
Your support is greatly appreciated. All proceeds go directly to our local veterans’ children to ensure a better Christmas to those in need. It’s nice to know that there are still people who take such pleasure in doing special things to benefit others.
Special thanks to Highwaymen MC, Mountain Riders MC, Adirondack Riders MC, Rand Hill Ridge Runners MC, Christian Riders MC, Born Twisted RC, Iron Legion RC and to everyone else who attended.
An extra-special thanks goes to the Un-Easyriders MC for organizing and sponsoring this ride for us every year.
With all this support, many children will have a better Christmas. We look forward to seeing you and more next year.
TERRY MORRIS
North Country Veterans Association Post 1
Run for Reading
TO THE EDITOR: Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County and Literacy Volunteers of Essex/Franklin Counties hosted the first-annual Run for Reading and Book Swap on Sept. 23 at the Cadyville Rec Park.
The event heightened public awareness, leveraged resources and increased the number of people who understand the vital role that adult and family literacy plays in our community’s well-being.
We recognize and thank all of our sponsors: ProLiteracy, Avery Energy, Baxter’s Bagels, Bill McBride Chevrolet, Casella, the Country Florist and Gifts, Dunkin Donuts in Ticonderoga, Knights of Columbus 255, Mt. View Indian Lake Association, Pepsi and Sullivan Orchard. Several individuals and businesses sent financial contributions.
Thanks to all who ran, walked and cheered for a great cause. The SUNY Plattsburgh African Youth Leadership Training participants from Mauritania and Ivory Coast experienced first-hand the fun in fundraising to support a volunteer literacy organization.
The expertise of Don Evans, Jack and Gayle Wilson and Jim Medeiros simplified planning and made the day run smoothly. The sanction by the USA Track and Field Adirondack Association and the presence of the Cadyville Fire Department provided a safety net for everybody.
Last, but not least, we thank all of the volunteers who helped at the event in addition to those who provided delicious home-baked prizes. Thank you so much, and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.
NORMA MENARD
Executive director
Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County
MARIA BURKE
Executive director
Literacy Volunteers of Essex/Franklin Counties
