Press-Republican
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Signs in roundabout
TO THE EDITOR: New York state law for political signs prohibits placement where they constitute a traffic hazard.
Plattsburgh city officials have determined in past years that the center of the roundabout at New York and U.S. avenues is such a place.
This attention-demanding intersection should be kept clear of such distractions.
James Bailey
Plattsburgh
Bullying is serious
TO THE EDITOR: Bullying is a serious issue. It is not enough to say it is the parent's problem. It is not enough for the school to say, we can't control what goes on outside school grounds. It is not enough to post a state trooper in the hallways at school.
That is not what this type of violence calls for. Perhaps what needs to happen is for school administrations to take this problem seriously. Administrators need to stop trying to play both sides of the fence as a means to avoid lawsuits.
I sincerely hope avoiding a lawsuit is worth the psychological and physical well-being of the children it is their duty to protect. Every child deserves the right to an environment conducive to learning.
So, administrators and school boards, please take action when the opportunity presents itself. Do thorough investigations. Report all incidents to the state. Keep all parents informed. And last but not least, please put into place a progressive discipline process that is responsible and documented.
It is a shame that the victims of bullies (or their families) find it necessary to take their problems public, taking the chance of instigating perhaps even more abuse, out of frustration from non-action. At the same time, the perpetrators of the abuse are allowed to hide behind a protective veil of anonymity that is provided for minors. Perhaps that protection needs to be lifted. The kids and the taxpayers deserve better.
Peter J. Mullen
Plattsburgh
Study shows bias
TO THE EDITOR: Harold Brohinsky uses his own experiences in concluding that a liberal bias in college faculty is a myth. An actual study contradicts his conclusion.
An article in the March 29, 2005, issue of the Washington Post, "College Faculties A Most Liberal Lot, Study Finds," reports that by their own description, 72 percent of those teaching at American colleges and universities are liberal and 15 percent are conservative.
I believe Mr. Brohinsky is correct in asserting that there is no liberal conspiracy in hiring college faculty, but clearly more subtle factors are at work.
Robert Lichter, a professor at George Mason University and co-author of the study, was quoted as saying "even broad-minded people gravitate toward other people like themselves. That's why you need diversity, not just of race and gender but also, maybe especially, of ideas and perspective."
I challenge Mr. Brohinsky to sit in college classes to see if he finds much of the Socratic method he seems to advocate. Most teaching flows from authority, and in American colleges most of that authority is left-leaning.
Steve Krieg
Plattsburgh
Gratitude for Relay
TO THE EDITOR: As the Relay for Life year comes to a close, we wish to thank the following for their donations: Arnie's Restaurant, The Brown Funeral Home, Budweiser, Eye Care for the Adirondacks, Georgia Pacific USW Local 387, Guma's Restaurant, Lake Champlain Pools, Spas and Stoves, Lakeside Office Equipment, McSweeney's Red Hots, Nova Bus, State Farm Agent Jay Kearly, and Warren Tire Service Center.
We are especially grateful to Garvey Hyundai for hosting a month-long car wash. Throughout the month, each donation to the American Cancer Society was matched by Garvey's. We'd like to recognize Sean Garvey, Nathan Smith, Jane Carlin and all the employees for their kindness and helpfulness. This was a huge venture with a huge result: $3,700.
To every person whose financial assistance helped to enable research and seek a cure for cancer, we thank you.
Don and Barb Nephew
Plattsburgh
Corporate greed
TO THE EDITOR: Your glowing editorial on the benefits of extending an EB-5 visa to rich, foreign investors betrays the very foundation of our country: America, the melting pot.
The USA has been enriched by the skill and talent of immigrants from every land, with compassion and benefits extended to the poor and those needing asylum. The first boatload of English Pilgrims landing on the Plymouth shore in 1620 would have been turned away by today's standards. I suggest that the Statue of Liberty, "Mother of Exiles," in New York Harbor, be replaced by a mammoth dollar sign.
Furthermore, Emma Lazarus's words should be struck from school books: "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Instead, let us inscribe the following on all ports of entry:
"Please yield, all lands, your storied pomp,"
as times are hard, cries INS.
Give us your privileged, your wealthy,
Your traders yearning to invest.
Here's a green card,
For brokers whose bank accounts are healthy.
Propelled by private jets from your golden shores;
your help we need:
Send these, to rescue the wretched refuse of our corporate greed."
Happy Labor Day.
Anne Bailey
Plattsburgh
Campsite grateful
TO THE EDITOR: We, the family at Ranch Side Park, first and foremost thank God for the safety of our campers and our rescue volunteers.
Many thanks to the state police, fire departments, county emergency services and everyone in the community for their assistance.
A tremendous job was done in the rescue of our campers. It was handled quickly and professionally. The rescue volunteers are to be commended for their bravery.
Our special thanks to our nephew, Eric Lavalley, who risked his life to save another. Our hero!
Thank you, Richard Cliche, our camper, who taped the entire flood and rescue.
Our campers are our "second family," and we love and thank them for their support and their prayers.
Again thanks and God bless all of you.
Sam and Marie Trombley
Ranch Side Park
Ellenburg
Tea parties described
TO THE EDITOR: To all you readers: Tea parties are for little girls with imaginary friends.
Tim Fitzgerald
Jay
