REAL SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
In his article “Taking on
Crime,” Krestia DeGeorge states:
“It’s hard to imagine a political campaign where crime is
unimportant.” This will be especially true this election season, since
many politicians will cozy up to the nearest photo-op on September 11, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the
terrorist attacks on America.
In light of this, I would like to suggest a way to honor our public safety
personnel (police and firefighters), since many of them gave their lives in
defense of our citizens on that terrible day.
There is a disturbing trend sweeping the country:the gutting of health insurance for
police and firefighters as part of contract negotiations with local governments
throughout the land. It is a disgrace to allow politicians to slash the very
health insurance that these men and women will rely on after they become ill or
injured from job-related activities that defend our communities. The same
officials who are behind the cuts in public-safety benefits and salaries often
run for office on a “pro-law enforcement” platform. That’s some
gratitude.
I suggest that our US
senators and representatives introduce federal legislation protecting the
health-insurance benefits of our law enforcement and firefighter personnel from
attack during labor contract negotiations. Entitle the bill the “September
11th Heroes Health Care Protection Act” or something similar. This will
leave politicians who profess to support law enforcement little wiggle room to
vote against this legislation. If the Democrats draft this legislation, they
will have a tremendous opportunity to steal this issue — support of law
enforcement — from the GOP in the 2006 mid-term elections.
Michael A. Bertolone, Parklands Drive, Greece (Bertolone
is executive vice president of the Monroe County Law Enforcement Association,
the union representing deputies assigned to the New York State court system.)
BROOKS: PLEASE ACT
I have sent a letter to County Executive Maggie Brooks
urging her to take action to keep the art by Nancy Jurs,
Wendell Castle, Richard Margolis, et al at the airport. The battle for this
public art, which has already been fought, was unnecessary and humiliating to
this city the first time around. It is hard to believe we are back to square
one.
What wonderful gateways to Rochester Nancy Jurs’ and Bill Sewart’s
magnificent pieces are. And surely there can be no objection to Margolis’s photographic representations of Rochester
landmarks? Are we to lose all these for another few yards of screaming
commercials?
The 1-percent-for-art mandate was turned into an absurdity
by the political agenda of the then-Conservative Party. The need to raise
private funds for projects that were mandated in the airport construction
costs, and selected and commissioned by due process, was humiliating and
wasteful. How can Rochester pride
itself — justifiably — for the strength and diversity of its artists and
cultural institutions and act the yahoo (no exclamation point) again and again
in decisions about support for these individuals and institutions?
Maggie Brooks’ performance as county executive has been
thoughtful, fair, and constructive. I trust she can find a solution to this
issue.
Joan Lyons, Rutgers Street, Rochester
ART, NOT CARS
The Rochester
“International” Airport is becoming an embarrassment. The security and
employees are first rate and a pleasure to deal with. However, instead of
adding more art to make it esthetically pleasing, the art is disappearing.
This airport was distinguished because of Wendell Castle’s,
Nancy Jurs’, and Bill Stewart’s work. What’s the deal
about putting cars on display? How totally bush league! The trend is toward
beauty, not car dealerships.
Edith Lunt Small, Connemara Drive, Pittsford
SAVING THE SAINTS
In regards to “Selling the Saints” (Metro Ink,
July 26): I am keeping my fingers crossed that someone will step up to the
plate and save this jewel.
Ss. Peter and Paul Church has been a fixture on the west side
of Rochester for over 150 years,
first on King Street in the
1800’s, then after a fire, on West Main Street.
I worry that with the sale of this architectural gem by the Diocese of
Rochester, we will lose another piece of our rich history on the west side.
Economic development has missed many opportunities in this area of the city.
Let’s not waste another.
I commend the efforts of University
of Rochester student Andrew Slominski to rally support for a performance-art center at
this facility. This type of re-use for our historical assets will ensure that
the building’s beauty and history will remain intact. Cooperation by city
officials and the university to make this occur would be a reason to cheer for
the city’s west side.
Think about all the future west-side plans that are being
discussed: re-watering the canal, the FrederickDouglassResourceCenter and Museum, and Susan B
Anthony’s voting site memorial. Let’s add a performance-art center to this list
and the sky is the limit on future west-side economic development
opportunities. The creation of a West End Historical District is within our
reach; let’s save our historical assets now!
Dawn Noto, president, Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association
CHINA’S
DOGS
Seventy years ago, I happened to be in China
on a painting trip around the world. The newspapers there were full of alarming
reports that because birds eat valuable seeds, they all had to be murdered,
even seagulls. This was actually done.
A country without birds is silent and ominous. One result
was an enormous increase of mosquitoes, flies and other insects. There were no
birds to eat them.
The murder of thousands of dogs in China
by beating them to death — instead of having them protected by anti-rabies
inoculations as we do — is similar. Let’s hope China
learns more humane solutions to problems.
Nancy Watson Dean, Rochester
CHOOSING YOUR FRIENDS
Many people have been suggesting that Mel Gibson should use
some of his money to speak out against prejudice.
Here’s hoping that the Anti-Defamation League and other
organizations will not form partnerships with him. Gibson is a wealthy Hollywood
personality who has clearly demonstrated his skill at making millions of
dollars. He has also demonstrated his shortcomings as a human being. If he
feels he needs therapy, that’s his personal business. Money corrupts, and that
means it corrupts any who would be persuaded to form alliances with the richest
of the rich. One should choose one’s friends and associates with care.
A huge number of people used no care or discernment at all
when it came to Gibson’s “Passion” film. Instead, they appeared to be
blinded by the clever marketing, enthusiastically endorsing and even selling tickets
on behalf of the man and his movie. This included far too many members of the
clergy.
If the recent events gave those who are willing to be
self-critical cause to repent, lessons might also be learned by those who have
helped to fatten the Gibson bank account. This man’s true nature was an open
book long before he turned to plunder religion.
Martin Fass, Linden Street, Rochester
WRITING TO CITY
We welcome and encourage readers’ letters for publication.
Send them to: themail@rochester-citynews.com or The Mail, City Newspaper, 250
North Goodman Street, Rochester14607.
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often than about once every two months.
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2006.
