Support for Paterson
February 4, 2010
To the Editor:
While it may help to compare New York to some other state governments (New Jersey, California) that are arguably even more dysfunctional than our own Empire State, it’s a poor consolation (“The Right Reforms,” Editorial, Jan. 14).
This is not even a partisan battle. Entrenched thinking, special interests and sweetheart deals have long polluted that particular pool, and the recipients of those “perks” like things as they are: dirty. [Read more]
The 51st State
February 4, 2010
To the Editor:
The Jimmy Breslin Q&A (Jan. 28) was a wonderful trip down memory lane. It reminded me of a great idea put forward by the team of Norman Mailer/Jimmy Breslin in the 1969 Democratic mayoral primary. They proposed making New York City the 51st state. Considering the historic imbalance of tax dollars going to both Albany and Washington versus how much state and federal assistance is received in return, Big Apple residents would be better off keeping funds sent to Albany. Two U.S. senators could insure a more equitable return of federal assistance to New York City.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, Long Island
Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.
Ford’s Senate Ambitions
January 28, 2010
To the Editor:
“Run, Harold, Run” (Editorial, Jan. 21)? A really bad mistake! Mr. Ford has been in Manhattan for a whole three years. What does he know about us or our sister boroughs? Because he has chosen to live here, I have to ask, “Mr. Ford, do you know me?” Of course not! But Jerry Nadler does, as does Carolyn Maloney, Charlie Rangel, David Paterson, Chuck Schumer AND Kirsten Gillibrand, to name just a few. [Read more]
Puppy in the Window
January 8, 2010
To the Editor:
Kudos to “Ask the Vet” contributor Dr. Robin Brennen for her “On Pets as Presents” column (Dec. 24), in which she explained the importance of thinking long and hard before getting a pet, and promoted adopting from a shelter.
Dr. Brennen briefly mentioned “that puppy or kitten in the window.” The great majority of (if not all) puppies sold in pet shops come from commercial breeding facilities, otherwise known as “puppy mills.” [Read more]
Forgotten Lesson
January 8, 2010
To the Editor:
Ms. Merkl (I believe) started out attempting to let us know we all could do better, be better and should keep believing (“Back to Basics,” New York Gal, Dec. 31). She attempts to let us know how poorly we treat each other, how we can handle situations better, and goes on to say that when she saw Susan Boyle on ITAL Britain’s Got Talent ITAL, she looked “like Dan Aykroyd in drag as Julia Child.” Ms. Merkl, have you forgot your own lessons?
Dorian Julien
East 65th Street
Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.
Questions About ‘Pioneering Principal’
December 31, 2009
To the Editor:
In “Remembering Long Time Principal,” (Express, Dec. 10) reporter Dan Rivoli appears to have been completely beguiled by Mr. Morison’s wife and her attempt to have him memorialized. As the “keeper of the flame,” it is hardly surprising that she would attempt to perpetrate this bit of revisionist history and depict her husband as “an education advocate” and a “pioneering principal.” [Read more]
People, Not Trees
December 23, 2009
To the Editor:
I do not want to sound like a grinch or Scrooge, but your article glorifying sellers of Christmas trees (“Evergreen Guys,” Dec. 17) was not just hopelessly one-sided, but not entirely accurate. You say that, “[M]ost of the Christmas tree operations are on city sidewalks, and only require consent from the property owner fronting the sidewalk.” Not quite. Although Christmas tree vendors are exempt from most of the vendor regulations, they are subject to administrative code section 19-136(a)(4), which requires that, “a passageway shall be kept open on the sidewalk so obstructed for the free movement of pedestrians.” [Read more]
More Cool Britania
December 9, 2009
To the Editor:
Ms. Braudy, I read with interest your recent column about British TV miniseries (“Cool Britania,” Susan Braudy’s Diary, Nov. 26) and would like to add my old favorite: Crackers, with Robbie Coltrane. He was amazing as a troubled crime psychologist who often gets too involved with the criminal suspect’s mind.
Sandy Malter
West 90s
Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.
Security Concerns
December 9, 2009
To the Editor:
It is incredible that the Secret Service and others couldn’t prevent Tareq and Michaele Salahi from crashing a recent state dinner at the White House. Is security so lax that someone could teepee the White House, as was recently done to the Colorado State House in Denver? [Read more]
Feeling the New York Love
December 3, 2009
To the Editor:
Nice article, and the timing couldn’t be better (“Let’s Hear It For New York,” Nov. 26). We tend to get caught up in the whirlwind that is our great city and forget why we are here. A friend who’s a former New Yorker but now an “outta towna” can help remind us, as can the endless stream of tourists. After all, they could have gone anywhere.
Maybe there should be a city guidebook for us “too busy, gotta go” locals so we don’t take this great place for granted. New York wouldn’t be New York if it had a slower pace, but at least occasionally let’s stop, or slow down a little, to smell the roses and take in the sights. Millions and millions of
visitors and those “outta townas” can’t
be wrong.
Chris A. Randolph
Barak Realty, East Side Office
Long Live Cherokee
To the Editor:
Thank you, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Betty Cooper Wallerstein—president of the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association, and its members—
legislators and the entire Upper East Side community for your work, leadership and guidance (“Post Office Saved,” Nov. 26). This is a real test of what happens when we all work together. Cherokee Post Office on York Avenue between East 78th and 79th streets has been saved. Hooray!
Loretta Ponticello
East 78th Street
Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.
