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Image provided by: Suffolk Cooperative Library System
Editorial Just a few things to be thankful for We've so much to be thankful for, big and small, near and far. These are just some of our favorites. The structure of our government: Just two weeks ago. town and county voters decided they had had enough of one particu- tar party and wanted to give another the vhance to govern and elected a new slate of councilmen and legislators. The pecufiar plebian majesty of our system again worked its magic as the people's voices were heard and substantive change was effected peace- fully. The Armed Forces of the United States: Without the millions of people who chose of their own accord to face down our enemies in combat, our freedoms wouldn't exist. The military's bravery. dedication and sacrifice are truly remarkable. We can't thank them enough for standing between us and those who would destroy us. Volunteer firefighters and medical work- ers: They put their lives on the line too, walking into burning houses, stepping into traffic to lay down flares and put people in stretchers, bouncing over swells in the Sound in tiny boats - all to rescue folks in danger. All without pay. Thanks so much. Police officers: They're ready to do all of what the volunteers do and then some, also putting themselves at risk to stand between us and harm. See a pattem here? And by the way, crime is down, again. The Long Island economy: Growth, employment, salaries - all the numbers are better than the national averages. Not every company can survive, but that's the dynamic nature of capitalism. When one firm fails another rises to take its place - if its ser- vices are wanted. If not. something altogeth- er new emerges. The free market is the most democratic institution ever devised, and we New Yorkers continue to make the most of it, as we always have. Youth sports leagues, the YMCA. the PTAs. Father Frank, the North Shore Youth Council the like: Because sometimes it does take a village. Civic leaders: No one's going to build a muck depot or megastore or apartment com- plex in our community without someone toning down the plan or stopping it altogeth- er. Meanwhile someone else is planting road- side flowers and picking up the trash. Chances are it all comes down to our friend- ly neighborhood civic association. Independent delis and all-night diners: You find 'ern on Long Island like nowhere else. The food's great, so's the coffee - and the service. People who willingly work holidays, from doctors and nurses in hospitals to police officers, firefighters, LIRR engineers and conductors, bus and subway operators - in short, all those who keep our society functioning while we rejoice in the warmth of our families. The fact that this happens speaks to the diversity of our population: Christians and Muslims cover for Jews on Hanukkah and vice versa on Christmas. Mutual respect and good will abound. Happy Thanksgiving! Opinion Kindness of strangers, powerful indeed TO THE EDITOR: Last May we wrote an open letter to our neighbors telling everyone of the premature birth of our twin sons. William and James, and asking for their support for the March of Dimes as we participated in Walk America. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of Northport as total strangers sent us donations and logged onto our Family Tearn website to help us far surpass our fundraising goal. We just wanted to let everyone know that the Walk America campaign ended this month. In May. you helped our Famuly Team raise almost $1.600 and over the past months. the totals of other teams and individu- als participating in dozens of Walks across the country were added to ours. In the end Walk America raised more than $4.2 million for the March of Dimes! That's a huge step towards learning the causes and treatment of premature birth, and towards a day when stories like ours will be rare indeed. So thank you again for your donations and support. The kindness of strangers is powerful indeed. The Connor Family (Amy. Gene, Sarah. William and James) Northport Appoint Capodanno TO THE EDITOR: The recent election of Councilwoman Marlene Budd to Family Court Judge has left an open seat on the Huntington Town Board. This is a great opportuni- ty for the Democrat controlled town board to rise above partisan politics and fill the vacancy with some- one who has experience working together in a non-par- tisan manner on a wide range of town-related issues and who has a proven record of accomplishments to make our town a better place. The individual who meets and exceeds all this criteria is Councilman Mark A. Capodanno. Taking this action would result in many benefits to the town and its citizens, among others it would: « Save tax dollars by eliminating the need for a spe- cial election. « Minimize transition costs (Councilman Capodanno already has an office and staff). « Eliminate a costly and time-consuming political campaign. Et would also be an opportunity for Councilman Capodanno to once again work with Counciiman-elect Stuart Besen as they did previously in co-founding the East Northport Chamber of Commerce and in revitaliz- ing the hamlet of East Northport, once an eyesore with many vacant stores up and down Larkfield Road and home to the town dump. East Northport today, with fewer vacancies, its main street brightened by antique lhghting and brick paved sidewalks, has become a great place to live and work. Carpe diem' Bob Slingo East Northport Nineties were one big lie TO THE EDITOR: At first blush 1 would tend to agree with your edito- nal \The good old days under Bill Chinton\ {November 17] except for one huge fact: the ©90s were one big lie. From \I did not have sex with that woman\ to the Enron and WorldCom frauds, to stock market \irrational exuberance\ an artificial budget sur- plus was created. In addition, by cutting military spending, we left ourselves vulnerable to attack. As the late, great President Reagan said \a strong military is our best defense.\ I agree that President Bush's spending is out of con- trol. How much money (federal and state) are we going to continue to throw at education? Let's face it, for the money we spend on education, four hours a day, 180 days a year of actual learning is a disgrace compared to other industrialized countries. Secondly, FDR's New Deal did not mean cradie-to-grave entitle- ment. Lastly, a strong military does not mean go to war. Let's not go back to the ©90s, instead let's go back to September 10. 2001. Linda Towler Mount Sina: end letters! mmmfimwmmm kmmmmmmmmmfifir Sibel, clarity and good taste. Please include your town of residence and a telephone number where you can bemchedforced’rmm Email letters. to times- > [otvmtaiommq' Northport & East Northport, Box. \H1 Setauket, N Yodcllmmdommbhfiwwm W'elookfiatvmémhmngfwmyou‘ ,
