Mailbag

To the Editor:
It is difficult to follow the logic of the Catskill Heritage Alliance. They purport to protect the “heritage,” that is, historical traditions of the Catskills.

But they don’t seem to want to look back very far into that same history. They seem to have forgotten the era when Pine Hill, Big Indian, and Fleischmanns swelled to over 15,000 summer residents. The proposed Belleayre Resort could house at its maximum 1,800 guests. That’s our heritage!

To The Editor:
In the March 27th edition of the Catskill Mountain News, the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT) ran a full-page “open letter” about the state tests that students in grades 3-8 will be taking in April and May. For those who may have missed it, here is a recap:

To The Editor:
I am compelled to write this letter because of the movement afoot to try to force the un-incorporation of the Village of Fleischmanns.

I believe that throwing in the towel now and giving up local control of our village would indeed be a colossal mistake. I know this is true because of my experience over the past four years as deputy mayor and mayor of the village.

To The Editor:
I am tickled to be slammed in two letters this week.  Without getting into the silly dispute over whether the mega rich in the USA “earned” their massive wealth or not, or whether or not they are beneficial to the economic system or not, I will address some of the worst economic points brought out in the two letters.

To The Editor:
I congratulate Bruce Brenner for bringing out the truth and the facts. Our country’s economy is based on capitalism and not on socialism. Private enterprises and freedom are what have made our country strong and great, created jobs, and if we cave in to socialism, we the U.S. would face a long-term lesson of regrets and a very divided country.

By Joe Moskowitz
Ever since the end of the Post World War II baby boom, schools in general, but especially in rural areas, have been facing the problem of declining enrollments. Andes Central School was included in merger talks since the early 1970s.

Three years ago, the district reached its low point. The enrollment was down to 101 and if the school’s one kindergartner had moved, there would be an even 100. That’s right THE kindergartner. There was just one.

To The Editor:
I purchased my property about 15 years age for my family’s enjoyment and not anyone else’s.
I encountered hunters trespassing on my property so, the following year, I had my property surveyed.  Since then, posted signs and surveying pins have been removed, and a tree stand was built on my property without permission. I continuously find cigarette butts and litter on my property and over the years, deer carcasses were discarded in my driveway.

To The Editor:
In response to John Cerullo’s letter last week I can only add this. As far as facts go, I do not listen to the sources you list and I am certainly not radical in any way.  However, they certainly are brilliant individuals who work their backsides off.  Furthermore, they create quite a few jobs in the process.  That they are immensely successful and you do not agree with their politics does not make them intellectually lazy. And your response is a typical left wing rant from, clearly, one more hater.

To The Editor:
 Waking up to the Big Lie by John Cerullo (mailbox 3/20) states that we can solve our fiscal woes by taxing the rich and big corporations.  He doesn’t define what constitutes the rich, apparently believing all the rich are Scrooge McDucks swimming in pools of gold.

He forgets that the rich got rich by risking their own capital and creating products or services that consumers want.  They cannot tax their neighbor.  He also forgets that corporations are owned by stockholders.  The working people’s pension plans and IRAs are invested in these stocks.

To The Editor:
When we consider ways to offer opportunities for young people, providing for their education is a priority.  With an education, a kid can make it to as far as his or her abilities and drive will go.
We owe it to Head Start children and to us all to make this chance a possibility.  Early is best.  Head Start has been proven to be a catalyst for future success.  It deserves our support. 

Jackie Purdy,
Fleischmanns.