Killed Editor, Times-Union: This is in regard to the killing of the mute swans on Webster Lake.
What kind of sport is it when you kill an animal that is just sitting there? Anyone who does that kind of "hunting" has to have some real serious problems. It is indeed abhorrent to see these beautiful and majestic animals killed in that manner.
Obviously, the state or whoever authorized this type of killing by issuing these permits made some serious mistakes. The most serious is that when the male and female swan bond, it is for life, and when one is killed there will be no more offspring. It's quite obvious someone wants to eliminate the swans altogether, and if this continues that indeed will happen. This is cruelty to animals and something must be done before it's too late.
One possible good chance for the swans is for large numbers of people to contact People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, and I did just that tonight by e-mail. I urge all of you to contact PETA to voice your concern and possibly they can help us correct this terrible wrong. Their e-mail address is Info@peta.org
In addition, we may have an ally who is sympathetic to the plight of the mute swans. You should also contact Senator Robert Meeks at 800-382-9467 and voice your concern about this. I contacted him today and I did get a return call. The more people who call, the more it will help.
John Routh, via e-mail North Webster
Immigration
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing in response to all the immigrant issues that have been popping up on the news and in newspapers. I am Latino, born and raised here in Warsaw. I was raised in a home where color or race was never an issue. But after reading the letters to the editor, I guess not everyone was as fortunate as I.
First, I would like to respond to the person who wrote about illegals going to war and dying instead of our Americans. Well, my father, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, went to Vietnam to fight for this country. And he never had any regrets.
Next, I would like to address a letter written by Tom Metzger regarding his experience at the BMV. I guess my question would be, "Has the test been revised for immigrants who can not read English, or for all the illiterate Americans?"
Finally, I would like to address the letter from Jon Kerkoff regarding the biodiesel plant and who it will employ. Why does it matter to him? What are these employees taking from him? The way I see it, they are doing a job many Americans would not want to do. Have we forgotten about all the immigrants working the fields (many illegal) for very cheap labor and at the same time keeping the prices of produce down?
My children, born and raised in America, are Hispanic, but they never knew it until someone in their grade school pointed it out to them.
Cecilia Hostetter, via e-mail
Warsaw
Etna Green Rebuttal
Editor, Times-Union: Rebuttal to my opponents in Etna Green:
Dear Mr. Fleagle, Mr. Kauffman and others,
It is so nice to see that our system of democracy and freedom of speech works in this country. To be able to voice our opinions and to agree to disagree on issues is what makes this country great, and that is one of the reasons why I was so proud to have served our country and community for more than 22 years in the U.S. Air Force.
If I'm not that sharp, please tell me where my logic or thought process is wrong in the article. Every point made in the article was true, and if you would attend the meetings (like I have for 10 months and haven't seen any of you) and ask questions, then you would know that my article stated only the truth.
Mr. Kauffman (related to the Bakers), it's very apparent where you received your information. It's not about the electric, water and sewage, it's about the lack of integrity and trust in our system. By the way, why did your wife close the shop, couldn't afford the outrageous utility bills?
It's obvious that you have little knowledge about myself, so let me ease all of your minds. I have a bachelor's degree in business, an associate's degree in computer information management, two teaching licenses (Florida and Indiana), and 22 years of experience in managing budgets from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. I will put my experiences, qualifications, leadership abilities and integrity against any one of you.
Grudge has nothing to do with why I wrote the article, being involved in my local government and how my money is spent is important to me and should be to you. Mr. Fleagle and others who are residents of Etna Green, I challenge each of you to attend, listen, and involve yourself in the decision process on how your money is spent in this town.
David Clark, via e-mail Business Teacher Etna Green
