Letters to the Editor, Feb. 28

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Feb. 28

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Downtown project shows good planning
To the editor:
   
At long last, it appears as though Princeton will finally have a solution to its ever-present parking problem. Thanks to the courage and commitment of Mayor Reed and all the elected officials who led the gallant effort to improve and enhance the town by forging ahead with the downtown development project.
   I have been somewhat silent with my support for the downtown improvements until now, because I do not reside in the borough. I do, however, have a sincere interest in the project for several reasons. As the business representative for the carpenters’ union here in Princeton, I am eager to see a new construction project that will provide employment for the carpenters I represent. I also have a genuine and well-established affection for the town of Princeton.
   Beginning with my employment at Grover Lumber in 1975 that lasted for two years, I then started work as a carpenter’s apprentice for Charles Baunach and Sons (a local contractor). Since then, I have continued to work here exclusively for 26 years, including representing the carpenters’ union for the past nine years. Along with numerous donations to Princeton’s parking authority, I have also donated time to community projects, (including two Habitat for Humanity projects and the old Senior Center behind Borough Hall). I also shop, eat and bring my family here to enjoy the wonderful selections of art and entertainment Princeton has to offer.
   As far back as I can remember, there has been a need for more parking in Princeton. We all know well the area designated for improvement and it has always been an eyesore. With the notoriety and recognition Princeton has as a historical and educational landmark, the downtown area should be as impressive as the town’s reputation. It shows good planning for a small town that is as popular as Princeton to utilize every available space to its maximum potential. I’m certain that, ultimately, most will agree that the town’s decision-makers have made a refreshing change to the landscape.
   The Carpenters Union is looking forward to having a part (as small as it might be) in the improvement of this great town. We also look forward to seeing Princeton have the attractive appearance it’s entitled to. Personally, I look forward to spending more time, and the rest of my career, in one of the most enjoyable and prestigious places to work and play in America.
Ridgeley G. Hutchinson
Business Representative
Local 781
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
Princeton
Down go oysters, up go contributions
To the editor:
   
We would like to thank everyone in the community for their support of Oyster Bowl IV held at the Blue Point Grill recently. This year’s event was the best yet, having over 200 people cheering, eating, slurping and having a great time for a great cause.
   Congratulations to Susan Spikes, our champion, having eaten 71 oysters in two minutes, with "Big Lou" Alfaro and Charles Plohn sharing the men’s title with 69 each.
   Special thanks to Volvo of Princeton, Nassau Broadcasting, the Nassau Inn, Mediterra, Teresa’s, Nova Terra, Ferry House, Brothers Moon, Frog & the Peach, Lahiere’s, Alchemist & Barrister, Triumph Brewery, Rat’s, Tiger Noodle, Avanti, La Mezzaluna, Les Copians, Acacia, Diamonds, Chambers Walk Café, Richards Farm Market, George’s, Lucy’s Ravioli, Vis a Vis, Varsity Liquors, Thomas Sweets, Johnson & Johnson, Spectrum Limousine, Meyer & Meyer Painting, Town Topics, Princeton Packet, Trenton Times, our wonderful volunteers, contestants and supporters. With everyone’s help, we were able to raise a record $6,000 for a combined four-year total of $20,000.
   If you missed Oyster Bowl IV, please make sure to come to Oyster Bowl V on Jan. 25, 2004. There is fun and prizes for all ages and appetites.
   On behalf of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure, the Blue Point Grill and Nassau Street Seafood and Produce Co., our hats are off to this great community. Together, we can make a difference.
Jack Morrison
Blue Point Grill
Nassau Street
Princeton
Good school fosters great dedication
To the editor:
   
My daughter was sick yesterday. Really sick. That is not a story, but what she did yesterday shows what a really good school can do to foster enthusiasm, passion and commitment.
   Alex’s fifth-grade class at Princeton Day School has been studying Ancient Egypt for God knows how long. They were assigned a project that culminated in an "Egyptian Bazaar." They were to dress in costume as well as bring in their project for viewing by the entire school. Alex was assigned "Amulets." She made amulets. She went to see amulets, first with the school in Philadelphia, then with me in New York at the Metropolitan Museum. Alex spent all weekend making her costume. And then she got sick.
   Although Alex could barely stand up (she actually looked the color of chalk), she insisted on going to school for the bazaar. She couldn’t miss it. I offered to bring her stuff in and set it up for her. She wouldn’t hear of it. Not only did she want desperately to be there for her amulets, she also wanted to see what everyone else had done. So I took her, on the condition we leave right after the bazaar. She needed a chair and she sat in the corner. It didn’t look like she was having any fun but she was there. When people came to her booth, she explained what she knew of amulets. She did her job.
   That wasn’t enough. She realized she also had a skating routine to perform during physical education with another friend. I told her no. Alex refused to let her friend down. The coach, who was attending the bazaar, said the friend would have to perform by herself. Alex said no. Instead, she and her friend asked if they could go first. P.E. was right after the bazaar and Alex said she would go home after her routine. I told her she could barely stand. She said she’d do it.
   After the bazaar, I went to the rink and sat waiting for the fifth- and sixth-grade girls. Alex looked even worse, but went right in to change. She and her friend skated out onto the ice in front of 50 girls and did their routine. It wasn’t great but it was my proudest moment as a mom. Alex, even in her weakest moment, showed spirit, passion and tremendous dedication. This is what we hope for in our children.
Carole K. Feuer
Meetinghouse Court
Princeton
Here’s one decision that’s for the birds
To the editor:
   
I have a huge issue about nature with my neighbors in the Windsor Haven development in West Windsor. In fact, I am very angry and sad at the same time. This winter is shaping up to be one of coldest and snowiest on record. I am concerned about the beautiful birds getting enough to eat to live through the winter. We were truly blessed to have the birds visit our neighborhood. The majority does not always win. This is one of those times where one or two individuals deprive the entire neighborhood of songbirds.
   In seems that in and around Windsor Haven, the beautiful birds of nature will not have food provided to them as in the past 12-plus years. You see, a situation arose whereby an anonymous neighbor — who, in my opinion, must be a snobbish, arrogant and pretentious individual — found "aesthetic" fault with a neighbor’s feeder. Mr. Snob made an issue of the bird feeder that was not to his liking (it wasn’t even in his yard), and reported his discomfort to the Association. In order to settle the ordeal, the only solution or remedy was to have everyone in Windsor Haven remove their bird feeders from the trees. My thought on this remedy, of course, is that it was overkill. However, I do have one suggestion, really.
   I am so angry. Perhaps others will get involved to help our feathered friends and the bird feeders can once again grace our beautiful trees. Then the birds can return to entertain us with their melodious songs and delight us with the "aesthetic" colors. Our children should not be deprived of these sights and sounds of nature.
Rose Dozier
Ketley Place
West Windsor
Case for war is nauseating fiction
To the editor:
   
Recently, a Washington humorist unconvinced we need to invade Iraq insisted Washington provide convincing proof, even if fabricated. An atom bomb strapped to a camel, for example. I don’t even need the bomb, just the camel pointed in our direction. F.D.R. counseled America we had nothing to fear but fear itself. G.W.B. tells America be afraid. Be very afraid.
   The president’s invented crisis, originally nutty, rises to fruitcake proportions. Throughout the world, terrorist and non-terrorist Muslim extremists pray the United States invades Iraq. It may be the only thing they and Secretary Rumsfeld share in their prayers. This looming war on a country in deep freeze for a dozen years holds the possibility of damning America’s earthly purpose of peaceful betterment. The president’s illusion of righteousness erected on untruth makes meaningless the purposefulness of his country’s goodness and greatness.
   Unless Saddam Hussein soon lays his head on the president’s chopping block, the war George W. Bush seemingly ordains as his birthright will come to pass. From the pinnacle of near pharaonic power, the leader of the greatest county in history insists on being brought the head of an insignificant tyrant. Iraq II won’t be a war. It will be a disgrace. Our president has us acting toward adversity not as heirs to our founders’ enlightenment but as barbarians of old Europe.
   Unless the prostrate Congress quickly get off their knees and speak truth to power, the promise of the American Century will not survive the nauseating fiction that a second Iraq war is a necessity to keep the world safe for democracy.
   It’s small consolation how lightening fast Iraq falls to our military might. The dirty mission our proud military would be ordered to launch is founded on fraud. Saddam Hussein is not and never will be a threat to the United States or U.S. allies; there is no Saddam-al Qaeda connection. The spectacle of a war of aggression crafted by a cult of impudence within the White House will become a plague upon our nation. The president’s victorious war partisans will dance like apes on a bass drum, but the world will remain disgusted. The battle may be brief, but should the political illusion that the cabinet expects to play out in the Middle East fail to go according to dictate, who wins the war?
   This administration and Congress have damaged American destiny. The president missteps but he can still stake the high ground and claim Saddam Hussein is capitulating to America’s ring of armor. No small victory. The supine Congress will applaud aptly and state Iraq is containable without war. But stumbling into Iraq (to foolishly save face) is not worth a single drop of American blood or ounce of American honor.
   Should the war cabinet fret they’ve marched the troops up the hill all dressed up with no place to go, let them turn sincere urgency on North Korea’s cage rattling and intelligently settle a potential catastrophe they can rightfully claim frightful, very frightful. That’s where the exceptional courage of a good and brave man, George W. Bush, can be placed at the service of the world. I pray a storm of luck comes his way to end wasting courage on a shimmering mirage.
Luis de Agustin
Gates Court
West Windsor