Letters to the Herald

For the Aug. 1 issue

Borough budget stresses

need for tax convention
To the editor:
   
Congratulations to Hightstown resident Mitch Dorum for his realization that local officials can’t, and won’t, control our ever-spiraling property tax rates (letter, July 25). Now we can only hope that Mr. Dorum and others, appalled at Hightstown’s recent smoke-and-mirrors budget balancing act, will conclude that the only realistic answer lies in statewide property tax reform, and that this fall they will support legislative candidates who are pledged to the proposed constitutional convention to modify this most regressive of all taxes.

Local paper appears to be

The Communist Manifesto
To the editor:
   
I couldn’t tell which opinion piece was more annoying. The recent drivel regarding the "unfairness" of the dissolution of the poet laureate position held by a racist, anti-Semite at taxpayers expense ("For questioning America, that’s what he gets," by Scott Morgan, July 11), or Hank Kalet’s recent diatribe that makes Saddam Hussein comparable to a lovable teddy bear ("Who are the ‘revisionist historians’?" July 25).
   As I’ve written before, if not for the fact that my kids’ names occasionally appear in the paper (for good and not evil) and even for less than spectacular sports accomplishments, I would dump my subscription to your rag in a heartbeat. Maybe I could encourage some of your other readers to do the same?

Rutgers shouldn’t host

Palestinian conference
To the editor:
   
We are very disturbed and outraged over the upcoming National Student Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement, scheduled to be held at Rutgers University this October. As Rutgers alumni and New Jersey taxpayers, who subsidize the university, we are appalled at the university administration’s decision to allow Rutgers’ facilities to be used to host a conference that the New York Post labeled "a national anti-Israel hate-fest."
   In the past few weeks, various newspapers reporting on the conference have noted and quoted the views of the organizers of this event. Charlotte Kates, specifically, has voiced her support for Palestinian homicide bombers, her feelings that Israel does not have a "right to exist," and that the conference goals are to feature tips for destroying the Jewish state.
   This is unacceptable. While we are proponents of free speech, we feel that by allowing this conference on Rutgers University facilities, officials are not only aiding the spread of hate and intolerance, they are actually adding credence to the cause of this "hate" group, using the Palestinian situation as a cover for their true cause.
   Would Rutgers allow hate-groups like the KKK or National Alliance to hold their events at university facilities?
   Rutgers is the "State University of New Jersey." It is supported by taxpayer dollars, tuition and fees from students, and alumni donations. We urge everyone to put pressure on the university administration to have this conference canceled, or at least, moved off university property.
   As Rutgers alumni, we urge all alumni, students and parents of students to write, call or e-mail Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick and Gov. James McGreevey to stop the National Student Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement. As New Jersey taxpayers, we urge all to do the same. Contact information may be found at: http://www.geocities.com/rutgersprotest/.
   We have already had our names taken off the Rutgers mailing list and will no longer make donations to our alma mater if this conference is allowed to be held.
   The best way for groups to spread their misinformation and hate is for others to remain silent. Experience has taught us that we cannot in good conscience do so. Please join us in speaking out.