Letters to the editor

Contributing Writers
Letters – July 3, 2009 - 3:00am

Tell officials the status quo must go

I am sure that our esteemed members of the state Senate and Assembly, and our local politicians along with them, will be marching in the upcoming local 4th of July parades. No doubt they will be grouped together along party lines as they march, and they will as usual be asking for your vote. If you are fed up with what is going on in Albany, as well as our extremely high taxes, and happen to see them marching in a parade, consider taking the opportunity to voice your opinion. Exercise your right to free speech. Let’s make it clear that the status quo must go.

We are fed up with partisan politics as usual while our state is going down the tubes, and all they see fit to do is squabble over who is in charge and make deals behind closed doors. Not one of them deserves my vote.

—ROBERT AMADON

PERINTON

Challengers need support to win

Regarding the letter “Blame yourselves, not the politicians” (June 29): I refuse to blame myself for the actions of others. I did not cause the governor of South Carolina’s infidelity or the alleged dealings of those involved with the Robutrad debacle.

However, I understand the writer’s frustration. It is often true that incumbents get re-elected, but not necessarily because we are happy with the job they are doing. Elections cost money, and lots of it. Television, radio and literature mailings are expensive; without these tools, a candidate cannot win. The more a candidate has to spend, the better chance of a victory.

The writer believes that re-electing incumbents would make us “absolutely pathetic.” Would those who agree be willing to put their money where their mouth is? If you’re truly fed up, make a contribution to the challengers who are at a disadvantage. Get involved in their campaigns. Make phone calls. Help spread the word. Money, support and votes are what win elections.

Shall I tell you where to send your check?

—CATHERINE DEAN

PENFIELD

Tyrants stifle speech of citizens

In response to the June 29 letter “Hate-mongering endangers Obama,” I have this to say: It is our constitutional right to be critical of this president, as those on the left were of former President Bush. The things that were said of President Bush were biased, hateful and for the most part untrue. But no one disputed anyone’s right to say them.

As to the letter writer’s call for the waiving of First Amendment rights for calling President Obama — yes, I use his title, showing proper respect for the office if not for the man — a communist, I have this to say: Taking away the right to free speech is the first thing Lenin, Stalin and all their ilk did in order to stifle dissent. So, call for an end to the First Amendment when we speak critically of this president because you only prove our point for us.

—DAVID V. MUMMERY

IRONDEQUOIT

Crimes of Monica Conyers ignored

In Saturday’s issue of this newspaper, way down on Page 17A, there was a short news brief stating that Monica Con-yers pled guilty to a charge of bribery and may face five years in prison. Nowhere did it mention that she is none other than the longtime wife of Democrat John Conyers Jr., a 22-term congressman from Detroit who sponsored HR 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act. This may be the most expensive legislation ever considered in the history of the world but our news sources apparently did not feel his wife’s “indiscretion” of attempting to accept thousands of dollars in bribes was relevant enough to mention.

However, no detail was too small when reporting the sex scandal of Republican Mark Sanford.

—JIM ZABAWSKY

PARMA

Think creatively to prevent abortion

A June 29 letter writer (“Bears, ducks and babies”) thinks she has hit upon the solution to curtail abortions: Elect “godly” people to government.

Frankly, I shudder to think of what would happen should we switch over to a theocracy. That’s why I think we need to start thinking out of the box about how we can cut down on abortions. Let’s brainstorm, shall we? I’ll start.

Let’s make men have to pass a test on how to use a condom, ticket men caught not carrying condoms, plow more money into research on male birth control, give away free vasectomies, outlaw erectile dysfunction meds, ban male enhancement products, design a male chastity belt ….

I know if we all put our heads together, we can turn this thing around.

—LINDA STEPHENS

GREECE

What’s your view?

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