We welcome your contributions for the "Sound Off" viewer opinion column. To
submit a contribution, e-mail SoundOff@NorthCountryNow.com, fax 315-268-8701, mail to North Country This Week, PO Box 975, Potsdam, NY 13676, or visit our office, 19 Depot St., Potsdam. Keep submissions to 150 words or fewer; all are subject to editing. We receive more Sound Offs than we have room for; to increase the chances your submission will be posted, offer an opinion on new topics that have not appeared in "Sound Off," present your comments in a tasteful, thoughtful manner, and don’t criticize local people or businesses.
Germy hands off!
During this time of the year, we are all concerned about the flu bugs that are going around. I have an infant son and it seems as though each time someone stops me in a public place they feel the need to touch my son’s hands and face. We all know that babies put their hands in their mouths at all possible moments. I know people do not do this to cause intentional harm, but please oh please help stop putting my son in danger.
So, no one denied?
Responding to “No One Denied” (Oct. 7-13): In June 2005 I was declared disabled by an orthopedic surgeon and neurologist. I applied for disability and it was an ongoing battle until I was awarded benefits in 2007. Did you know you have to be on disability for two years before you are eligible for Medicare? Did you know there is also a five-month waiting period once you are eligible? So for 56 months I have been without health coverage. My wife has also been declared disabled. She is not eligible for Medicaid and because she hasn’t worked in the past five years, she cannot receive Medicare. She worked and paid into the system when she was younger, but stayed home to raise our children. This is the reason I am for a national healthcare plan. We deserve better than what we are getting right now. After all, we did pay into the system which is now failing us.
Stop complaining
Wow, it’s been a while since I read the Sound Off and now I know why: open air burning “cease fire” the Gestapo? Get off your high horse. What we’re talking about here is poison, not only in your lungs but also in our children’s, and if you don’t care then go stick your head in a furnace. Senseless crime in Potsdam? Well, this is what we’ve given our children by letting them play violent video games and watch horribly violent movies. It’s okay to be mean. Teaching parents to praise kids? Yeah, and telling people they shouldn’t have kids isn’t going to help. They have them already. Parenting classes might help, but having parents they can emulate in a positive way would be much better. Unfortunately, no one needs to take responsibility for themselves anymore. It’s always someone else’s fault. That’s why someone will always be burning something they shouldn’t, hurting someone they shouldn’t, and not paying attention to the child they need to pay attention to. Stop complaining and start doing!
Burn barrels: consideration key
To the author of “...Didn’t Know What To Do” (Oct. 28-Nov. 3): I believe it is clear that the local population is divided on the issue of burn barrels. You are entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine. I am an educated member of the community, and I am aware of the negative impacts on our environment due to burning toxic products. My problem with the ban is that I, and apparently many others, only burned paper to begin with. I found your statement regarding my choice to have children very offensive and judgmental. You clearly want to make a statement and I would hate for you to be uninformed; I had my two sons before my husband was laid off from his job last fall. I’m surprised that the news of the recent recession is new to you. Many people are no longer able to afford what they once were! Mind your tongue and have some consideration of others before you make such ignorant remarks.
Teachers there to help
In response to the writer of “Homework Policy Not Fair” (Oct. 28-Nov. 3), she should know that all summative homework (like research papers) is still to be graded. (Practice homework may be graded but cannot count for more that 10% of the overall grade.) Of course, quizzes and tests will also be graded. If your child freezes on tests, you should speak to teachers about providing differentiation in testing. Maybe your child could take an oral exam or see the teacher privately for the tests. Don’t feel frustrated...the teachers are there to help. Good luck.
Thank you NNCS
I am glad the school district is considering keeping track runners off Route 56. Long over due. This has always bothered me. This is a main truck route and very dangerous. You are not allowed to park on Route 56. Why would you consider putting kids in harm’s way? The paper stated there are alternatives to this unsafe practice. Good going!
Stop for pedestrians
We are writing today to remind drivers of the pedestrians right of way. Again this morning at 7:20 a.m. our son was trying to cross in the crosswalk from Maple Street to Pine Street in Potsdam when he was not given the right of way and a woman in a mini van screamed “watch it a-- hole!” He has almost been hit several times when he has a crossing signal. Traffic coming off Pine Street has a green light when he has a walk signal, but he has the right of way! If the thought of almost hitting someone or breaking the law does not bother you maybe dealing with your insurance rates and the likely fact you will be sued does. Now, does giving a pedestrian the right of way seem a better option than not waiting the few seconds it takes for them to cross? We may even make it our business to start watching and writing down license plates of those who decide that they are in too much of a hurry to let him cross safely to get home after working all night.
Defending crosswalkers
This is a warning to anyone who decides they are in such a hurry they have to drive around my car when I’m stopped at a crosswalk. I am no longer going to sit in my car and hope you don’t hit the person I have stopped for. From now on I am going to take actions into my own hands to insure that I haven’t set someone up to get run over. The next time someone starts to turn to go by me I am going to block them with my car. One of two things will happen: you will manage to stop your car or you will run into the side of my car. Either way the person walking across doesn’t get run down so someone can save 10 seconds.
Why not public schools?
Why do private colleges in St. Lawrence County qualify for a discount in their electric bill, as the governor has announced, but the state colleges and our local public schools in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Franklin Counties do not? How many local taxpayers will get a savings from the electric discount to these universities? I’m sure that these same taxpayers would benefit more if their local school districts received this discount on their electric rates. Why do local and state officials not see this advantage? This electric discount to these colleges will not help the local unemployment in our county. If this electric savings was applied to our local school districts, the reduced costs in the power bill might lower my local school tax for one year.
Where’s regular vaccine?
Just spent the morning on the phone trying to find regular flu shots for my family. County Public Health, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Walgreen’s, Walmart, Kinney’s, and our private physician all say they are completely out and suggest calling again around Nov. 5. I can understand the shortage and distribution problems with the H1N1 vaccine, which is new, but why the shortage of regular flu shots?
Too old for first shots
The federal government has proven itself to be incompetent in healthcare matters. (Look at the fraud in Medicare!) Now swine flu is threatening us and vaccine is not available for all who want/need it. I want the vaccine, but standing in line won’t do any good because I don’t fit the priority criteria. (I’m too old. Gee, what did Sarah Palin say?) Rationing is already upon us. I was amazed that firemen and policemen are also not priority recipients. Do we really want to give the federal government a bigger control of our healthcare?
Kindness rewarded in Gouverneur
I was on a trip with my two young children, 2 & 5. When I decided to stop at the Nice & Easy in Gouverneur. Well my 5 year-old daughter got out of the truck and held the door for my son & I. She then noticed a women getting out of her car and decided to hold the door for her. The women told her she was very nice to hold the door for her and my daughter said thank you and we went on our way. After a few minutes of walking in the store the women saw us and walked up to us and asked me if she could give my children something. Being a little leery this day and age I thought for a second and said ok. This wonderful women gave my children each 50 cents and told them that they were very good kids and to use the money at the gumball machines the next time we were at the big store. Then she looked at me and said "Thank you so much for doing such a great job raising your kids, they are wonderful." I wrote this not only to share a great story but for people to know that what you say can make a difference in a person’s life. Whoever she was she made my day a whole lot brighter, I always wonder am I doing a good job with my kids. A little kindness goes along way!!
Stop telling us what to do
I really don’t think that the issue is with just the burn ban law that everyone is up in arms over but more so that it is just one more rule or regulation that somehow translates into telling us what we can and can’t do. What happened to common sense and courtesy when it comes to these issues? Why do we have to enact another law to force people to comply verses working it out with your neighbors? What’s next? Telling us how many kids we can have based on our income levels or the amount of calories you can have a day….isn’t that kind of what the sugar sin tax is about? I am really getting tired of being told what I can and can’t do all the time and having the government imposes new rules and regulations. Ummmm….aren’t they suppose to work for us? Here is the North Country where unemployment is high, income levels are at or below the poverty level and here it seems that our government is more concerned about burning garbage than getting people back to work. Seems like we need a little common sense of instead of raising taxes, why not bring in some good paying jobs, get people back to work and your revenues will increase in the state and local coffers. Nope that’s too simple of a solution and raising taxes is easier, plus it makes these politicians look like they are actually doing something while pulling in six figure incomes. So…if any of you politicians are reading this, it would be greatly appreciated that you spend more of your time on job creation, less taxes and stop imposing these rules and regulations of telling us how to run our daily lives.
Inconsiderate hunters
Well another deer season is upon us, and it is evident around my house by the road hunters, deer jackers and other inconsiderate people, who think it is okay to stop, spotlight, 4-wheel and even hunt right next to my house. The land may not be mine but show some respect! People like you give hunters a bad name. You can bet that when I hear the shot and you are within 500 feet of my house I will be on the phone to the sheriff’s department, and it won’t be the first time.
Not just organic material
When you burn something organic like grass and leaves, most cardboards, and papers, it releases CO2 (carbon dioxide). When you throw something away it goes to a landfill or if you are an avid composter it decomposes, which releases CO2. So regardless of what organic material people burn or throw away, it is going to release the same amount of CO2. The problem that New York State is having is that people are not burning just organic material and it is harming the environment. They are burning plastics and packaging materials and this is releasing toxins into our ecosystems. Most people have a hard time knowing if some of their trash has these toxins in them so that is why the state is saying no more burning of trash. If any of this seems false to you do some homework. There are plenty of websites – yes, some of them are biased -- that will most likely support everything that I have just said.
Look around and learn
In response to “No One Denied” (Oct. 7-13): you say if any of the richest 1,000 people need health care none would go to Canada. You don’t know that. And you say “no one in this country is denied the finest medical care on the planet.” You must be from another planet if you believe that. You need to get out more and hear from some people other than your little tea club buddies. Look around. Ask questions. Learn.
Neuter them all
The cat situation certainly is out of hand in Raymondville, and all towns around (Letters, “Stray Cat Situation Is ‘Getting Out Of Hand,’” Oct. 21-27). I have dogs that are neutered and fenced in the yard, and are licensed. A simple solution is to pass a law to license all cats and dogs, and unless you have a license to breed them, they all have to be spayed and neutered. Yes, it is sad, the number of cats roaming free and killing songbirds and gray squirrels. So let’s get together and think of the animals and try to solve this problem.
Ban could lower price
I agree with the ban of burn barrels, but it will cause problems down the road. The financial situation in the North Country will lead people to start digging holes on their property and burying garbage in the ground. What will happen to the plastic that will sit for years and the increase in rodents and refuse leaching down into our water supply? The answer may be with the private and public collection agencies to lower their price to the customers due to the increase in their business. This way the plastic will be separated from the rest of the garbage and we all will be able to enjoy the fresh air.
Not just organic material
When you burn something organic like grass and leaves, most cardboards, and papers, it releases CO2 (carbon dioxide). When you throw something away it goes to a landfill or if you are an avid composter it decomposes, which releases CO2. So regardless of what organic material people burn or throw away, it is going to release the same amount of CO2. The problem that New York State is having is that people are not burning just organic material and it is harming the environment. They are burning plastics and packaging materials and this is releasing toxins into our ecosystems. Most people have a hard time knowing if some of their trash has these toxins in them so that is why the state is saying no more burning of trash. If any of this seems false to you do some homework. There are plenty of websites – yes, some of them are biased -- that will most likely support everything that I have just said.
Candidates: Stop calling me
I would just like to voice my frustration with all the annoying automated phone calls we get several times a day from candidates looking for votes. I don't know about anyone else but I've had about enough. They call during dinner time and if they don't get you personally, they will continue to call. It's rude and I wish they would please stop. I, for one, will not be voting for those who are calling. Give us a break already. Between the mailings, postcards, phone calls, etc... I think we get it. Please have some common courtesy and stop calling. You could save a lot of money as well without all the mailings. Too bad we can't burn them in the burning barrels as that's where they would go for sure.
Agrees the calls are too much
Oh how I agree with you, I have had enough too. I have turned off all my ringers on all phones and turned down the volume on the answering machine. This calling has gotten out of hand and I too will not vote for any of the calling candidates.
Hoffman not even in district
I am mystified. Why would anyone vote for Representative to Congress who does not live in the District? That makes no sense at all. Mr. Hoffman is so conservative that he will not sully himself by living in the 23rd District, or even learning enough about the district so as to be able to represent the people well. His interview with the Watertown Daily Times certainly brings an attitude of aloofness to the fore. It appears that Mr. Hoffman would be most akin to an absentee landlord: as long as he gets paid he will do his best to stay away. The good people of the 23rd District deserve better. They deserve to have a representative in Congress who is thoroughly invested in the area, who knows the people and who cares about THEIR ISSUES. When people like Dick Armey and Sarah Palin start throwing their weight behind him you may rightly suspect that Hoffman's candidacy is subterfuge for something unsavory at best. Vote for Owens, vote for Scozzafava if you choose, but to vote for Hoffman is to throw away the potential for growth and the potential for human rights that all of the citizens of God's Country deserve to enjoy.
Individuality on a very narrow tightrope
The sentiments expressed by (Letters, 3 cheers for right, even if it’s on opposing sides, Oct. 21- 27) stops too short. If New Yorkers are indeed going to have an autonomous campaign, let’s tell all groups to mind their own business, including Washington conservatives and talk radio commentators. For years outside political groups have interfered with local elections, this is nothing new. It is also not new for people to want to think and do for themselves. I certainly don’t want my life run by the government, big business, or the right and right-minded for that matter. Like the fashion magazines portraying their models as the ideal of what every woman should look like, so the right portrays their views as the only views good and honest people are allowed. Both of these untenable positions have one thing in common, both place individuality on a very narrow tightrope.
Homework policy not fair
Potsdam Central may not be getting rid of homework but they might as well have. My child studies and does all his homework and puts a huge effort into it and he should be graded for it more than 10 percent. My child is not a test taker. He freezes up when it comes to taking tests so now he is failing because the homework doesn’t count enough to make him pass. Do you think that is fair? My child has always been on the honor roll because he worked hard on all his homework, projects and did extra credit but we can’t even offer that to kids now. This homework policy is not fair to all children. There are a lot of kids like mine that their grades are suffering. The only thing that this homework policy is doing is making a lot of kids lazy that know ten percent of their grade is nothing so why do it.
...didn’t know what to do
I was just reading the replies to your burn ban survey. While I am appalled at the number of people who think it is their right to burn (pollute) as a way to save money when the rest of us have to pay for trash removal, I am even more angered by one responder who even went so far as to state that if she had to pay for trash removal she couldn’t buy winter boots for her children. Here’s a novel concept: People need to stop having children they can’t afford to raise.
Cut costs, taxes
I have noted (Watertown Daily Times, Sept. 30) that St. Lawrence County ranks 39th in property taxes out of 775 counties nationwide. That, coupled with an unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent, and layoffs, should provide compelling reasons for all St. Lawrence County town, county and state leaders to work together to find alternative methods to cut costs and refrain from any increases in property taxes. Some of Bruce Konkoski’s proposed ideas are sound. “Leaders, be accountable, freeze all wages, reduce overtime, freeze hiring, etc.” The burden on the back of the tax payer is staggering.
Service hard to find
There are supposed to be so many people out of a job so why is it so hard to get service people? Why do I have to wait so long to get a crew from a cleaning service, to get a plumber, to get a doctor’s appointment?
$18,660 per year
Having just paid Potsdam school taxes again, I looked at last year’s budget, http://www.potsdam.k12.ny.us/ , to see how it all adds up. It was not pretty. PCS has an annual budget of $26,778,179.00 with a projected student body of 1,435. That means the district spends $18,660 for each and every student enrolled -- every year. Thirteen years of schooling totals an investment of $242,500 (current dollars) for each graduate. Is it possible that the PCS education is actually that good? Does it justify an obscenely high tax rate? Perhaps the artificial turf, daycare and other amenities are either of critical importance to the majority of students or do not displace pre-existing daycare businesses. Finally, employee benefits -- above and beyond wages paid -- exceed $6 million. Michael Moore: You may find that a visit to Potsdam worthwhile for your next documentary on the policies and business of education.
Senseless crime in Potsdam
To the persons that attacked Mr. Matott, we would like to know why. He did most of our family’s piercing and was very friendly and made you feel comfortable. He has never harmed anyone and I think all his tattoos are awesome. These hateful people need to be caught and brought to justice. This crime was senseless and there was no need for it.
Not the best spot
To the group supporting the Doug Hoffman for Congress: could you have picked a worse place to campaign on Monday, Oct. 26? Standing on the island in the merge from Maple onto Main is dangerous both for you and the drivers moving through an already precarious intersection. People were packed onto that island, and on the sidewalk in front of the Clarkson Inn, all through the lunch hour. Your presence nearly got me in two accidents on my way to and from home, because drivers around me were paying attention to you and not the road. The opposite corner of the same intersection, in front of the Arlington, would have afforded you the same visibility, and been a much safer option for everyone in the village. Please show some level of responsibility next time.
Parenting woodshed
I would like to know what other parents think of the commercials on radio explaining how to tell your kids they did good in school. I believe this commercial insults the intelligence of parents everywhere. If you need to be told to ask your kids how school went or how their tests went then you should not be a parent. It is common sense, they go to school, it should come naturally to ask how things went and to compliment them on good grades, behavior or whatever else. By the same token to find out if things went wrong and address that. I raised two children and did not need to be told how to compliment my kids. Maybe people need to take parenting classes before they have kids.
Inconveniencing you?
I am sick and tired of people almost running me over when I’m trying to use the crosswalk that runs between the Roxy Theatre and the public parking lot in Potsdam each morning. I realize that people are probably trying to get to work and are in a hurry, but the law states that you must stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk. I am young and healthy. It takes me about 10 seconds to cross the street. I’m sorry if that’s a huge inconvenience to all of you to have to stop for 10 seconds to let me pass so that I can get to work myself. The next time one of you nearly hits me I just might let you. Since I’m in the crosswalk it would be your fault. Maybe I’ll get a nice chunk of change out of you. Now wouldn’t that be inconvenient.
Keep areas clean
With the crunchy red-orange and yellow leaves on the ground and winter quickly creeping in, all over the North Country, I would like to ask our officials and residents to help keep the sidewalks, walkways and parking lots clean. While some may be busy at work, home, church or running errands, there are others who would like to be able to get out and about, even on the dreariest of days. I’ve had winters in the past where I had to take my little ones out, in a double stroller, just to get a few needed groceries and struggled to get over the snow and ice. I can only imagine how that must be for people who are limited to wheelchairs, canes or walkers. This comes down to a basic human need and even to the point of being psychological. So many people suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) once the colder days roll in and the darker mornings and evenings. It’s vital for people to get out and about and see other people, even if it’s just picking up a carton of milk, a prescription or an emergency pack of diapers. Let’s try really hard to keep these areas cleaned up so we may all be able to get out and about easily and safely and let’s also remember to extend a helping hand, or a listening ear, to one another, not just in the coming months but for many years ahead.
Burning organic matter not the problem
She:kon. The person who is burning for prayer is confused. Organic matter isn't the problem. The danger of burning garbage, plastics, chemicals and other nonorganic matter is why we need a burning ban. We don't need these toxins polluting Turtle Island or the waters we drink and bathe in...everything leaches to the water tables. It's up to all of us to save this earth. Nia:wen
Not really ‘out of order’
I recently went to a Potsdam eatery late in the evening. I purchased food and when I went to use the restroom found that it was “out of order.” I then discovered that the bathroom is always “out of order” after a certain time of night. I find this unfair to paying customers and it’s probably a violation of health codes. If they are so worried about vandalism from drunk patrons maybe they should keep a better eye on the bathroom.
Burn something today
What’s with all the anti-burn bashing that’s being done around here. You would think that these people just won a great victory with the new law, but remember where you live. If you read the law there are more exceptions to why you still can burn than why you can’t. Victory to the burners. Come join in on the fun. Men have been burning since the beginning of time and it hasn’t killed the world. I’m sure if studied hard enough at some think tank you would find burning entwined in our DNA. Stop bashing and join in on the fun, burn something today. It’s your right!
Keep your nose to yourself
That message from “Rat You Out” (Oct. 7-13) sounds so childish, why would you print it? What is happening to our society when people rejoice in causing a problem for their neighbors and other people encourage it? Oh, by the way, we have an outside wood burning furnace. It is properly located away from our house, and we took very serious consideration for the prevailing winds when we located it. That was in deference to our neighbors. When you pay my heating bills, you can tell me how to heat my house. We used one tank of fuel last year. We saved money and we worked hard to put up our wood. So, keep your nose to yourself.
Put it on management
Many times in the past year there have been instances at a variety of places where the service has been so poor that I could just scream. The it dawned on me, it is not so much the employees that I should be angry with but the management and owners. Understaffed, untrained, overworked is the best way to describe the situations I have encountered. A few years ago I worked for a job service agency and I heard amazing stories about past bosses and why a client was now looking for work. It is just horrible what a person has to be subjected to just to earn a paycheck. Some employers are so blind to what goes on under their own noses. I strongly encourage any employee who is subject to a horrible work place to take a stand and file charges against their bosses. You should not have to be harassed, or harangued or forced into overtime for a paycheck. Stand your ground. The next time you find your self frustrated for lack of quality service anywhere, remember, do no take it out on the employee, Seek out the management and put blame where blame is due.
Not Gestapo
Really? Gestapo (“Clusternuts & Carcinogens,” Oct. 14-20)? I quote Timeline.com: “The Gestapo had the authority to investigate treason, espionage and sabotage and cases of criminal attacks on the Nazi Party and Germany. The basic Gestapo law passed by the government in 1936 gave the Gestapo carte blanche to operate without judicial oversight. The Gestapo was specifically exempted from responsibility to administrative courts, where citizens normally could sue the state to conform to laws.” Now how does that equate to banning the burning of know carcinogens? According to the Sound Off writer, some nefarious police agency decided to ban burning. Backyard burning has not been banned carte blanche; certain things can be burned if done so in the proper manner (wood in a backyard fire pit for example). People need to stop referring to everything that they disagree with as being associated with the Nazis, Communists, Socialists, etc. Some things, like not putting carcinogens into the atmosphere are good for society, and do not represent the end of personal rights.
Homework not eliminated
Homework is not being eliminated at Potsdam Central (“Eliminate Homework?”, Oct. 7-13). Through the leadership of Superintendent Brady’s and the board of education, the district has a new research-based, experience-based, and common sense-based policy governing homework and grading. The best research indicates that when homework is given to students to help them practice and learn new concepts, it should be evaluated by teachers but not graded. But in the spirit of compromise, the board decided that teachers who feel compelled to grade practice homework (which flies in the face of research) may grade it but such grades cannot count for more than 10 percent of students’ averages. Parents like me who want a child-friendly atmosphere at school offer our sincere thanks to Superintendent Brady for his depth of study and his progressive leadership on this issue. Those confused about the new policy can read all about it on the PCSD web site, www.potsdam.k12.ny.us/.
Ignorant, or dishonest?
The person who suggested that we “ask the richest one thousand people in the world where they go for health care” (“No One Denied,” Oct. 7-13) has at least one good point. The super-rich can afford access to “the finest medical care on the planet,” wherever it may be available. Unfortunately, tens of millions of American citizens cannot, and tens of thousands have died as a result. To state that “no one in this country is denied” such care indicates either woeful ignorance or willful dishonesty.
Perry should apologize
I find it very troubling that county legislators, whom we elected, feel they can use their status to think it’s okay to be dishonest. Any ordinary citizen cannot walk into a chamber of commerce office and ask for a bulk-rate stamp. How can Ms. Perry claim that she did no wrong? Everyone knows that this was wrong, ethically and legally, and if Ms. Perry thinks it was not wrong, then she no doubt does not have the ethics and morals to be in this position in the first place. Pretty ironic that the owner of the car County Legislator Girard hit a few weeks ago was Ms. Perry’s. But at least he admitted his mistake. Ms. Perry needs to get off her high horse and apologize to all citizens and to the union officials trying to run an election. What a disgrace to St. Lawrence County and the Democratic Party.
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