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Letters To The Editor

Reader Concerned By Economic Realities

To The Reader’s Forum: Farmworkers deserve to be and are treated with respect. The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act concerns me. While its supporters mean well, the economic realities facing family farms (97% of farms are family owned) will make it difficult for many farms to survive the legislation’s higher costs. According to USDA, New York has lost about nine percent of its farms in the past five years, triple the national average, in part because of the depressed farm economy and rising labor costs. Most New York farms already pay well above minimum wage to attract ...

The Presumption Of Innocence

To The Reader’s Forum: I hear a lot these days about the presumption of innocence. This, I say, is good up to a point. But if charges have been brought against someone and that person is on trial, I believe that his/her official status should be “intermediary.” That is, guilt or innocence is in order only when a verdict is brought in. Norman Anderson Falconer

Reader Questions Use Of Vaccinations

To The Reader’s Forum: Parents who purposely choose not to vaccinate their children are not being irresponsible to their children nor to society! They are seeking to do the right and healthy thing for their children! If vaccinations are so effective then please tell me why those who have vaccinated their children are so concerned about having unvaccinated children around. Vaccinations are not a strengthening of the body’s immune system. By putting toxins and the disease directly into the bloodstream you increase antibodies, but you lower the cellular immunity. It is not ...

Documentary Highlights What Could Have Been

To The Reader’s Forum: I commend WNED public television and everyone who had a part in making “Reimagining A Buffalo Landmark,” the new Richardson Olmsted Campus documentary. It clearly and convincingly illustrates why this is a model preservation project, one most deserving of its 2018 Richard H. Driehaus National Trust for Historic Preservation Award. It also demonstrates what can be achieved when local leaders engage with their stakeholders in an honest, transparent and inclusive manner. At the same time, the film also serves as a reminder of the failure of the ...

Teacher Inspired By Battle Of The Classes

To The Reader’s Forum: As an elementary teacher, it is not that often that one can participate in the Jamestown High School Battle of the Classes. I had the privilege of chaperoning inspiring dance groups last year and this. This year I had a wonderful opportunity to work with some freshman young ladies. These girls amazed me every time we got together. These young ladies, from vastly different backgrounds, cultures and taste in music, found what they had in common and not how they were different. They brought their tastes in music and ideas and created a cohesive dance that ...

Walking A Different Course On Easter

To the Reader’s Forum: Ten years ago. Tiger Woods was at the pinnacle of his golf career but then he lost his wife, health, name and golf game. He went through hell and his game was seen as good as dead. Last Sunday at the Masters, he showed that he still had the heart, mind and perseverance of a champion. He conquered the sand traps, hazards and read the greens with excellence. He received an emotional thunderous applause as he walked up to the 18th hole and then sank the winning putt. Shortly after, a green jacket was placed upon him. It was only fitting that throughout ...