As a native of Cooperstown, no longer residing there, I have had the privilege of continuing to read about our wonderful village in the Crier for some time.

In reading the Editorials in the July 7 edition, I had a small problem with the article "Remember true meaning."

I realize that receiving our independence was not like the ending of WWII. However, we did the former by being victorious in a war over the British. And I believe there was cause for celebration in both cases, so why should we not continue the tradition. Of course we should remember the true meaning of the day, but as Americans, 231 years later, it is difficult to conceive what our forefathers must have gone through to achieve what they did. I’ll bet there was some celebration after the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

As for our new enemy, terrorism, it is something that my mind cannot comprehend. I know that it can blow up a building with a truck loaded with dynamite, smash an airplane into the Twin Towers, or send a boat loaded with explosives into a naval vessel. Why would the people of this country not be "frustrated and worried" about the war in Iraq? It is an area of the world where fanatics are in abundance, and the human life is expendable. A true hotbed of terrorism. Remember the "Divine Wind" pilots of WWII? We didn’t understand them either, but eventually won that war. I hope we achieve our goal in Iraq, as difficult as it may seem!

The tightening of our borders is not a new concept. With the "isolationism" attitude of America in the 1920’s we had an immigration quota of 150,000 people, in 1929. And most of them came here legally, through Ellis Island. I don’t believe we are locking out the "huddled masses," just trying to enforce laws that our politicians have elected to overlook for years, and are now trying to use as a political football. I’m sure there is no simple solution for this problem, but given enough time, our leaders will come up with a plan that will be acceptable to at least a few (enough to pass legislation).

However, there is one thing that I am certain of! I do know what makes this nation the "land of the free and the home of the brave." We do, and in spite of some serious mistakes in electing our politicians, we are a nation of intelligent, peace-loving, hardworking people, who love life, but are willing to sacrifice it to be free! We will prevail!

John Famulare

Ocoee, Fla.

Ceremony appreciated

After raising three children to successful adulthood, I witnessed the fifth grade graduation to middle school in Cooperstown last month.

I would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of the event. Special kudos go to the children’s band and choral presentations.

I am grateful for my grandson’s and his friends’ most positive experience at this important turning point in their lives.

Helen Weber

Cooperstown

Let’s talk

about parking

It’s interesting to note that Wendell Tripp’s letter to the Crier and Cathe Ellsworth’s column of a few weeks ago make fascinating comments about summer parking in the village. What was said by both was not that profound, but the fact that it was said at all is the main issue. I have observed that villagers are somewhat reluctant to complain publicly about this, yet when one talks to them informally it appears that it is a concern that is seething just below the surface.

Former mayor Tripp made reference to Harold Hollis who described this situation as a parking annoyance rather than a problem. Being mayor at that time, Hollis, like so many of his predecessors, and also his successors, avoided the problem, hoping that it would resolve itself and go away. It is interesting to point out that the problem (annoyance) while more than 50 years old, has not gone away or ever been resolved.

Tripp also pointed out that we have lost traditional businesses (his words) because of parking. It might be argued that excessively high rents have also been a factor. We have to face reality, souvenir shops are here to stay. But we cannot let them set the tone or character of our Main Street. While parking is their concern it is also one for the entire village. Resolution has to accommodate the village and not just businesses on the main drag.

There have been reasonable solutions offered and if we want our Main Street to be villager friendly, we should support them.

A parking meter system is one of the more reasonable ones and should be looked at as a sane resolution. I might suggest that the whole village could benefit more from this solution if the addition of resident parking stickers were included. A few months ago I proposed segways to alleviate the Main Street congestion but it didn’t get much attention. (Perhaps most did not know what a segway is.) I’ve also proposed closing the main street to traffic from the stop light to Cooper Park and calling it the Babe Ruth Piazza. This again didn’t elicit much enthusiasm from our village fathers (and mothers).

It seems to me that villagers need to put on their thinking caps and make a few suggestions. Let’s talk openly about the problem. Don’t be afraid of being ignored by our leaders. One of these days, they might pick up on a really good idea. If we give reasonable advice, sooner or later, someone will take notice.

Bob Lettis

Cooperstown

Cat lovers

will be missed

I was truly saddened to read of the death of John Hawkins (last September) and Ruth Hawkins this June. I worked at the Susquehanna SPCA for eight years and John and Ruth were true cat lovers, as I am.

If heaven holds people and animals in the same place I know they will get a warm welcome from the cats, including some of my own loved companions. I will say a special prayer for them to be welcomed with my Chessie, Fuzzy, Sid, Nicholas, and Catarina. The world of homeless cats has lost two very special friends. We will miss them until we meet again at heaven’s door.

Joyce Knight

Utica