Letters

Deplores Protests
To The Editor:

I believe that the demonstrations being held against naval bombardment of the Puerto Rican [Vieques] Island, and cutting the fences at the site is uncalled for. Mr. [Rev. Al] Sharpton and his cronies, and also Mr. [Rev.] Jesse Jackson and his cronies are showing the youth and young people of this great land how to break the law through civil disobedience, and they are sending the wrong messages. I believe there are communist supporters in this group. I have no respect for those that took part in this. I would say if they do not like America, I say leave, and find a better land.

Thank you.

Anfelt Albertsen

Astoria

Pope Not Infallible

To The Editor:

Frankly, as a Greek Orthodox Christian, I cannot contemplate the reason and purpose for the Pope to travel to Orthodox Christian Countries and (offer) apologies for past and present wrongdoing by the Roman Catholic Western Church against the Eastern Orthodox Church.

(For everyone’s) information: The stumbling block to any thought of unity between the two churches is the church invented by the Roman Catholic Church 400 years ago, to absorb Eastern Orthodox by misleading them into joining the fake church, entitled Greek Catholic Eastern Rite Church. The Liturgy of this pseudo–Church is Orthodox, and also its exterior and interior archtecture, which includes the altar and icons. plus; Priest vestments are Orthodox.

The Pope apologizes for this church, but does not cease the Orthodox nature of this church and change the name to what it is—a Roman Catholic Church—and the deception continues.

My reply to the Pope’s apology to the Eastern Orthodox Church states historical fact, and in no way should be taken as a critique, because Orthodox Christians do not proselytize.

Sincerely,

Athan John Christodoulou

Where Are The Flags?

To The Editor:

As the barbecues gave off their aroma from the franks and burgers that reached into the street and the boom boxes blasted in the yards, the parks and beaches overflowed, we enjoyed the hectic day of celebrating the Fourth of July, the freedom of our country that we are fortunate to live in. We should stop and think how this freedom came about—not by going to the corner butcher or market and very easily purchasing food which would be bought with dollars.

This freedom came at the cost of lives being lost, and in their memory and in respect for our freedom all we are asked to do is fly the American flag be it on Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.

I am writing this as a question was put to me from a young man who stopped his car in front of my home. He came from another country seeking freedom. He said to me, "I see you’re flying the American flag. How come I don’t see many as I ride through the streets?"

Let’s not forget those who died to give us this freedom. God Bless America.

Ben Fried

Bayside

‘Hero’ Is Misused

To The Editor:

It was quite insulting and unbelievable to view a quote in a local all star game "American Heroes." How quickly we forget the true deserving heroes, namely veterans of all wars; they never received fame and recognition for sacrificing over 600,000 lives for our freedom, making it possible for this generation to enjoy life’s pleasure today.

The term hero can and must be only applied to vets and in some cases police and firefighters.

How easily we forget the terrors which were inflicted on us by Germany, Japan and other aggressors. Long live the memory of the real heroes and let’s face reality.

Milton Valverdo

Astoria

Walter Orlowsky

Flushing