To The Editor:

I think it would be a good idea to suspend alternate side of the street parking rules in Queens during the bus strike. This would allow people that don’t have bus service to drive their car to the subway and give them a much better chance of finding parking. All concerned citizens should contact their representatives so that this might happen.

Tom Coratti

Via e-mail

Paper Born Of Love

To The Editor:

Thank you for your kind words in "One Man’s Journey."

The birth of the Gazette was truly one of love for and by our community. Thank you for continuing that spirit.

[We] would be remiss if we did not recognize others who were in the trenches at the very beginning.

It was the contributions of the following that made it all possible: Roger Laghezza, former vice president of the Dutch Kills Civic Association and Judy Jackson, former president of the Long Island City Inter-Block Association, who were also co-founders of the Gazette. The civic groups of our community which supported the Gazette with stories and advertising, former Senator Anthony Gazzara, who incorporated the Gazette pro-bono, Bill Gronwald, the first editor and his mother who manned the phones and everything else that needed to be done. Liz Goff, writer, photographer, layout and advertising executive. Mr. Van Holden who delivered the Gazette to all the senior centers. Rosemary Lundgren and Mary (Itzy-Bitzy) Walsh, who delivered the Gazette rain, snow or shine all over town. Alexandra Hershberger, writer, Connie Stamatiades, typesetter without the help of a computer. The Dutch Kills Civic Association for providing office space in their building. Last but not least, the advertisers that kept the Gazette in the presses at Tri-Boro Press who guided us through the newspaper printing business.

There was no money in those early years; love of our community was payment enough.

George L. Stamatiades

Dutch Kills

Let Freedom Ring

To The Editor:

As we are approaching another Fourth of July, the importance of this date has taken greater meaning than it has in years past.

In 1776 we signed the Declaration of Independence and prepared to fight tyranny. Now, after September 11 we face another tyranny, the tyranny of terrorism where our country was attacked by the reason of our virtual freedom. Not to mention the horrific loss of life this egregious and nefarious act generated, the ultimate purpose was to create great fear and turmoil.

In the end we were awakened with a spirit of true patriotism and an infinite expression of spiritualism was rekindled. Flags can be seen everywhere. We must never lose that spirit, or we will lose the battle to those with an evil intent.

We as a nation have truly been blessed. We have been fortunate to have a great leader in our President George W. Bush who said during this crisis, "Our resolve is firm, we will not falter, we will not tire, we will not waiver and we will not fail!"

So, on this Fourth of July remember all those in our military who defend our country all over the world against terrorism. Also all those who lost their lives at the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon from policemen to firemen and EMS workers not to mention the common workers both men and women. All these people who lost their lives so that our nation might live.

On this Fourth of July remember the man on United Airlines flight 91 who said, "Let’s roll" as he and fellow passengers took control from the terrorists [and prevented] the killing of more people and who lost their lives defending our country. This is a lesson to all of us that we must all do our duty to defend our country in whatever way. Remember what former President John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

This Fourth of July let’s all think of ourselves as minutemen defending freedom, so let freedom ring and may God Bless America.

Sincerely yours,

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Hails Seniors, Vets

To The Editor:

It was with the greatest of interest that I read two very thought stimulating articles that were published in your June 19, 2002 issue of the Gazette that pertained to health care. Our senior citizens certainly pay the most money for prescription mediation and thus deserve more benefits. Should they have to forego food or rent money, in order to pay for medication costs, which are so costly? The bill in our Congress which will alleviate this situation must become law and it is up to all of us to use our rights of petition, lobbying and flex our political muscle in order to inform our governmental officials and federal lawmakers how important this bill would be and what a difference it will make in improving the lives of the senior citizens in our nation.

In addition, our veterans certainly deserve more benefits in health care and recently these benefits have been decreased. These men and women gave their all, employing their strength, talents, abilities, physical prowess and gave of themselves in order to make our nation and our world a free democratic place in which all can dwell.

There is a piece of legislation in our Congress that proposes to increase benefits for veterans. This is very important and we as citizens must also use our political muscle and our powers of letter writing and lobbying to convince our federal lawmakers to pass this very important piece of legislation, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of our veterans.

As you know, life, liberty and the pursuit are our God-given rights and by providing health care benefits for our veterans and extended prescription medication plans for our seniors, these rights will no longer be a dream, but become a reality in the lives of these two very important parts of our population. These two groups have come before us, giving us a legacy, being the pillars and foundation of our society and have made this world a better place for all to live. Thus, we owe them gratitude by providing them better health care coverage.

Cynthia Groopman

Long Island City

Don’t Drive Drunk

To The Editor:

The good news this Fourth of July is that drunk-driving fatalities during the holiday weekend are at an all time low, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. the 31 percent decline in drunk-driving fatalities since 1982 compares favorable to the record decrease in drunk-driving fatalities throughout the year.

These are clear sings that we’re making progress in the fight against drunk driving. But instead of declaring victory and stopping our efforts, we must all recognize what works and do more. Designated drivers, driving safely and making responsible drinking choices are ways in which we can ensure that this July Fourth is full of memories of fun-filled activities with family and friends.

Help drive Fourth of July holiday drunk-driving fatalities lower. Make safety and personal responsibility your first and foremost concern. Everyone in the New York area can make a difference in the fight against drunk driving.

Sincerely,

C.A. Verdon

Consumer Awareness & Education

Coordinator

Anheuser-Busch Sales & Service

of New York, Inc.