Cafeteria Safety 

To The Editor:

I am a parent of an enrolled Catholic school student. Having recently been a lunch duty parent I had some serious concerns about safety in and out of the cafeteria.

First, there are no signs of any kind indicating what to do [for] a choking victim. I thought this was very serious because it is the law to have these signs in public schools and in public and private establishments that serve food. When I approached the principal, I received a ‘yes’ kind of attitude to appease my concerns, but nothing was ever done before the school year had ended.

Next, I witnessed a lack of first aid knowledge when it came to kindergartners getting injured. When I asked the principal once again if there is anyone trained in basic first aid, she commented that it is not necessary. She also said that if a serious situation arose that [an] ambulance would be called but nothing would be done but give comfort until it arrived.

Is this insane or what? Didn’t we just send letters so funding for first aid wouldn’t be cut by the New York state? Shouldn’t Catholic schools have the same standards for safety as public schools do? Or even higher ones? Can you help resolve my dilemma before the new school term begins? Or will I just get "yes" once again?

Thank you,

Denise Bodero

Sunnyside

via e-mail

Head Start

To The Editor:

How dismayed and disappointed I was to learn that our federal government decided to change the Head Start Program.

This was sad news to me because this program, which spanned almost 35 years, has given millions of children who lived below the poverty line and whose social and cultural conditions were comparatively low, literally a head start and a motivational impetus to learn, to achieve and to be on the same level as their more fortunate peers.

Our children of today are in essence the leaders and the citizens of our future, and we should not forget that all children deserve education, training and literacy.

I agree with Congressmember [Carolyn] Maloney. Thank you, Gazette, for your insightful article on this subject and for bringing this very important subject to our attention.

It seems that we can go to war and spend millions upon destroying the futures of others, but cannot spend millions in improving the future of our children in this country.

Cynthia Groopman

Long Island City

Road Rage

To The Editor:

I know the solution to road rage. The formula is repeating, "I love you, I love you, I love you."

Whether the driver is the passive or active one, he or she only needs to respond with I love you, I love you, I love you and the situation will be resolved amiably.

The participants may scream these words, whisper these words, mouth these words, or simply think these words. It works regardless.

I am writing to let you know the solution. I know you will want to share this with your many readers. I hope you will. I figured this is the best way for me to get the solution out there, through your publication.

It works.

Sincerely

Gary W. Benford

The Bronx

Asks Alarm Hearings

A copy of the following letter was received by the Gazette.

Councilmember James Gennaro

185-10 Union Tpke.

Fresh Meadows, NY 11366

Dear Councilmember Gennaro:

I live in Astoria and I am so tired of the constant screaming sound of car alarms. They disrupt my family and me. They annoy us when we [are] having dinner or a conversation. They rob us of our sleep, well being and peace of mind. Car alarms are so bad in my neighborhood, I hear them at least three times daily (day and night), and the police do nothing to stop it.

Last month’s hearing on the new car alarm bills by Councilmembers [John] Liu and [Eva] Moskowitz was a great first step. I personally attended the hearing (first time I visited City Hall) and testified but as the meeting ran long I did not have a chance to meet you and testify my ordeal before all the members of the council.

I urge you to please schedule a second hearing and pass a bill through your committee to ban car alarms.

As presented to you at the hearing, there is overwhelming evidence that car alarms do not prevent car theft, and over 99 percent of the alarms are false. At the same time, there are many affordable non-audible alternatives that immobilize cars or page owners. If you ban noisy alarms, people will switch to the more effective silent devices and that would help local businesses as well.

Please know that my family and so many other families in Queens want to see car alarms go away.

Millions of New Yorkers will thank you.

Richard Tur

Astoria

Beware Recovery Signs

To The Editor:

The stock market seems poised for a comeback and there suddenly is acceptance that the recent tax cut may spur economic growth. Euphoria may just be around the corner.

With historically low interest rates and consumers capable of spending as a result, the naysayers seem ill positioned. Their opinions currently are as credible as Chicken Little warning of a falling sky.

Yet an examination of the facts reveals threats and dangers that should make wise people cautious. Energy prices will spike. The increase will be caused by something as simple as the upcoming summer, with vacationers burning gas on busy highways. A terrorist strike that brings into question supply will drive energy costs to heights that terminate economic recovery. Natural gas warnings have been sounded by the Federal Reserve Board chairman.

Unemployment remains high and there is no apparent reason for improvement. While the number of unemployed inches up monthly, those who no longer participate in seeking a job, increases. Demand is low and capacity is beyond need. Those hoping for a job will continue hoping without much reason.

Deficit federal spending is a ballooning nightmare which one day shall awake a complacent America. Perhaps when our children confront us with our unpaid bills incapacitating them from purchasing a home, or even living on their own, the harrowing reality of our current position will be recognized.

America, and our president, have been [deemed] more of a danger to world peace than many other countries according to a recent international poll. Pursuing our current policies will insure continued distrust and hostility of the U.S. Under the present administration, Americans may one day awake to find that our beacon of freedom has changed to a warning light.

Edward Horn

Atlantic Beach