Cheers India, President To The Editor:

Although I've been disillusioned by President George Bush and his administration on a number of issues, the most recent one being the lease of our ports to the Dubai Ports World, I think President Bush's trip to India shows promise. The nuclear pact between America and Prime Minister Mammohan Singh does make good sense. We live in a world right now that doesn't like America very much and we need to develop ties with those who do and share our common interest, one of which is our fight against terrorism, which India does share that objective. India now has a population of 1.1 billion people and is developing a strong democratic economy, which now has 300 million [people] that are considered middle class. I think furthermore that consumers in both countries will benefit from this deal. In addition to that, as India becomes more prosperous they will be able to buy more goods and services, but India needs energy to grow, which we can provide, I live in Bellerose and quite a number of my neighbors and merchants are Indian or Indian descent and I have spoken to them about this and they have told me this would be a good thing for all concerned. Therefore, in my opinion as we trade more with India, more American jobs will also be created and that in my book would be a very good thing. Sincerely Yours Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Hails Giuliani To The Editor:

"Poll: Rudy Is Top U.S. Pol:" (John Toscano--March 8) in discussing the recent Quinnipiac University poll confirms that everyone else in America is learning what New Yorkers already know. Rudy Giuliani has what it takes. He is a profile in courage. He is independent of the Washington lobbyists and inside-the-Beltway crowd and supports campaign finance reform. His is the voice of reason on behalf of taxpayers who can also cross the political aisle to engage in constructive dialogue with Democrats on issues that transcend both ideology and party.

He is a proven crime fighter. As a twoterm mayor in a city previously dominated by political corruption of Democratic oneparty rule, he turned the Big Apple around. During his administration, crime was reduced, streets became both cleaner and safer, economic growth and the creation of jobs were on the upswing and the city budget was balanced.

After the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, he served as a beacon of strength for all New Yorkers who survived the terrible aftermath to go on with life.

NYC Democrats outnumber Republicans by a margin of over five to one. Despite the odds, he has a proven track record of winning by appealing beyond the traditional narrow ideological conservative party base which is a receipt for defeat.

He has consistently been able to attract large numbers of first time, independent and moderate Democratic voters building a majority coalition necessary for winning. A Republican ticket of John McCain for President and Rudy Giuliani for Vice President in 2008 would be a great choice for voters. Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck, New York

Make Good Choices To The Editor:

Each year on St. Patrick's Day, millions of people-both Irish and Irish at heart- celebrate Ireland's unique culture and heritage with parades, community activities and festivities.

Fortunately, many of those planning to celebrate will make designated drivers a part of their party plans. According to a recent poll conducted by Data Development Worldwide, more than 146 million American adults have been a designated driver or have been driven home by one.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes nationwide has declined 39 percent since 1982. So let's all keep that trend moving in the right direction-by not relying on the luck of the Irish, but by making responsible choices this St. Patrick's Day.

You don't have to kiss the Blarney Stone, but as a gesture of thanks, be sure to give the designated driver a kiss, whether he's Irish or not. When it comes to preventing drunk driving, responsibility matters. Sincerely, C.A. Verdon Consumer Awareness & Education Coordinator Anheuser-Busch Sales & Service of New York, Inc. Long Island City

Six Steps to a Safer Party

Whatever the occasion, if you're hosting a party don't forget these simple tips to help make sure it's a fun and memorable time for everyone.

Serve food when serving alcohol beverages. Good food complements the taste of the beverages you serve and helps moderate the effects of alcohol, especially foods that are high in protein, such as cheese and meats.

Offer non-alcohol beverages. Some guests don't drink, others are designated drivers. Be sure to be a good host and serve something for everyone-soft drinks, coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages. Make guests feel welcome, regardless of what they drink.

Serve each guest one drink at a time. Spacing drinks throughout a party can help your friends stay within their personal limits. Never force drinks on any of your guests.

Serve "measured" drinks. Use a shot glass or jigger to avoid making drinks too strong. Don't tolerate spiking of open bowls of drinks, such as punches or juices.

Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends. Serve desserts and other foods, coffee and soft drinks. While none of these eliminate alcohol from the body, time does.

Arrange safe rides home for your guests, if necessary. Make sure guests have a designated driver, call them a cab or ask them to

spend the night.

Dissent Becomes Loyalty To The Editor:

I wonder seriously if George Clooney whose latest film, "Good Night and Good Luck", who often quotes Edward Murrow's "We will not confuse dissent with disloyalty", would have been sympathetic with me when in WW II I refused to be inducted because I was against killing. Would he have separated dissent from loyalty?

We all know that the Iraqi war is no comparison to WW II. But in any conflict, regardless of whether Congress declares war or not, when over 2,000 American soldiers have died obviously changes the rules.

In all of his interviews, George Clooney has not placed any limit or situation on dissent. He proudly states that dissent is one of our basic rights. Yes. Dissent is one thing, but when it gives aid and comfort to the enemy then it has to be reconsidered.

Looking back over 60 years, I now know I made a poor decision. Irrespective of my position on killing, I should have placed the welfare of my country first, my views secondary. For what good are lofty views if you are not free to enjoy them? That's what I say to dissenters today.

I should conclude that I eventually joined the Medical Corps and spent 18 months in England and France with the 226th General Hospital. Sincerely, John Carno Astoria

Don't Let EITC Go Unclaimed To The Editor:

This year, you and your family might be eligible for $4,400 from the government-for simply filling out your tax return.

Unfortunately, every year thousands of Queens families and residents miss out on receiving the thousands of dollars owed to them through the Earned Income Tax Credit, mostly because they don't know about it or don't know how to get it.

That's why I am working with ACORN, a non-profit community group, to make sure working families in our community claim their Earned Income Tax Credit and get their taxes prepared for free.

Through our program, called the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA), you can have your taxes prepared and filed electronically by a trained preparer for free if you make less then $40,000 per year and support a family or if you are an individual with no dependents making less then $20,000.

If you already know about the Earned Income Tax Credit, check into who's doing your taxes. If you make below $40,000 and you think you're getting your money's worth by paying someone to do your taxes- think again.

Often, tax preparers charge extremely high fees to people in our community to get the Earned Income Tax Credit fast by providing a cash advance at outrageous interest rates. Obviously, these so-called "Refund Anticipation Loans" are expensive, but they are also simply unnecessary. When you file your tax return electronically and opt for direct deposit into your bank account, you can get the tax credit in your account in as little as 8 days.

So come to the VITA site in my office at 40-53 99th Street, between 39th and 41st Avenues between 2 and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday or noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. Please bring your picture ID, social security card, W-2s, and a voided check. If you have any questions, call ACORN at 718-246-7900 x 270.

If you think you qualify, don't miss the chance to have one of our trained tax preparers help you claim your tax credit. You're entitled to this money. You earned it. This is one deal you can't afford to pass up. Very truly yours, City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate 21st District-Corona, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst

Help End Hunger In Queens To The Editor:

Hunger is continuing to grow in Queens. Through your efforts and support we can stop budget cuts that would affect emergency food pantries, community dinners and soup kitchens. How can children learn, parents parent and the elderly survive without sufficient food resources? The Glenridge Senior Citizen MultiService & Advisory Center, located at 5903 Summerfield St., Ridgewood, is currently providing a Choice food pantry to over 300 people each week. Each person receives 3 days worth of food. The participants range in age from 2 to 93 years of age. We also provide each of our 108 homebound seniors with a food pantry bag to help them supplement their Meals on Wheels. We also offer the community E.A.T.T., a Community dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 4:30 to 7 p.m. We average 75 people each evening attending this free dinner. Funding from the dinner program has been provided by Second Harvest and private donations.

As part of the Food Bank of New York's Queens Hunger Task Force I am asking each of you to help in some way, whether it is to donate to your local food pantry, donate directly to Food Bank, and to call your representatives and encourage them to continue their support. For our elected officials I urge you to continue your support and increase funding. Thank you for your help. Please feel free to contact me for further information. Susan Simonetti Executive Director Glenridge Senior Center

History, ESL, Security Noted To The Editor:

It was with great interest that I read the March 8, 2006 issue of the Gazette, three interesting articles were especially insightful and I decided to share my comments and thoughts with my fellow Gazette readers.

The most fascinating article concerning the building of the Queens Midtown Tunnel and the blizzard in 1927 really enhanced my historical knowledge. I am a student of history but seldom have had the opportunity of studying the history of my borough and local history is really meaningful and relevant.

History is the bridge between the past, the present and the future. Learning about the erection of the tunnel and the dealing with the blizzard of 1927 reminds me of the same situations that we encounter nowadays. History does repeat itself.

Also, as a volunteer teacher of English as a Second Language to senior citizens 62 and over at the Dellamonica Senior Center, I was really interested to learn that the immigrant population finally does learn English in 10 years after their arrival into our city. English is difficult to learn and it takes patience, courage, understanding and determination and I admire the students of all ages who embark upon the new journey of learning a new language. It is very fulfilling to teach ESL and citizenship to senior citizens who are immigrants and being a granddaughter of immigrants of the early 1900s, I deeply admire and appreciate immigrants who come to this new land and adopt our country and love it and work hard for it.

As for the MTA's refusal to protect our three Queens bridges, well, I am appalled. Queens must not be neglected and there is so much traffic on the three MTA bridges in Queens from all areas of our nation. We must not forget about Queens and cause her possible danger in neglectful apathy. We do not want another terrorist attack and we do not want Queens to be harmed. The MTA must wake up and stop treating us like stepchildren. Let us raise our voices through the political and lobbying process. Cynthia Groopman Long Island City