Constitution Is Ignored To The Editor:

Absolute separation of church and state is not in the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment is not intended to separate the federal government from all religion or religious-based morality but merely to ensure that the federal government did not make one religious denomination the state church of the United States. From the very beginning, our founders recognized that America was a Christian nation and that our laws should be based on Christian morality.

Separation of the powers of government between the federal government and the governments of the separate states and between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches within the federal government, however, is in the U.S. Constitution, but this principle is constantly violated and ignored.

Under the Constitution, only Congress can make federal laws, yet Supreme Court decisions, as well as presidential executive orders, have been improperly used to create laws. Under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war, yet our presidents have involved us in wars in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait and Iraq by claiming authority from the UN in spite of no declaration of war from Congress. A supine Congress, meanwhile, ignores this outrageous usurpation of its proper role in government!

Separation of powers in government is a keystone of our liberty. Those officials who violate this underpinning of our nation should be separated from their office. For God and the Constitution, Lawrence Burke Roslyn, New York Cheers Bryant Alumni To The Editor:

How delighted I was to read the article about the Graduating Class of 1946 at Bryant High School, and it was an added surprise to see the smiling face of our own Julie Wager as part of that 60th anniversary class.

Bryant, an excellent school, produced leaders in all areas of life, and all who graduated have added positively to our community. I applaud the Gazette for adding good news to our weekly Wednesday reading material. In this world of terrorism, natural disasters, fires, crime, war, accidents and anger, it is so refreshing to read positive, optimistic news.

I am deeply delighted to read about Bryant because I am a graduate #8 in the class of 1966 of 800 graduates. Bryant High School has produced so many excellent caring people, like [our] own Julie.

Julie has contributed his talents and employed his abilities and has been a devoted public servant to our community. I applaud him for setting a fine example. The graduates in that picture have laid a fine foundation and set an inspiring example for graduates who came after them. We applaud these graduates of 1946.

I applaud the Gazette for taking me down memory lane and for being my welcome reading companion every Wednesday, and keep up the good work reporting wonderful positive and optimistic news for many years to come. Cynthia Groopman Long Island City Single-Occupancy Vehicles To The Editor:

A recent study commissioned by Transportation Alternatives, which called for more government employees to give up their parking permits in Manhattan and use public transit for travel to work made sense.

The study also projected that the city could reap the benefits of $46 million in additional parking fees for spaces freed up by government employees to be used by others.

Both public and private sector employees should be encouraged to ride public transportation.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, Metro North Rail Road, Staten Island Rapid Transit Authority, New Jersey Transit, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Connecticut Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Transportation Staten Island Ferry along with many suburban counties including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam all provide such options. There are many private bus and ferry operators along with many smaller suburban operators providing service.

Try riding a local or express bus, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway or commuter rail line. In most cases, these transportation systems are funded with your tax dollars.

All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single-occupancy vehicles. In many cases, your employer can offer transit checks which help subsidize a portion of the costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You'll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.

Many employers including government agencies now allow employees to telecommute and work from home. Others use alternative work schedules which afford staff the ability to avoid rush hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve mileage per gallon. You could join a car or van pool to share the costs of commuting.

Elected officials and government employees can turn in their taxpayers' funded vehicles and join the rest of us by using public transportation to get around town. [They'd] be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at [their] final destination.

Let others do the driving and we will all breath easier. You will also have more time to enjoy reading great publications like this one! Sincerely. Larry Penner Great Neck, New York G Train Info To The Editor:

Want to know why the G train is [only] four cars, with no extra cars on order?

Want to know why G trains come 12 minutes apart-at best-during rush hours?

Want to know why the G never goes through Queens on weekends any more?

Want to know why the G's schedule is always changing?

Here's a chance to find out answers to these burning questions, and more! From our friends at [the] Straphangers Campaign:

Dear rider:

Got a question for the MTA? Here's your chance to write to the top!

Newly re-appointed MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow is teaming up with the Daily News to answer your questions about the subways, buses and commuter rail lines. The best questions, along with replies from the chairman, will be published in an upcoming edition of the Daily News.

Send your queries to: AskKalikow@nydailynews.com or fax: (212) 643-7831.

Feel free to mention you're writing as a subscriber to straphangers.org

Happy writing! Gene Russianoff, Neysa Pranger, Charity Carbine The Straphangers Campaign Team