Reflect And Give Thanks

To The Editor:

Thanksgiving is a reflection of the American spirit. Nothing is more satisfying than a house full of family and friends. It is a time of celebration that acknowledges that life has been rewarding.

In so many ways the holiday permits each of us to express by our gatherings the gratitude and appreciation we have for the nation that empowers each of us. The freedoms guaranteed to all permits an explosion of entrepreneurial talents that is only limited by individual imagination. We are the current beneficiaries of the dream hoped for by the Founding Fathers.

Our democracy is living and growing. The contribution by waves of immigrants has enriched our foundation. The U.S. remains an experiment that debates change through a representative government selected by the voters in open and free elections.

For all our faults and missteps, the U.S. is a beacon that attracts multitudes to our shores. We are a nation that honors the past while ensuring that change can occur. Respecting diversity, we believe that love of country is demanded by anyone who wishes to call the U.S. home.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon our good fortune of living in the greatest nation. Each of us has a duty to self, family and country. For over 200 years Americans have been counting [their] blessings and proud of the country that lies in [their] hearts. Edward Horn Baldwin, New York

Fight Hunger In NYC
To The Editor:

The holiday season is upon us and I think we need to think of those who are forced to go hungry right here in New York. A federal report found the number of Americans struggling with hunger is falling nationally. But a report by the New York City Coalition Against Hunger found that [this] is not the case in our city. The Coalition Against Hunger report concluded one in six residents lived in households that could not afford to purchase an adequate supply of food during a three-year period ending in 2005. The report found the number served by the city's food pantries and soup kitchens rose by 11 percent in 2006. My question is, why is the number of hungry New Yorkers on the rise when the hunger is on the decline nationwide? And what could Mayor [Michael] Bloomberg and the city do to correct this problem? We live in a city that should be able to address this problem and this should not be happening. I think it is very sad indeed when a poor child has to go to bed hungry. Don't you agree?

I therefore urge all my fellow New Yorkers to be generous this holiday season to the food pantries and soup kitchens, whose locations you find on the Internet by going to the New York City Coalition Against Hunger or check with your local and regional newspapers who would be glad to help or call 311 for information. Here is something else to think about: these people are not only hungry during the holidays, but 365 days of the year. So please give what you can, for I know I will as well. And may God bless you all for [what] you do for those in need. Remember what Jesus says in the Bible in Matthew 25:40, "[Truly] to you. [To the extent that] you did [it to] one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me". Sincerely yours, Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Bellerose

Looking For A School
To The Editor:

As Mr. [Julian] Wager [Gazette) and [the late] Mr. [Walter] Kaner [Kaner Children's Foundation] are aware, I am the last of the Sussman natives born and raised in beautiful Downtown Astoria, 30- 16 37th St. to be exact, and also my mom was the niece of Ida and Joseph Sokol of Sokol's Toys and niece of Dr. & Mrs. Morris Moskowitz.

I've scanned Web sites for photos of my alma mater P.S. 6, Queens, which was torn down in the 1970s and of Congregation Beth El where my dad, and me and my brother Richard were all Bar Mitvahed at the old building on 37th Street and Astoria Boulevard. The Astoria Historical has nothing, and my collection was destroyed in 1969.

I am about to become a grandfather on or about Jan. 26, 2007 and would want to show the child, and even my son, age 31, some roots. How about a story, [a picture, some memorabilia] on old "6" and old "5" and Beth El?

[I'm] still with the [State] Liquor Authority [and] will start my 30th year on Dec. 1, 2006. I am studying the philosophy of Marx and the poetry of Burns, [that's] Groucho and George-say goodnight Gracie.

If anyone out there has anything, send it to Tony at the Gazette. Kenny Sussman Astoria

Shares Safety News
To The Editor:

Two positive items of news that were [broadcast] on the media are worthy of comment and sharing with you, Gazette readers.

I heard that cameras will be installed on buses. That is an excellent idea. Cameras are in banks, buildings, etc., and they serve as security and prevention of crime. To be able to move freely with bus transport is a right, not a privilege, and the installation of security cameras will be a great help.

In addition, I heard that there is a proposal to have 200 cabs available with global positioning so that physically challenged people can call 311 and get a cab. This will benefit the physically challenged. It is difficult, dangerous and not safe for these people to stand out in the street and hail a cab. Thus, with the enactment of this special accommodation, the disabled will be on their way to independence and enjoying their freedom of movement.

In addition, safety drills must be given to children on school buses and seatbelts made available and accessible. Drivers must see that all children have their seatbelts hooked before starting the bus. There are too many school bus accidents that are detrimental and dangerous to children. Life is important and safety on school buses is important. Cynthia Groopman Long Island City

New Era Dawns
To The Editor:

How astonishing, seeing the House of Representatives in such discord. And how refreshing; watching the disagreement among the new Democrat House members. Nancy Pelosi wanted Rep. John Murtha as House Majority Leader but the vote went to Rep. Steny Hoyer as the new House Majority Leader of the 110th Congress by a 53-point margin. At last, a House of Representatives who think independently, as opposed to the previous fall-in-line robots they replaced. Beginning to look like a democracy.

Let us hope that this new congress will be more than just another rubber stamp as was the last, regardless of which party wins the '08 Presidency. We must return once again to the concept of three independent and equal branches of government thinking and working independently toward the betterment of

the country as a whole, regardless of party. Our country had come frighteningly close to being a totalitarian regime. Far too close for comfort or for the American way of life. Arlene Philomena Bayside

Publisher's Note: We thank Ms. Philomena for her opinion, but we feel constrained to point out that the United States of America has never even remotely approached becoming a "totalitarian regime".