Good, Bad, Happy, Sad
To The Editor:

Several articles published in this week's Gazette have made me smile since they were on the positive side.

I am glad that police officers were recognized for their work, that school students are commended for their knowledge and that Girl Scouts are learning to make a positive difference in the lives of others by being active in their community.

Let us make it a springtime resolution to help others and to respect those who help us and strive to make this a better borough, city, state and world.

There are two issues that dismay me and they were not published in the Gazette. I heard about them on the radio.

I am truly disappointed in the governor of New Jersey for planning to sue New York City if the congestion plan is enacted by the state legislature of New York and becomes law. The New Jersey people do not pay commuter taxes and use our hospitals, our municipal services and they should not complain about the $8 congestion fee. In addition, New Yorkers shop and work in New Jersey and have to pay tolls to travel across the Port Authority bridges and tunnels and these tolls are steep. New York and New Jersey should settle their differences and the latter should not act like a child. The air we breathe does not belong solely to New Yorkers but to all people, including those dwelling in New Jersey. The governor of New Jersey should act in a mature manner.

I am also dismayed at the April 22 law that plastic bags will not be given in stores and that we the consumer has to bring our own bags. Why not supply brown paper bags that used to be given at the checkout counters years back. It will be difficult for elderly people to carry groceries home and waste time procuring bags. It seems that when laws are proposed, nothing is said about preparation or contingency plans.

Talking about contingency plans, I heard that FEMA is getting its act together and is ready to face emergencies but not prepared sufficiently to face another disaster like [Hurricane] Katrina.

We are living in the largest technological nation in the world and plans must be made to protect all people against natural disasters including the most deadly ones. There is too much talk and disparaging belittling insults and not enough action.

Our presidential candidates should speak about preparation for emergencies and also care for the elderly and disabled. That is a troubling issue for me since I am closely following the presidential race and campaign. It is more like a pageant and a circus. We must set a good example for all nations to follow a happy enjoyable second month of the spring season to all. Cynthia Groopman