Real deal
TO THE EDITOR: The voters of Peru have the chance to make an honest change in our local government on July 2. Tom Powers, a candidate for town supervisor, has continually shown his honest concern for our town and all of its citizens.

I've seen the work he has done as a councilman saving the citizen of Peru thousands of tax dollar by leading the Town Board though the town's insurance, personnel, budget issues, safeguarding and preserving the town's facilities through the use of volunteers and prisoners throughout the town. He is always there to listen to the concern of our citizens.

Don't let the recent 18 members of the Republican committee voting to endorse candidates prior to the caucus stop you from coming out and voting for the one elected official that has continually worked for our town.

I support Tom Powers for our next town supervisor. On July 2, don't let 18 individuals decide who represents our great town. You want change, Tom is the real deal.

Mike Settevendenio

Peru

Change for the worse
TO THE EDITOR: On this Independence Day many will be the speeches extolling the sacrifices of the millions of Americans who gave that most precious gift of their lives to the values: "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

These speeches will stir the emotions, but obscure the obvious: In the long history of man the waging of war benefits the rich and powerful. It is, inevitably, the sons and fathers, the common man, who have shed their blood across countless far-flung battlefields.

Over the last century, the increasingly sophisticated military complex, Wall Street and international banks have created wars in order to profit from the spoils. Under the guise of well-crafted slogans, they have hid their true intentions: to create a world in which they ultimately control every aspect of individual life.

In America, most believe they are immune to this pursuit of wealth and power at any cost. It can't happen here, they think. Yet, the Constitution and Bill of Rights are only pieces of paper if the ideals they incorporate are not held sacred.

They will not protect you if you do not demand they be honored and protected.

The Patriot Acts are still in force. Do you understand what that means to your freedoms and those who died to protect them?

The executive orders, allowing the president, under martial law, to become a dictator. Do you understand the implications to your liberties and those who shed their blood that you might have them?

Is this the America we celebrate on Independence Day, where the illusion of freedom and liberty is enough to justify the spilt blood of all those deserving of recognition of their sacrifice?

So, pause for a moment on Independence Day and, as the old song goes, If "Johnny Came Marchin' Home," would he recognize the America he died for?

Lonnie P. Fredette

Plattsburgh

Sexual ruminations
TO THE EDITOR: Our legislature can't get into their chambers without "unauthorized keys." Our state representative is for "gay marriages" and for "abortion rights." How many gays are going to need abortions? Our senator was against "gay marriage" — but someone seems to have gotten to her.

But what is a "gay marriage?" Today's paper reports that Chastity (ironic?) Bono is "gay" (but shouldn't that be "lesbian") and is going to have a sex change to "male," which would make her "gay." So if "gay marriages" are made legal, would she have to marry a "male" or a "female?" And will she then become "heterosexual" or "bisexual?"

Sure would be nice if it were as simple as "A man and a woman!"

Can someone un-confuse me?

Charles E. Marshall

Au Sable Forks

Concentration interrupted
TO THE EDITOR: Regents is a big part of your high-school career, and when it comes, concentration is key. During my U.S. History and Government Regents, which I had prepared for very hard, my concentration was interrupted many times by Middle School administrators.

We were placed in the gym to take the test, and the doors stayed open to keep a cooler air flow. As a school administrator or principal, they should know this, but in the middle of the test very rudely a Middle School teacher or principal came by and slammed the doors shut, and continuously through the whole test, doors were not shut quietly in consideration but slammed and loud conversations ran up and down the hallway, along with phone calls. I understand that they cannot completely stop their jobs for us, but they can be a little more respectful considering this was a state test required to graduate next year.

Maybe next time they can quietly shut the doors, ask if they should be shut and talk a little quieter while passing the doors, this test was very important and my concentration was broken because of this, I hope they think of this next time there is a big state test being taken in any part of the school.

Kelsey Currier

Peru

League supported
TO THE EDITOR: Plattsburgh Little League would like to take this opportunity to recognize the sponsors and volunteers that made our 2009 season possible. To our team sponsors for their continued support: Aubuchon Hardware, Washland, CSEA, Ground Round, Condo's Pharmacy, Villari's, Westelcom, McSweeney's, Pepsi, VFW, NuWay Car Wash, Johnson's Auto Glass, City Police, Michigan's Plus, Hannaford, and our newest sponsor Papa John's.

Our sign sponsors: Abbott Frenyea Russell & Coffey, CSEA, Drs. Clauss, McSweeny's, Econolodge, Eye Care for the Adirondacks, Four Seasons Plaza, Glens Falls National Bank, McSweeney's Orthodontics, Play it Again Sports, Donlan & Barcomb, Bill McBride Chevrolet, Stewarts, Foxy's Cable, Valcour Open MRI, Perkins, & Papa John's.

A special thank you to the Plattsburgh High School Key Club members who volunteered their time on opening day.

To the City of Plattsburgh and the Recreation Department staff for their hard work in preparing the fields and making sure the kids have a place to play ball.

To all the parents, volunteers, coaches, umpires and board members of Plattsburgh Little League for their tireless efforts to bring baseball to the children of our community.

April Bingel

President

Plattsburgh Little League

Mooers reunion
TO THE EDITOR: Mooers Central School Alumni: The annual Mooers Central School Alumni committee is looking for members and addresses of those who graduated from Mooers Central School and Northeastern Clinton Central School graduates from elementary school in Mooers. If Mooers Central School graduates did not receive an invitation, it is because we do not have your correct address.

If parents would please notify their son or daughter that they are eligible to attend our annual banquet on Friday, July 17 at Rainbow Wedding and Banquet Hall in Altona. Please contact Bob at 518-493-4044, Barbara at 493-4653, Muriel at 298-3554, or Mary at 297-6138 for further information. Reservations must be made by July 7.

Bob Dragoon

President