Woodstock message
As the 25th anniversary of Woodstock fades into history, acknowledgement is due to volunteers who freely gave their time through local EMS services, American Red Cross, Sullivan County Council on Alcholism and Drug Abuse, litter-pluckers, "peace patrols," and the rest. , Callicoon, NY, 08-30-1994
Traditional law-enforcement should also be commended, not only for maintaining order on the roads, but for showing restraint and good humor in the face of non-conformist masses.
Our society has many diverse sub-cultures in its rainbow, not all of which appeal to everyone. But all have a right to peaceably assemble, so long as they harm no one. Government has an obligation to permit such events, and to see that they are conducted safely.
We hope future years will see greater unity among local politicians, with less self-serving grandstanding, in order to make the most of this memorable bit of local cultural heritage. Shame on those town supervisors who profess to be "pro-labor," yet who effectively blocked a money-generating Woodstock event at Bethel in '94 while laying off county employees right and left.
If they can't do beter for us in August '95, then perhaps they will get the message the following November when the people install a fresh set of County Legislators as called for in the new Charter.
THOMAS S. RUE
Monticello
The Sullivan County Democrat
Tribute well deserved
The article on the retirement of Ed and Rose Hernandez as "emergency home" foster parents in Sullivan County (June 5) was a well-deserved tribute to two exemplary human servants. It is a pleasure to see real human beings featured, in contrast to the stereotype of a megalithic administrative bureaucracy. Such attention, together with the Hernandez' recent award, are tributes which, knowing Ed and Rose personally and professional, I would like to second. , Middletown, NY, 06-23-1994
THOMAS S. RUE
Monticello
Times Herald-Record
Thank you
On behalf of the officers and members of Monticello Lodge #532, Free & Accepted Masons, permit me to thank the Sullivan County Democrat and its editorial staff for the excellent coverage of our recent presentation of 35 "drug-free zone" signs to the Village of Monticello Police Department, and of the DeWitt Clinton Asward for community service to Monticello School Superintendent Eileen P. Casey. , Callicoon, NY, 05-06-1994
One of the many things which the Democrat does well is to report on noteworthy local events such as these. We appreciate your service.
THOMAS S. RUE
Monticello
The Sullivan County Democrat
Monticello coup
Your editorial, "Lessons of the Monticello coup" (03/18/1994), was a superb summary of the last year's political events here. We will, of course, support womever wins the upcoming Village elections as the duly elected representative of the people. , Narrowsburg, NY, 03-12-1994
The Sullivan County People for Action, Inc., Sulivan County Action Coalition, and Loran Shlevin, Esq., deserve highest commendations for their excellent work and perseverance.
Thank you for supporting American democracy.
THOMAS and CARMEN RUE
Monticello
The River Reporter
Profits should fund gambling treatment
Casino gambling may or may not "revolutionalize" our fair county, as predicted by a local politician (The Record, Feb. 6) at least in an entirely positive sense. I suspect the real-life results would be quite mixed. Reasons I can see for favoring legalization are rooted in convictions that the least government is the best government, from the perspective of indivividual liberties, as well as that a healthy business sector can reduce taxes for ordinary citizens. , Middletown, NY, 02-21-1994
Of course the opposing argument provided by addictions counselor Dr. Richard Dunn, on the same page, that being part of the solution is better than additing to the problem, was as intelligently presented as any I've seen.
If casino gambling is to be legalized here, it would be ethically incumbent on lawmakers at the same time to dedicate a substantial portion of the public revenues generated thereby (and by industries profitting by their presence, such as the resorts), to additionally fund local addictions treatment services, much as big oil companies must contribute to environmental cleanups and conservation education efforts.
THOMAS S. RUE
Monticello
Times Herald-Record
03-24-1998
