The real man behind Flushing's renaissance

I am extremely thankful and flattered by the The Queens Courier’s recent article on the F&T Group and my contribution to its success, but I would be remiss if I did not clarify that the real &#8220Man behind the Flushing Renaissance” is our founder, Michael Lee. For over 20 years, Mr. Lee has built his company and projects here and his vision and investment are responsible for much of the transformation of Flushing over the last 10 years. His contribution and importance was most recently recognized by Representative Charles Rangel on the floor of the House of Representatives. When I joined forces with Michael Lee nearly three years ago, we established a highly effective working relationship that allows us to build off each other's differing strengths. The &#8220two Michaels” along with Lee's partner Sunny Chiu have a unique mix of capability and perspective that have been a major factor in our high profile accomplishments with the City of New York's Economic Development Corporation in downtown Flushing and Willets Point.
Michael Meyer
President F&T Group
Flushing

She does not feel safe here anymore!
After watching a 20/20 show on travel to Mexico and Aruba, it just confirmed my thoughts on travel abroad. At 56-years-old, I have no desire to travel away from my home. Given terrorist threats, it is unsettling enough to just stay here.
I always thought that we would be totally protected as Americans wherever we went. Not so!
I have to admit that I really do not feel the government is here to protect me in the U.S. or not. Red tape and politics close the door of protection. Just ask the victims of Katrina.
Calling my police precinct and not having them even answer the phone makes me feel totally abandoned. Having to take the means to protect myself because they are not there also upsets me.
When and if I ever have to defend myself . . . will I be at risk of breaking the law? Is a gun the only answer?
Back in the 1960's, that is what we fought against. Now, close to my 60's, I am beginning to feel it is my only protection.
I do not know the answer . . . I only know the question.
Why as an American do I feel like my government has deserted me?
More and more of us are going to take the law into our own hands only because the safe hands we thought protected us are not there anymore!
Linda Brandon
Flushing

Wants to learn card games
I am interested in finding the name and address of places in the Flushing area that teach Canasta, Bridge, Poker, and other card games.
I am sure there are many seniors who would love to learn but do not know where to go.
If your staff could find these places and post it in The Queens Courier you would might make a lot of lonely people happy.
Doris Stern
Flushing

b>Bravo for new Courier Extra!
How refreshing to see the premiere issue of the new Courier Extra. Congratulations to The Queens Courier for being the only Queens-based weekly newspaper to include your neighbors in Great Neck along with those of Little Neck, Douglaston, Bayside, Whitestone, Fresh Meadows, College Point, Flushing, Glen Oaks and Bellerose. I have always been a loyal reader of The Queens Courier.
Residents of neighborhoods in eastern Queens and adjacent communities in Nassau County may have more in common than those who live in some other boroughs of New York City not only due to our physical proximity, but similar cultural, educational, ethnic and financial interests.
The actions and legislation of many elected officials affect those of us who reside outside of NYC. All public officials, be it City Councilmembers, State Assemblymembers, State Senators, members of Congress, Mayors, County Executives, Comptrollers, etc., impact our daily lives via their legislative and budget decisions regarding new rules, regulations, taxation and how our hard-earned tax dollars are spent.
I along with your other readers look forward to future editions of both The Queens Courier and Courier Extra!
Larry Penner
Great Neck