Memories . . .

Born on Labor Day, 70 (something) years ago, like so many of my generation, we tend to reminisce about the &#8220good old days!” Of course there were many problems that in reality, were not so &#8220good” in the 40’s and 50’s, however, it appears that in comparison to the stressful events occurring in today’s world – a seemingly endless stream of war, terrorists, murders, robberies, etc. – who can blame us &#8220old folks” for at least &#8220day-dreaming” about better times past?
Leonore Brooks
Whitestone

Displeased With Mayor
This is concerning the mayor saying Con Ed CEO Kevin Burke did a good job with Con Edison during August’s severe heat wave and all New Yorkers should give him praise.
First, I cannot believe that Mayor Bloomberg really believes this but if he does, it is very troubling. He could be the only person in New York City to think this. It’s amazing that last year when a city employee played a simple game of solitaire Mayor Bloomberg fired him, but in this case where for 10 days people in Queens had no power, not only does the mayor not want him fired, but irrationally says that Kevin Burke should be given praise. Is he for real? I think Mayor Bloomberg’s priorities are clearly twisted and I fear he might be sticking up for his rich friends.
How would the Mayor like it if his own 97-year-old mother sat in the dark for 10 days? I don’t think he would be happy. Mayor Bloomberg, please get your priorities straight, and as for Kevin Burke – please resign. You are clearly not capable of being in charge of Con-Ed.
Sincerely
Howard and Betty Rubin
Bayside

Greenmarkets in Queens
I remember vividly the opening of the first Greenmarket on 59th Street and Second Avenue in 1976, where I was able to buy fresh food grown by New York State farmers. Now, thirty years later, there are 45 Greenmarkets in the five boroughs. Some of the new Greenmarkets may not be as big or fancy as the one in Union Square in Manhattan, but the people in the other boroughs are happy to shop for farm-fresh produce, organic foods, dairy products, meat products, honey, fresh baked goods and more.
Thirty years ago, Queens had no farmer’s markets to serve the community. In 2006, we have four Greenmarkets at the following locations:
• Astoria at 31st Avenue (12th Street), open on Wednesdays, July to November
• Long Island City at 48th Avenue (Vernon Boulevard), open Saturdays, May to November
• Jackson Heights at 34th Avenue (78th Street), open Sundays, May to November
• Glendale at Atlas Park, Cooper Avenue (80th Street), open Saturdays, June to November
The Council on the Environment of New York City runs the Greenmarkets from its headquarters at 130 East 15 Street, New York, NY 10008. Marcel Van Ooyen, executive director. For free maps and information please call 212-788-7000 or log on to cenyc.org.
Michael Matthews
Sunnyside

Practice What You Preach
The new fall season of Survivor on CBS will feature teams of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Whites competing against each other. At a rally on Tuesday, August 29, to protest the series premiere on September 14 in front of the CBS Corporate midtown Manhattan offices, several City Council members called for the show to be canceled. They felt that viewer exposure might result in increasing racism and violent attacks upon others.
City Council Finance Committee Chairperson David Weprin said, &#8220The theme of the CBS program would only fuel the fire of exploitation and exacerbate any problems our society faces in the ongoing struggle for racial harmony.”
Perhaps Councilmember Weprin and others who are opposed to airing the new Survivor season have forgotten about the first amendment and freedom of speech?
If you don’t like the show, switch channels and watch something else. Don't purchase any products from advertisers who sponsor the Survivor show. They might consider reading a copy of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights to understand what the basis of free speech in our society is all about.
Ironically, one of Weprin's first acts upon being elected to the Council was to apply for membership in the Council's African American/Hispanic caucus. He based his eligibility upon his Cuban grandmother. Weprin has never expressed any concerns nor spoke out against his fellow Councilmembers joining their own various African American, Hispanic, Asian, Gay and Lesbian and other caucuses like on the Survivor series.
Each Council caucus is in competition against others to promote their own issues and views along with obtaining the maximum amount of funding as possible for agencies and programs that they support. Why doesn't Councilmember Weprin practice what he preaches, instead of promoting a double standard at his own part-time place of work?
Larry Penner
Great Neck