By Barbara Morris
As this column is being written on Armed Forces Day, the 40th anniversary of Rosedale's Vietnam Monument is approaching. The weather was not dry enough to paint the benches for guests, so I tuned the radio to WNYC and, appropriately enough, “Selected Shorts” had a reading of “A Memoir,” authored by a Marine's son who fought and was wounded in Vietnam.
For once, the father was not depicted as a devil, nor the United States as the “devil country.” I was grateful. The Marine, some time later, met with one of his former enemy soldiers and neither held the animosity one might expect. They had been two soldiers doing their jobs and, once that phase of life was over, both went on to make the best they could of life. Forgiveness is a gift. People often forget that, which is unfortunate.
I am reminded of the words “God works in mysterious ways” and am grateful for the way things mostly work out for the best. My paternal grandfather must have left Ireland, leaving starvation and major unrest, with trepidation. When he arrived, he found “Irish need not apply” signs everywhere.
He finally secured a job as a city police officer, married and raised a family. He was, from what I have been told, a wonderful person who loved this country and was grateful for the chance for a new life, in spite of the difficulties faced along the way. I have often wondered what my life would have been like had he not come here.
I also wonder if those who now disparage this country ever consider what their lives would be like if they or their ancestors had stayed in their country of origin. Name any other country and I suspect that you will admit you have a better chance for a better life than in any other place. In spite of my family and I having had crimes against us, I am glad I am here and grateful to the NYPD for protecting and stabilizing dangerous situations.
In the meantime, we have many problems we need to solve. Our pocketbooks are lighter every day, partly because of the price of gasoline. I have long supported walking to stores when possible. If you are interested in losing weight or lowering blood pressure, walk. Try one of the Long Island Rail Road's One-Day Getaways, which include cruises, festivals, tours, museums and shopping. To learn more, visit www.mta.info or call 718-217-5477.
A more nearby adventure might be a picnic in one of our local parks. Brookville and Roy Wilkins parks both have a lot to offer and would love to have more folks use and appreciate them.
When my last water bill arrived, I quickly called the city Department of Environmental Protection to find out why my bill jumped so much. The man who answered said, “You have to realize we haven't sent you a bill for three months.”
He was right. The DEP sends bills every three months. I remember reading that for years the DEP has been negligent in going after “sponge people” who refuse to pay their bills. Now, I suspect, they have decided to recoup their money.
There is also the problem of the city taking some of the city Water Board's money to put into the general fund. At a recent community meeting, it was confirmed that the board not only wants to raise rates by 14.5 percent, but plans annual increases to compensate for money taken by the city for the general fund. Those dollars will be transferred to the city Sanitation Department so it will sweep away debris accumulating on sewer catch basins.
Incidentally, litter sometimes gets caught there or drifts down and gets carried out to the ocean. If caught, litterers are subject to fines.
I have heard that the state Environmental Conservation Department recently discovered original plans for all state waterways, which it has spent a bundle to update. It has announced that it plans to make these detailed plans available to the public. Why now, when this country's enemies want to damage these assets? I hope they change that plan.
Our fight to prevent uncontrolled building that will change communities' characters continues. Keep alert and reading and please participate in solutions.
