Technology fallout
Last night I received a call from my former tutoring supervisor in Rego Park to help a 17-year-old from a former USSR republic now in the 10th grade here in Forest Hills. It seems that these students did NOT learn basic arithmetic but relied on calculators! So they do not know fractions, percentages or decimals either.
Eugene Forsyth
Flushing
Obama earned
the coming storm
As a result of the economic upheaval, unemployed workers 62 years-of-age have been compelled to file to receive Social Security benefits. The inability of finding gainful employment has left many with no other option.
By filing early, the benefits paid are substantially reduced. If able to postpone filing until 67 they would receive full benefits. Though the early filings do not cost Social Security more, early retirement removes from the economy vibrancy by eliminating those who would spend discretionary income.
Further, these early retirees possess the experience and wisdom that insures structural strength to businesses and institutions. This destruction of collective knowledge will prove costly.
Fear is reality to the unemployed and those whose current employment fails to sufficiently cover the cost of living. Fear is the foundation of the Tea Party.
High unemployment and foreclosures promote fear. Congress and the Administration’s programs have seemingly only aided the banks who brought the nation to its knees. Fixes to address individuals are as yet unseen.
The first 100 days of FDR’s administration enacted legislation that immediately responded to the needs of the people caused by the Great Depression. Obama and the Democrats earned the storm that seems to threaten their control of Congress in the upcoming mid-term elections by failing to lead decisively. Americans looking for strong leadership found only endless debate while Wall Street fought for bonuses.
Edward Horn
Baldwin
Conservation tips
For those of us that grew up in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, try and recall those little tricks on being practical we were taught by our parents.
Before throwing it out ask yourself, “Can I use this again or give it to someone who may have use for it?”
Recycle the paper you get from the dry cleaners or purchases to clean your glass instead of a paper towel.
Turn the water off 10 seconds before you normally would and use old or excess water for your plants.
Throw your food scraps in a blender or outside in a pot and use it as mulch.
Ask yourself, “Do I need the room so bright, cold or hot?”
Plan your errands ahead so you can use less gasoline.
If you live in a building, try and get your management company to put out bins for all those plastic bottles with five-cent refunds and use the money for charities.
This is not for us but for our grand children and great grand children.
Barbara Leonardi
North Shore Towers
Dedicated manager
I have just finish reading a story written by Claudia Cruz about the General Manager of LeFrak City, Carl Niveyro.
Niveyro does business with my company, Northeast Plumbing Specialties, which is in Great Neck.
I think this article was a great honor for Niveyro, who I think is a dedicated manager and someone who is concerned for the community in which he works. But what I did not know is how hard he does work, and yet finds time for his charitable activities like the youth soccer program he had established and also raises money for the American Cancer Society.
To Carl Niveyro let me say," You are truly an example to us all."
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
Governors Island subway?
The New York Times and the Alliance for the Arts jointly presented a forum regarding future recreational use of Governors Island.
It occurred to me that since the terminal station of the Second Ave subway is only around 1,000 feet from the island, couldn’t the subway be extended to Governors Island and make it easily accessible?
The tax revenues from expanded use of the island could offset the costs. I love the island but getting there is a chore.
Margaret C. Tellalian-Kyrkostas
Greek tragedy coming to U.S.?
Those who claim Fox News and tea partiers are seeking power by provoking fear are confused and ignorant of recent history. It was President Barack Obama and Congress who prognosticated catastrophic disasters if their legislation was not passed expeditiously.
Threatening dire consequences, they wielded their power to bribe and intimidate representatives to pass health care reform with unconstitutional mandates, regulations, taxes and fees, bailed out and took control of the auto industry, banks and financial institutions; they are still spending, borrowing, printing money and setting the stage for an American version of the Greek tragedy that is unfolding in Europe.
Ed Konecnik
Flushing
Too many New Yorkers?
President Barack Obama wants to make his New York friend (who has never been a judge!) a new Supreme Court Justice. Don’t you think that it will be too many New Yorkers on the America’s highest court? Maybe it is better to choose a qualified judge (and a Protestant) from . . . Arizona?
Victor Maltsev
Rego Park
