Daily Record from Morristown, New Jersey • Page 4

OPINIO Record 4 Northwest N.J., Wednesday, March 18, 1981 4 trti Write On We Invite readers to send letters. Mall to Elfrieda Kunzel, editor of the editorial page, co Dally Record, 55 Park Place, Morrlstown, N.J. 07960. Please keep letters to 250 words and provide your telephone number for verification. Letters must' be signed and are subject to editing for length and content.

Unused letters will not returned. Poetry Is not used. Editorial New Citizen Force Only 10 years ago, the 1970 census revealed there were 2,801 Puerto Ricans in Morris County. Spanish speaking persons from places like Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Cuba were thrown into a category called "other." There have been lots of changes in the last decade. More are to come.

The count of all Hispanics this time around is 10,952, and there is a strong feeling that the number is grossly understated by as much as 20 per cent. What's more important is that persons of Spanish origin ho kept themselves isolated in small national cliques are now banding together for a common good. "We wanted to start a means of communicating and unifying the Hispanic community," Juan Casi-ano, executive director of the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, which provides social services for many Hispanics, said this week. Casiano says he would like to see Hispanics united as a future political and economic force, perhaps by establishing a non-partisan political party. This latest wave of Americans is now branching out on its own.

They are professionals and businessmen, and homeowners, and they are realizing they can have a voice in their own destiny. In Dover, for example, Hispanics recently bought two liquor stores, a clothing store and a new restaurant. They have their own credit union and are increasingly supportive of members interested in buying property. Like those who came before them, Hispanics are learning to flex their muscles as citizens. We applaud their efforts.

Letters To The Editor. To Veterans Orange School To the editor: Will you allow the Board of Education to cut broadcasting and the radio station? The Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education has a pending decision to liquidate the valuable vocational program of broadcasting and WHPH 90.3 FM, the radio station of the two regional high schools located at Whippany Park High School, at its budget voting meeting March 18 at 8 p.m. The Board of Education justifies this action because of "budget cuts" while at the same time increasing the budget in extra-curricular leisure activities to satisfy a demand of the National Organization of Women. The Superintendent, at the Feb. 25 Board of Education meeting, cited a five-year study which placed leisure time activities as the lowest priority in the educational goals of this community.

Statistics prove a considerable number of Hanover Park and Whippany Park High School graduates are gainfully employed in the communications and broadcasting fields as a result of the excellent pre-college training they received. In recent years, the Board of Education has approved the appropriation of over $1,000 to upgrade the equipment and facilities of WHPH. Now the Board plans to liquidate WHPH, the only wavelength available. If the Board's pending decision passes at the March 18 meeting, a valuable and rare educational tool that both high schools enjoy will be lost forever. Radio If the Board of Education's pending decision displeases you, show your displeasure with their intentions to destroy a valuable educational tool, the Broadcasting Department and WHPH, 90.3 FM, by attending the budget meeting tonight at 8 p.m.

at the Board Offices, Mount Pleasant Avenue. THE CONCERNED PARENTS COMMITTEE To save quality education In the Hanover Park Regional High School District Pro-Choice To the editor: I would like to join the masses who found the ad of the Right to Life Committee vulgar as well as demeaning to people of intelligence. I find the name "Right to Life" very dishonest, as it indicates people ho believe in pro-choice are against life. Most of the slogans, as well as the name, are dishonest. We pro-choice people believe in the quality of life and the belief that a woman can and should be able to make a choice about her own body.

Further, to comment on Mr. Corrigan's letter: He claims to be concerned about all life and then "forgets" to mention that a nine-month abortion is only performed to save the life of the mother. That's more dishonesty by this organization. How many children have you had to carry, Mr. Corrigan, with all your words of wisdom? ROENELE II.

EBB Montviile Twp. He complains that Moslems hate Christians. Well, Christians hate Moselms with the same vehemence. How true are the words of Joseph Lew is (no relation to Rev. James Lewis), "Religious love is clannish.

Christian loves Christian, Jew loves Jew." Lewis finds it objectionable that Moslems are trying to convert people to their faith, are controlling vast amounts of wealth and property and are worshipping a false prophet through fear. We all know Christians are totally innocent of these practices, don't we? I hold no objection to the honest profession of religious beliefs. But I object to people who try to give credence to their beliefs by denigrating the beliefs of others. I am opposed to the idea that a select group of people have been gifted with absolute truth and wisdom, regardless of whether that group is a Christian or an atheist one. Recently in New York City, there was a rally to affirm liberal and humanistic values.

Edward Erricson, an ethical culture leader and an admitted atheist said, "I'm glad that Carl (Baptist Minister Carl Flemister) put in a good word for God because this supports my argument that the battle is not between those who believe in God and those who do not, but between those who believe in the freedom to believe and those who do not." Let us strengthen America by transcending all racial, ethnic and religious lines and unite ourselves in the spirit of true American brotherhood. PAULM. KAY Saddle Brook DOONESBURY HR SlACKMCteX I'M UKSWmOOMBWUTO aKUmtCOHMITTBe xM OH THANK Humanist View To the editor: To AH Veterans: You are not forgotten! Stop hiding and come out and join us. Come down to our meetings to see what we can do to help you be accepted, and to help solve some of the problems you may have. You have had it rough.

So did we. We got help and you can, too. Let us reach you. We were one in uniform and we are one now. Try us.

We need you as you need us. Come to: VFW Post, Ford Road, Denville, every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 8 p.m.; DAV, Blackwell Street at the of Building, Dover, every third Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m.; JWV, 18 Thompson Dover, every fourth Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m.; or American Infantry Reunion To the editor: The 94th Infantry Division Association will hold'its 32nd annual reunion July 23-25 in Boston, Mass. This letter is part of our nationwide effort to locate former members of the 94th Infantry Division and attached units who served during World War II. All former members of the 94th Division and attached units are urged to write secretary-treasurer Ross Jordan, 1415 Orion Batavia, 111., 60510 for details about the association and the Boston reunion. ROSS L.

JORDAN Secretary-Treasurer Batavia, III. Utility Costs To the editor: When is this going to stop? There was a natural gas shortage during 1976-1977. Utilities were granted rate increases by the Public Utility Commission. There was no more gas shortage. In 1978, Congress voted to phase out the control of natural gas.

On Aug. 16, 1980, the Public Utilities Commission voted to permit the four natural gas suppliers to expand their sales because of improved supply projections. On Oct. 2, 19H0, there was a rush to convert from oil to gas. connected thousands of new residential customers, new industrial and commerical customers.

On Nov. 20, 1980, the Public Utility Commission granted another increase $149 million. Here we have a financially sound utility company making profits these past years: 1978 $152.8 million $2.49 share. 1979 $162.7 million $2.51 share. 1980 $206.3 million $2.85 share.

On Feb. 15, 1981, had another $536 million rate increase pending before the PUC. Also, two more rate increases on our adjustment charge. This utility company is all out to make bigger profits, greedy for money and making stockholders happy and not giving a damn about people. Utility companies are causing more hardship cases, more suffering among the poor, elderly on fixed incomes and the working class.

We must have price controls on all fuels, not more rate increases. Tell our four Senators from New Jersey that we've had it! OTTO KIPPING Morrlstown ufcAuuxm, POWNQVWl. 1B5TIMOWMH SucHimtfitsn a wuuee in im MUCH H6H IK Legion Post, 1 Legion Place, Dover, every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 8 p.m. VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS Thanks To All To the editor: We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the persons in and behind the scenes for making the Donkey Basketball game held at the Dover Senior High School Gym Feb. 13 the success that it was.

We would particularly like to thank the merchants of Dover and Rockaway for allowing us to place posters in their places of business, the A-l Donkey Ball Co. for supplying the animals and expertise, the people who purchased tickets and came to the game, and last but not least, each and every member of both the Dover and Rockaway Fire Departments for their fine efforts in selling tickets, organiza-; tion, and for allowing everyone to have a humorous and entertaining evening. THE DOVER1 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ANTIQUE COMMITTEE i Dover Budget Cuts To the editor: I'm sure I speak for many Americans when I say, "Hurray for President Reagan!" It's about time a president has taken the pruning shears to the skyrocketing federal budget. i It has been clear for about sev-! en years now that federal spend-; ing had to be reduced, but both Ford and Carter were too naive to realize it. Reagan's move was bold, daring and definitely neces" sary to try and put this country back on course.

Even if Reagan's tax cuts fail, at least he tried to solve our nation's problems. TOM RAFTER Succasunna Successful Event To the editor: The Fairmount Fire Company. Ladies Auxiliary would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all those who contributed much to the success of our social-event held Feb. 12. A good time was.

had by all and" the auxiliary is very grateful for; the support we received from alt' our friends in our own and in the surrounding corn munities. DOROTHY M. WALTER Corresponding Secretary 'S Fairmount Fire Company No. Ladies Auxiliary Long Valley i Shocked To the editor: I was shocked to read that be- cause Parsippany residents are adhering to Governor Byrne's water usage ban, they may be "rewarded" with higher water rates. I wonder how much Parsippanl residents paid the consulting firnt to recommend increasing the minimum quarterly charge from $12 1 to $13 for the first $10,000 gallons used in a single-family house.

ED SCIIREIBER Lake Hiawatha I by Garry Trudeaij catse, Hte YauJUNisron TtA Al My OFFlCt. wu CANT Agent To the editor: Having read your most recent article on Agent Orange and having followed all previous articles, I feel compelled to comment not only on this situation, but also on the attitude of America towards the Vietnam veteran. like all America, was moved and incensed by the plight of the Iranian hostages. Their release made me happy and proud to be an American. However, though I felt the tribute and celebration was due them, I could not help but feel left out and cheated by the indifference and ridicule shown the Vietnam veteran.

You see, I did my part in Vietnam, as a combat infantry squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division from Jan. 7, 1969 to Jan. 6, 1970. Upon returning to Fort Lewis, Washington, I was so glad to touch American soil that it did not really sink in hen the processing Birthright Helps To the editor: This letter is in response to the one submitted by Karen E. Johnson, R.N., ho asks about a "practical plan" to "care for, clothe, feed and love these unwanted or unaffordable babies," as prompted by the Right to Life advertisement of an aborted baby.

Birthright is the organization with the practical plan. An all-volunteer, non-sectarian social service organization, we are distinct and separate from the Right To Life organization. We provide free of charge care to any woman experiencing a problem pregnancy. On the medical side we have free pregnancy testing, doctor and clinic referrals and rides to these services. On the material side we offer baby furniture, newborn layettes, diapers and maternity clothes; also continued clothing help for children up to age six.

If furnishings are needed for an apartment, we help by providing second-hand items and manpower to help in the move. Birthright also provides indirect financial aid by having private homes available to provide shelter to women who may need a place to live during the course of their pregnancies. In this atmosphere they receive the emotional support of a loving family who, for no other reason than love of neighbor, open their homes to these women. Emotional aid and support are also offered by our staffers, who are willing to listen and truly care about the future of these women and their babies. We offer counselling and referrals to the appropriate agencies for a woman with problems.

All our services are free and strictly confidential. A "practical plan" does exist. Its name is Birthright. ROSALIE MARMARA Director Dover Birthright Rockaway cadre informed us it would be better to take buses to Seattle Airport rather than hitch-hike, because the great Americans of the State of Washington had tried to run down returning servicemen since they were "paid killers" from Vietnam. Some were injured, requiring hospitalization.

There were no ticker-tape parades or crowds when I arrived at JFK Airport just a handful of my relatives. I was so glad to be home that I just returned to my job, thankful to be able to resume my place in society. When the Agent Orange situation developed, I followed it with interest. I was grieved to read of the men who suffered and died from this silent and deadly killer. My heart goes out to the families like the Bertoncini's, who lost both husband and father at such an early age after he endured the horrors and suffering of Vietnam.

I was enraged when I read of the Naval flier who, after serving seven years (compared to 14 months) as a prisoner of war, died at the age of 38 of skin cancer. While I am not sure if Agent Orange was sprayed in my outfit's presence, I do know that we operated in areas hich had been defoliated. I have never been treated for side effects, but I do now have a minor skin rash on my chest, legs and face which has caused me a few sleepless nights after reading of other people's symptoms. Iam presently seeking a medical opinion. Also, I have a daughter who was born Aug.

12, 1979. 1 cannot count the number of times my wife and I worried that our daughter would be born with birth defects. Thank God there were none. While I have not yet suffered (hopefully I will not) any acute medical problems physically, mentally I have been haunted by the possibility that it could happen to me and I'm sure other veterans feel the same. My question is when and how soon will something concrete be done to investigate every aspect of this situation and aid the veteran.

I don't expect America to give Vietnam veterans a ticker-tape parade nor do I feel that America owes us a living. However, I do expect responsible parties and agencies to get off their butts and bring this matter to a conclusion so the Vietnam veteran can deal with the nightmare. FRANK A. BURANS Flanders Send To the editor: I have often wondered what it is like to live in retirement on a fixed income. You have worked hard all your life, yet in retirement you're sometimes barely able to make ends meet.

So in your search for additional income you turn to part-time employment. But too much income will deny you government benefits, while too little income will deny you the ability to To the editor: I feel I must respond to that disgraceful letter that was authored by James D. Lewis and appeared recently in one of your Sunday editions. In Lewis' opinion, another letter writer "downgraded America." Then, he asked the suggestive question, "Could it be the writer is a secular as if secular humanists are out to downgrade this fine nation. As a secular humanist myself, I find Lewis's tactics to be simply low-down and dirty.

To feed the idea that patriotism is linked with conformity to certain religious tenets is to degrade and slander those who hold contrary views. This will not result in the unification and strengthening of America, but in its polarization and weakening. Not being satisfied with labeling humanists, Lewis then goes after another religion, the Islamic faith. Being an atheist, I myself am critical of all God-belief systems, so I am not trying to defend the Islamic system per se. My objection is to the hypocrisy with which Mr.

Lewis conducts his criticism. Letters make ends meet. There is an answer to this dilemma. It lies in legislation being introduced by U.S. Senator Chiles of Florida.

His bill would repeal current limits on the amount a Social Security pensioner 65 years or older may earn without loss of benefits and would waive payment of the payroll tax by elderly working people and their employers. This bill will be debated and voted on in this congressional session. Your input can help to determine its outcome. If you are in favor of the elimination of earning caps and taxes on supplemental income, I urge you to write and send "Congressional Letters" a brief endorsement of this legislation. Letters sent to "Congressional Letters" will be compiled and sent to the entire New Jersey Congressional delegation.

Send your brief endorsement today to: Congressional Letters, Box 474, Red Bank, NJ 07701 WILLIAM MYERS Red Bank fwmiimcf-wm mm. kndofmka- KBiHtAKINO WELL, UOMAN. I lAIaf, I CAN PROMISE ArmooN. Norman Tomlmson, Publisher 1919-1971 Jean T. Auringer, Secretary-Treasurer 1957-1973 Norman B.

Tomlmson Chairman of Board, Editor 4 Publisher Loretta B. Tomlinson, President Kate S. Tomlinson, Secretary-Treasurer Published daily except Saturday by MORRISTOWN DAILY RECORD, INC. with offices et 55 Park Place, Morrlstown, N.J. 07960 THC 0AIT RECORO toundad Jun IS.

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