Letters to the Editor: 05/19/2008

May 20, 2008 04:00 am

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Exaggerations addressed

Mr. Chuchman's letter of May 11 concerning the cutting of trees in Central Lake Township contains some exaggerations and inaccuracies that require addressing.

Some pertinent facts. Less than 175 trees are designated for removal. Included are several saplings, stumps and trees uprooted by previous storms, none on private property.

Regarding his comment, "government of, by and for the people," Central Lake Township residents, by majority vote, approved a millage increase to pave all dirt roads that are the responsibility of Central Lake Township. The purpose of the paving is to eliminate the excessive cost of maintaining dirt roads, and in this specific case to eliminate run-off of sand, mud and debris from Lake and Alberta streets into our beautiful Torch Lake.

Of the 16 properties on these roads, nine or 10 of the property owners are part-time residents. To allow this group to overturn the vote of the permanent residents of Central Lake Township would be a violation of our democratic process. The decision was made to pave these roads by Central Lake voters.

Central Lake officials have acted legally and in the best interest of all township residents, and do not deserve to be maligned by this group.

Dick Cude
Central Lake

Which side is winning?

I have not only watched, but taped C-Span hearings on Iraq. No one is asked to testify not deemed to be credible witnesses by Congress. They are sworn in and face perjury charges if they are not truthful.

Gen. Petraeus has become a personal pawn of this administration. After all the testimony that was given, by many, in one way or another, it was clearly stated that we needed to leave Iraq. We are not safer -- we are making matters worse the longer we stay in Iraq. Not my opinion, their witnesses' opinions! Gen. Petreaus has stayed on Bush's course. A promised promotion in exchange for his testimony?

It appears this administration has intentionally undermined the interests of our country to serve their own agenda.

The hearings with the oil company chief executive officers were taped also. Bush had said when the barrel price reached $50 the subsidies would end. CEOs said it is up to us consumers to buy their product -- or not. Our choice. Think the price is high now? Cut the subsidies and see what happens ... their words, not mine.

A senator quoted bin Laden's threat from Sept. 2002 to ruin our economy. Who is winning what war?

Hilda Fenstrum
Copemish