Readers' views
Successful cleanup
Congratulations to all the Bowie residents and city employees who enthusiastically made the first Bowie Stream Team Cleanup a fantastic success.
Collectively, Stream Team volunteers numbered in the hundreds and literally pulled out tons of garbage and recyclables from four of our target streams. It was truly a rewarding experience.
A special thanks to city employees Elizabeth Chaisson, city of Bowie senior planner, Alan, Mike and James whose dedication and flawless execution make me proud to be a Bowie taxpayer.
There will be another Stream Team Cleanup date scheduled in the fall. We are hoping to double our volunteer base and also include a general street cleanup as well.
In the meantime, all residents of Bowie should consider participating weekly in the city's wonderful recycling program and try not to litter. Keeping the city free of litter and debris improves the quality of life for all of us.
MICHAEL BOTTEGA
Bowie
Taxing times
A famous saying is "There is nothing sure but death and taxes." With modern medicine, one may wonder about the certainty of death, but there is no doubt about taxes.
In January 2008, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation sent out letters informing homeowners of the new property tax assessments, conducted every three years. Of course, it resulted in an increase in property value of $95,540. Fortunately, Prince George's County voters placed a cap on such increases. Voters, don't let anyone talk you out of TRIM.
This letter also informed recipients that they would have to make a one-time application in order to continue receiving the homestead tax credit even though the homeowner was still residing in the house and using it as his principal residence. Like most of the recipients, I duly sent in my application. In late March, I called to check on the status of my application, but was told the office was swamped with calls and they couldn't give me an answer even as to whether they had received my application.
Seeing the reminder in the Blade-News, I called again on April 24. After waiting and then being told to call later, I finally talked to a real person who said (you guessed it) they were unable to give me an answer, either regarding receipt of my application or whether it has been approved. This is unacceptable. Then I asked when would I be informed, and the answer was I probably would not be notified, but the deadline has been extended for a year. Voters are entitled to a responsive state government.
HOWARD G. LEATHERWOOD
Bowie
Gas competition
With regard to Mike Rogers comments in the April 17 Blade-News, while we agree with him that free enterprise and competition are needed, it is unfair to Mr. Cuiffetelli to have another gas station built so close to his. How many of the other gas stations that were cited in Mr. Rogers' letter have competition within yards of their pumps? We can't think of one.
We have lived in the Bowie area for over 28 years and Mr. Cuiffetelli has been our mechanic for about four years. In our opinion, he is the most honest, competent mechanic we have ever dealt with and if the proposed gas station causes Mr. Cuiffetelli to move somewhere else, we will follow him.
DENNIS & BRIDIE CHAMPION
Glenn Dale
Hamas feedback
David Emanuel doesn't think President Jimmy Carter should have spoken to Hamas. I think Carter was an abominable president who has somewhat redeemed himself since leaving office. But that he spoke to Hamas doesn't constitute being a traitor. The United States and Israel talk to Hamas all the time in private. Carter, as is his wont, spoke in public, that's all. Probably unwise, but certainly not un-American. Speaking to the enemy should be done more often and more openly, in my opinion. I am weary of all the secrecy.
CAROL J. CARAMAGNO
Bowie
Elitists
It is unfortunate that the term "elitist" has become anathema in public discourse. I hope that Bowie's representatives in the Maryland General Assembly do not succumb to this disturbing attitude in their legislative agenda, particularly in the field of public education.
In the intense competition that is the hallmark of our global economy, we should not shun away from elitist values. We should encourage achievers to achieve more, and thereby contribute to the benefit of everyone else.
Education bills presented in the state legislature have mainly focused on underachievers in the classroom. There was even a proposal by Delegate Gerron Levi to hold parents accountable when their children fail to measure up in their homework assignments. This concern to bring underachievers up to par is commendable, but there is equal urgency in providing stimulus and incentive to the above-average in the classroom.
For a starter, therefore, I would suggest to Bowie's representatives in the Maryland General Assembly that they take a look at the state's education budget and find out how many dollars are spent to support special programs for talented students. I am certain that the sum would be unbelievably modest. If it adheres to the national average, the amount would only come to a few cents out of every $100.
This form of anti-elitism makes our society less prepared to compete in the global marketplace.
PASTOR B. SISON
Bowie
Well-written letters
I would like to thank Joe Krivak and Dan Melvin for their well-considered letters last week regarding the rising anti-Catholic, anti-Christian political tub-thumping going on right now in our country. As occurs with every organization known to man, including other religions of both modest and substantial membership, the Roman Catholic Church does face some serious challenges in today's world. As a Catholic, I will freely acknowledge that many are of our own making. The other Christian movement faiths in America, and worldwide, have and do face similar circumstance in terms of degree of difficulty in fulfilling their very important, very significant missions. And it almost goes without saying that the Islamic religion, which is fundamentally and by majority a responsible means of worship, has a tremendous amount of work ahead in getting rid of the criminal hijackers of their faith, the militant and racially separatist Muslim minority.
Attacking people on the basis of their religious faith alone needs to be firmly and vigorously countered. Mr. Krivak and Mr. Melvin should be commended for speaking up, and speaking out at a time when the pope is reaching out to America, and to the world, with a timeless message of hope, faith and respect for humanity.
MICHAEL P. MCARDLE
Bowie
Tired of bashing
I too am tired of the Christian and in particular Catholic bashing that goes on with a steady drumbeat and am gratified that several readers have written to object to the likes of Bill Maher and his cheap shot at Pope Benedict XVI.
Unfortunately there is also local bashing. In the same Readers' views section there was a letter titled "Deeds, not creeds" that was a deliberate bashing of Christianity and the Apostles Creed. Indeed this letter, written by a Unitarian Universalist, violates their own seven principles. The statement that "we believe in deeds not creeds, working hard to be part of the solution to the problems facing our world today rather than part of the problem" is an example. Part of the problem? So now Christians with their "creeds" are part of the world problems. Pope Benedict XVI is "part of the problem." What could be further from the truth.
If the Holy Father is not working on the right solutions then no one is.
It just points out the bias and bigotry of the anti-Christian sentiment that is present in this country. Christianity and especially Catholicism is truly the last acceptable prejudice. That was made plain by a group that has as one of its seven principles to "affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations."
Enough.
DAVID COMMITTE SR.
Bowie
Photo ID
The Supreme Court's latest ruling (by a vote of 6-3), that a state can require photo ID before voting, without violating the constitutional rights of the voter gives me hope.
Maybe the Maryland legislature will take notice and finally pass legislation to require proof of citizenship before giving out driver's licenses, instead of giving millions of our tax dollars to the Central American Solidarity Association (CASA de Maryland) who is printing up and distributing voter registration forms printed in Spanish.
LYNN BEIBER
Bowie
Horrified
When I learned that two African American males had stolen candy and sodas from Safeway recently and left the scene of the crime laughing as they ran to a "get away" car, I was horrified. Not only did they disgrace themselves, but I too feel disgraced by their reprehensible behavior. If they were in need of money, I wonder why it did not occur to them to apply for employment at Safeway instead of indulging in the degrading act of stealing.
Where are their parents? Are they so detached from their children's lives that they are totally oblivious to their whereabouts and the despicable acts that they are involved in? I can only speak for myself, obviously, but I have become so weary of reading about criminals that to say that they merely disgust me would be paying them a compliment.
I greatly admire many other industrious young men who are employed as cashiers and in other positions at Safeway, Giant, CVS and other establishments in our lovely city. I am so very proud of them and I take great delight in telling them so. The thieves should endeavor to pattern their lives after these decent, intelligent young men and resolve to dispense with their detestable ways.
They have not only brought shame upon their race, but they have behaved shamelessly before Almighty God who created them. All of God's creations are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalms 139:14) And Genesis 1:26 tells us that we are created in God's image. I hope they will remember those verses the next time they are tempted by Satan to take something that doesn't belong to them. God did not create them to become a thief.
It is my fervent prayer that they will ask God to guide and direct their lives, for it is only in Him that they will be able to overcome the devil's influence in their lives and receive empowerment by God's Holy Spirit to live victoriously.
And lastly, I encourage them to keep themselves involved in activities that glorify God. An idle mind is the devil's workshop.
VERA MAE HARRIS
Bowie
