LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wonderful Acres

Springs
June 23, 2003

Dear David:

The news of the de Cuevas and Carmichael gift of 239 wonderful acres at Stony Hill comes none too soon for this writer. Just when one might have concluded that our fair town might soon be left soulless after two decades of spectacular capitalizing by successive waves of new profiteers with the attendant crush, along comes this spectacular act of giving!

This land is deliciously, quietly natural and beautifully situated. It is now safe from overkill giant houses and contrived landscapes.

Actually, there are two gifts in this instance. Obviously, one is the land itself. The other is the example set by the manner in which it was extended: quietly unassuming. No fanfare, no bronze plaques on site. It's a rare example of generosity of spirit that we can all admire and perhaps aspire to in our conduct.

To de Cuevas and Carmichael - thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sincerely,
KERRY B. BALCHUN

Equitable Enforcement

East Hampton
June 23, 2003

Dear David,

The Village of East Hampton recognizes the many walks of life present in society today. All residents are accepted on an equal basis and discrimination based upon sexual orientation has been and will continue to be unacceptable in the administration of village government.

The assertion that the Village Police Department utilized a disproportionate level of enforcement at Two Mile Hollow is false and without foundation. Openly public sex, whether homosexual or heterosexual, will not be tolerated in the Village of East Hampton.

The Police Department, as in the past, will continue to maintain an equitable degree of enforcement when quality of life concerns become an issue for village residents.

MAYOR PAUL F. RICKENBACH JR.

All We Have

East Hampton
June 22, 2003

Dear Mr. Rattray,

It's scary when we are all working so hard to make a go of it, get our kids through school, trying to age with dignity, to read in The Star that the town board admits so glibly to "falling asleep at the switch."

When it means the destruction of a neighborhood (not its so-called preservation) by thoughtless development and traffic, that is a serious matter. For most of us our communities are all we have.

On a later page discussing a bill paid improperly with taxpayer funds (a small bill, but what about the big ones?), the majority member talks about how "it fell through the cracks."

It's very hard to trust and have confidence in public officials who admittedly fall asleep at the switch and let things fall through cracks and then think that's the end of the matter while others suffer the consequences. It is no way to run a town. People deserve more.

Sincerely,
NINA BARNES LEVITIN

Nowhere Fast

Amagansett
June 23, 2003

Dear Editor,

I am ashamed to be me. I am drowning in the lap of luxury in the Hamptons. I look with contempt at Hummers, Rolexes, and gardens that are purely ornamental (I could not stand my cultural anthropological work as a laborer, I mean gardener, turning the dunes into a collage of color). Yes, I am spoiled. Why is it that trees and weeds do so well on the banks of the Harlem River with no tree service trucks present?

As I silently criticize the people I see I begin to see me as them. I might not have the Tripler shirt or the latest diamond, however, I am just as guilty as they, accumulating all these time-accelerating, distracting devices - sailboards, surfboards, bikes, speed shoes, etc. Going nowhere fast. I am the problem with the world. The overconsumption and the depletion of the planet's resources.

All for "freedom"? It is time to wake up and pay attention to what is happening in this world that we are guests of. We each have a powerful role to play. It's time to turn the shower of false news pelting us from CNN, FOX, NBC, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, BBC, and NPR off. Whether it's the war on terrorism, the regime change/occupation in Iraq, or U.S. foreign policy toward Haiti. It's 99 percent false news with a hidden agenda. They should be held accountable for the mirage of lies they preach. It's time for us all to pay attention to our everyday actions that affect the rest of the world.

Native peoples of this land watch with horror our actions. Who are the terrorists? They see the end of this childish method of domination of the planet. The key is, do not be distracted, get empowereµd, whether you drive a Hummer or take the bus. I watch with glee the people who stand on the corner every Sunday to express dissatisfaction with the current events. It's time to speak up and express the truth! Wake up!

JEREMY GROSVENOR

Oasis of Calm

Durham, N.C.
June 17, 2003

Dear Editor:

We had vacationed in Montauk for many years before early retirement to North Carolina.

On this first return visit we were surprised at all the changes and dismayed by the building and growth. No longer the quiet, rural Montauk we remembered!

We did find a few of our old haunts unchanged and discovered a new oasis of calm at Manucci's restaurant in the lovely old Montauk Manor. It is a little gem with a chef to match.

One change we applaud is the color photographs in The Star.

Until we come again, don't outgrow your charm.

Best wishes,
RITA and JACK GARTNER