To the editor:

The Canadian firm from Toronto Canada Pegasus Power Systems has announced its power line plan to pump four large AC power lines from Niagara Falls, Oswego, Quebec and Ontario into Marcy above Utica (NY) into an AC/DC converter terminal and then through a 500-kilovolt direct current (kV/DC) transmission line connecting this with New York City in order to bring lower cost Canadian electricity to power-starved New York City according to the October 9-15, 2003 edition of The River Reporter.

The new 500-kV/DC line is proposed to be routed to Binghamton, NY then to the upper Delaware River Basin and down it 73.4 miles and then across the northern NJ/NY line down to Weehawken, NJ to New York City!

The proposed line is utilizing existing rights-of-way of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad in some areas apparently!

I propose that this line be diverted from Binghamton to Scranton to Hoboken, NJ along the right-of way of the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad and the railroad right-of-way for the proposed so-called high-speed rail line to New York City.

This 500-kV/DC line is excellent for a high speed rail line as most European existing high speed rail lines are powered by DC electric and this route will eliminate the present conflict abrewing between the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) as the proposed line is an “incompatible use” and “clear and direct threat” to the scenic river project.

Likewise it will make available low cost Canadian electricity to the municipally owned light companies like Blakely and Olyphant and if utilized by PP&L could be used to lower our local electric bills.

Joe Caterina

Peckville, PA

To the editor:

In an October 9-15 letter to the editor by Susan J. Miller, a focus was placed on special interest groups and their ability to influence members of the U.S. Senate. Ms. Miller makes an excellent point and it should be noted that a particular special interest group is trying to use influence right here in Sullivan County in order to change the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission License #10482. This license guarantees the public use of two access sites including a trout stream at the Toronto Reservoir in Bethel, NY. This area has been used for many years and this special interest group, with the approval of the Bethel Town Board, is trying to deny the public this right. All citizens should be indignant and should send a letter protesting this action to:

Magalie Salas, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426 and/or Heather Campbell at the same address.

This action is needed from the public to register its disapproval of influence of this type. The secretary must hear from the public in order to know their feelings on matters as local as this issue.

The area is open at present but may be in jeopardy if the special interest groups (developers) have their way. There is little enough access to public areas such as the Swinging Bridge/Toronto Reservoir sites and as Ms. Miller said, “Let’s hope our senators see through this ruse.” Our lawmakers do not have to trade away the public interest for private enrichment. 

Bob Barrett

Smallwood, NY

To the editor:

Nobody has a right to curtail anybody’s right to freedom of expression, and if there is such a town policy, it appears to be against public nuisance or neighborhood blight, and cannot be applied to the content of Fred D’Amato’s sign without violating his First Amendment rights. 

Signs on private property are like bumper stickers: if you don’t like them, avoid road rage and move on.

That’s what I love about living in this little part of the world. We encourage each other to exercise our right to freedom of speech and expression. Our signs can carry any message from “Impeach Bush” to “Finding Peace at Wayne County Fair” to “National Park Service Keep Out.”

We live in a diverse society. In a homogeneous society, there would be no umbrage; however, we are Americans; we do not agree on everything; yet, unless we choose to be barbarians, we live together in peace and often love. If my neighbor suddenly raises a flag emblazoned with a swastika, I will raise a higher one portraying a dove. Each of us would be exercising our constitutional rights, and that’s what it’s all about.

Sheila Dugan

Milanville, PA

To the editor:

When Pope John Paul dies, the Vatican will immediately begin the process to have him canonized a saint. The Catholic Church bureaucracy wants to title the present pontiff Saint Pope John Paul the Great. Maybe Pope John Paul is a saint. But for a moment, it is important to reflect not on the alleged accomplishments of this pope but assess those actions he did not perform.

Since June 13, 1929, God has ordered the consecration of Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary by the pope in union with all the Catholic bishops of the world. None of the popes since 1929 including holy Pope Pius XII, rotund Pope John XXIII and the present pope have collegially consecrated Russia. During the Second Vatican Council, all the bishops of the world will present along with Pope Paul VI. Russia could have been consecrated by the pope and bishops gathered at Saint Peter’s Cathedral. But Pope Paul didn’t do it nor was the issue brought up by world-famous American Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen or the present pope, who was a Polish bishop.

If Russia had been collegially consecrated in the 1930s by Pope Pius XI, atheistic communism would have disintegrated and Adolph Hitler would not have come to power. World War I would have been avoided and Russia’s Josef Stalin would not have murdered 10,000,000 Russians. Now abortion is the world’s plague but Pope John Paul will not excommunicate all Christian proponents of abortion perhaps saving millions of unborn children. Is Pope John Paul great? As a Madonna sung: “Pray the Rosary.”

Joseph E. Valley

Washington Green, CT