To the editor:

We in this country pride ourselves in dealing with adversity. We overcome great obstacles in order to adapt to a given set of circumstances. There is one case in which I wish we were not so well adapted to: waging war.

I am a Viet Nam War veteran. I spent 15 months as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne in ’67-’68. I was a witness to the grizzly effects of war. The killing and maiming of soldiers and civilians, the destruction of the land, and more than anything the effect on the life and minds of the survivors.

Simply put, these are the costs of war. There is nothing simple about it. Believe me, the effects of war run deep and last forever!!

I fear that we have adapted so well to war that we no longer apppreciate the long term effects. We don’t care if the reasons for war are based on the truth or not or for that matter who’s making the decision to go to war. It seems we are saying, give me the simple version, now pass the mashed potatoes.

On Nov. 11th we will honor our veterans. There will be flags waving, bands playing, and speeches of heroism given. This is great for those who need to adapt to war, but what the combat veteran needs is to be listened to.

So please, this Veterans’ Day, listen to a vet, and maybe you will want to know more when the decision to go to war is being made in your name.

You can do this on Sat. the 8th in Honesdale. Veterans will be walking from an 11a.m. Mass to central park where they will be served refreshments, around noon, by members of Wayne Peace.

Chuck Heyn

Damascus, PA

To the editor:

On Wednesday, October 8, 2003, a board member of Sullivan Performing Arts (SPA) passed the Center Theatre in Woodburne, Main Street. There is a sense of pride when viewing the theatre and seeing the accomplishments of the hard-working professionals and volunteers who have been helping restore the space.

It was shocking to that same board member that someone vandalized the front entrance with a rock that had been smashed through the glass window. This is disheartening. The theatre is a treasure of Sullivan County. The exterior of the building is being beautified by the addition of murals by local artists.

It would be appreciated if anyone is interested in donating their time, effort, services, mechanical or technical expertise, or providing materials to help continue the restoration. SPA would encourage every sector of the Woodburne/Sullivan community to participate—the youth, their families and neighbors to improve the appearance of this growing enterprise. I am writing to inform the readers of The River Reporter of this unique venture. For more information please contact Sullivan Performing Arts, P.O. Box 782, Woodburne, NY, 12788.

Brenda Sherman

Member of the Board of Trustees

Sullivan Performing Arts (SPA)

To the editor:

The temperature around the planet is rising alarmingly. The last several years have been the hottest on record. In the western Arctic, the temperature has risen much faster. This is causing major melting of the permafrost which means that there will be less snow and ice cover on the tundra, allowing more absorption of the sun’s heat, which in turn allows more warming leading to even more melting. Do you see the progression?

Why are we seeing a warming trend? Greenhouse gases. They trap the sun’s heat and make us like a greenhouse. The more we spew carbon dioxide and other gases into the air, the more we heat up. If we can cut the burning of fossil fuels, we might be able to save ourselves. Here are four things we can do right now to take the future into our own hands:

Buy efficient compact fluorescents. This will save immense amounts of energy.

Convert to wind power. According to the US Department of Energy’s National Wind Resources Inventory, just the wind resources found in Texas, North Dakota, and Kansas have enough harnessable wind energy to satisfy the nation’s electrical needs. No nuclear, oil, or coal. No need to kill our sons and daughters for Middle East oil.

Don’t buy gas-guzzling vehicles. Buy hybrids. You will save money and the planet, and help an emerging industry. Good bargain!

PA residents, call Senator Specter RIGHT NOW, asking him to filibuster the energy bill HR 6 which hands huge subsidies and encouragements to the most polluting energy industries and throws progressive energy ideas on the dung heap. Tell him you are a constituent. Call this number and ask for his office:800/839-5276. Tell him to say “NO” to the energy bill by supporting a filibuster. Thank you.

Katharine Dodge

Energy Chair, Northeast Pa Audubon Society

Lake Ariel PA