Letters to the Editor
Published: April 16, 2009
Profound implications
To the Editor:
The DAS system proposal to locate 25 cell phone antenna nodes in the three up-Island towns has profound implications - economic, visual, and environmental. Unfortunately, due to very restrictive FCC regulations (all slanted to protect the cell phone industry) we are not allowed to consider environmental issues when reviewing cell tower installations, and DAS. Isn't the system - which allows me to testify that locating a cell phone antenna node near my property will lower its value but forbids me to mention that the same node location puts my grandson's health and well-being at risk - morally, ethically and legally wrong?
I am a Chilmark landowner and a West Tisbury resident. I would be glad to provide more information, and residents of Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury, please contact your local town hall and selectmen to get more information about the project and the proposed locations, including the one which would be located between Halcyon Way and Dr. Fisher Road in West Tisbury. You have until May 4 to comment, and please don't hesitate to speak out.
Virginia Crowell Jones
West Tisbury
Inconclusive and undebatable
To the Editor:
Regarding your published report about the DAS meeting held in Chilmark on April 6, 2009, I am writing to clarify the difference between what you reported that I said and what I actually said. In your report on the DAS project, I did say: "Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 states that no state or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the commission's regulations concerning such emissions. Thus, it is out of order for the public to argue that this technology is safe, but by the same token it may also be out of order for the industry to argue that it is entirely safe."
I was not commenting on any study that the American Tower Company ( ATC ) did on emissions, as you reported. In fact, if there is such a study I would like to have the chance study it before we all decide to install the system. As for the emissions of the RF being 10 times below the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) safety standard, I am confused and as long as you brought it up, I would hope that you would try to clarify these figures. Is the figure ATC declared the maximum permissible emissions at each node, as mandated by the FCC, or is that figure 10 times less than the emissions of a 350-foot pole, which is much stronger and higher and further away from the public? Or is the tower company "voluntarily" using a lower maximum emission at each node, because they are trying to be good neighbors?
This brings up another question. If the tower company wants to come back to the town at a later date and turn up the volume (as it were), to be able to feed the new technology coming down the pike, what is the review process? Isn't this just a formality, because we have nothing to say once they have installed the towers, especially about health etc., and can't they try for just below or equal to the FCC mandated emission for each node?
In that case we should be looking at the actual maximum FCC criteria for each pole, not one 10 times below the FCC standard. Is this a red herring, and do we know what questions to ask and how to decipher the confusing technical jargon?
I would also add that I did look at the FCC OET Bulletin 56, "Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," and I think everyone else should look at it too. It is available on the FCC website. First off, you will notice that this bulletin was put out in 1999, and there is no update, because I called and asked. What I got from this bulletin is that the FCC regulations protect us only from the thermal effects of RF. The FCC and science recognize that there are non-thermal, biological effects and phenomena resulting from exposure to RF, and that more studies are needed. Results are inconclusive. Funding in all sectors of the government, researching these long-term low-level RF effects, have been non-existent or cut (the Bush Years), and industry (Motorola) has been conducting most of the recent studies, and they are inconclusive. This bulletin even discusses how the Russians (of all countries...it must be a plot) have stricter regulations than we do, because they safeguard against thermal and non-thermal biological effects.
The FCC and our government are doing us a disservice, since a lot of the public is somewhat paranoid about the health effects of all levels of RF radiation, even if the research is inconclusive.
There is considerable evidence that real estate in close proximity to a cell tower has less value because of the perceived health effects, and I have been informed that some insurance companies have stated that they will not cover any medical claims that may be associated with cell phone use. Many people put "un-regulated " magnets on their cell phones in the belief that doing so will mitigate any possible negative effects. Instead of going around with a magnet on your phone, maybe you should actually try to get to the bottom of it.
In my opinion, having a debate about RF effects, and not being able to discuss possible health or environmental effects is like having a debate about oysters and not being able to discuss water quality. And, I wonder, does the Telecommunications Act of 1996 violate our right to the freedom of speech?
Caitlin C. Jones
Chilmark
Bless the Martha's Vineyard Commission
To the Editor:
Thank goodness for the Martha's Vineyard Commission. We moved here four years ago after watching our previous home, in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, being swamped by ill-considered growth and sprawl. Unwise, unbridled development changes everything. In just 10 years, we saw property taxes soar to provide for new services and schools, while our excellent, community-based schools were threatened with closure as districts were redrawn for efficiency and kids bused miles to large and anonymous institutions.
The rural character of our community became ex-urban. Charming, vibrant small-town businesses were swept away by chains and strip malls, pristine creeks were at risk from new septic systems, and the traffic became unendurable. Please don't let this happen here. Support the Martha's Vineyard Commission, which acts in all our interests, not just the interests of those who would wring every last dollar from our Island's beauty, until that very beauty has been destroyed.
Geraldine Brooks
Vineyard Haven
We all enjoy
To the Editor:
I don't know why it has taken me so long to declare my appreciation for the dualing talents of Julian Robinson in the pages of The Martha's Vineyard Times.
For years, I have admired his obvious tenacity and patience in getting "the great shot" of much Island wildlife. And then, he goes to his desk and writes an apt and amusing ditty to partner the picture. He pairs his talents, and we all enjoy. Mr. Robinson, thank you.
Abigail Higgins
West Tisbury
No longer a candidate
To the Editor:
I would like to let the voters of Oak Bluffs know that although my name appears on the ballot today, I have withdrawn from the school committee race. I originally ran because I wished to serve my children and my community. My time as a parent at the Oak Bluffs School will span 21 years, from my eldest child's kindergarten year to the youngest child's graduation from eighth grade.
I love the Oak Bluffs School and would like to give back some of the time and effort and love that my family has received. But the economic situation being what it is, I have decided to seek employment within the school district. This would create a conflict of interest and not allow me to serve fully on the committee.
Please vote for the person you know to have the interests of the children of Oak Bluffs at heart. I believe there is nothing more important that we do as citizens of Oak Bluffs than to educate and care for our children. When we arrive in heaven we will never say "How I wish I had spent more money on those highways, and less on those kids." Peace to you all.
Melanie Bilodeau
Oak Bluffs
Retirement, you're invited
To the Editor:
To all you ex-Coasties out there, the retirement ceremony for the last 44-footer is scheduled for May 8, at Chatham Station. The 44301 is the last 44 in service. She has quite a history. Go to Chatham Coast Guard website and click on the guest list. At least put in a comment, but come if you can. You will know a lot of the guys, I'm sure.
Fair tides.
Wayne V. Iacono ex-BM-1PS1.
Chilmark
Online comments should have names attached
To the Editor:
I am writing today about your comment sections on your website. I am all for freedom of speech, but I also believe if you are going to voice an opinion you should own it, not hide behind a screen name or only give your first name.
I also firmly believe in our justice system and have the utmost respect for it. I believe people are entitled to a fair trial, and it upsets me when people are tried and convicted in the court of public opinion. They are convicted by people who do not have all the facts of the case. That to me is wrong on every level.
It is my belief that the way you have your comment section currently set up undermines our justice system. I offer the following as a prime example of this, taken right from your comment section.
The story that was commented on was "Edgartown Police arrest three for break-ins."
Of the 20 comments made on this story, only three people used their names, me being one of them.
The person who commented with the single name of Katy wrote, "These teens are criminals and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. To steal from your Island neighbors. If I see these teens get probation, I'll be really upset. This was not a onetime thing but a pattern of criminal activity."
Jeanne commented, "'Mother bear protecting her cub'? Oh, please. How did you raise this precious child? Did you teach him the basic principles of right and wrong? The fact that you say your son doesn't have a record leads me to think that he just hasn't been caught before these most recent incidents. I hope your cub gets the punishment he deserves for his crimes."
And, etc.
First, what was written in the paper only covered the charges against the two teens and the one adult. There were no facts of the case presented because they all only had their arraignments.
Second, if this goes to trial there most likely will be a jury. Your comment section allows people to write whatever they want, without standing behind what they are saying by writing their names. They convict people without knowing the facts of the cases.
Jurors need to have an open mind about the facts. I shudder to think that the people who commented on your site could be chosen as jurors. Clearly from their comments, they cannot be fair and impartial. The fact is they very well could be chosen, and the lawyers will not know to strike them because you let them use half names or false names. If this goes to trial, tell me how any of the accused will get a fair trial if the people I quoted above get on the jury?
By not making sure that people are who they say they are in your comment section, your newspaper is encouraging people to verbally attack others and convict still more without knowing all the facts.
I believe in freedom of the press. But we live in a closed environment here, and you can make sure people use real names when commenting on your site. You chose not to.
I also think you have a bit of a double standard. To have a letter to the editor in the paper, you have to give your name and town. However on your website you could say you are Mickey Mouse. Tell me how this makes any kind of sense.
I have no problem with people having opinions. But if they feel so strongly about them, why hide behind a false name? To me, that is akin to talking about someone behind their backs and being sweet as sugar to their faces.
I am proud to say that if I am going to write something about someone, or say something about someone, I will also say it directly to said person.
Your comment section needs some serious revamping, or maybe you just want to make sure your site gets lots of hits by allowing people to say what they want, all the while they are hidden behind a false name.
Kelley A. Wilson
West Tisbury
Smiles and frowns
To the Editor:
Daffodils are smiling spring at the Vineyard Haven Post Office. We're grateful for this smile of nature, and grateful to those who planted those bulbs, however long ago.
Unfortunately, the smile is accompanied by the frown of cigarette butts, most inimical to the daffodils.
Is this necessary? Could not those responsible for this deposit their refuse in their vehicle's ashtray (most people drive to the post office) - or anywhere that's not a public place?
And, it gets worse. Occasionally some smokers actually dump the whole contents of their ashtrays in a sprawl across the parking lot. Please. We'll be so grateful to those responsible for this mess when they re-think and be more responsible. Thanks for listening.
Pam Cassel
Vineyard Haven
Do you know about Tibet?
To the Editor:
As a sophomore at the high school, I am doing an action research paper on the subject of Tibet and would like to inform the Martha's Vineyard community about this. As we are living our comparably simple lives here on Martha's Vineyard, across the world innocent Tibetan people are being tortured and murdered for wanting independence. I am trying to create awareness for what is going on in Tibet right now.
Did you know that over 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a result of the Chinese invasion? The effect this imperialism has had is brutal, and it started in 1949 when China first took over Tibet. The Dalai Lama was forced to flee his country 10 years later.
The Buddhist encouragement of non-violence has taken place with peaceful demonstrations held by the Tibetans, but today Tibet's situation is increasingly tense. The Dalai Lama recently said in a speech that Chinese rule has made Tibet a "hell on earth." Some Tibetans are actually getting frustrated with their leader in exile and his very peaceful way of mind, in this time when such violence is being inflicted upon them.
Something needs to be done to stop the inhumanity occurring in Tibet. To support these people who are suffering, please visit www.tibet.org/Activism, and for more information go to www.freetibet.org. Thank you.
Tova Katzman
Vineyard Haven
A business suggestion
To the Editor:
Hello, I am a middle school student who is allergic to wheat and peanuts. I used to be allergic only to peanuts, and that was hard enough. Though I could not eat peanuts, I was still able to get a delicious meal at almost any restaurant. But I recently discovered another food allergy, this time to wheat, and gluten. I have learned that these are common food allergies. I am finding that many Island restaurants don't have that many options for me on their menus. The other night, all I could order was a plate of lettuce.
I recently visited several chain restaurants off-Island, such as Uno's Pizzeria, and Outback Steakhouse. Both restaurants conveniently had wheat-free, gluten-free menus. At Uno's, they even had a wheat-free, gluten-free pizza. The staff at the restaurants seemed to know a lot about their menu and what was and wasn't gluten-free.
This got me thinking. I realized that it isn't that hard to find wheat-free, gluten-free products, even flour. At Whole Foods Market, there is a variety of different kinds of wheat-free, gluten-free flours, which are most often made up of potato, corn, or rice. They actually taste very similar to regular flour.
I think that it would be great, not just for me, but for many other people with food allergies like mine, to open an allergy-free restaurant, meaning one that serves wheat-free foods, gluten-free foods, nut-free foods, and foods without other common allergy-causing ingredients.
I recently went to a restaurant in another part of Massachusetts that had a menu that contained wheat-free, gluten-free foods, including bread, vegetarian foods, vegan foods, and even pointed out healthy foods. A restaurant like this, on Martha's Vineyard, would make it so that I people with food allergies could eat at an Island restaurant and be able to order more than a plate of lettuce. Thank you.
Sam Permar
West Tisbury
Silence is his validation
To the Editor:
For those who are new to the letters pages or don't read it every week or just don't get it, I look for letters or editorials about the Martha's Vineyard community and any reference to the town of West Tisbury. For example, a recent letter from the Dukes County Fishermen's Association thanking the West Tisbury Library for the use of the library for their meetings is an example of how a community functions.
West Tisbury's policies denying public walk-on access to Lambert's Cove Beach, a town park, is not how a community functions. Writing thank you letters is easy. Let's see a letter from the Duke's County Fishermen's Association about their stance on public walk-on access to Lambert's Cove Beach.
Here is another example. This is a the first line of a recent "At Large" from Doug Cabral, "if you read the Editorial page across the way, as you should have done." That is funny, because I often wondered the same thing of him. Because, if he has been reading my letters I wouldn't think he would continue writing about how "compassionate" and "generous" the citizens of West Tisbury are. Or, he would at least address the multiple valid points I have made over the past 20 months in this paper. Silence has been my validation and will continue to be. And that guy who always writes in online and only uses capital letters doesn't count. End beach apartheid
Erik Albert
Oak Bluffs
Sold-out evening
To the Editor:
On the evening of April 5, Vineyard House hosted a wonderful event at the Grange Hall. "Supper with the Sisters" was a sold-out event featuring presentations by Sister Rose and Sister Maurice of the Office of New Direction, Bronx, N.Y. The Sisters spoke of their very personal experiences coping with the disease of alcoholism, from the perspectives of an alcoholic and the person coping with an alcoholic in her life. The presentations were at times hilarious and deeply moving.
Many thanks to all who brought a dish; as both Sisters commented, the food was delicious and plentiful. In addition, we would like to thank the following Island businesses for contributing to the success of the event: Vineyard Bottled Waters for donating the beverages, the Clarke Family, Tilton Rentals, Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, Grange Hall caretaker John Alley, DSP Sound and the local recovery community. We are blessed.
Mark Jenkins, Dawn Bellante-Holand, Lang Clarke, Sharon Duncan-Sylvia, Bill Croke, Rob Doyle, John Early, Janina Kean, Carol McManus, Don Ogilvie, Lorraine Parish, Sheila Shapiro, and Kathy Ferland
Vineyard House Directors and Administrative Director
Always young at heart
To the Editor:
The message left on the phone said simply "Connie died," but I know better. Until she was over 90, Connie Leonard used to write to me. When I called, she always recognized who I was. She and Freeman were always young at heart, and their family, as well as each of them, are very special to me. Connie Leonard's death the day before Easter is somehow appropriate. It brings alive anew the message of Easter and of Life.
Peter Sanborn
Melbourne, Fla.
Once more, thanks
To the Editor:
Well, we did it again. The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury has completed 12 weeks of Wednesday Night Suppers for the community. We've fed approximately 675 people. This would not have been possible without the generous donations of a variety of meat from Cronig's Market. Thank you, Steve Bernier. And no meal would be complete without Black Dog bread. A big thank you to our church committees, directed by Rosalie Powell, for making all the delicious delights, with fantastic desserts included. A special thanks to John Kelleher, for the table setups each week. We all enjoyed the wonderful meals and conversations, throughout the quiet months. See you next year.
Brenda Lehman
For the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury
