Letters to the Editor
Published: August 13, 2009
Dial down the Gatesgate rhetoric
To the Editor:
Much is being made of the recent arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. at his own home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And indeed, Professor Gates being African American and the arresting officer being white, the case is fraught with racial symbolism. Even President Barack Obama has become embroiled in the controversy, making remarks critical of the Cambridge police's actions.
A brief rehash of events: responding to a call of a burglary in progress at Gates's address (a "false alarm" as it happened), Cambridge Police Sgt. James Crowley encountered Gates at the house in question. Then, according to both men's accounts, without leaving the premises, they engaged in some sort of testy communication that resulted in Gates's arrest for disorderly conduct, charges that were soon dropped.
It's been suggested that class divisions may have exacerbated the situation, as well: a collision of monied elite and blue collar. Perhaps. But clearly, one, or both, of these men messed up, royally. Right?
Not necessarily. The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States (freedom of speech) would appear to more than adequately cover any discourse that's been attributed to Gates. Furthermore, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts limits enforcement of Massachusetts's "disorderly conduct" statute to public property.
But, if Gates didn't break any laws, then the onus would appear to belong to Crowley. Again, not necessarily.
Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas has gone on the record stating that Crowley's performance at the scene was consistent with both his training and the Department's policies and procedures. In other words, Crowley did what he's supposed to do.
Gates is an esteemed public intellectual who has received numerous academic and social action awards. Crowley is a widely lauded, highly decorated officer of the law. Two good men, one bad set of policies and procedures that needs to be brought in line with the US Constitution and Massachusetts law.
Let's dial down on all the heated rhetoric concerning this incident, shall we? What with two wars, the economy, climate change, and health care to contend with, America has enough on her plate already. As another great U.S. president once famously observed, "A house divided . . . cannot stand."
Thomas Sullivan
Vineyard Haven
The facts
To the Editor:
I always enjoy reading news stories about wastewater, nitrogen, stressed ponds, and septic systems. Now, for most folks this is just yucky stuff and they really don't want to know the ins and outs of it, but for someone who has worked in this field for more than 20 years, I tend to find it quite interesting. Usually the most interesting part is how it is perceived and understood by the public. Generally speaking, we all have the yearning for some understanding, and I have tried to explain issues in ways that to some might be elementary and to others very informative.
The Vineyard Gazette's story of August 7 was all and all an okay story. I was interviewed for it, and my comments in the story were accurate. There were some inaccuracies, such as our plan has hit a snag, the costs are going to be considerably more, as well as implying that we now know the property lies within a Zone 2.
The facts are that we haven't hit a snag. We're working through a process where professionals are doing their work to ensure that all interests are met, with the common goal of protecting the citizens of Oak Bluffs.
The costs will be slightly higher, but the benefits of the advanced treatment methods we will eventually use will improve the water quality within the Zone 2 by eventually increasing capacity to service homes that are located in the Zone 2. It will also improve the water entering Sengekontacket Pond and Lagoon Pond helping those ponds to once again become productive shellfishing areas, as well as maintaining their beauty to our Island visitors.
As for knowing whether or not the property was located in a Zone 2, it was well known. In fact, back in 1999, the town voted to specifically allow wastewater facilities to be built on the property, knowing it was located in a Zone 2. At that time, we agreed that we didn't want to allow any discharges to the area because the state Department of Environmental Protection had not finished its regulations defining what would need to be done to ensure protection of the municipal wells.
Over the past 10 years, much has been done studying treatment options and impacts, and late last year the state finalized the new groundwater discharge regulations setting the standards for discharges within Zone 2 areas. The standards require a facility to treat its wastewater to a high enough level that it qualifies for the designation of being available for reuse activities.
The following is from a DEP fact sheet about water re-use, found at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/wrfaqs.htm,
"MassDEP has approved about a dozen projects since issuing its Interim Guidelines in 2000, including Gillette Stadium, the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, watering of golf courses, and re-use at manufacturing and office facilities. In addition, a number of groundwater discharges in the proximity of public water supplies have been permitted under the interim guidelines in order to protect drinking water quality."
I often find writing my thoughts to be very therapeutic. Sometimes reading stories can be very frustrating, because I always want the citizens to have the best and most accurate information available to them. I think it's important for everyone to know that the wastewater commissioners, water commissioners, and selectmen, along with the staff they employ, are committed to doing what is right for the town of Oak Bluffs
Joe Alosso
Wastewater Manager
Oak Bluffs
Bridging the gap, looking ahead
To the Editor:
Boaters in Oak Bluffs and Tisbury must be anxiously hoping that the "temporary" drawbridge is ready before the old bridge fails completely and traps them in or shuts them out of the Lagoon.
But the feeble coals of my inner cynic are fanned to a fire when the state says that the "permanent" drawbridge will be completed by 2013. This assertion has the magnificent ring of other great promises, such as "The check is in the mail..." We know that state tax receipts have fallen off a cliff and that there isn't much likelihood that they will climb back up in the near future. Where will the money come from?
The contractor is doing a fine, substantial job on the "temporary" bridge. 2013 is four years away. That "temporary" structure looks as if it will last a long time.
After consulting with the best of Vineyard seers, necromancers, ouija board operators, and future-life progressionists (no offense meant, but unfortunately the past-life regressionists were all busy, and wouldn't talk to me), a clear vision of the True Date of Completion of the Drawbridge has coalesced.
That vision is 2020.
Please let this guess be wrong.
Tom Hodgson
West Tisbury
Unconscionable on Health care
To the Editor:
This is a copy of a letter to Mark Forest, chief of staff for Congressman William Delahunt.
I understand that Congressman Delahunt, my representative, has failed to indicate his position on the House health care Initiative. I find this unconscionable at a time when we are all considering its merits and faults.
Fence sitting at this time appears indecisive at best and cowardly at worst. Do you not think his constituents deserve better?
Hadden Blair
West Tisbury
Insufferable
To the Editor:
Novels? Let me make two guesses here.
Number one, The Times assigned an undergraduate or high school student summer intern to write the items in "Noteworthy" in the issue of August 6.
What is my evidence? The following statements: a reference to Cokie Roberts' "most recent novel, Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation"; and another to the "novel," "Lift Every Voice: The NAACP and the Making of the Civil Rights Movement," which took Patricia Sullivan "10 years of research, writing, and composing."
For reasons I have never been able to determine, many of my undergraduates at Cornell University also call nonfiction books "novels." Memo to The Times and its staff, permanent or temporary: "novel" means fiction; i.e., not history (as both the Roberts and Sullivan books are). Look it up in any dictionary.
Here's my second guess: neither Roberts (whom I don't know) nor my friend Pat Sullivan appreciated the reference suggesting that they made up rather than researched their books. Nor did I, especially because such mistakes only confirm my students in their erroneous usage. I suggest to the editors future vigilance to guard against this annoying error.
Mary Beth Norton
West Tisbury and Ithaca, N.Y.
Help when it was needed
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Oak Bluffs Police Department as well as the Oak Bluffs EMTs for their compassion and professional assistance. They helped our family in its most difficult time. Thank you.
Ulysses J. Lear
Oak Bluffs
Magical event
To the Editor:
The YMCA of Martha's Vineyard held the most magical of fundraising events at the home of Susan and Jim Swartz on August 2. The music of the Dave Brubeck quartet still lingers, as does the soothing effect of the lovely surroundings, view, and food. It was heartwarming to feel the collective support of this project from those who attended.
Thank you to all who came and helped make this a sold out event to remember and to those who continue to give financially. We cannot bring this facility to our community without your help.
Beyond the generous support we get from our local merchants, it takes a tremendous amount of volunteer power to pull off such a successful event. I would like to recognize the following individuals from our community for their continued support and countless hours. It is a joy and pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic, warm and professional group of volunteers.
Event co-chairs were Tina Miller and Suzanne Lanzone.
Many thanks to Earl Adams, John Alaimo, Mike Alberice, Jessica Anderson, Jim Beckman, Jodi Blair, Carol Brush, Robin Cahna, Melissa Clay, Eniko Delisle, Tom & Pete Engley, Mike, Suzanne, and Lee Faraca, Heidi Feldman, Steve, Henry and Theo Gallagher, Jaime Hamlin, Mac Hoggan, Eric Johnson, Tim Klein, Aly Lanzone, Sam Larsen, Liz Lowell, Jeanne and Olivia Ogden, Carol & Sophie Petkus, Jennifer Rankow, Liz Reddick, Liz, John & Timmy Roberts, Dasha Romine, Maggie Romine, Peggy, Britney and Matt Stone, James Todd, Catherine Todd.
Christine Todd
Development Director
YMCA-MV
Wake-up call
To the Editor:
I just saw the documentary "Under Our Skin" about the spread of Lyme disease across America and its effect on victims. This documentary is scarier than "Friday the 13th," "Halloween," or any of the slew of horror films. While I'm loath to push books and films on strangers, this documentary comes as close to must-see status as anything I've ever seen.
After hearing the plights of people who were misdiagnosed for years while the Lyme went untreated and ravaged their bodies, one feels fortunate to live in an area where physicians know how to read the telltale signs (rash, flu symptoms, etc.) and prescribe appropriate antibiotics. For those like me who previously regarded tick-borne diseases as a nuisance rather than a serious menace, this film is a long-overdue wake-up call.
Julian Wise
Chilmark
Exceptional
To the Editor:
The continuous improvement of your Internet publication of the MV Times is really something. Terrific presentation, easy to use. Exceptional results.
Greg Pierce
Sandy Hook, Connecticut
A treat
To the Editor:
The article on Scott Terry and the story about hanging a show are fantastic.
It was a treat this morning to wake up and read them both. You guys are lovely for taking an interest in the work all the galleries on this Island do.
There is such incredible support for the arts community here on the Vineyard, and it's appreciated.
I hope more people get out and enjoy all the galleries on M.V., perhaps because of the Times Art section, they will. Have a lovely weekend.
Laura MacNeil
West Tisbury
Quilting in a good cause
To the Editor:
I teach quiltmaking for the Quilting Friends of the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging, and every year we make two quilts to raffle off for our Quilt Fund for Fuel Assistance. (All the funds raised go to fuel or medical assistance for Island seniors.) Those helped are carefully screened by our director and outreach coordinator to determine legitimate need.
I wanted everybody to know that we drew the winning ticket for our summer quilt yesterday, and Jody Coker of Vineyard Haven was the winner.
We have been doing this for about 14 years, and many of the winners have been Vineyarders. (We have shipped a few off-Island.) We now have another quilt ready to be quilted, and that winning ticket will be drawn on Halloween.
We thank all who purchased tickets for our Quilt Fund for Fuel Assistance (QUIFFA). And we always welcome new quilters. (If you have no experience, we will happily show you how.) We have a good time and help a good cause at the same time. We have had as many as 15 quilters this summer.
We meet at the Council on Aging on Wamsutta Avenue, every Monday and Friday afternoon, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.
Glenna Barkan
Oak Bluffs
