Copyright 2008 The New York Sun Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:38:05 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Letters to the Editor :: Stories from The New York Sun http://www.nysun.com/letters istoll@nysun.com (Ira Stoll) webmaster@nysun.com en-us http://www.nysun.com/opinion/vermeers-afternoon-delights/84913/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Vermeer's Afternoon Delights' I find James Gardner's statement "... the Italian artists whom Vasari admired are the same artists we admire today, in nearly the same ranking and degree" utterly fantastic [Arts & Letters, "Vermeer's Afternoon Delights," July 7, 2008]. For Vasari, the artists of the 16th century were better than those of the 15th century, whereas for modern viewers it is the reverse. Who today admires Pontormo more than Piero della Francesca, who admires Titian, the best of the... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/englishs-enduring-value/84832/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'English's Enduring Value' Alicia Colon, in her recent column, promotes several myths about bilingual education [New York, "English's Enduring Value," August 26, 2008]. Bilingual education is not a rejection of English. Research shows that bilingual education is more effective in helping immigrant children learn English than English-only strategies. Mayor Bloomberg's executive order on language access is an important step towards helping immigrants transition into our society by widening the... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/the-honor-of-83rd-place/84723/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Maybe Hillel Halkin "couldn't care less that my country has come in 83rd" at the Olympics [Opinion, "The Honor of 83rd Place," August 26, 2008]. But clearly Israel cares; otherwise, why enter at all? If one doesn't care about winning, one shouldn't really play the game at these levels. If one wants to participate in a world-class event, one should have the interest and drive to win. Yes, dancers and musicians are different from athletes in competitive sports, but even with their individuality... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/a-tombstone-for-china/84632/ Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST At long last, people are learning about the famine that took place in China between 1959 and 1961, the worst in human history. Anne Applebaum's recent column is an important step in this process [Opinion, "A Tombstone for China," August 19, 2008]. The book she refers to, "Tombstone" by Yang Jingshan, will now get translated into many languages and attract the world's attention. The government of China, surprisingly, had until now hidden the story of the greatest catastrophe, in numerical terms... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/mayor-envisions-wind-farms-creating-power-for-city/84507/ Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Hats off to Mayor Bloomberg for his bold and innovative suggestion to place windmills on bridges and buildings in New York City [New York, "Mayor Envisions Wind Farms Creating Power for City," August 20, 2008]. The mayor is light years ahead of his time. This proposal, if implemented, will help make New York less dependent on foreign oil and more energy efficient. New York State officials should follow Mr. Bloomberg's example. One suggestion: New York State officials are currently studying... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/new-embassy-is-a-firm-us-flag-in-china/84449/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'New Embassy Is a Firm U.S. Flag in China' The last sentence of "New Embassy Is a Firm U.S. Flag in China" informs us that "the Chinese have set up a secondary perimeter to guard against North Korean refugees who sometimes jump embassy walls seeking asylum" [Foreign, "New Embassy Is a Firm U.S. Flag in China," August 9, 2008]. America and South Korea should both announce that all North Korean refugees will be welcome if they succeed in reaching an embassy. When did the Berlin Wall fall? After... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/obamas-republicans/84330/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Obama's Republicans' Your recent editorial was brilliant [Editorial, "Obama's Republicans," August 13, 2008]. It got me thinking about the liberal drive to make America more like Europe. My question to them is this: "Why would we want to make America more like Europe when so many of our ancestors tried so hard to get out of Europe and come to America?" ARTHUR HORN East Windsor, N.J. 'Salary Talks May Lead to Home Health Aide Strike' Home care workers are the backbone of the home care industry... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/untying-a-georgian-knot/84255/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST The splendid analysis of the South Ossetia-Abkhazia situation by Hillel Halkin should be required reading by the Bush administration and both candidates for president [Oped, "Untying a Georgian Knot," August 12, 2008]. Others have spoken of respecting Georgia's sovereignty, but what about the yearnings for independence of the two provinces that never wanted to be a part of Georgia? The damage of Russia's roll into Georgia has been widely featured, but ignored was the damage of Georgia's roll... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/quinns-rent/84164/ Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Your reports and editorial suggest self-interest on the part of several City Council members who are seeking approval authority over appointees to the rent guidelines board because they live in rent-regulated apartments — and some of them — like wealthy New Yorkers — even have second homes or own property elsewhere, including properties they inherited [Editorial, "Quinn's Rent," August 11, 2008]. But the vast numbers, the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers living in rent-regulated apartments... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/obamas-war-on-women/84057/ Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Your editorial today accusing Barack Obama of creating a new marriage penalty in his tax plan and declaring a "war on women" was an outrageous distortion [Editorial, "Obama's War on Women," August 14, 2008]. The truth is that under Mr. Obama's tax plan not a single new couple would get a marriage penalty because they have high incomes. Not one. In fact, some of Mr. Obama's other tax plans would eliminate the marriage penalty faced by a great many low-income workers currently receiving the... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/comptroller-projects-budget-shortfall-for-city/83979/ Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Comptroller Projects Budget Shortfall for City,' 'Paterson's Tax Cap Plan May End Up Costing City' Two recent articles in the Sun caught my attention: "Comptroller Projects Budget Shortfall for City" [New York, July 28, 2008] and "Paterson's Tax Cap Plan May End Up Costing City" [New York, July 24, 2008]. There is an unspoken link between these two columns, one that can help both the governor and the city. The Educational Tax Incentives Act (S.3627-A/A.6432-A) is a forward-thinking legislative... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/obamas-pilfered-prayer-note/83872/ Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Obama's Pilfered Prayer Note' Hillel Halkin is incorrect in stating that aspiring to be an instrument of God's will is indicative of "dangerous" pride [Oped, "Obama's Pilfered Prayer Note," July 29, 2008]. Indeed, as part of the Jewish liturgy with which Jews throughout the world usher in the Sabbath each Friday evening, we sing the beautiful liturgical poem "Yedid Nefesh" ("Beloved of the Soul"), in which we ask God to "draw your servant to Your will." Does not such a desire necessarily... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/patersons-panic/83780/ Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Regarding a recent article in the Sun, in 1970 I was the Conservative Party's candidate for New York State comptroller. I called for restraint on the state's budget, to no avail [Oped, "Paterson's Panic," July 30, 2008]. At that time, Nelson Rockefeller was a berserk spender as have been his successors for the last 40 years, both Democrat and Republican. Governor Paterson's Paul Revere act is laughable. Where has he been for the last 20 years? He has been snoozing in the Albany backwater — only... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/hospital-obstetrics-ward-will-close-amid/83681/ Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST I would like to congratulate The New York Sun and reporter E.B. Solomont for once again bringing the medical malpractice issue to light in the story "Hospital Obstetrics Ward Will Close Amid Malpractice Crisis" [New York, July 31, 2008]. It will truly be an unfortunate and sad day when Long Island College Hospital closes the ward — a victim of New York State's escalating medical liability mayhem. When a maternity ward shuts its doors, the impact on the community is significant. Neighboring... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/thinking-about-the-dollar/83611/ Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Usually sure-footed, Martin Feldstein stumbles when he argues that "America will need a trade surplus" in order to "repay" today's trade deficit [Opinion, "Thinking About the Dollar," July 28, 2008]. First, the only part of the trade deficit that must be repaid is the part that becomes debt, such as when foreigners buy Treasury notes. When foreigners buy dollar-denominated equity or real estate, or when they make greenfield investments in America or simply hold dollars, no debt is created. None... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/huge-sell-off-of-air-rights-is-eyed-by-city/83492/ Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Huge Sell-Off of Air Rights Is Eyed by City' Nearly half a million New Yorkers who live in public housing are experiencing a drastic decline in quality of life because the federal and state governments have failed to meet their obligations [New York, "Huge Sell-Off of Air Rights Is Eyed by City," August 4, 2008]. Now, the president of Manhattan, Scott Stringer, has decided to inject himself into the conversation and apparently on the wrong side. Workers may lose their jobs and residents may... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/new-law-allows-residents-to-fight-unwanted-flyers/83368/ Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST 'New Law Allows Residents To Fight Unwanted Flyers' "New Law Allows Residents To Fight Unwanted Flyers," concerning the distribution of public flyers, is disappointing to residents of New York City who cherish free speech [New York, August 4, 2008]. Perhaps state Senator Frank Padavan, a Republican, state Assemblyman Mark Weprin, a Democrat, and Council Member Simcha Felder, who all support this legislation, have forgotten about the First Amendment. Consider the great obstacles challengers face... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/education-research-group-moves-toward-action/83273/ Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Regarding the article "Education Research Group Moves Toward Action," any light shed on schools data is welcome but this private initiative should not supplant independent public accountability [New York, July 28, 2008]. The Research Alliance for New York City is best suited to assist researchers in obtaining customized datasets so that the Department of Education can apply study results to school improvement. But the Alliance, with its interlocking financial and political interests, will... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/mao-and-minneapolis/83201/ Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Regarding the article "Mao and Minneapolis," Eliot Cutler is naοve if he believes that the Chinese government's repressive policies in Tibet stem from "wrestling with the line between church and state" [Oped, "Mao and Minneapolis," July 31, 2008]. Beijing's concerns in Tibet are far less philosophical. It seeks to maintain coercive control over a population in which pro-independence sentiment runs high, and in which Buddhism is closely linked with the Tibetan national identity. Mr. Cutler also... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/selling-prints-for-generations/83103/ Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST The piece in the Sun on the Old Print Shop on Lexington Avenue is terrific and reminds me of the many family-owned businesses that are still in New York [Arts&Letters, "Selling Prints for Generations," July 23, 2008]. The Argosy Bookstore, at 116 East 59th Street, stands out as another. Just as the Newman family created the old Print Shop, Argosy was created by the Hamples and is a wonderful testimony as to what makes this city truly unique. ROBERT DILENSCHNEIDER New York, N.Y. 'The Saudi... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/brooklyn-blackout/83056/ Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST Con Edison serves 2.5 million Brooklyn residents among its 880,000 metered customers in that borough [Editorial, "Brooklyn Blackout," July 21, 2008]. Certainly, we recognize the hardship of the 2,000 customers who lost power on July 20 — we're not happy if even one customer is out. More than 200 Con Edison repair crews hit the streets to prevent the problem from getting worse, and, working closely with the city's Office of Emergency Management, the NYPD, other city agencies, and the community... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/bitter-holocaust-battle-plays-out-on-capitol-hill/82969/ Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Holocaust survivors, and their children and grandchildren, strongly support legislation to hold insurance companies accountable for the policies they sold to European Jews who became victims of the Holocaust [National, "Bitter Holocaust Battle Plays Out on Capitol Hill," July 23, 2008]. The Sun's story quotes others as saying that the bill is being driven by the financial motives of our attorney, Sam Dubbin. Aside from the fact that Mr. Dubbin has represented us for years at our behest with... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/the-gathering-threat/82889/ Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'The Gathering Threat' Kenneth Blackwell commits the same confusion of rights and privileges that he imputes to others: he states that a threat to rescind the tax-exempt status of certain religious groups constitutes a threat to freedom of religion as embodied in the First Amendment [Oped, "The Gathering Threat," July 17, 2008]. The First Amendment recognizes a right to "the free exercise" of religion; it neither recognizes nor establishes a right to a tax subsidy for that exercise. Contrary to... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/commute-of-the-future-the-bus/82809/ Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Commute of the Future? The Bus' I agree with Patrick McIlheran that it costs less to build a bus rapid transit line than to build a similar rail line [Oped, "Commute of the Future? The Bus," July 18, 2008]. However, I believe he overlooks many advantages that rail offers compared to buses. For example, Mr. McIlheran states that buses cost less to purchase than rail cars. While that is true, reliable, properly maintained rail cars can last 30 to 40 years in regular service. Reliable, properly... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/new-big-box-store-may-make-east-harlem-a-target/82730/ Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'New Big-Box Store May Make East Harlem a Target Market' I am writing to clarify some misinformation that was included in The New York Sun article entitled "New Big-Box Store May Make East Harlem a Target Market," [New York, July 3, 2008]. East Harlem lags behind Central Harlem in home prices because of the difference in housing stock, not shopping amenities, as a real estate broker was quoted as saying. The housing stock of Central Harlem is made up of rowhouses and brownstones, and therefore... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/amazon-tax-battle-rages-in-the-capital/82645/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST "Amazon Tax Battle Rages in The Capital" Regarding "Amazon Tax Battle Rages in The Capital," as New York's Congressional delegates contest state efforts to tax out-of-state income, they should focus not just on the taxation of out-of-state companies with no physical presence, but also on the taxation of out-of-state telecommuters [New York, July 17, 2008]. If a Connecticut resident is employed by a New York company and works some or most of the time from his Connecticut home, New York will tax... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/medical-benchmarking-is-deadly/82563/ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Betsy McCaughey accuses New York's health care community of being complacent about reducing hospital infections [Opinion, "Medical Benchmarking Is Deadly," July 21, 2008]. Nothing could be further from the truth. While New York's hospitals are pleased Ms. McCaughey shares their deep commitment to reducing infections, she is not entitled to her own facts. The real story? We are national leaders in reducing infections, and strongly supported the State Health Department's report on... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/how-payroll-of-paterson-dwarfs-all/82447/ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Your recent story on employee salaries within the Executive Chamber attempts to contrast compensation within the governor's offices of several states, including New York [New York, "How Payroll of Paterson Dwarfs All," July 14, 2008]. But it fails to offer any context for these comparisons. New York is a diverse and complex state with a very high cost of living. It places unique demands on policymakers in the areas of homeland security, financial services regulation, health care, education, and... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/dont-blame-rangel-for-his-rent/82373/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST A recent article in The New York Sun, "Don't Blame Rangel for His Rent," presents rent regulation as an abuse-ridden system rather than what it actually is: a very effective solution to New York's debilitating housing shortage [Oped, July 14, 2008]. Rent regulation was created because the government realized that the housing shortage in New York, if left unaddressed, would causes rents to skyrocket and make tenants extremely vulnerable to landlord abuses. It provides important protections to... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/opera-in-translation/82181/ Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Opera, in Translation' John McWhorter's column on supertitles at opera houses minimizes the wonderful benefits of titles accompanying operas [Oped, "Opera, in Translation," July 10, 2008]. Titles allow for increased comprehension as the opera evolves, helping one make sense out of what otherwise would be tedious stretches and adding to one's appreciation of the plot. In the first act of Puccini's "Madame Butterfly," there is an eruption on stage that traditionally has not been recognized for... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/hardly-a-depression/82093/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Hardly a Depression' The biggest difference between the Great Depression and the current financial crisis is that this crisis hasn't ended yet [Oped, "Hardly a Depression," July 3, 2008]. Yes, the modern news press and broadcast press hypes every crisis, but even Peter can see a real wolf. Amity Shlaes is cited by Mr. Stossel, contrasting our current economic plight with the 1930s, " ... in the depression America confronted deflation ... today we are in an inflation. If this period is like... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/report-details-troubles-in-chinatown/81905/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST It is astounding that your article by Catherine Bilkey, "Report Details Troubles in Chinatown," only cites the Asian American Federation's Howard Shih and Chinatown Partnership LDC's Wellington Chen — both of whom blamed the business/economic model for Chinatown's economy not improving at the same rate as the rest of the New York economy [New York, "Report Details Troubles in Chinatown," July 2, 2008]. Yet neither one mentioned the loss of the Municipal Garage at Police Headquarters with its... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/if-you-build-it-they-wont-come/81805/ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST The article by Cal Thomas defending the building of the border fence was right on target [Oped, "If You Build It, They Won't Come," June 26, 2008]. He points out the nonsensical reasons for opposing the fence — such as that it inhibits the mating of wildcats — and the false analogism such as the June 30th Time magazine article implying it is similar to the Berlin Wall, whose purpose was to keep people in. I also stress the absolute necessity of learning not only English, but American history... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/a-grand-jury-unlocked/81692/ Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'A Grand Jury Unlocked' The most important lesson to be learned from the post-World War I and post-World War II Red Scares, the Japanese internment, and our current War on Terror, is that no matter how formidable an enemy may perceived to be, as your editorial put it so eloquently: "This does not mean that we have to abandon our system of civil liberties, presumption of innocence, and common decency" [Editorial, "A Grand Jury Unlocked," July 1, 2008]. Over the years, more and more people all... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/a-grand-jury-unlocked/81579/ Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'A Grand Jury Unlocked' Your editorial about the suit to release transcripts relating to the indictment of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg cites Klaus Fuchs and Ted Hall as scientists who gave the Soviets "much more accurate information" than the Rosenbergs, but doesn't mention an even more significant agent whose name has only just come to light — George Koval [Editorial, "A Grand Jury Unlocked," July 1, 2008]. On November 12, 2007, the New York Times ran a front-page article reporting that... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/more-uninsured-are-among-ranks-of-the-employed/81484/ Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST To cure a problem, first diagnose it accurately. The article "More Uninsured Are Among Ranks of the Employed" says the United Hospital Fund is reporting an increase in uninsured New Yorkers [July 7, 2008]. Here are surprising facts from the UHF report that disclose who is uninsured and why employers are not to blame. 1. Nearly 40% of New Yorkers counted as "uninsured" actually have health security. They are eligible for existing government programs such as Medicaid and have failed to sign up... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/whither-thou-goest/81422/ Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Hillel Halkin displays a superficial understanding of the conversion controversy in Israel based on a superficial understanding of the Book of Ruth [Oped, "Whither Thou Goest ...," June 10, 2008]. In fact, Ruth did have a formal conversion in the rabbinical court headed by Boaz even before she had any thoughts of marrying him. Ruth's conversion was extremely controversial, so much so that King David's enemies dogged him about his lineage throughout his monarchy. More important, the title quote... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/lift-the-glass/81329/ Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Congratulations on your excellent editorial commemorating the end of alcohol prohibition [Oped, "Lift the Glass," June 25, 2008]. As you said, we now have a much healthier relationship with alcohol. Perfect, no, but certainly healthier. This is a lesson Americans seem to have forgotten. The fact that New Yorkers paid little attention to the Eighteenth Amendment was a benefit to the city. There were more speakeasies in the city during prohibition than licensed saloons before it. Ask your friends... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/the-tax-caps-problem/81181/ Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST 'The Tax Cap's Problem' Sarah May Stern faults Governor Paterson for single-mindedly advocating a cap on school property taxes instead of taking an omnibus approach that would include the cost-cutting reforms recommended by the Suozzi Commission on Property Tax Relief [Oped, "The Tax Cap's Problem," June 30, 2008]. Ms. Stern, who just stepped down as the school board president in a Westchester County district that will spend more than $24,000 per pupil next year, overlooks a key objective of... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/mixed-use-facility-planned-for-brooklyn-cultural/81138/ Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST We are thrilled about opportunities for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and other Brooklyn-based cultural organizations created by the City and Two Trees Management, and we share Councilmember Letitia James's concerns about creating affordable rental spaces for schools and local arts groups [New York, "Mixed-use Facility Planned for Brooklyn Cultural District," June 16]. The previously announced planned BAM facility on Ashland Place has been slated to provide substantial opportunities for... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/schumer-is-criticized-by-prague-poles-romanians/81036/ Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST Senator Schumer should be commended for admitting to our failed policy viz-a-viz the former Soviet Union [New York, "Schumer Is Criticized By Prague, Poles, Romanians," June 6, 2008.] It was difficult, considering how much President Clinton, along with other American policies, had to do with that failure. As we spoke reconciliation, we, with our NATO allies in Europe, were only busy isolating Russia. Now we have a huge problem, and Mr. Schumer is clearly searching for a way out. DEBORAH FREEMAN... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/klein-sharpton-ally-on-achievement-gap/80931/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST In an article in The New York Sun entitled, "Klein, Sharpton Ally on Achievement Gap," Chancellor Joel Klein and the Reverend Al Sharpton bemoan the unacceptable gap between high school graduation rates of black and Hispanic students and white students [New York, "Klein, Sharpton Ally on Achievement Gap," June 11, 2008]. Their venture, the Education Equality Project, proposes actions to improve the educational outcomes for minority students in this nation. We applaud the motives of the... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/stalking-horse-on-the-loose/80851/ Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST Jacob Gershman's column is perfect press for Sheldon Silver: it promotes a ridiculous conspiracy theory about Luke Henry's candidacy while ignoring Mr. Silver's disregard for his constituents and his failure of leadership [Oped, "Stalking Horse on the Loose?" June 16, 2008]. While the bulk of the column is devoted to rumor and baseless speculation, the article also is unclear about Mr. Henry's background. Luke Henry decided to run for office well before learning of Paul Newell's candidacy, not... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/after-nines-gun-ruling-nys-gun-laws-may-be-next/80755/ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST 'After Nine's Gun Ruling, N.Y.'s Gun Laws May Be Next' "Mr. Feinblatt said that the licensing fee didn't raise an issue. 'Nobody who pays the fee likes to pay the fee, but there isn't a constitutional right not to have a fee,' he said" [New York, "After Nine's Gun Ruling, N.Y.'s Gun Laws May Be Next," June 19, 2008]. Mr. Feinblatt needs to work on his research skills. The Supreme Court has already ruled on fees imposed prior to exercise of a constitutional right. That's why they struck poll... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/80656/ Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:25:59 EST 'Fight Erupts Over Bill on Gifts to Doctors' In regards to "Fight Erupts Over Bill on Gifts to Doctors," as a registered nurse who practiced in health care and clinical research for several years, I oppose this "effort," also [New York, June 18, 2008]. I have never observed any of the doctors I have worked with prescribe or favor any drugduetolunchesprovided by drug representatives. The working lunches hosted by the drug representatives gave our professional staff an opportunity to learn about... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/80574/ Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST 'The Nussbaum Doctrine,' 'Inflation and Justice' Regarding "The Nussbaum Doctrine" and "Inflation and Justice" [Editorials, June 11, 2008, and June 18, 2008]. When Hamilton wrote the Coinage Act of 1792, he defined the dollar as 371.25 grains of silver. That was the average silver weight of the Spanish milled Dollar, the dollar referred to in the Constitution. If he had not done so, people who had contracted in dollars would have been cheated. Hamilton merely wrote into law what was already a... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/letters-to-the-editor/80467/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST 'Schumer Is Criticized By Prague, Poles, Romanians' Senator Schumer should be commended for admitting to our failed policy viz-a-viz the former Soviet Union [New York, "Schumer Is Criticized By Prague, Poles, Romanians," June 6, 2008.] It was difficult, considering how much President Clinton, along with other American policies, had to do with that failure. As we spoke reconciliation, we, with our European NATO allies, were only busy isolating Russia. Now we have a huge problem, and Mr. Schumer... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/bush-to-bow-to-the-nine-on-terrorism-detainees/80426/ Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST The front page of The New York Sun noted that Justice Scalia, in his dissent to extending Habeas Corpus to Guantanamo prisoners, cited a report that more than 30 men released from Guantanamo have become terrorists or soldiers (National, "Bush To Bow to the Nine on Terrorism Detainees," June 13, 2008). Does Justice Scalia ask: "If a person is held (and perhaps tortured) in a foreign prison for years, is deprived of basic legal rights, and is cut off from seeing any of his family, should we... http://www.nysun.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/80216/ Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST 'The Wrong Defendants' In regard to your editorial about Judge Lehner's recent decision on judicial pay in New York, this seems another step along the path of judicial actions that threaten representative government and the freedom of citizens from unlimited governmental power [Editorial, "The Wrong Defendants," June 12, 2008]. In a mere 40 years, we've moved from activist judges exercising royal or imperial powers to overturn actions taken by citizens, the legislature or the executive branch... http://www.nysun.com/editorials/letters-to-the-editor-june-17-2008/80145/ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST 'The Nussbaum Doctrine' My friends at the Sun have done it again: Your recent editorial on the judicial pay litigation misrepresents the basis of our suit and misapprehends the public's opinion of it [Editorial, "The Nussbaum Doctrine," June 11, 2008]. I'm flattered by the title of the editorial, but if you're going to call something the "Nussbaum Doctrine," please get it right. Clever as I am, I don't argue that the Constitution requires what the Framers rejected, which was the indexing of...