Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, July 12, 2019
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READERS WRITE
Shame on Nike for caving to Kaepernick
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ike has recently been in the news for withdrawing from the marketplace a new Independence Day-themed shoe featuring the Revolutionary War-era flag designed by Betsy Ross that was used on the original Fourth of July. The pusillanimous cowards who run Nike did this in response to a complaint from Colin Kaepernick who is well known for his hostility to American Patriotic Symbols. Not only will I never purchase another product from Nike but I am looking to purchase a shirt with the Revolutionary-era flag design.
I want to preface my remarks by stating that I am proud to be a fourth generation American, while my children are fifth generation and my grandchildren are sixth generation. I still get a thrill every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and G-d Bless America . The web site Educational Background states that Mr. Kaepernick graduated from the Universality of Nevada with a degree in business education. The United States that he hates so much gave him an opportunity to make tens of millions of dollars playing football. While he was in college I won-
der if he ever took any courses in American or World History. Since I am unsure, I think that it would be advisable for him to visit England , Belgium , France or any other Country in Europe where World War I or II were fought. He should visit the graves of the brave soldiers that gave their lives protecting the freedom that he thinks so little of. He should also visit the concentration camps that we helped liberate. These concentration camps murdered millions whose only crime was that they were Jews. Mr. Kaepernick should learn about the hundreds of thousands of men and
women who gave their lives for their flag and of the many more who suffered traumatic physical and mental injuries. It was the United States that helped win World War I, World II and the Cold War. It was the United States that defeated the Central Powers in World War I, the Nazis and Fascists in World War II and the Communists in the Cold War. I am sick and tired of socalled “Entertainers” and “Athletes” whose only claim to fame is their ability is to excel in a small niche pontificating on the “shortcomings” of the United States of America. Their contribution to what
makes the United States great is minimal at best. Since Mr. Kaepernick thinks so little of the United States and the service and sacrifice of so many heroes that made it possible for him to play a game for a living, I would like to invite him to move to a county of his own choice such as Cuba, Venezuela or Iran. In fact, I am willing to pay for a one-way flight there so he can learn to appreciate the greatest country that ever existed, the United States of America. Jack Lipsky Great Neck
Review Macy’s, Brookfield plan carefully
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onald Davret makes some good and valid points in his letter about the proposal to redevelop the Macy’s property in Manhasset. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t make the points without displaying such utter contempt for his neighbors, but I guess that’s our culture now. (Yes, I live in Munsey Park but didn’t realize I was a “Biddy” or “bloviator” until Mr. Davret so kindly pointed it out to me.) I signed the petition against the Brookfield proposal. But not because I’m opposed to change or development. As Mr. Davret points out, change and development are inevitable and historical facts, particularly in this area. I’ve been aware of this throughout my 27 years in Manhasset, as I’ve watched once-modest houses
maxed-out or demolished and 6-bed 6-bath mansions erected in their stead, cars multiply to choke every driveway and road, and wooded areas give way to landscaped tracts infested with leafblowers. But this is no longer 1680 – or 1929, or 1992 for that matter. Increased population density, inadequate infrastructure and an overheated economy mean that more people in a wider radius will be affected by any major development at the foot of Spinney Hill than would have been the case even just a decade ago. The impact of any plan to redevelop the Macy’s parcel deserves careful public review. The concerns of all the affected communities — including the “mobile communities” of commuters condemned
Markowitz is a voice for inclusion
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ravo to Steve Markowitz for being willing to voice unpopular thoughts that should be brought to everyone’s attention. The mayor of the Village of Great Neck has used the public trust to allow zoning variances that further the interests of a specific sector of the community. Local government should be based on respect for all members of the community. Steve Markowitz has participated in many civic, religious and
political institutions. These institutions – including the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, the Gold Coast Art Center, the Great Neck Student Aid Fund – have been enriched by his participation and leadership. His personal philosophy and his political views have always espoused inclusion and fairness. I applaud his bravery for speaking out when others seek to abuse the democratic process. Varda Solomon Great Neck
daily to drive the area’s roads or ride the LIRR or NICE buses — need to be taken into account. Manhasset’s residents and those in the surrounding towns have a legitimate right to express their opposition to proposals they believe to be poorly conceived. Organized opposition and the online petition are a flag to the elected officials (whom Mr. Davret seems also to hold in contempt), that they need to weigh the potential benefits of a plan like Brookfield’s against its potential negative effects; effects that will have longterm, and possibly unintended impacts. Mr. Davret may well be an expert at brick-and-mortar retail. It hardly takes an expert to see that the Macy’s time capsule in Manhasset Valley is a white el-
ephant, or that Manhasset’s retail stores outside the AmericanaApple Store bubble are struggling. Additional housing for empty nesters who want to cash in and stay in the neighborhood, or for millennials and others who want to return to their beloved Manhasset would be nice, of course. But I’m not sure I share Mr. Davret’s apparent optimism about how this project will improve the lot of these suburban exiles. I doubt that Brookfield is driven by benevolence towards the elderly or the young who struggle. The market will rule. It will be interesting to see how local authorities fare in any effort to shape the proposed redevelopment: it’s worth taking a glance at Brookfield’s global heft. The pressure it can bring to
bear on local communities and institutions charged with representing the public interest should give one pause. Brookfield is not your neighbor. Nature and real estate abhor a vacuum. The Macy’s parcel is a vacuum that will inevitably be filled. With what? On what scale? At whose ultimate cost? To benefit whom? What, if any, common good can the local population actually gain from a redevelopment plan? People who express opposition to the Brookfield proposal have a right, and are right to ask such questions, even if they’re “biddies.” Peace to you, Mr. Davret. Kevin S. Kennedy Manhasset
Shame on those criticizing Markowitz
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ever in my 45 years in Great Neck have I witnessed anything like the vicious and totally unwarranted attacks on Steve Markowitz. After winning an election, (Robert) Spitalnick and (Jeff) Wiesenfeld have mounted a hate campaign against Steve – for reasons I cannot fathom. Is their extreme reaction simply because they were challenged? How dare they
turn a nasty, sustained, personal vendetta against Steve into an attack on the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center – which fosters understanding of anti-Semitic hatred – in the name of combatting “anti-religious animus”? I’ve known Steve Markowitz for 20 years. Although we are polar opposites in politics, he is a very caring friend and wise counselor. When we engage in spir-
ited discussions, he always responds respectfully, with no personal hatred towards me or anyone else who may hold different views. There is not one hateful bone in his body. Steve does not deserve the bile and slander that have been thrown at him. Shame on you! Jack Epstein Lake Success Letters Continued on Page 56