I’d like to respond to reader, Larry Penner’s, comments in the Aug. 12 edition, showing dismay for having received this mailer calling it a “horrible waste….of taxpayer generated dollars” as well as “junk mail.”
I respectfully beg to differ. After having received the mailer myself, I took a poll of friends that I know of their opinion. Many were not aware of proper flag etiquette, until they received this mailer, and were happy to have gotten it.
I don’t see it as a plan to convince voters at election time, as proper flag etiquette should be a concern for all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs. Let’s remember what the flag stands for. Yes, there are other way to show respect for our veterans as well. Instead of getting into a “could-a, would-a, should-a” dispute, I’m comfortable with the flyer that was sent, as it is one of many ways to show honor and respect for our veterans.
The writer also mentioned “the only mailer he’d like to see at taxpayers expense ….is a detailed list of how they voted, etc.” Please note that this information is already available for free at “Visible Vote.” This is a free application created to empower Facebook, iPhone, Blackberry, Google Android and Windows users to advise congress on how to vote on the major upcoming legislation, follow current events, understand their legislators voting records, and compare the records with their own personal belief systems.
After you advise congress on how to vote on your behalf the application will cross compare your vote to your representative after they vote and provide you feedback on their performance.
To summarize, I’d like to say that when Mr. Penner picked on the “Flag Day” mailer by our senator, he picked the wrong battle.
Rosanne Spinner
New Hyde Park
