Is there more to USS John McCain crash?

On Aug. 21, those of us in upstate New York missed out on seeing a total eclipse of the sun. But, there might be something else we should look at. Since May of this year, three United States Navy ships of the line have had collisions at sea. Recently, the USS John McCain sustained damage when rammed by a “foreign” oil tanker, and more than several sailors lost their lives. Almost immediately, media and official government officials pointed their fingers at Navy personnel, and officers in charge of the U.S. ships were relieved of duty. Wait a minute. Most of the Navy’s commanders were Annapolis graduates and had years of appropriate training. Now, let me see. Pictures show the USS McCain as being struck amidships by the oil tanker. Amidships? We do know that certain religious zealots use cars, trucks and planes to inflict harm on innocent civilians. Could the same thing be happening in the South China Sea to our American warships? No way. And, we will probably have another eclipse tomorrow, won’t we. – Allen R. Remaley

Saratoga Springs recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending, 7.6 million jobs, $65.3 billion federal tax revenue, and $59.2 state & local tax revenue. Yet, without clean habitats and biodiversity, we wouldn’t have the privilege to enjoy the prosperity that comes from the recreation industry. Profiting from our parks is a tricky balance. Recently, our local state park near SPAC has become another parking lot for the concert facility. Summer evenings that should be enjoyed by local residents and vacationers are now trumped by bumper to bumper cars and fuming exhausts inside the state park at $10 a car. That is not responsible conservation, nor is responsible to the pedestrians, dog-walkers, horseriders, bikers, joggers, and nature-lovers that would otherwise be enjoying the park during the summer.

Back to the Endangered Species Act. Some members of Congress are promising to gut the Endangered Species Act to make way for fossil fuel development in critical habitat areas, including our public lands. We need the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws to protect our disappearing wildlife and public lands. Our senators should protect the Endangered Species Act. — Sue Scherer Saratoga Springs quoted him as saying. “I guess with the controversy that we’re starting to engage in, I am not going to be bringing Hitler’s desk to the show. That is going to solve that problem.”

So bringing memorabilia from one of the great monsters in history to a gun show is only problematic because of recent events in Charlottesville and the like?

I guess I shouldn’t be shocked. Here are some words I read on Mr. Petronis’s website a while back.

“I am not a racist. I am practical. I can remember when someone would be lynched for being impractical. Not to condone that behavior but the free wiliness today of interracial affairs is no better. I see it every day at my local super market or shops, a salt ‘n pepper combo as it used to be called.”

This raises other questions. Who would do business with such a person? Who would knowingly partner with someone so clearly and publically espousing such hatefulness and bring him to our city?

The answer is Mark Baker, the previous executive director of the City Center, who signed contracts with Mr. Petronis for some three decades, and well after the unhinged views of Mr. Petronis were repeatedly brought to his attention. The same Mark Baker who is now running for mayor in our city.

The answer is also apparently Kathy Marchione, state senator of the 43rd District, who was instrumental in bringing the Arms Fair back to the City Center. I am glad that the current executive director of the City Center, Ryan MacMahon, has had the good sense to disallow the exhibit of such objects in this context.

Decency prevailed in this case, no thanks to Mark Baker or Kathy Marchione, whose repudiation of the memorabilia strikes me as a fig leaf that does not cover up their long term commitment to Mr. Petronis.

Based on this outrageous idea – bringing Hitler’s stuff to a gun show in our taxpayer-funded city center – not to mention the noxious drivel on his website, it is time for our community to say to David Petronis, “We don’t want your business.”

Does the decision to bring Mr. Petronis’s Arms Fair to our city in the first place reflect on the judgment of Mark Baker and Kathy Marchione? The voters will get to decide that. — John Brueggemann

Saratoga Springs and business owners; a passion for supporting and working for the arts in Saratoga; and a tireless energy to give back to her community.

Just in the past few months, Pat has chaired a successfully sold-out Yaddo fundraiser which will assist in refurbishing the mansion for generations of future artists, supported the Planned Parenthood fundraiser and the Fire Feast on the Farm initiative, hosted a session on climate change and national security and met with elected officials and constituents--all with her signature grace and energy. Pat has also scheduled campaign events at many local small businesses to highlight her support for the unique and crucial role they play in our Saratoga economy. Pat also provided the impetus for the petition to bring Northshire Bookstore to Broadway. Our community is so enriched by having Pat Friesen in it.

Pat has developed a process for making good things happen. She listens, assesses need, and then acts and works with others to find a solution. Imagine the positive impact she could have representing us as an elected official. The Saratoga community would be well-served by electing Pat Friesen as Saratoga County Supervisor on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

— Julie A. Wash Saratoga Springs Letters should be e-mailed to letters@saratogian.com. Letters should be around 400 words in length and must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes.