I applaud Brian Rubin's open letter to State Senator John Bonacic and its reasoned approach to how passage of a gay marriage law will benefit a wide constituency in New York. However, I was more interested in Bonacic's response to the letter.

Does he believe there are no gay people living in his senate district who find this issue to be of utmost importance? I'm reminded of Iranian President Ahmadinejad speaking before a gathering at the School of International Affairs at Columbia University where he categorically stated that there are no homosexuals in Iran. This statement elicited the kind of derisive laughter that only a self-serving and hypocritical assertion can inspire.

Bonacic, in his response, refers to the principles of democracy. A cornerstone of our democracy is the duty of those in positions of power to ensure the rights of the minority are not denied by the prejudices and discrimination of the majority. We need leadership at all levels of government, including the state senate. But it takes courage to be a leader of the democratic principles that set our country apart from much of the rest of the world.

It seems that Bonacic is a follower not a leader. Unfortunately, we seem stuck with a state senator that is not only a follower, but also a cowardly one at that.

Robert Speziale
Phillipsport

Many towns have lost a lot. Jobs, property values, shops and some public services as examples.

We've been told that we need to reinvent; reeducate, rethink our directions in these difficult and challenging times. The bureaucrats in Albany toss these catch phrases at minds starving for meaningful solutions with the same disconnected indifference as Marie Antoinette when she said to the penurious, "Let them eat cake."

But where do viable solutions lie? On the couch, hopelessly watching daytime TV bloating out on a pizza? Or possibly at a community center like a library looking for answers. Today the library might be the only viable community center left in a suffering town.

But the local library has to do more, not less if it is truly going to help inform the community in this manner. It too needs to "reinvent" and "rethink" its direction if it is to do so. But how?

Possibly by featuring educators, business people and public officials who, in concert with the vast information contained in the library help people work towards finding solutions to their plight. For example someone from town government or the Department of Labor or BOCES or local business coming to the library and giving their expertise in the manner an author comes in and discusses their latest book.

Imagine a public official putting together a in depth power point presentation on "how to" take the next step towards new directions. And before putting on a week long seminar at their district library (libraries) they post signs with the same zest and zeal they plastered their campaign posters around at election time letting people know what is going on for them at the library. Apathetically I think I can hear voices whispering in my head, "Right... I'll get a six figure salary bussing tables before I see such compassion, concern and care."

Well, you probably guessed that I am not for cutting state aid to libraries. I am not for brain dead towns. After all as the saying goes, "when you cut off the head the rest of the __________ dies. You can write anything on the line you want, the axiom fits.

But, there is a stipulation to my opinion. And I repeat, libraries have to do more. Business as usual is not enough especially for a library, "the enlightening community center" in these dark times.

Chuck Davidson
Cragsmoor

Kudos to authorities for reportedly rescuing dozens of birds from filthy cages in a tiny shed ("Caged birds sing," 12/10/09).

If he is convicted, let's hope the man responsible for accumulating these birds receives psychological counseling and a ban on owning or harboring animals, with animal control officials ensuring compliance. Without intervention, the relapse rate for animal hoarders is near 100 percent, according to Dr. Gail Steketee, a professor at Boston University's School of Social Work.

Animal hoarders compulsively accumulate large numbers of animals, often under the delusion of "saving" them; keep them in deplorable conditions; and fail to realize when the situation becomes abusive and a threat to human and animal health. Experts agree that dementia and other mental health disorders may play a part in hoarding cases.

For the sake of animals and their own safety, it is crucial that hoarders are given the help they need. If you know or suspect that someone may be hoarding animals, please notify authorities right away.

Martin Mersereau, Director
Emergency Response Team, Cruelty Investigations Department
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)