Voice From The Readers

A Matter Of Choice

Editor:

Living in Baltimore 60 odd years then moving to Ocean City and walking the Boardwalk passing shops showing bikinis, towels, T-shirts, bathing suits and other attire in the windows displaying same, now adult shops are a thing of concern. Shucks, 'The Block' was the thing. Only it was called adult entertainment. They all had posters on the outside showing girls with the bare essentials for all to see who traverse The Block and it was one block from Baltimore City Hall. Lots of people were moving along The Block.

Now the adult shops have these windows concealed so no one can see in or out and states the age minimum It's a business for those who want to cater to it. It's our choice.

No I wouldn't go to one now, not that I am too old, just doesn't appeal.

Then again I can walk the Boardwalk and see it.

Let the person choose for themselves or let the parents teach the youngsters what's good and bad.

Arthur 'Otts' Trabert

Salisbury

Budget Session Merit Attention

Editor:

Ocean City and Worcester County enthusiasts, mark your calendars accordingly for the public information and input opportunity meetings, concerning budgets, taxes and spending. They are worth, at least, the education, if not also the valuable insights from the public's many perspectives.

At Ocean City Hall on 3rd Street, budget sessions will be held Some are scheduled and others have not been announced. Log on to www.town.ocean-city.md.us or by calling 410-289-8887 to find out when the following departments will be discussed: Tourism, Museum, Airport, Transportation, Public Works Administration-Construction-Maintenance, Recreation, Special Events, Parks, Beach Patrol, Fire Marshall, Fire Company, Mayor & City Council, City Manager, Planning & Zoning, City Clerk, Finance, Engineering, Legal, EMS, Communications, Electronics, Emergency Management, Police, Solid Waste, Golf, Information Technology, Risk Management, Human Resources, Purchasing, Vehicles, Capitol Projects and Special Requests.

At the county government building in Snow Hill  on April 24 and 25 at 9am are the departmental presentations continued from earlier this month. Specific department's presentation information can be obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194.

At Snow Hill High School on May 1 at 7 p.m. is the public input meeting, and on June 5 at 9 a.m. is the approved budget presentation.

Thanks tremendously, editor, for this space, 'Legals' section announcements and especially for the more prominent news articles and features explaining these issues.

As always, all questions and comments are welcome at 410-430-0535 and noel55@comcast.net.

Ellie Diegelmann

Ocean City

Ending An •€˜Unjust' War

Editor:

Democrats in Congress, by requiring a phased pull out, have now taken the first step to end Iraq War II, Like Viet Nam and about half of America's wars, it is an 'unjust' one. Criteria for a 'just war' evolved from S. Augustine in the 4th C. He and other bishops tried to dissuade kick-butt barons and kings from their frequent indulgence in unjust wars.

Here are the seven criteria:

Good cause: Basic human rights, not imperialism - other people, their land or resources.

No ulterior motive: To let us guzzle gas, distract us from domestic needs, aid defense contractors, abridge civil liberties, elect Republicans, or to play the tough guy from Texas.

Lawful authority: Ordered by a parliament or Congress, not by a president or dictator.

Costs proportional to benefits: Is the war worth human, money, and other sacrifices?

Force proportional to military goals: Is a sledgehammer being used to swat a fly?

Probability of success: Wars that can't be won should be stopped or not even started.

Failure of peaceful means: Kick-butters must not prevail early and easily in the debate.

Iraq War II fails most of these criteria. And it is a stupid war, stupid partly because again like Viet Nam, it weakens our will to fight a war we ought to fight, a just was.

J.A. Hoage

Severna Par

Marathon Experience One To Remember

Editor:

I participated in the Ocean City Factory Outlets Half Marathon last week.

Despite those very cold and snowy conditions, I had a truly wonderful experience. I want to thank all the people who helped put it together. I know those things take an enormous amount of  planning and logistical attention. The roads were very well marked and the police kept us very safe at all the intersections.

The volunteers at the rest stops were so kind to stay out there in that terrible cold - and on top of everything gave us all such sweet encouragement. I feel deeply indebted to all of you.

It was my first time running in a race of any kind, and it was something I will never forget. I also beat my target finish time by 20 minutes. Woo Hoo.

Jenny Allen