Impact of cuts seen at fair

The Otsego County Fair is typically a must-do summer event for me. The 2007 production was no exception.

I looked forward to viewing the hard work by 4-H’ers. Admittedly I had some trepidation. My mind was full of thoughts of new Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Dinnie Sloman and CCE Board President Sharon Scofield, who so ruthlessly dismissed eight employees in January, including two in the 4-H program.

I was anxious to see how the new director was re-inventing the previously successful 4-H program, one that was envied throughout New York state for its intensive volunteer involvement and diversity of program offerings.

To my dismay, Martin Hall was VERY sparse of 4-H exhibits and involvement. The once-vibrant displays of 4-H club and individual exhibits were sorely lacking. There were empty spaces and a lack of any 4-H promotions. I spoke with 4-H volunteers who expressed sadness that their dedicated staff was taken away from them, and the once-successful 4-H program is no more.

I ventured to the Mereness Building with more confidence that the interactive CCE agriculture and Master Gardener exhibits of 2006 would cheerfully greet me. Regrettably, there was but a token of a static display, void of any Master Gardeners or staff. The CCE agriculture and horticulture staff positions were also eliminated in January, and with that cut, no provisions for programming.

This sad experience makes me wonder what has happened to the programs of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Where are these credible programs once executed by competent staff? Long-term successful staff were abruptly eliminated and evidently no plan to maintain any semblance of programs was considered.

Many others and I hope the decision-makers, those who allocate funds to CCE, the county board, take this into consideration as the 2008 budget discussions transpire.

Gwen Dowsey

Middlefield

Sears wrong to call author a fool

In his recent column questioning evolution, Tom Sears included a vitriolic attack on Richard Dawkins, author of the best-selling "The God Delusion."

He called Dawkins a "self-absorbed megalomaniac" and a "maniacal, irrational fool."

Richard Dawkins is not a maniac. He is far from mad. He is not a fool. And his book is a masterful example of learned, intelligent, rational thinking. Dawkins is professor of the public understanding of science at Oxford University. He is an evolutionary biologist and an outspoken atheist. He has authored nine books, received many awards, and has been given honorary doctorates by several colleges. Time magazine named him as one of the 10 most influential people in the world.

I have read and re-read "The God Delusion" and I find Dawkins’ thinking to be intellectually challenging, stimulating and thought-provoking. I recommend that Mr. Sears read it. As a creationist and believer in intelligent design, it’s likely that he opposes evolution largely because it invalidates considerable amounts of biblical dogma.

Evolution is viewed as fact by a vast majority of scientists today. Evolutionary theory is supported by a preponderance of scientific evidence.

Sears refers to polls showing that about half of our people do not believe in evolution. Truth is not determined by a majority vote. At one time, most people thought the world was flat!

I believe in evolution, science, reason, truth and in the thinking of Richard Dawkins!

Douglas Lindsay

Cooperstown

Drivers don’t pay attention

As a former New York City dweller, I had assumed that drivers here (or anywhere besides the city) would be more careful and courteous. I was wrong. I’ve lost count of all the reckless and irresponsible drivers I’ve witnessed in my two years here _ drivers who tailgate at high speeds, drivers who have animated conversations on cell phones, drivers who take wild, wide and blind turns on Winney Hill Road.

The other day a man who lives in the area sped down my residential block talking on a cell phone, his head up, glancing neither left nor right. There are a large number of small children living in this area. If a bicycle or tricycle had rolled accidentally into the street or a ball was chased, what reaction time would this driver have had?

Why are drivers so compelled to be on the phone? What is so important? Is it possible for them to be with themselves and focus on the moment for however long they are behind a wheel? Or is the need to talk to someone _ anyone _-more important than the safety of others?

Lou Gaglia

Oneonta

Hall drew fans to Cooperstown

Mr. Petroskey make a very valid point in his letter to the editor in Thursday’s Daily Star.

He exonerated the Hall of Fame from any blame regarding the transportation woes of 75,000 BASEBALL fans to and from the induction site at the Clark Sports Center.

So, what is it that brought the 75,000 BASEBALL fans to Cooperstown anyway? They weren’t here to see the lake, or the opera, or Cooper’s grave. They were here because his organization drew them here.

The Hall of Fame did its job. It brought 75,000 BASEBALL fans to this small town that obviously couldn’t handle them.

The rest of the problems belong to someone else.

Bob Cornell

Cooperstown