Letters to the Editor for Thursday, Dec. 5

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Stop bridge hits by banning truck traffic

Reading Harry Darling’s Nov. 28 letter (“Raise bridge, tracks to eliminate crashes”), I felt the need to jump in.
He correctly argues that raising the bridge would solve the problem of large trucks striking it.
I proffer that although it would be the best solution, that bridge will never be raised. There were many reasons discussed when the road was rehabilitated a few years ago. Among the reasons cited was the cost to do so.
I’m sure the railroad doesn’t want to spend the money. But moreover the real reason is very few folks want Glenridge Road to become a “truck route.”
The best way to prevent that is to block their access.
Edward Vanderwall
Clifton Park

Leaders must work to inspire faith again

The election of the Once-ler for president aside, there are many symptoms of a worsening national illness. We have lost faith.
The concept of faith has been hijacked by discussions of religion. And though it is relevant, it’s by no means exclusive.
Faith plays out in almost every area of our lives, from marriage to driving.
And there is no question that faith for Americans among Americans is flagging; faith in government is incredibly poor.
Faith, real faith, that of relationships built through experience and collaboration, integrity and honesty through time, is essential for our republic.
Without it, we will be left with some form of oligarchy pretending to be a democracy.
Some might argue we are there already, that wealth is the only power.
The reasons for this diminished faith are too complicated and numerous to discuss here.
Suffice it to say that the ability to foster and manipulate this loss of faith for political and economic gain is at the core.
There are political and economic beneficiaries of this loss of faith.
Yet, if Americans, as represented by a variety of different sub-groups, no longer believe in the integrity of their leaders, the Constitution, local authorities (police, local government), the integrity of news outlets, their neighbors, basically the nation’s functioning, then that is a disaster for our future.
Yet, sadly, there are very definite reasons for a loss of faith in all of those things.
It’s time that we all, beginning with our leaders, start to inspire faith.
James Cimino
Schenectady

Show more respect to dedicated nurses

My friend retired after 40 years from a local nursing home. She was a dedicated LPN from the old school. She ironed her uniform before work. She answered call lights and worked with aides.
She was the kind of nurse you would want for yourself. She was never written-up. People loved and respected her. When she retired, agency staff and coworkers gave her gifts they could not afford.
The outpouring of respect was overwhelming. Upper management did nothing.
When it was pointed out, they invited her to lunch. No special recognition. No gold watch. Nothing.
I watched as average employee benefits erode. I listened to the corner office make crass jokes. Bonuses were given to upper management who were soon let go. There is a constant turnover.
I suspect that the CEO gives excellent presentations to the board about profit. Nursing is about caring and empathy.
When upper management doesn’t recognize a distinguished 40-year career, you have a head without a heart. Dedicated nurses need to be shown better.
Take the time to recognize the role model nurses who stand and deliver in our community. To hear my dear friend get emotional over what was done by her friends and for what was not done by upper management is difficult. How do you want to be treated after 40 years? When a business loses its heart, it ceases to serve.
Rick Green
Ballston Lake

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Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion