Doveline Press

Strength unfurled

I was both proud and touched by the raising of the American flag atop the partially submerged Seaside Heights roller coaster. The roller coaster is symbolic of the determination, stubbornness and grit that defines New Jersey and its people.

I spent the best half of my life at the Jersey Shore and I feel like a best friend has been terribly wounded. Seeing that flag up there was an amazing feeling of hope and good old New Jersey grit. “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” Kudos, young man.
Tracy S. Penn, Belle Mead

The Newtown shootings: Mental illness

I was touched and saddened by “Sandy Hook, through my lens,” by Richard Reiss detailing his family’s struggle with mental illness (Op-ed, Jan. 9). During my career, I have heard countless similar stories of families living with the mental illness of a loved one that manifests through violence. What Mr. Reiss and his family have experienced is a gut-wrenching ordeal and my heart goes out to them.

However, I feel compelled to point out that tragedies like Sandy Hook are exceedingly rare. Statistics show individuals with mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. That said, while the vast majority of the mentally ill are not violent, a small percentage of people suffering from schizophrenia are, especially when not in treatment. And that is why the full array of treatment options needs to be available to caregivers, including Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (a program not fully implemented in New Jersey) and mandated hospitalization in adequately sized and staffed psychiatric facilities.

In New Jersey, the sicker you are, the harder it is to get treatment. That needs to change so that families can join together on a path to wellness and recovery, as opposed to being torn apart by fear and frustration.

Robert N. Davison, Executive Director, Mental Health Association of Essex County Inc.

Fiscal failure

When Congress goes back to the table soon to decide on spending cuts to deal with the national debt, they ought to undo the damage they just imposed on working people. The real “tax” increase was the one on the average working person and true middle-class individuals/families who will lose 2 percent of their salary and wages because Congress failed to extend the Social Security payroll tax reduction.

Congress ought to come up with the spending cuts necessary to provide Americans with a tax cut equal to what they had under the payroll tax reduction. Stop the targeted tax cuts and tax incentives for special interests and give back to the American working people and middle class who bailed out the banking and financial institutions.
Deborah K. Smarth, Manalapan

Car talk

I agree with “Dangerous conversation,” (editorial, Jan. 5) in which you state that using hand-held cell phones and texting while driving is dangerous. However, I am puzzled by your contention that talking on a hands-free telephone is dangerous. I like to sing along with my iPod or a CD or the radio. Is that a distraction that makes my driving unsafe? Do you not communicate with other persons in the car with you? Why is that any less distracting that speaking, listening and responding to someone on the telephone?

An awful lot of us paid a lot of money to have a hands-free telephone system installed in our cars when they passed the no-hand-held law. It would be very unfair to now pass a bill that would put to waste all of that money we have spent.

Dale Leppard, Morristown

Peace prescription

I have been reading a great deal about the proposed mosque in Bernards Township. All of the “official” reports I’ve found have the same mantra: “It’s a land use and compliance issue and that’s all.”

I feel compelled to say what no one else seems to want to say out loud: We’re afraid.

Two things need to happen before any Muslim organization will be embraced by local communities as easily as other religions are:

First, we Americans need to educate ourselves about Islam. I researched, read and spoke with Muslims about their religion. The extremists in no way represent Islam. These radicals distorted sacred texts to make them align with their murderous objectives.

Second, if Muslim Americans want to be part of our local communities, they’ve got some proving to do. Most churches, synagogues and temples endeavor to help anyone in the community who needs it, not just their congregants. You want your mosque to exist here? Reach out, partner with other groups, become involved in local events and assist those in need with human services and charities.

The mosque could be a good step in the right direction. If we all follow it up with education, understanding and community involvement, we’re on our way to a peaceful coexistence. And isn’t that what we all really want?
Linda Dessino, Bernardsville

Mystery solved

Some people are puzzled as to why Gov. Christie remains so popular with both Republicans and Democrats, despite the state’s continued problems. Allow me to solve the mystery. After so many years of an utterly useless, gridlocked, do-nothing Congress, it’s a relief for the average person — of any party — to feel there’s someone in government willing to put the people’s interests and welfare ahead of partisan politics.

Steven L. Stern, Millburn