Woodmere not looking good
To the Editor:
In response to Lewis Barbanel’s call for “more eight-hour parking stalls” (“More parking spaces needed in Woodmere,” Sept. 22-28), I hope that, as a “Woodmere business owner,” Barbanal would be equally concerned with the appearance of Broadway.
I have seen better and more inviting main streets in Rust Belt towns. It is hard to imagine a less inviting place to shop. The garish “signs” (or are they window decorations?) in some of the store windows reflect more than poor taste. They are a disgrace! Moreover, there are weeds popping through the brick pavement, parts of which cannot be seen for the dirt that covers it. In all, it seems as though no one cares.
What was disturbing is the labeling of the issue of Clinton’s health and her possible consequent fitness to serve as president as “sexism” and “sexist.” The health of a candidate for the presidency has been and continues to be a legitimate concern. In the rough and tumble game of politics, there is nothing new about comments directed at the appearance and even the weight of a candidate. Although trivial and unpleasant, they have existed in what is too often a low down and dirty game.
Much must have been derisively said about the girth and corpulent physique of William Howard Taft when he pursued our nation’s highest office. Clinton has been heard to say that she is a big girl, and has to her credit demonstrated that she is no shrinking violet in what was once almost exclusively a big boy’s game.
However, the overuse of the isms, ists and phobics suffixes contained in the politically correct lexicon serves, intentionally, by design, emotion or otherwise, to inhibit free speech. It arguably borders on hypocrisy when employed by someone who enjoys the fullest extent of the freedom of press.
Jerome J. Levenberg
Cedarhurst