Letters to the Editor

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun
NY Sun
NEW YORK SUN CONTRIBUTOR

‘Robin Hood’


The New York Sun’s editorial on the Robin Hood Foundation was inappropriate and mean spirited. Just because you disagree with the goals of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity does not give you license to attack the motives of its supporters [“Robin Hood,” December 2, 2004].


Surely, you find it permissible for concerned citizens of substance to support ideas in which they believe beyond the borders of their state of official residence. Otherwise, you would be confining the comments on your editorial page to New York only.


Beyond this, your editorial gives no mention of the incredible contribution Robin Hood makes to 146 nonprofits fighting poverty in our city. There is one throwaway line that mentions “some praiseworthy work in assisting charter schools in New York.” That so understates Robin Hood’s activities in support of New York as to be almost ridiculous.


Your editorial appeared on the day of Robin Hood’s annual Heroes Award breakfast, one of the most moving and important such gatherings in New York. There was a stark contrast between the thoughtless attack in the Sun and the vivid demonstration of Robin Hood’s contributions to New Yorkers in need occurring on the same day.


I have been fortunate enough to work with Robin Hood for over a decade to improve educational opportunities for children in New York City and know the quality of their commitment firsthand. You did your readers a great disservice.


JOSEPH H. REICH
Manhattan


Salvation Army Losses


Target’s recently revealed “business decision” to ban holiday bell ringers is shortsighted, inconsistent, and suspicious [“Salvation Army Says Target’s Bell Ringer Ban May Cost It $9 Million,” Heather Burke, Business, November 10, 2004].


In an economic environment already colored by corporate greed, Target claims that its enforcement of a nonsolicitation policy is consistent. Consistency, however, is a poor substitute for true charity.


Target has maintained that it is unable to keep up with the requests from not-for-profits to solicit during the holidays. Therefore, the Salvation Army should not enjoy the previous exemption from Target’s nonsolicitation policy.


It is disturbing that Target has disregarded the Salvation Army’s commitment to its mission, its history of fiscal responsibility, and the good will of those of us who give generously.


As a New York City resident who witnessed the tireless efforts of the Salvation Army in the wake of September 11, 2001, I will be donating additional funds to them this holiday season. I will not, however, be shopping at Target.


LEE A. ZUCKERMAN
Manhattan


Ground Zero Rebuilding


How can an officer of a public authority not expect widespread public sentiment and never imagine the furor that would follow the release of any designs for the World Trade Center [“How Ground Zero Changed the Equation,” Alexander Garvin, Page One, November 29, 2004]?


Risk-taking and inspiration? Inspiring a wounded public is a risky venture. While he may, indeed, have cared very deeply about the architecture and placed importance on the design of a rebuilt World Trade Center, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation charter no doubt conveys an implied, if not explicit, duty and moral obligation upon its officers to engage in open, public discourse. Therein lies the virtue of transparency.


From one design professional to another, how do you decide which designs you need and which you desire? How does the design of your neighborhood meet community needs? How successfully do components work as a system? How can forms suggest a response to different needs? How can listening to inanimate objects tell us something about our needs?


How does the designed environment work for people with special needs? How well do objects fit your needs physically? What would your perfect world be like? Why design masterpieces?


Men who have no masters never produce masterpieces. Perhaps art has ceased to be a medium of pleasure, of healing, and of subduing one’s own demons, but rather a means to create a humanity worthy to be ruled.


QUESHAUN SUDBURY
Queens
Mr. Sudbury is an assistant engineer with the New York City Department of Design and Construction.



Please address letters intended for publication to the Editor of The New York Sun. Letters may be sent by e-mail to editor@nysun.com, facsimile to 212-608-7348, or post to 105 Chambers Street, New York City 10007.Please include a return address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited.

NY Sun
NEW YORK SUN CONTRIBUTOR

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.


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